The festive spirit is coming to Norman Road – the hub of happening St Leonards. Late night opening each Friday leading up to
Christmas gives you the opportunity a more relaxed browse, giving a wide berth to the seasonally shopping-frenzied crowds.

In September we brought you news of just how much things are changing on Norman Road. From what we hear, many of you were inspired to pay it a visit and were not disappointed with what you found (you can check out that feature in September’s issue online in the Archive at www.hastingshandbook.co.uk). And now, for December, we bring you a seasonal update on this increasingly popular local shopping street.

In these pages are dozens of ideas for Christmas presents, but you’ll find hundreds more if you go down and have a browse yourself. Happy hunting!

Adams & Jarrett  Originally a builders merchant where Robert Tressell worked as a decorator, Adams and Jarrett is now an independent electrical retailer with one of the widest range of products in the region. The company took on the name when the family business opened in 1968. Nick took over from his father and the shop still offers a helpful, old-fashioned service while selling some of the latest plasma screens, hifi systems, white goods, kitchen accessories and useful range of accessories. There are so many regular customers “It’s the service and the price-promise that keeps us coming back.” If you’re tempted by a 50 inch flatscreen Panasonic for a cinematic Christmas, stop by.  6-18 Norman Road, t: 01424 437 165  www.adamsandjarrett.com

Antique Dolls  Jacky has been collecting dolls for years and she recently started trading from the Hastings Antiques Centre. “I’ve always been passionate about dolls,” she says, “I’m curious about the quality and craftsmanship that goes into them.” If you’re spending Christmas with someone who’s mad on antique dolls, you’re likely to find a wonderful addition to their collection here at a really reasonable price. The selection is international, including fabric and bisque dolls from the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s difficult to believe these dolls have ever been played with – they’re such good quality. And Jacky’s ultimate Christmas present? “I’d love a French Bru, but at around £18,000 I’m not that hopeful!” At Hastings Antiques Centre, 59-61 Norman Rd t: 01424 428561

Bombarock   Now available to buy online, Bombarock will put a little rock-and-roll into the less glamorous activities in life. Whether you fancy spicing up Christmas with a bat-out-of-hell apron or skull and cross-bones for an ironing board, you’ll find some quirky accessories here to make everyone smile. There’s also a fabulous variety of boudoir-style furniture, all designed and upholstered by Georgina Brett-Chinnery. She provides an upholstery service too, working on individual projects and with local companies such as Roomings and Skylon. You can find the showroom at the Hastings Antiques Centre, which in itself is an Aladdin’s Cave of unusual treasures. 59-61 Norman Road, t: 01424 428561  www.bombarock.co.uk

The Dawg's Biscuits  Bakers of the finest natural and Santa Approved Dog Treats in the world, Dawg’s treats each have a Christmassy benefit, as well as being totally top tasty. The “Santa Gnaws” treat helps dogs that want to be part of the family Christmas; a unique tasty treat for well loved dogs, your hungry dog is satisfied and there is no waiting for Santa to come down that chimney, no nip out of Mr Claus’s ample bottom! Dawg’s hand bake and hand make the gourmet treats both on and off premises in St Leonards, and supply from the shop at 65 Norman Road, the website, as well as markets, vets and petshops in Sussex,   London and throughout the country. The Dawg’s Biscuits: Christmas is our Karma. 65 Norman Road  t: 01424 424682   www.dogstreats.co.uk

Jacobin If you’re looking for a one-off gift for a loved-one this Christmas, don’t forget Jacobin, the French Furniture and Gift Shop. There are presents here you wouldn’t usually think of – a beautiful French portrait for just £15; cushions, Wee Willie Winkle candle holders (really pretty and only £3 each), bedroom chairs, mirrors, coffee pots, French road signs, washroom signs, Catholic iconography, jugs, scented draw-liners – ideas galore. Or perhaps you need a lovely big table to seat the whole family at Christmas, or even a spare bed for staying guests. And look out for the hand-embroidered and hand-painted Christmas decorations – adornment indeed for any tree. There will be fresh mistletoe before Christmas and holly wreaths too.  40 Norman Road, t: 01424 435 200

McCarrons Opened this summer by actors Rachel and Justin, this gift shop is guaranteed to make a fruitful stop if you’re seeking Christmas presents for the home. You can pick up divinely scented True Grace candles, beautiful shaped mirrors from Beyond the Valley (from £26), pretty bed linens for guests, lovely silver jewellery by Maxime V Wareham, cheerfully patterned doormats to welcome you home, La La Luna porcelain with a sea-theme (a wonderfully tactile creamer-set for £30), Greengate products, Maison Belle eco-friendly products for the home, and so much more – from £5 to £500. “We’re really excited about our first Christmas in the shop,” says Rachel. 64 Norman Road  t: 01424 428929  Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm

Patrick Robbins Interiors & Oriental Rugs  This is a great place to come for a really special Christmas present. If there’s a lover of antiques in your family, pop into Patrick Robbins to check out the collection of English and French antiques from 17th to 20th century. There’s a good collection of 19th and 20th century pictures here, traditional and modern, framed and unframed. How about an original life-drawing by April Swaine Thomas, mounted, at £35? There are plenty of ceramics, Delft and popular Chinese blue and white china. And while you’re here, have a look at the rugs – you can have a look online first at: www.orientalrugsonline.co.uk 78 Norman Road; t: 01424 200 220 Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5.30pm

St Clements  At the top of Norman Road on Mercatoria, the celebrated St Clements is gearing up to tempt us with a delicious sounding Christmas menu. Owner and chef Nick Hales has a passion for local produce, so there’s plenty of fish on the menu. Fine quality fresh produce has given this restaurant a reputation. Highlights from the Christmas menu: start with a Plate of Local Smoked Fish with Horseradish Cream & Rye Bread; move on to Roast Organic Turkey, Chestnut & Marjoram Stuffing and Chipolatas; tuck into Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce; linger over a Selection of cheeses & chutney;
and finish off with Tea or Coffee and  Mince Pies. All for £35! 
See www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk f or full menu. 3 Mercatoria, 01424 200 355

QOL  Make a pit-stop for a little Quality of Life, and you won’t be disappointed. Spike’s new deli/café is a cosy retreat and a warm, friendly place to recharge over lunch or coffee. You’ll also find some special treats to take home for Christmas: handmade chocolates from Gorvett & Stone, Williamson teas in pretty elephant tins, Lifeboat Tea, exotic pastas, olive oil from Tessa Boase, Belvoir cordials, chilli chutneys from Seaford and all sorts of fresh deli goods too. From 1st December, you’ll also be able to order a Christmas hamper – a wonderful, old-fashioned gift full of delicious fresh and packaged goods. 39 Norman Road, open 8.30-5pm Find out more about QOL in our feature here.