Do You Believe?, a spooky Halloween experience with a difference this weekend at St Andrews Mews (image courtesy of Pop Up Productions).

Good news from the Mews

HOT’s resident shopaholic Chris Connelley finds much to admire at the improved St Andrews Mews, not to mention a spooky Halloween experience with a difference.

Over the last few months, visitors will have noticed major changes at St Andrews Mews, on Queens Road, which changed hands last year and is now busy reinventing itself as an independent food and shopping mecca.

The dated eighties colour scheme has given way to a riot of colour, long empty units are now occupied,  and the increasingly compelling mix of independent businesses, with a strong accent on culture, food and fashion, are attracting increasing interest and boosting footfall.

The arrival of Smoke Shack Bar and Grill has provided an anchor specialist food offer, ably complemented by the charming Creperie by the Sea, whilst the decision by popular local business The Good Place to invest in a second local branch by taking on the all-important gateway entrance unit guarantees excellent coffee and a genuinely warm welcome.

Old favourites, such as the legendary Hastings Cycles, remain, with plans to move to the more accessible lower level over the coming months.

A rolling programme of events and activities adds to the allure and keeps things fresh, spanning a children’s art club, multiple private views and some compelling live music on the upper walkway.

And, with Halloween upon us, there’s a Witches’ Grotto and a rather special event happening this weekend that will appeal to those with an appetite for a spooky thrill. Curated by the team behind the Museum of Oddities, Do You Believe? is a 45-minute immersive experience in which “things happen in a room” that will have guests questioning whether what’s going on is serious or a hoax.

Described as “edgy” by its makers, the specially designed event, suitable for over 15s, with the usual cautionary warning for those of a nervous disposition, is priced at £12.95 and comes with a courtesy whisky at the end compliments of Smoke Shack (non alcoholic tipples are available for younger guests).

If you haven’t been to St Andrews Mews for a while, this might be the perfect opportunity for a return visit. You’ll certainly notice the changes. I used to take a long route home to avoid it but now enjoy walking through its vibrant central walkaway to check out the ever changing kaleidoscope of energy and goodness.

And I’m assured there’s much more to come, with plans for more food, more art and some very distinctive independent businesses as the ambitious renovation programme continues. All of which is very good news from this much improved mews.

Do You Believe? is happening on Thursday 26th, Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and twice on Tuesday 31st. Shows run 7-8pm with an 8-9pm second sitting on the 31st. Book your ticket here.

St Andrews Mews is at 1 Waldegrave Road, Hastings, TN34 1SP, immediately opposite M&S. For full details of what’s available, please visit the website.

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