Hastings City Hidden Gems.
8 businesses that fly under the radar that you need to visit ASAP.
We Hastings folk are an unassuming bunch. We don’t like to toot our own horns too loudly, we like to keep our heads down - Influencers in the Wild won't be getting too much content out of us. Because of this, we have taken it upon ourselves to hunt down some of Hastings City’s most modest, humble, hard workers who are absolutely smashing it at their day to day and highlight them to you.
While you may or may not find them online, you absolutely should visit them IRL (in real life).
Introducing eight hidden gems in Hastings City - independently owned and operated, and doing some heavy lifting contributing to the vibe of our town centre - so let’s get those jungle drums beating, start the phone tree, get that word of mouth going, and discover what you’ve been missing.
THE LITTLE RED BOOKSHOP | 205 Heretaunga Street East
Hastings' worst kept secret, The Little Red Bookshop is an absolute treasure trove of books, vinyl records and board games. Every wall is lined with bookshelves teeming with pre-loved books of every variety - fiction, travel, kids, autobiographies - what they don’t have is simply not worth reading. As Neat Places so rightly put it recently, “A visit to The Little Red Bookshop is a chance to journey down memory lane, embrace your inner bookworm and come away with a find or two”.
COCO AND CO | 240 Heretaunga Street East
An independent, not for profit retail store, nestled into the heart of Hastings, Coco and Co promotes and sells beautiful products made by craftspeople throughout New Zealand. Stocking clothing, accessories, homewares, giftware and even handmade kids costumes, this is the ultimate store if you’re looking for something unique to give to someone, or to yourself. Staffed by volunteers this store is a fabulous supporter of home grown talent creating one of a kind pieces.
THE NAKED JEWELLER | Cnr Russell and Eastbourne Street
The immensely talented team at The Naked Jeweller create bespoke, show stopping pieces that are made to the absolute highest standard. With a combined experience of over 100 years, the team love to make, repair and rework jewellery and watches, with their showroom featuring many hand-crafted one of a kind pieces. Watch the jewellers melting, forging, cutting and polishing as you browse the gorgeous products - it is a fascinating process.
Disclaimer : you will not find any naked jewellers in this store (we think).
F.W. LILEY | 312 Heretaunga Street West
If you are looking for a gift, or to update your dinnerware, F.W. Liley has you covered. Their store is absolutely packed to the rafters with whiskey glasses and decanters, crystal vases, bunnykins plates, knife sets, wine glasses, high tea stands, salt and pepper shakers and anything else you could possibly ever need. If you love beautiful things, you’ll love this store.
HOLY CREPE | Bay Plaza, 221 Russell Street North
Oh la la! The newest addition to Bay Plaza, Holy Crepe, is serving up authentic french crepes seven days a week to hungry visitors. With flavours such as nutella and banana for the sweet tooths, and ham, egg and cheese for the salty soldiers, the crepes are reasonably priced and are perfect for little ones and big ones alike.
SHANEOS BAKE HOUSE | 302 Hastings Street South
Now, being good Hawke’s Bay locals, we like to think of ourselves as meatball aficionados (if you don’t know what a meatball is, clearly you are not a true Hawke’s Baylien), there’s very rarely a meatball we don’t like but we’ll tell you what, we’ve done the legwork and Shaneos meatballs are the best in the Bay. Located in the little corner site by Harvey Norman, this bakery offers up the tastiest pies, the most moorish donuts, freshest sandwiches and strongest coffee that you could ask for. It is a must visit, run - don’t walk.
ASIAN SATAY NOODLE HOUSE | 106 Market Street North
A stalwart of Hastings dining, Asian Satay Noodle House has been serving delicious Asian food to hungry customers for upwards of 20 years. It’s simple interior and generous portions, at prices that won’t break the bank keep customers coming back time and time again. Don’t forget to pack your appetite when you visit though - you’ll need it!
MP FOODS | 212 Saint Aubyn Street West
Take a trip around the world's cuisine at MP Foods. Stocking products from every corner of the globe you can discover all manner of flavours, products and meal ideas just from a simple wander around this Alladins cave of cuisine. Find bulk items, hard to find ingredients and even delicious international sweet treats all under one roof. Your at home cooking will never be the same again.