French's

You'll find French's tucked away on Robertson Street, in that part of town where real Hastings happens away from the seafront circus. It's the sort of place where the bartender knows what you want before you ask, and the crowd's a genuine mix of after-work regulars and people who've deliberately chosen to be here rather than somewhere more obvious. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between relaxed and lively—busy enough to feel alive, but never trying too hard. This is where you come for a proper drink, whether that's a carefully made cocktail or just a pint you actually want to sit with.