The Cutter

You'll find The Cutter tucked into the seafront stretch of East Parade, where the Old Town starts to get serious about itself. It's the kind of place where regulars prop up the bar and the bartender knows what you're having before you order. There's no fuss, no Instagram bait—just good beer, decent wine, and food that doesn't overcomplicate things. The room itself feels lived-in, with that particular warmth that comes from being somewhere people genuinely want to spend their evenings. Whether you're a local needing a proper pint or visiting and wanting to see where Hastings people actually drink, this hits the mark.