The Dolphin Inn

You're walking down Rock-a-Nore Road towards the beach, and The Dolphin just announces itself—unpretentious, honest, the kind of place that's been pulling pints in the same spot for decades. Inside it's all dark wood and sticky floors in the best way, the sort of pub where everyone knows the regulars' names and the bartender's poured your drink before you've finished ordering. There's a genuinely excellent selection of real ales rotating through, proper food that doesn't try too hard, and a view of the seafront that costs nothing extra. It's the Hastings pub experience done right—no craft beer snobbery, no Instagram angles, just good company and better beer.