Hastings' population was recorded at 91,219 in the mid-2024 estimate, according to ONS.
The net shops of Hastings Old Town
Sheds for storing fishing gear had stood on Hastings' shingle beach for centuries, but in 1835 the council ruled that any new one needed permission, on a site agreed with the Pier Warden, built to a set design. With no room to expand outward, they grew tall instead — becoming the distinctive, slim, black-tarred wooden towers still standing on the Stade today, and thought to be the only net shops anywhere in the world. The annual ground rent set in 1846, five shillings, works out at 25p — and hasn't changed since.
The Old Town around them is genuinely full of independent shops, including sweet specialists on George Street and the High Street selling traditional jars and American imports. But the net shops themselves were built for one job only, and it was never retail.
What the net shops — and the shops around them — don't stock
Bulk bags, vegan-specific ranges, halal-friendly selections, full trade cases for a business or event — that's a different kind of buying than a fishing hut or a small Old Town counter is set up to hold.
Why Hastings shoppers order online anyway
For anything beyond a counter-bought bag, ordering online and having it delivered is the more consistent option — no trip down to the Stade required, and no cap on quantity.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Hastings included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Hastings?
Yes — UK-wide, including Hastings, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What are the Hastings net shops?
Tall black wooden huts on the Stade, built to an 1835 council rule to keep fishing nets dry — thought to be the only ones in the world.
Is there a bulk or wholesale sweet shop in Hastings?
Hastings Old Town has independent sweet shops, but they're small counters — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Hastings addresses instead.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.