A Gallivant round St Leonards-on-Sea with Andrew Kötting (4K)

A trip to St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex to go for a walk around this seaside town with the great filmmaker Andrew Kötting andrewkotting.com/
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Andrew Kötting is considered one of Britain’s most distinctive and original film-makers. The word ‘visionary’ is often attached his work. His debut feature Gallivant, released in 1996, won numerous awards and ranks in lists of great British films. He’s developed a particularly idiosyncratic form of travelogue that captures the eccentricities and underlying magic of Britain. He often collaborates with Iain Sinclair, and his daughter Eden. He’s been a huge inspiration for me ever since I saw Gallivant at the Sydney Film Festival in 1997. So today was a particularly special journey for me.
Kötting's films include: Swandown, Ivul, This Filthy Earth, Lek and the Dogs, By Our Selves, Edith Walks, The Whalebone Box, and Diseased and Disorderly. He lives in St Leonards-on-Sea.
Our walk starts at St Leonards Warrior Square Station then goes along Kings Road, and Kings Mews. We turn into London Road detour into Norman Road and Saxon Road. Andrew then shows me the bullet hole in the knee of the statue of Queen Victoria in Warrior Square Gardens. The wind and rain becomes too intense so we seek shelter and food at the marvellous Goat Ledge Cafe on the seafront.
Back at Andrew's home he tells me about the making of Gallivant and his relationship with the writer Iain Sinclair. We then go for a drive to the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea where Gallivant begins, stopping off at the statue of Edith Swanneck and King Harold along the way.
Visit Andrew's online shop andrewkotting.c...
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[@Jason.Brayshaw]

There is something so uniquely English about sea-side townships. And for some reason they're even more beautiful if the weather is wet and windy, or simply overcast. It's a beautiful sadness if that make sense. The poetry of drabness. People from overseas would think I'm mad, but I love it. There's a deep beauty to found here that can only be found at these English sea-side towns. Sometimes it's not always about the 'fun' but the 'feel'. Those who know will know. Well done, John. And well done, Andrew!

[@louix6733]

Person from overseas here (Seattle) - I don't think you're mad. Loved this.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Jason

[@andyskelton7223]

I know & feel exactly what you mean

[@jamndunk]

Pepys Estate! Hard to let flats w luxury views..mid 80s..lots of gay peeps..took me right back, that mention.

[@jamndunk]

Chris the Postie! Buddhist & dancer 🎉

[@dylvasey]

I've been to St. Leonards and took away a feeling of so many other old seaside towns up and down the UK. A feeling of loneliness, being trapped and desperation. I arrived at Warrior Square Station and was almost immediately greeted with open drug use, homelessness and some characters with quite debilitating mental health issues. I caught some glimpses of interesting people or shops that sold long forgotten necessities as I walked down the high street but a lot of shops were vacant or in various stages of imminent closure. So it was a very pleasant surprise to not only see the area featured, but to hear and see some of its fascinating features. I grew up in the North East and can relate my feelings & experiences when I got to St. Leonard with the same feelings I had wondering around some of the seaside 'resorts' then. You've conjured up all kinds of emotions I didn't know I'd forgotten!

[@steveallen1635]

A few years ago, I did my own road trip around Kent. It went, Whitstable, Canterbury, Hern Bay, Margate, Ramsgate and Hastings! The most fascinating thing that I took away from this, is that Hastings has more listed medieval buildings than York!

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

Great video I live in hastings I love every day here st Leonards has picked up in a great way and I love the people here there's no rush here and it's a friendly town it's not all drugs and drink I've been living here 18 years now no regrets it's my home now I am proud of living here

[@Butterfly54684]

@John Rogers, thank you for a great video, I`m Hastings born and St Leonards retired. I love the area so much and must say that all the DFL`s (Down from London) have just added to the magic of the place.

[@Mick_Holland]

That was bloody marvellous. A couple of weeks ago we were getting soaked in Aberystwyth all afternoon and into the evening. The seaside out of season, even in crappy weather, is wonderful.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks very much Mick - you're so right about the seaside in winter, I've got a trip to Ramsgate looming as well

[@disassociates]

Thank you for this, I used to do a delivery job in Sussex ten years ago and always enjoyed delivering around St Leonard's, its great to see some of the places again. St Leonard's has amazing architecture and a vast array of unique small businesses. It is often overlooked by places like Brighton and Eastbourne but I can't recommend St Leonards enough (Also take in a trip to Hasting old town).

[@Curiousdriving]

Absolutely magical - thank you both for this wonderful adventure

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Ian

[@DaraM73]

A beautiful film! So exciting to see you guys collaborating.

[@alexthomson7465]

HURAAH!! Been waiting for this. Missus watching strictly come dancing.. Time for me to recline in the bath and watch the best thing on Sunday nights!

[@Oscartherescuedog]

Great video, I have seen Andrew Kötting in previous videos of yours and he has a great energy. The scene where Eden and Andrew are talking was immensely powerful - the love and the bond between them is so evident.

[@GWJUK]

I find places like this fascinating yet deeply depressing. They have a strange draw to them; a sort of echo of promise and shadows of our previous generations we only briefly met.

[@chrismckay8349]

What a character. He really comes alive infront of a camera.

[@MrBohdiem]

I lived in Hastings in 2004 and would often walk the sea front to St Leonards. I met the book dealer mentioned in this video, popped into his shop and we got talking, we shared sherry upstairs and he offered me a job listing books on a website (not ebay), which I sadly declined and I remember him telling me he placed currency in the shop windows for sale at prices below their worth waiting for someone to notice but no one ever did

[@другПараферналия]

Thank you John for letting us to get to know Andrew !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure

[@sallycope5277]

Lovely film about Hastings and Leonards, I'm born and bred in Hastings and I've lived in different parts of st leonards and Hastings, I now live in ore. I used to live in Eversfield place & when my son was little he used to love going on a beach every day in all weathers.

[@markames3688]

That had it all - butcher, baker, postman and a fantastic sunset. Lovely.

[@CthulhuInc]

andrew is another one of those delightful characters that is a joy to watch and hear. i really found it fun to see him greeting the people in his favourite shoppes! 😊

[@johnhughes7722]

Great to see you and Andrew in Bexhill my town of 35yrs and learning some new facts about the area.St leonards on sea has changed a lot in that time becoming arty and bohemian without too much visual change.By the way the Goat ledge cafe is a great little sea front cafe with good food that you would not expect from a seaside eatery.

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

Feeling homesick. Can't wait to go down next week

[@robertbarling5601]

Thank you for sharing this video John and also for introducing Andrew. What a lovely film. I remember taking my children to Hastings in the 1980's. I had meant to comment on your previous video but have been unwell for a while. Thanks for cheering me up. Bob.

[@edwoodsnowden]

I love St Leonards!!

[@johnfoster7996]

Thank you both - wonderful English video.

[@mozdickson]

and unashamedly so, which is super all in all!

[@JohnLvideos]

That was great John. Brings back memories of when I was young and we would go on holiday there. I remember staying in Warwick Square once where I got stuck in a lift. Hastings was always my mums favourite place.

[@MRoderick89]

This is up there with 1 of my favourites thank you John and Andrew 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant thanks Michael

[@MRoderick89]

@@JohnRogersWalks your very welcome

[@mozdickson]

agreed

[@michaelbrown984]

I love the sea side towns..the fact that the sea bounces you back in land..the promise of something out of reach across the sea.. fantastic vidio with yourself and Andrew.loved the town with it independent shops the essence of old English towns.. well done lads..

[@ianmaddams9577]

At last it worked . Fantastic walk with Andrew he is so knowledgeable and funny . All the best 👍🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ian

[@frglee]

I lived in St.Leonards-on-Sea through the 90s and whilst it could be a bit dreary in Winter, the Summertime was generally very pleasant there. Upsides were the beach and the parks and the walk along the prom to Hastings or along the coast path to Bexhill, and most of the locals were friendly enough. The countryside around was idyllic. Downsides included semi-derelict housing and buildings, rough municipal housing areas, drug addicts, rough sleepers, drunken violence, louts and vandalism, antisocial neighbours, badly paid work and a very run down shopping area. After over a decade I'd had more than enough of the place. Visited it recently, nearly 20 years on, and all I can say is: St Leonards, I'm not missing you at all - since I've been gone. .

[@davidjohnson00001]

A very touching relationship between Andrew and Eden. It was lovely to see.

[@chilledldn]

Great film once again John. You’ve honestly inspired me to explore London and my surrounding areas. Thank you!

[@biddylisduff]

Interesting film, great skies and seascapes. A place of contrasts - 7 days a week punch up pubs combined with elegant shopfronts! The statue of fallen Harold seems to have been disrespected, very damaged - I didn't catch how old it was. Glad it's been given some context. Thanks both, enjoyed the gallivanting.

[@lizbourn4192]

Harold and Edith have been moved around to different sites in Hastings and at one time was in Hastings museum. Once exposed to the elements in Grosvenor Gardens in St. Leonard’s in 1953 they fell into disrepair and it wasn’t until someone did a gofundme campaign that mr Jarman was able to start work. Hastings Borough Council do not show interest in preserving Hastings historic monuments/statues.

[@davidhumphrey1558]

Doing for the sake of doing. It is really great to see the meaning behind this man’s life. I think it is hard to explain yourself to the world, To be famous, When the parts of your life that are special are only special to you. It is easy to be mistaken and misunderstood for your curiosity when you find meaning and joy in being, When the world asks us to sell ourselves to the highest bidder, When our value is derived from short lived dopamine reward click bait interactions. I am really glad to see there is a world where people can pay attention for more than six minutes at a time. Thank you for existing.

[@matthew0605]

What a great film !!. I live in Saint Leonards ,and I never knew that Andrew lives there too. I live at Marina so I'm sure to bump into Andrew as we "chew the same grass"so to speak. I'm not a Hastonian having moved here in 1997 but I've been here ever since (26 years or so) .Strangely my dad was born in Deptford and I was born in Gravesend in Kent the last of four offspring of my parents in 1969 . Small world eh .

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Your films are always delightful John. Visually you capture wonderful imagery and you combine it with great audio, cool music and editing skills that create something truly compelling. This time, you've outdone yourself! The magical lighting has made this captivating. I remember Andrew from some of your earlier work but never taken the time to listen to him at length and this was a great conversation. One of the best I've watched so far, and the bar is high. Off to find Gallivant now...

[@tiggywinkle5933]

Beautiful colours in this film towards the end, and some fantastic reflections in the puddles.

[@whispjohn]

I really enjoyed this little film, it reminded me of when I was a young lad living in Gravesend and we used to go to Whitstasble, Herne Bay etc., for days out to the beach. The weather to match as well! I watched Gallivant a while ago now and enjoyed that too, it was a lovely trip and Grandma was great. Andrew Kotting seems like a really nice bloke, I'd love spend half an hour chatting with him.

[@matthew0605]

Ahh, a fellow Gravesendian . Yes sir , I was born there too .

[@Aleakwe]

💜😆 Thank you for doing this and sharing. Kötting family remain stars and still fckin funny. I had the pleasure of meeting and working for Indy company Andrew was at (2001). Love Gallivant; This Filthy Earth etc.

[@lesliegprice6652]

Lovely film , great to see St Leonard's and Bexhill , the ending was just so beautiful with the sunset and the Sea after all that rain , I will check out the film as well , thanks John !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Leslie

[@RajSinghKhalsa]

A very aluminating walk on a gloomy day, Andrew the perfect companion for this video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

glad you enjoyed it Raj

[@arsenal10141014]

Wonderful. Thank you both. Hastings, Rye and St Leonards are worth a visit

[@gigteevee6118]

Very evocative of the whole south coast experience, I remember clearly a family holiday in St Leonard’s in the mid 70s

[@ca32]

Love this video. I'm watching on a dreary November day and really taking in the atmosphere.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Fabulous, I know that area of St Leonards well, used to hunt for stock for my antique textiles business there back in the day. Thanks for sharing this, Andrew seems like a fascinating character, nice to be a party to the banter and info

[@thegreatestlight1]

What incredible skies once the rain went

[@garphykeks]

Early 70's holidays with my cousins/uncles/aunts☺️☺️David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Mott the Hoople etc etc. Plucked my heart strings you did 👏👌😎KTF🙏

[@mariannemoggridge742]

Now I must go thank you

[@scottwallace901]

That was more than just another KZbin video, it was a really wonderful short film. Andrew Kötting is a lovely guy and a very intresting man. Shame about the weather it tends to be bad if you to the seaside off season. Was lovely to see Andrews daughter. It can not be easy looking after someone with learning problems. I am an adult with Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) so life is a little bit harder for me. I am not very quick at doing anything. Its always a it special for us viewers when you step out of London for a wile. Thank you for making the video. Please stay as safe as you can with the Covid around.

[@obrYo]

What a classic. Even though you were forced into the car by the rain, the drive with Andrew was magnificent

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much brY an

[@audiosynchroscope321]

Beautiful! Thanks John

[@annenewton5403]

Wonderful,thank you.

[@markszawlowski867]

Well, what a treat John. Thanks for a blinding piece of work.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Mark

[@iamaliveyoucantstopnow]

Brilliant video! . I use to live in Hastings/ st Leonards. The curse is real- I feel myself being pulled back again.

[@leecaston]

This is just fantastic. Thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Lee

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Great work John, thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Little Acorns

[@nickh2519]

Always make a point of popping into that Butcher's when in the area; marvellous sausages!

[@davidzauhar6813]

I was wondering what would constitute an "Iain Sinclair fact." The Luftwaffe kneecapping a statue of the Queen definitely fits the bill.

[@GreyGhost.]

The Butch and Sundance of the afternoon ramble. Thanks lads, excellent.

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

What a fabulous presentation. What an intriguing place St. Leonard's is. Andrew is a fascinating creator and you did him justice, John. Great Sunday entertainment, tn boot. Bravo. 🇯🇪

[@angierondeau1626]

Great thx❤

[@sophialyons9716]

Really fantastic watch. Thank you :)

[@VictorKibalchich]

Spent a few days in St Leonards last summer, including a couple of visits to the Goat Ledge. Lovely little place.

[@TheIainMay]

Very enjoyable, many thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Iain

[@patrickokeeffe-i7i]

i live in Brighton but often visit Hastings and St Leonards. My parents lived up the hill from Warrior Square stations for 15 years and know that shopping street well. Never felt it mildly alienating as some comments make out. I prefer Hastings old town, though, the castle, and the amazing old pubs and walks along the cliffs to Winchelsea and Rye.

[@Darkangel-A-c8z]

I love the Goat Ledge and the Mermaid Inn Pub. I used to live on Bohemia Road and Filsham Road

[@bmcd9490]

Fantastic. A classic.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Bernard

[@amoxicillin3]

You did well to find the best cafe and the best sandwich in town John. Nice to see the focus was on the butcher, chippy and flea market, rather than the gentrified bits. That bookshop really was a mess, amazing to see it empty and to hear about the fate of its owner. The inclement weather added a lot of atmosphere. Fascinating as always. Luke, Brighton.

[@tracik1277]

Some gorgeous shots and despite the rain you were blessed with magnificent skies! They’ve certainly given the De la Warr a spruce up, I remember it from when it was shabby.

[@layzrepair]

I moved to Hastings from Leytonstone. I rented a flat in st warrior square. 1st night I See biggest bar brawl in that pub lol. Always love the place though. Miss it loads

[@layzrepair]

Bar stools flying around in old England… standard night

[@Ben_Mdws]

One of your best John, but then I could say that every week!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ben

[@gparry42]

Wonderful !

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

That was lovely John,Very atmospheric after the rain.Been to De La Warr pavilion years ago and that is glorious,thanks for taking me along.

[@amandabrown3946]

Fantastic,video thank-you both for making this.the English seaside in the winter,does tend to bring out a bit of melancholy,steamed up cafes etc,but loved it.

[@pauldrozdz7571]

Such a heartening film, and the light after the rain was cinemagraphic perfection. Quite beautiful John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many many thanks Paul

[@ashleysgaze]

A slightly madcap - in the best possible sense of the word - walk this week, John. Praise be to Kötting! 🙏

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ashley - it was always going to be a bit special

[@ralphwinter6421]

Thanks John, Awesome vid - loved the shot of the crescent Moon at the end of the film...

[@uwpartnersUK]

Live in Hastings for almost 12 years had my own business nice memories recognised lot of the people and shop owners and all I can I was mixture of good and bad as it was very depressing in most part but had changed lot by the time I moved out in 2019 Miss the sea side especially in hot sunny days the hole town come alive

[@robbojax2025]

Always the unexpected! I have not been to St Leonards for many years. Perhaps it is time for another visit.

[@SmallWonda]

Smashing - even the weather was Classic! I've actually been to Bexhill-on-Sea just a couple years ago & loved the Pavilion & on around to Dungeness ending up in Rye before heading off to Essex. My in-laws were originally from Leytonstone, which I've never been to! Have you done a walk around London Wall? You must have done! An old stomping ground in my college days... Thanks for the memories.

[@jorda1k]

Andrew's like a tonic great video once again

[@daveconyard8946]

John what a great place full of Good vibes and people, Keep safe mate.

[@john80c]

Another excellent video despite the archetypal English seaside weather. The Old England pub looked tasty for those who like to end the night with a rumble.

[@harpocrate3811]

Great video again, love going there for days out, really good vintage shop called Xanadou just off Warrior square. The area hasn't been spoilt yet by gentrification like Hastings down the road.

[@stevefleming3083]

I really enjoyed this video. I know the area well having lived locally until 2020 but haven't been there in over a year. You really must go on a sunny day! The De La Warr Pavilion is a great building. I was there just last weekend and there's so much more to see too!

[@rossybink]

Great video. I watched this yesterday and have been thinking about what A ndrew said regarding blundering around and working stuff into the narrative. To be inquisitive and genuinely interested in people and what they do is the key here. You can tell by the way he engages with local shop owners that he makes them feel good! It creates community to be like this and I think in some places in the UK this has been lost. Kindness, inquisitiveness and communication are the big 3 for good narrative I feel. Definitely gonna watch his film. Nice work John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Rossy

[@petemessenger9514]

This was good.. nice energy!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Pete - glad you enjoyed it

[@garysouth3433]

I live in Hastings ,great to see mate

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful thanks Gary

[@jasonshore9442]

Cheers for this, I don't know anything about St Leonards-on-Sea. There's something special about an out-of-season seaside town. You and Andrew Kotting along with the dreadful weather made this highly informative and entertaining.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jason

[@1954real]

You would never get bored with your mate 👌

[@JohnRogersWalks]

you certainly wouldn't Rob

[@damienmorrison7226]

its a funny place hastings and st leonards has strange energies you will either thrive or die I loved it there as teenager in the 80s especially going to the old hastings college in 88 where I made some of my oldest friends the old hastings college has produced some incredable talent great to see all the new shops down the kings rd ...but do they survive? ..I hope so ....

[@ronhaywood2375]

that was stunning john cheers,

[@williamsdaf]

Sublime film, cool guys, dream team.

[@Theoobovril]

A nice video, John, always great when you are accompanied by someone of great interest such as Andrew.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Theo

[@donnie8917]

Andrew seems like a great guy. Enjoyed this video immensely...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

He’s brilliant Donnie - well worth checking out his films

[@LottyRayner-Vincent]

Nice to see you enjoying my home town. Started the video just five minutes down the road from my house. Wonderful video x

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Lotty - it’s a great town

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

A wonderful watch, Sir.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks GTR

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Hi John that was a very interesting walk/drive . Andrew is a facinating character . Cheers Kev

[@hArtyTruffle]

Nice one John. Thanks 👍🏼

[@likeakite]

That was great...cheers

[@markbriggs5531]

Wonderful. I have liked and subscribed. More!

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Very enjoyable!