HOW WE MET: Chris and Phil

Interview by Tim Allen

Photos by Charlotte Steeples

It’s late 1987 in London and 20-year-old Chris has been working as a waiter at the Strand Palace Hotel restaurant for a few months. Living in the staff annexe in Covent Garden meant that a knock on the door didn’t happen that often and he was surprised to be looking at 19-year-old Phil a few moments later. “Can you tell me where the ironing room is please?” isn’t exactly the usual opening line of a romantic story for the ages, but in this case it proved to be the start of a relationship still going strong nearly 40 years later.

After pointing out that the ironing room was literally opposite the front door they were both standing by, Phil proceeded to do his chores whilst hoping he’d see Chris again sometime. His work as a dispense barman for several restaurants meant they had something in common and after bumping into each other again they soon became firm friends. Although Chris had a girlfriend at the time this didn’t stop the three of them enjoying the London nightlife together frequently.

The late 80s and early 90s meant a night out could go off-piste fairly rapidly. A quick drink could lead to dancing with Jean Paul Gaultier or listening to stories from the promoter and socialite Philip Sallon. Busby’s, Dive Bar, Heaven, Bang, Harry’s, Black Cap and The Wag Club were the places they liked to spend their time together and with the attraction between them so strong they soon became a couple.

The years since have been busy both professionally and personally. The anniversary of their civil partnership is easy to remember as it was a month after Elton John’s, and a few years later they got married as soon as it was possible. A variety of pubs and restaurants kept them busy in North London but after taking a year off to travel, they felt it was time to put down some proper roots. A friend recommended they check out Hastings and St Leonards and they bought a home here in 2003, commuting back to London for work. By 2007 they were here full time.

“You know when you go down London Road and the sea is just glistening and beautiful right in front of you? It was like that for our first visit even though the weather was horrible” remembers Chris. Before long they discovered a pub that had been closed for over 6 years which seemed like the perfect fit for them, and they’ve loved running The St Leonard since 2012. Despite Phil having to spend some of the year in France due to the complexities of Brexit, their relationship is still as strong as ever and they feel it’s unlikely they’ll be moving on from St Leonards any time soon.

Chris Leech and Phil Quarton run The St Leonard Public House 16-18 London Road, St Leonards.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.