Rockwater Restaurant cafe bar Hove
Rockwater Hove is the ultimate boutique bar and restaurant experience located on the picturesque Western Esplanade of Hove’s seafront. It is an oasis about a half hour beach-front stroll or 5 minute drive from Brighton. It’s a stand-alone building that has a complete waterfront view, and no other buildings in the vicinity. An absolutely stunning three floored colossal community hub with a huge garden and seafront decking that provides something for everyone, from morning coffee on the deck to cocktails on the spectacular roof terrace, and everything in between. Each floor has something unique to offer.
The venue’s roof terrace where serenity and tranquillity reign is designed as the perfect rendezvous spot for friends and family and an ideal location to enjoy an eclectic array of delicious, locally-sourced food and beverages in the form of seafood platters, handmade pizzas, charcuterie boards, divine pastries and plant-based delicacies accompanied by an extensive, wine, beer and cocktail menu. Designed to be able to operate in all conditions, the Rockwater Hove terrace features an attractive, retractable roof terrace to accommodate Covid-19 protocols and inclement weather. The stunning panoramic seafront views from the roof terrace are breathtaking, and to experience a Rockwater terrace sunset really is something else! With local DJ’s playing chilled Balearic beats, sublime bespoke cocktails and a super relaxed vibe, nowhere else comes close.
The ground floor is host to the grandiose restaurant, with beautiful décor, more delicious food options, with hearty dishes like the delicious Rockwater signature burger or line caught beer-battered cod n chips, as well as a fantastic range of small plates and nibbles for those with smaller appetites. The menu caters for all diets with nourishing options to feed the soul, catering for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free communities with the likes of Buddha Bowls, vegan burgers, and beer battered banana blossom. A huge bar spans the entire north wall where you can sit and relax and enjoy a luxurious cocktail or two with some nibbles. The ground floor also has a decked beach area, with a good sized chunk of decking featuring lots of wooden tables and booths. They also have branded deck chairs out on the pebbles, perfect for chilled summer beers with friends. Serving the beach, decked area and deckchairs are individual shacks such as Jim’s place serving, hot drinks, Shack to the Future, serving cold beers, wines and spirits as well as refreshing frozen cocktails, and the Love Shack, serving up incredible seafood snacks, hot dogs and a range of pizzas.
Downstairs on the lower ground floor is a decadent lounge bar with a huge rear garden, complete with pergola and fire pit area. The bar is perfect for cosy winter evenings and the area is great for hosting all manner of events. Recently a giant stage was erected in the garden, showing a host of musical and comedy acts for their hugely successful pride event HMS-Rockwater.
With architecture reflective the heritage and character of Hove’s stunning beachfront, Rockwater Hove provides a unique opportunity for al-fresco dining on a walk-in basis and for lounging, all-day dining, long-evenings and good times with a wellness centre offering classes in collaboration with local fitness experts via Rockwater Life – a year-round timetable of health, wellness, fitness, sports, and hobbies. Bringing together Brighton and Hove’s finest trainers and instructors’ for sessions on your beach-side deck overlooking the water, on the lawns, and in the sea! From yoga, pilates and meditation to HIT, run clubs, and everything in between. Rockwater also becomes a natural hub for such community activities as chess, creative writing, a Brunch Club, retreat, talks, shows and a host of other activities besides.
This wonderful haven by the seashore really has everything, and provides a much-needed antidote to the rigours of Covid-19 restrictions and the consequent disruption to family life by proposing a relaxing yet well-appointed culinary hot-spot where to pamper the palate and socialize safely after the long lock-down.