Latest news with #Rockwater
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
I visited the best seaside town in the UK during a heatwave – with a beach bar that feels like it's in the Mediterranean
HOVE is the vibey neighbour of the popular Brighton - and my top choice for a weekend break when temperatures hit an all-time high. It's a tad more relaxed, still with a pretty pebble coastline and blue waters, but much quieter. 7 7 On Friday afternoon, just under two hours from my home in Hertfordshire, I hit Brighton. The seaside town that everyone knows and loves for its sea lanes, pop-up market stalls, quirky creatives and music scene. But shortly after arriving, I left and decided to head over to Hove instead. Just a mile's stroll down the front, which is delightful on a bright summer day, and I was there. It was immediately quieter with a notable absence of Brighton's squawking seagulls. Hove still retains its beach charm, and in fact, it's recently been named one of the best seaside towns to live in. The Times said: "With plenty of beach to go around, and vibrant culture and nightlife, Hove (actually) is the UK's best place to enjoy a city-by-the-sea lifestyle — it's far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers. "Here you'll find a more relaxed lifestyle that is heavy on yoga, wellbeing and barista-made flat whites." Almost as soon as I hit Hove, I discovered a gem of a beach bar called Rockwater. Rustic-looking on the outside, Rockwater completely blends in with its surroundings with wooden slatted exterior, huge glass windows. and the inside is spectacular. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 7 It has plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere - imagine the sun shining through open windows, the clinking of glasses and happy tourist chatter. Just like me, visitors have been so impressed by Rockwater that they feel like it's transported them to another country entirely. One wrote on Tripadvisor: "We managed to catch the sun-setting over the sea making it feel like we were on holiday abroad." The popular beach bar that's open from dawn until dusk has various areas to relax in, from the dining area to cosy nooks and even a corner filled with books and magazines. But, the jewel of Rockwater is the rooftop bar which has sun umbrellas, and it's enclosed with a glass balcony to lessen the sea breeze. I opted for a table downstairs next to the huge open windows which look out directly onto the seafront promenade. I'm nosy, and love nothing better than sipping on a cocktail and people-watching at the beach. Rockwater has an extensive drinks menu from classic cocktails, to refreshing summer coolers, the price of a glass of wine starts from £7. I opted for an Aperol Spritz for £12, while the food options varied from salads to lobster and crayfish mac'n' cheese, burgers, steak, a variety of pizzas and of course, classic fish and chips. It's not just for adults either, there's a kids menu with the likes of sausage and chips, pasta and desserts from chocolate brownies to sundaes. 7 7 If you come to the seaside with your dog, Rockwater is dog-friendly, so they are welcome inside - the only rule is that they're not allowed on the roof terrace after 8PM. Around the back of the beach club are food trucks for anyone who wants the same food, but would rather enjoy it on the beach. Unlike other beach bars, Rockwater hosts all sorts of activities, too, including early morning yoga and sea swims as well as evening craft workshops, comedy nights, and live music. The summer evenings are dedicated to Rockwater's Sunset Sessions x Cafe del Mar where a DJ entertains guests with music on the roof from 5PM until midnight. There's also silent yoga discos, book club socials, sound bath sessions and the fad that I had to get involved in - puppy yoga. The Yogi Paws team hosts an hour-long session of puppy yoga at Rockwater which is held in the mornings and trust me, it really helps to unwind. There's also a second venue on the promenade at Branksome in Poole. Sun Travel also visited the new London riverside beach club that feels like you're in the south of France. Plus, the three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor this year.
Forbes
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Review: Rockwater – A Coastal Gem Where Food, Art And Music Meet
© Rockwater Hove Just over an hour from London, nestled along Hove's serene seafront, Rockwater is far more than just a beachside restaurant—it's a fully-fledged destination for those in search of exceptional food, art, music and an atmosphere of easy-going coastal cool. While Brighton may steal the headlines with its bustle, Rockwater is a reminder that space to breathe and a light-filled interior can elevate a dining experience—and lunch on the roof terrace here proves the point. The venue itself is a curated experience with interiors designed by Rockwater's founder and interior designer Ricci Tamagna. Pop Art and seaside-inspired pieces from Brighton's Helm Gallery line the walls, and you can't miss the specially commissioned seagull sculpture by Amber-Jane Raab, a playful homage to the coastal setting. But the star of the show is the food—specifically, the new fish-forward lunch menu created by renowned chef James Golding, whose culinary pedigree includes Le Caprice and Soho House. Golding's approach is rooted in seasonality and locality, with a coastal theme that sings in every bite. His deep connection to local produce and suppliers is evident, making each dish feel like a love letter to the Sussex shoreline. Golding is Chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Sustainability Committee and also works with the Table Talk Foundation helping children develop healthy relationships with food and cooking. © Rockwater Hove On a sunny afternoon, there are few better spots than Rockwater's roof terrace, where sea views stretch endlessly and the salt air enhances every mouthful. I began with Jersey Rock oysters, served ice-cold and briny-fresh—the perfect opening act. Next came the Atlantic prawn cocktail, a clever reimagining of the 1970s classic with plump, sweet prawns and a subtle kick of spice. For vegetarians, the New Forest asparagus is a standout: simply prepared, intensely fresh, and full of flavour. Atlantic Prawn Cocktail at Rockwater Hove © Rockwater Hove Expect a generous selection of local seafood for mains and I went for the Dover sole with brown shrimps, shallots and parsley, which was delectable. Cooked to perfection and bathed in a golden butter, it was a dish that showcased both restraint and richness—something Golding clearly balances with ease. Adding to the experience are the interiors–decorated with a neutral, beach-inspired palette of sandy tones with hand-woven lampshades–and the great service from the team headed by the affable and infinitely knowledgeable General Manager Patryk Szymanski. Fatboy Slim performing at Rockwater Hove © Rockwater Hove Beyond food, Rockwater thrives as a hub of arts, culture and wellness. Whether it's live music—spotlighting local and international talent—or unique experiences like sound baths and puppy yoga, there's always something happening that encourages connection and discovery. That ethos comes from founder Luke Davis, who launched Rockwater in 2020 with a vision of creating a collective community space. A highlight of Rockwater's cultural programme is the Summer Sunset Sessions on the Roof Terrace, where recent live sets have featured performances from Hove's local Superstar DJ Fatboy Slim. Puppy Yoga © Rockwater Hove With menus inspired by creatives like Margo in Margate, a fellow coastal artist, and a setting that at the height of summer feels more Côte d'Azur than English Channel, Rockwater is a destination that speaks to lovers of the sea, good food, and artistic inspiration. Highly recommended—and well worth the trip. The Roof Terrace at Rockwater Hove © Rockwater Hove
