Some places simply belong to their setting, and Rockwater is one of them. Perched on Hove’s Western Esplanade, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a stylish beach house where the horizon becomes part of the architecture. From the fireside intimacy of The Pub to the light-flooded Bar & Kitchen with its floor-to-ceiling sea views, every level has its own distinct character.

The newest addition, The Pub, brings proper seaside hospitality to life. It’s a place to settle in with a pint, challenge friends to pool or darts, or lose an afternoon to the extensive board games collection. Sports fans can catch everything from Premier League fixtures to Formula 1, but the atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, never rowdy, always convivial.

The jewel remains the Roof Terrace, glass-fronted and breezy by day, with a retractable roof that opens to the stars after dark. Whether you’re catching the sunrise shimmer across the water or a fiery Channel sunset, Rockwater offers a front-row seat to coastal life at its most beautiful.

Seasonality at the heart

If the views feed the soul, the food takes care of everything else. Led by renowned Chef Director James Golding, Chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Sustainability Committee and a familiar face from Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, the kitchen’s philosophy revolves around seasonality and variety. With over 25 years spanning The Savoy, Le Caprice, J Sheekey, Soho House NYC, and nearly a decade with The Pig Hotel Group, Golding brings serious credentials to the Brighton seafront.

Mornings start strong with buttery croissants, porridge and eggs royale, while the all-day menu invites wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads and the finest cuts of fish and meat. But Sundays are when Rockwater truly shines with Roasts by the Coast. The 30-day aged roast sirloin arrives with all the trimmings: crisp roast potatoes, buttered greens, maple-glazed carrots and parsnips, Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy, the best way to spend a Sunday in Brighton.

Vegetarians aren’t an afterthought, roast butternut squash comes alive with walnuts, chestnut mushrooms, kale crisps and shallot & sage sauce. Finish with dark chocolate mousse studded with hazelnut crunch or the theatrical Rockwater Knickerbocker Glory.

For drinks, Head of Bars Aoife Taylor has it covered. From seasonal sips like the banana-sweet Rum Rodeo and floral Sexy Martini to classics like the Mojito and Pina Colada, there’s something for every taste. Even zero-proof cocktails, like the refreshing Skinny Dip, keep the seaside spirit in every glass.

Where the community gathers

Beyond food and views, Rockwater has become the lifestyle hub of Brighton & Hove. Early mornings might bring yoga on the terrace, including the wildly popular puppy yoga, or winter cold water swimming sessions and weekly paddle groups. As day turns to night, the energy shifts with live music, midweek comedy, and DJ-led Sunset Sessions from huge stars such as Fat Boy Slim.

For regulars, the Open Water membership elevates the experience into a lifestyle club, with priority access to wellness classes, cultural events, exclusive dining perks and members-only gatherings. It’s for those who don’t just want to visit Rockwater; they want to live it. In a city where food culture and seaside spirit collide, Rockwater captures something essential about Brighton and Hove, stylish but never stuffy, sociable without being loud, effortlessly uplifting. It’s not just somewhere to eat or drink, it’s where people gather, connect, and remember why they fell in love with living by the sea.

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