You can forget sticky carpets and warm drinks, Rockwater Hove’s taken the idea of ‘the local’ and given it a glow-up. The lounge room at the back of the seafront restaurant has been transformed into ‘The Pub at Rockwater’, serving up pies, Sunday roasts, and a smorgasbord of nostalgic retro crisps.
Cosy Sunday vibes
The open-plan layout makes it a sociable spot, and the vibe was warm, welcoming and properly convivial, with groups watching football and drinking pints, playing pool, and lots of kids and families eating roasts together. The look is far from your average boozer though, and decidedly more chic than anything calling itself a sports bar. Think cream bouclé armchairs, rattan lampshades and soft pink neon lighting, all adding to the feeling of hanging out in someone’s fancy living room. Plus there’s lots to keep kids (big and small) entertained, from stacks of board games to football matches on the TVs, making it a lovely spot to while away a Sunday afternoon.
The service at Rockwater Hove hits that perfect balance: you order at the bar, but the staff are friendly, attentive and always on hand. We were topped out with gravy and condiments without even having to ask, and felt properly looked after without it ever feeling formal.
Drinks at The Pub at Rockwater
For anyone taking a break from alcohol, the zero-percent Dry Dragon sparkling tea is a standout we’ve enjoyed several times: crisp, refreshing and a nice alternative to sparkling wine. Our dining companion had a blood orange hibiscus margarita – a zesty, floral cocktail that looked as good as it tasted.
The main event: Rockwater’s Sunday Roast
Now, onto the main event: the Rockwater Sunday roast. Priced at £25, the 30-day aged roast sirloin of beef definitely sits at the higher end, but it’s absolutely worth it. It was some of the best roast beef we’ve had at a pub roast in Brighton or Hove: tender, perfectly cooked, and mercifully free of any chewy bits. The roast potatoes (always the decider for whether a roast makes the grade) were surprisingly good, too: crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Our plates came piled high with maple-glazed carrots and parsnips, fresh, buttery greens, and a glossy, thick gravy that brought it all together beautifully. The cauliflower cheese was pure indulgence; creamy with a thick béchamel sauce that had us finishing every last scrap.
We ate with some small people in tow who also loved the food. The kids swerved the roast in favour of pizzas, which disappeared in minutes and had the adults fighting over the leftovers. They rounded things off with mini ice-cream sundaes sprinkled with Smarties – an absolute hit.
We couldn’t resist the dessert menu even though we were dangerously full. The dark chocolate mousse was a standout, light yet deeply chocolatey, topped with crunchy hazelnut praline and dark cherries. Across the table, the treacle tart with poached rhubarb delivered full-on comfort with stem ginger providing a subtle kick.
Final thoughts: You won’t regret swinging by for a roast
We left content and happily full, the twinkly lights of Rockwater Hove glowing behind us as we rolled out to the seafront. If you’re on the hunt for a great Sunday roast in Brighton, a family-friendly pub or a sophisticated place to watch sports, this one deserves a spot on your list.
The BOTI lowdown
Best for: Cosy Sunday afternoon feasts by the sea, ideal for families, groups and roast lovers.
Eat this: The 30-day aged roast sirloin of beef with all the trimmings (and don’t skip the cauliflower cheese).
Drink this: The blood orange hibiscus margarita if you’re indulging, or the zero-proof Dry Dragon sparkling tea if you’re not.
BOTI pro tip: Book ahead for a Sunday roast, it gets busy, and make sure you leave room for dessert. The dark chocolate mousse is a must.
Open daily; food served from midday – 10pm
Rockwater Hove, Western Esplanade, Hove, BN3 4FA
rockwater.uk