The Cove

4.6

55 Reviews

£25 and under

Pub

Make a booking

2 people

30 Nov 2024

19:00

Neighbourhood gem
Dog-friendly
Charming

In sleepy Fairlight, on the edge of the Firehills, The Cove is an independently run freehouse serving locals, wanderers and gastronauts alike. Halfway between Hastings and Rye, The Cove is the perfect stop after a walk across the local beaches and coastal paths of East Sussex. We have a fire for the winter nights, a garden for summer days, and a friendly bar waiting to welcome you.

Originally a hotel, the building sat empty for several years until 2022, when the Cove was renovated, restored and reopened with a new lease of life. It has quickly gained a reputation for excellent, elevated pub food with local chef and restauranteur Nick Hales leading the kitchen.

In 2023 it was featured on The Times 50 Best Summer Pubs, and given a glowing review by Grace Dent in The Guardian Observer.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Pub, British, Gastro Pub
Hours of Operation
Tue 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
01424 814772
Website
http://www.thecovefairlight.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX
Area
Pett
Parking details
Private Lot
Public transit
The Cove Bus Stop
Additional
Dog Friendly, Indoor Fireplace

What 55 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Diners' Choice Awards

East Sussex
Best Service
East Sussex
Best Ambience
East Sussex
Child-friendly
East Sussex
Good for groups
East Sussex
Neighbourhood gem
East Sussex
Great for outdoor dining
East Sussex
Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Cove is a charming hidden gem offering "delicious food" and "fantastic service." Known for its welcoming atmosphere, "attentive staff," and locally sourced ingredients, it provides an excellent dining experience. Set in the picturesque village of Fairlight, The Cove is perfect for enjoying a special meal with beautiful surroundings.

55 Reviews

n
nikki
East Sussex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent as always and great value for money. Thank you The Cove for a brilliant Sunday lunch
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L
Lauren
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really nice food and friendly service, definitely recommend. We had the burger and corn chowder.
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j
judith
London
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 26 October 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very friendly local restaurant with good fresh food and helpful staff.
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C
Clarke
London
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on 20 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Nicely if a little eclectically decorated. Food is outstanding, at least two notches better than a regular pub meal. Some minor gripes but really very good in all the important respects, fresh produce, well prepared. Generous portions and prompt service. Good wine list and that was sensibly priced too.
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G
Gillian
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 6 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing Sunday roasts and a great outside space for children to play! Very pleasant service
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R
Roy
Hertfordshire
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on 6 October 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Sunday lunch average and far too expensive. Staff very pleasant.
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R
Roy
Hertfordshire
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 4 October 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Nice restaurant area. Food very good but a little expensive. Unfortunately the seating was rather uncomfortable. Very pleasant staff.
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M
Marissa
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 3 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious burger, great selection of beers, so good to be back!
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M
Mark
East Sussex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 27 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service.. Lovely setting.. Noise level not for some as bar customers can spill out into dining area but no problem for us. I’m sure it’s not all the time . Would return there again definitely.
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P
Phil
East Sussex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding, service and atmosphere wonderful
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FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.6 stars by 55 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

30 Nov 2024

19:00

53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Pett
Hours of Operation
Tue 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Wed–Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Pub, British, Gastro Pub
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Public transit
The Cove Bus Stop
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Dog Friendly, Indoor Fireplace

Website
http://www.thecovefairlight.co.uk/
Phone number
01424 814772

The Cove

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 55 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Cove restaurant rated?

Is The Cove currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information