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Our bar at The Cove - The Cove, Hastings, East Sussex

The Cove

4.7
4.7
73 Reviews
£25 and under
Pub

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
  • 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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 73 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Child-friendly

  • East Sussex

    Healthy

  • East Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Sussex

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cove offers "exceptional service" and "delicious food" in a "lovely setting." Its warm atmosphere and "friendly staff" make it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Guests rave about the "amazing Sunday roasts" and the varied menu, which caters to all dietary preferences. A "great experience" awaits at this cozy spot!

73 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely charming place to stop for lunch whilst walking a bit of coastal path. Perfect sirloin of beef with a glass of Pinot noir. Thank you guys.

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  2. Axel

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Im a war vet with ptsd, I called to get a quiet table etc. The help was there, service and provisions excellent! We sat upstairs, quiet, lovely and Phoebe our waitress was attentive, helpful and kind. The food was as awesome as the reviews I'd made my decision on. Had the steak to share, oysters and cheese. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for so I can't complain. Steak served already sliced ! Maybe that's standard or thoughtful because I'm a left arm amputee. Ill be returning, go! You'll love it.

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  3. Rosie

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always brilliant. Delicious food, reasonably priced and fantastic service.

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  4. Debby

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the cove and the food and service was spot on as usual. Slightly noisy on this occasion and had to repeat ourselves a few times to be heard which was a little bit annoying but I guess to be expected sometimes

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  5. Jan

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, excellent service and value for money.

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  6. Emily

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came for a Sunday roast. Delicious food. Got a starter and dessert to share. Service was great. Will definitely come back.

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  7. Lauren

    London

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great roast dinner options, including veggie/vegan, fantastic drinks list and really good service. Nice atmosphere.

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  8. catherine

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Warmly hosted a triple birthday lunch for a large family, great food, friendly service and a lovely experience. Will be back

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  9. David

    Brighton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Once again a fabulous meal with great service, although I’m a dog lover I’m not the biggest of fan of dogs in the dining area and I like them even less when the bark and the owners do nothing but talk to them as if they understood but overall a lovely meal

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  10. freddy

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    À very cosy little pub not too far from the sea and perfect for a mid-walk lunch. Delicious food, an impressive range of drinks, and a very generous welcome - including to our dog!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.7 stars by 73 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
Google Map for The Cove

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
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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