Innovative dishes, freshly caught produce and cool, coastal vibes mark out these new restaurants and cafes
Owner Luke Davis hopes Rockwater will help revitalise the Hove seafront. The modern, glass-fronted building on the promenade is open all day, from breakfast on the deck (crab benedict, meat- and plant-based fry-ups) to cocktails on the roof terrace. The main lunch and dinner menu includes small plates (such as lobster mac & cheese), large plates (beer-battered cod or banana blossom and chips) and sourdough pizzas. The roof terrace menu is fancier, with oysters, caviar and fruits de mer platters, while takeaway shacks serve hotdogs, bagels and tacos. There are plans for live music and film screenings; upcoming events include wellbeing talks, creative writing and chess clubs, and a “gin and sequins” party. Rockwater Life is a health and fitness programme held on the deck, the lawn and in the sea, ranging from yoga, pilates and meditation to strength training, bootcamps and paddleboarding.
• Mains from £11. Open daily 7am-11pm, rockwater.uk