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

The Cove

4.7 (90)
£25 and under
Pub
53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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 17:00–23:00 Wed–Sat 12:00–23:00 Sun 12:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Area
    Pett
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    The Cove Bus Stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

What 90 people are saying

The Cove reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Overall

  • East Sussex

    Best Food

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambience

  • East Sussex

    Hot spot

  • East Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Sussex

    Lively

  • Hastings

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cove offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food," "friendly and helpful staff," and a "lovely atmosphere." Guests rave about the "delicious roast" and "quirky wine list," making it a must-visit. The restaurant's welcoming vibe and attentive service ensure a memorable outing for food enthusiasts and families alike.

90 Reviews
  1. Eileen

    East Sussex3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Sunday roast and charming server. Very fair pricing.

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  2. Paul

    London3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had booked an outside table, however it was a cool day so instantly we were offered an inside one. The service staff were amazing, on top of it and really attentive. Skill level in the kitchen was excellent, superbly cooked and presented food, delicious and flavourful. We didn’t opt for the Roast, and what we could see coming out of the kitchen, really wish we had…. Great quirky and really interesting wine and drinks list. Defo recommend a visit.

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  3. karen

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 26 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, friendly and helpful staff, lovely atmosphere - will definitely recommend and visit again!

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  4. Rachel

    East Sussex1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 25 April 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The location and ambience of the restaurant is really nice and we felt very welcomed and comfortable from the moment we walked in until the end. The food was delicious and fresh.

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  5. Sarah

    Newcastle2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 19 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent meal. We ate lunch on a Saturday outside with our 2 adult sons: we shared 4 starters, then had a main course each. We have never had such enormous, juicy mussels! Our sons said it was the best burger (beef) they had ever had - slightly pink and also juicy! Excellent value for money. Great service.

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  6. Jacqueline

    London3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 13 April 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely food and atmosphere. Varied and good value menu. Number of covers meant food was v slow coming out of the kitchen so get some bread and crisps in while you wait

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  7. Jim VIP

    London13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Cove is a good pub for food. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The food was fresh, and the menu had something for everyone. Dog friendly, so they sat under the table. Would recommend.

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  8. Julie

    Brighton3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was so lovely and kind food was amazing and drinks great atmosphere will keep coming back

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  9. Nikki

    Devon2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous pub, great atmosphere, staff very friendly and accommodating and with our two spaniels as well, and the vegetarian Sunday lunch was absolutely delicious!

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  10. Andrew

    East Sussex2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal, good service, generous portions and lovely quiet but busy atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.7 stars by 90 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. East Sussex
  4. Hastings
  5. Pett

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 2 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 17:00–23:00 Wed–Sat 12:00–23:00 Sun 12:00–21:00
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
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