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

The Cove

4.6
4.6
60 Reviews
£25 and under
Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 6 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
  • Website
    http://www.thecovefairlight.co.uk/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX
  • Neighbourhood
    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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 60 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambience

  • East Sussex

    Child-friendly

  • East Sussex

    Good for groups

  • East Sussex

    Healthy

  • East Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Sussex

    Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Nestled in a charming setting, The Cove delights with "delicious food" and "fantastic service," making it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience. Known for its "excellent food beautifully presented," the restaurant offers a varied menu with locally sourced ingredients and an impressive wine list. The staff's warmth and attentiveness add to the inviting atmosphere, ensuring guests feel welcome. With a cozy environment and unique charm, The Cove is a "little hidden gem" perfect for an enjoyable meal in the lovely village of Fairlight.

60 Reviews

  1. Tina

    East Sussex

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This is now our local pub. Lovely roast but pastry bit over cooked and a bit dry. Was brought more gravy which was what was needed. The young waitresses were friendly and service good. Bit pricy but good food.

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  2. Louise

    East Sussex

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another delicious meal at The Cove … lovely cosy atmosphere and great staff .

    Is this helpful?

  3. David

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely cosy pub with friendly owners and staff who look out for new recipes and wines constantly.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Laurence

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very well prepared and presented, the service was attentive and not overbearing, this is the third time we have eaten here and it certainly doesn’t disappoint

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  5. Oliver

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing restaurant, the roasts were incredible, staff very friendly and the perfect atmosphere. Will be returning very soon. Thank you!

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  6. nikki

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 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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  7. Lauren

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 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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  8. judith

    London

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 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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  9. Clarke

    VIP

    London

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 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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  10. Gillian

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 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

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.6 stars by 60 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for The Cove

53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access
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