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

The Cove

4.7 (93)
£25 and under
Pub
53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood 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.

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
  • Neighborhood
    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 93 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Food

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambiance

  • East Sussex

    Good for groups

  • East Sussex

    Hot spot

  • East Sussex

    Neighborhood 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 "excellent service," making it a perfect spot for both relaxing lunches and lively afternoons. Its beautiful garden and dog-friendly environment add to the charm, ensuring a memorable visit.
93 Reviews

  1. Joseph

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really friendly waitresses and good food, patatas bravas was especially nice.

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  2. Nikki

    London3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely relaxed birthday lunch in the garden at The Cove. Our food and wine was delicious, and it was a real treat being able to sit in the sun in their beautiful garden. We can’t wait to go back

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  3. John Mark

    Surrey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a fantastic table outside. Service was friendly and professional. The Sunday roast of beef was delicious, yummy fish bites and a great selection of drinks. Later we moved inside to wait for the band which was fun and energetic. It was a really fun afternoon. Thanks.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Eileen

    East Sussex3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 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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  5. Paul

    London3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 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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  6. karen

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 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!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Rachel

    East Sussex1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 25, 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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  8. Sarah

    Newcastle and Northumberland2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 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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  9. Jacqueline

    London3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 13, 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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  10. Jim VIP

    London13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 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.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.7 stars by 93 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 reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today
Google Map for The Cove

53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    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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