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

The Cove

4.7 (96)
£25 and under
Pub
53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 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

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Menu

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What 96 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 Overall

  • East Sussex

    Best Food

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambiance

  • East Sussex

    Best Value

  • East Sussex

    Good for groups

  • East Sussex

    Healthy

  • East Sussex

    Hot spot

  • East Sussex

    Neighborhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Sussex

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Hastings

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cove offers "superb food" with standout Sunday roasts and a varied menu, making it a delight for all preferences. Guests appreciate the "fantastic service," delightful atmosphere, and "great selection of drinks." Outdoor seating enhances the experience, creating a perfect spot for relaxed meals. Highly recommended for its consistency and warmth.
96 Reviews

  1. Peter

    East Sussex1 review

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good quality food, though you often have to wait 45 minutes from ordering to arrival which is a tad too long. Nice place though, friendly staff. Pricing is high and be prepared for a 12.5% service charge!

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  2. Mark

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had Sunday lunch for the family. Moved indoors last minute in case of rain (which never came). Superb food, Between us we had the beef sirloin, roast chicken and the mushroom nut roast for my pescatarian wife. Empty plates all rounds, and not because the portions were light! I’ve been trying for years to make Yorkshire puddings like that… All accompanied by a fantastic range of draft bears and wine and absolutely faultless service, even thought they had a number of bookings, including a table of 16. And very pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived. Can’t recommend highly enough.

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  3. nicola

    East Sussex1 review

    3.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    overpriced food £26 roast £9 service on top food wasn’t anything special cute little venue though

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  4. Joseph

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    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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  5. 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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  6. 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.

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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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!

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  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.7 stars by 96 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 5 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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