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

The Cove

4.7
4.7
85 Reviews
£25 and under
Pub
53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 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.

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
  • 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 85 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Overall

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambiance

  • East Sussex

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • East Sussex

    Hot spot

  • East Sussex

    Neighborhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Sussex

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cove delights with "great food, excellent service" and a "lovely atmosphere." Diners rave about its "delicious roasts" and "friendly staff." With a "dog-friendly" vibe and "generous portions," it's a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether for a cozy lunch or a special occasion, The Cove promises a memorable experience.

85 Reviews

  1. 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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  2. 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?

  3. Julie

    Brighton3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 30, 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

    Is this helpful?

  4. Nikki

    Devon2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 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!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Andrew

    East Sussex2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 16, 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?

  6. Alexa

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience for lunch ! Wonderful place, great service and great food!

    Is this helpful?

  7. George

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great staff, great food, great venue. It is why we've been 10 times plus. Just great. Delicious, well thought out menu and the chefs take such care to get it just right. Very refreshing.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Rozzy

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Cove never disappoints. The most delicious roast- and you must have the cauliflower cheese on the side. Service always with smiles, despite it being as busy as can be! Can't fault it.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lesley

    London9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Easy to book, friendly helpful staff on arrival. Nice atmosphere. The food was generally good but pricy. Not impressed with the pitiful scraps they called chips. We would go again, for the atmisphere and friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rozzy

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious roast, as always - the best in the area in my (humble) opinion! Great service, thanks all!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cove is rated 4.7 stars by 85 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 6 times today
Google Map for The Cove

53 Waites Ln, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AX

Dining areas

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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