Rockwater

Rockwater is a bar, restaurant and events venue on Western Esplanade, on the seafront at Hove. It offers two spaces for private hire: the Roof Terrace and The Pub.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

GLW recommends Rockwater for couples who want a relaxed seafront party rather than a formal hotel ballroom. Both spaces are available for exclusive or semi-exclusive use all year, so you can choose how private the day feels. The events team tailors each booking, which helps if you want to build a day around your own plans.

Ceremonies

The venue lists private hire for events, and the Roof Terrace is the main space for a celebration with a view. Whether a legal ceremony can be held on site is not confirmed here, so ask the events team. Many couples hold the legal part elsewhere in Brighton and Hove and bring the celebration to the seafront. Hove Town Hall and the Brighton register office are both within a short journey.

Receptions and food

The Roof Terrace holds up to 120 seated for dinner and up to 250 standing. It has a retractable roof that opens in warmer months and is enclosed and heated in cooler weather. There is a private balcony with views over the seafront. The Pub holds up to 150 standing and has a private bar, a log burner in winter and a lawn and patio that open in summer. Catering for private hire is arranged with the events team, so ask what food and drink packages can be offered for a wedding. It is also worth asking how the two spaces can work together, for example a meal upstairs and an evening party downstairs.

Getting there and the area

The venue is on Western Esplanade, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4FA, facing the sea. Hove station and Brighton station are both reachable by train, and buses run along the coast road. There is no dedicated car park, but paid on-street parking is available on Kingsway.

Good to know

• Private hire runs year-round, for exclusive or semi-exclusive use.
• There is no on-site parking.
• Capacities depend on the layout, so confirm numbers for your format.