Rockwater Shacks THE owner of a set of “shacks” on Hove seafront will learn next month whether he can have a permanent drinks licence. Luke Davis, who runs Rockwater, known for many years as the West End Café, wants to be able to sell alcohol from Shacks by the Shore, with the shacks resembling beach huts. The current temporary licence was due to expire last week so Mr Davis applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for a permanent licence to sell drinks until 10pm. But some neighbours have objected and now a council licensing panel has been asked to decide the application.
IGLOOS designed to be Covid-19 secure have been destroyed by winds during Storm Bella. Some of the outdoor dining by Rockwater, Hove, can be seen to be damaged in the storm that caused havoc across the city last night. The 30 seafront pods, that cost £160,000 to build, were forced to close during the second national lockdown. Each igloo comes with its own heater and speaker, as well as a service button which will light the igloo red. Although the venue was damaged, Rockwater Hove’s Shacks By The Shore have been serving up food and drink from June. Speaking to The Argus in November, Luke Davis, owner of the Rockwater development on Hove seafront said: I ve been constantly changing the business to work within the legislation.
Brighton Zip A SMALL theatre on Brighton seafront has been granted a drinks licence provided it sticks to a number of conditions. The Electric Arcade, in Madeira Drive, is expected to operate as a theatre-led arts venue with at least 14 activities a week. The venue, under the zip wire, can count public performances, rehearsals and group workshops towards the total. Other licence conditions imposed by Brighton and Hove City Council include a ban on vertical drinking – the term used by licensing officials for standing and drinking. The only exception would be if it was required as part of the artistic element of a ticketed show.
NEIGHBOURING multi-millionaire developers are facing off in an ongoing battle over a popular seafront venue. Rockwater Hove is a £3.7 million project by IW Capital boss Luke Davis, who lives nearby, to transform the Western Esplanade venue formerly known as The View. The development has seen the introduction of “Covid-safe” igloos on the neighbouring grass, as well as beach huts selling takeaway food and beer. However Mr Davis, who has invested millions himself in the project, says his business is now “fighting for its life” after complaints from a neighbour. That neighbour, he says, is Roger Wade, the chief executive and founder of Boxpark – a series of food and retail hubs in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley made out of refitted shipping containers.