Rockwater founder plans two multimillion-pound Poole openings

The founder of the Rockwater bar and restaurant in Hove is planning to invest around £8.7m in opening two sites on Poole seafront.

Luke Davis, founder of private equity firm IW Capital, said the success of his Hove opening inspired him to create further community-driven venues to help regenerate the area.

Two cafes in Sandbanks and Branksome Chine will be transformed into restaurants and branded as part of Rockwater Village, despite being situated on different parts of the coastline.

The first venue, on the Sandbanks peninsula, will be refurbished with a central cocktail bar, ice cream parlour and terrace overlooking the sea. It will include a beachside deck where a morning lifestyle programme, Rockwater Life, will be run from, and feature takeaway kiosks selling food, drinks and a retail range.

The Branksome site will be a family-friendly, "affordable" restaurant with a roof terrace, beachside deck and takeaway shacks, and will host entertainment such as comedy and music.

Davis opened Rockwater Hove in 2021 after its initial launch was hampered by December 2020 coronavirus restrictions.

It employs around 300 staff and hosts events, classes and talks alongside serving food and drinks on the seafront.

Davis said: "Covering two seafront sites - Branksome and Sandbanks cafes - the two venues will be linked through the concept of Rockwater Village. The new venues will completely change the way these seafronts operate, offering an elevated and community-driven hospitality experience.

"In keeping with Branksome and Sandbanks' community-driven ethos, the venues will aim to serve as a new community hub to nurture the mental and physical well-being of all visitors.

"As my passion project, I want Rockwater Village to become the heart of the community, providing a go-to venue for lifestyle and wellness events which breaks the mould of the traditional hospitality venue that Brits might have become accustomed to."