The Ropemaker has opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment and there is plenty to tempt anyone who is looking for a trip to the seaside with a difference.

The second pub with rooms from the award-winning Heartwood Inns (part of Heartwood Collection and sister company to Brasserie Blanc), The Ropemaker is located in the pretty coastal town of Emsworth, Hampshire. Nestled between Chichester and Portsmouth, this is the perfect coastal location to dine, drink and unwind in one of the 43 boutique bedrooms.

A space whatever the occasion

On entering, guests are welcomed with a spectacular island bar serving a curated wine list alongside local cask ales, beers, cocktails, spritz and mocktails. Guests can choose to sit at the bar, on one of the sumptuously upholstered banquettes or lounge in an armchair by the open fireplace. The bar leads into the large, airy dining room. With curved banquette seating and cosy booth seating, the dining room is the perfect space for guests to enjoy whatever the time of day. To the front, there is a welcoming terrace to enjoy a drink in the sunshine and, to the rear the garden has been transformed into a sheltered space for guests to relax over a drink whilst they dine. Three colourful heated private dining beach huts have been installed which are perfect for intimate groups of up to eight guests each.

A seasonal, sustainable menu

With a three star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest rating possible, The Ropemaker is serving up its summer menu full of seasonal favourites. The pub works with renowned suppliers such as Aubrey Allen, Jude’s and ChalkStream trout to change their menus quarterly in line with the seasons using the highest quality ethically sourced produce and ingredients.

To start, take your pick from an Isle of Wight heritage tomato salad with avocado & lime purée, creamy bocconcini or ChalkStream trout tartare served with avocado, pickled radish, trout caviar and rye bread. Mains include a beautifully cooked bouillabaisse made with monkfish, langoustine, bream, king prawn, mullet and gurnard, saffron potatoes, braised fennel and sauce rouille served with crusty baguette and pub classics such as St Austell’s beef and ale pie served with a Tribute Ale taster on the side. Desserts include Heartwood’s signature pistachio souffle served with Jude’s chocolate ice cream and a creamy Basque cheesecake served with macerated strawberries, blueberries and a strawberry coulis.

Children are catered for with their own dedicated menu filled with activities to keep them occupied whilst you dine with two courses for just £9.50 and three courses for £12.50. Dishes include grilled trout with homemade tomato sauce and ice cream served with the ultimate toppings platter (£2 supplement) which includes mini marshmallows, strawberries, chocolate sauce and more.

On Sundays the pub serves a classic selection of roasts including 30 day dry-aged beef from Aubrey Allen served with all the trimmings including bottomless Yorkshires, gravy and roast potatoes.

For special occasions, guests will be able to book the private dining room with a range of tailored menus that can also be personalised to suit every occasion.

Stay with Them

The Ropemaker has 43 beautifully appointed bedrooms where the attention to detail is second to none. Each room boasts a comfy Silentnight mattress, luxurious throws from The Secret Linen Store and duvets from The Fine Bedding Company. Guests are welcomed to their room with sweet treats and a softly playing Roberts Radio. Designed in Heartwood’s signature warm, welcoming style with a touch of quirk, the rooms are decorated with a nod to the building’s Victorian heritage and coastal location. Rooms range from a Snug, perfect for the solo traveller through to Comfy, Really Comfy, Fancy and Really Fancy which boasts a roll top bath, fluffy robes and Bramley sleep spray for the perfect night’s rest. All rooms benefit from tea and coffee making facilities, rainfall showers, Bramley toiletries and smart TV’s with casting to make your stay as relaxing as possible.

Family Friendly

The Ropemaker is the perfect destination for families looking to explore the Hampshire coast. Located between Chichester and Portsmouth on the Chichester Harbour (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), families can explore the historic dockyards of Portsmouth, the Roman villa at Fishbourne and the sandy beaches of the Witterings. The pub has a beach toy library from which guests can borrow a selection of toys and games to enjoy on the beach. The pub has a range of rooms which are family friendly including interconnecting rooms, trundle beds and rooms large enough to accommodate cots, each one coming with an activity-filled kids pack to keep young minds entertained.

Canine companions are welcome too

The pub has a number of dog-friendly rooms located on the ground floor for guests travelling with their four-legged friends. Pooches are pampered with dog beds and Bramley toiletries for a charge of £20 (total cost for the stay for up to two dogs). With a heated dog shower and stick library outside, you can take your pup on a walk without worrying about muddy paws on your return. They also have their very own gourmet menu courtesy of Sir Woofchester’s which includes nutritious and tasty dishes such as “Fish & Chips” and “Bark Bangers”.

For more information visit https://ropemakeremsworth.com/

What else?

Emsworth’s location is perfect for exploring Chichester with its cathedral, independent shops and world renowned Festival Theatre. For those seeking a bit of retail therapy head to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth with its extensive range of high street favourites and buzzing nightlife. Goodwood is just 25 minutes away by car for those seeking the thrill of the horse racing or the Festival of Speed.

Emsworth itself is a quaint town with a stunning harbour from where you can take trips on a restored oyster boat, full of quirky independents and a lively arts community. Less than two hours by train from London or a two hour drive, this is the perfect stylish coastal escape where there is so much to do on your doorstep.