POOLE’S newest beachside restaurant has been a “massive success”, according to its owner.
The first part of the Rockwater development in Branksome has enjoyed a successful start despite a delayed opening in September.
Last Thursday, guests were given access to a private gig by 90s DJ legend Fatboy Slim – known for The Rockafeller Skank, Praise You and Right Here, Right Now.
Entrepreneur Luke Davis said that the completed first half of a 'Rockwater village' in Branksome will soon be joined by another restaurant in Sandbanks.
Fatboy Slim performing at Rockwater in Branksome earlier this week. What an atmosphere @RockwaterH @FatboySlim pic.twitter.com/VkIN2j4Sjm
— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) November 18, 2023
Speaking about the expansion along the Dorset coast, he said: “Rockwater is a massive, massive success. We’ve just launched a new menu on the roof because the first one was launched because it needed to get out there and we were running out of time to open.
“It’s been a huge success. The place is full, from the second it opens to the second it closes and it’s doing extremely well.
“And it’s created 200 jobs.”
Having taken over the former Branksome Beach café, the space boasts a ground-floor bar, restaurant and lounge, along with an upstairs terrace with sea views.
He added: “Obviously, there were some service issues for the first few weeks, but that's all been ironed out, but it’s probably been the best opening of a business that I’ve done.”
Before coming to Poole, Luke was chiefly based in Brighton and Hove where he launched Rockwater.
The multi-million-pound project was based on Brighton’s Rockwater, where members pay an annual subscription fee of £1,000 per person.
In return, guests can get exclusive access to a number of benefits, including special nights, money off food and leisure activities.
Luke said the complex serves as a space to “eat, drink, connect, work, play and be inspired”.
He is also due to open the second half of the “village” in Sandbanks in spring next year – but already has a small kiosk there to “create a brand awareness”.
“It would be a massive shame to not have full facilities on that beach for next summer, given the numbers of people and obviously the brand of Sandbanks,” Luke added.
“This massive brand and Rockwater hopefully finally delivers on that beach what people expect when they come to Sandbanks.”
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