If you are looking for somewhere that will provide you with a perfect blend of relaxation and local culture, let me introduce you to Emsworth. This quaint town on the UK's south coast, which boasts beautiful sights, filled with picturesque waterside views and coastal charm, is an ideal spot for a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. And right in the middle, nestled in between Chichester and Portsmouth, sits The Ropemaker Pub.

Having undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, this second pub with rooms, from the award-winning Hartwood Inns portfolio, is the perfect place for anyone looking for a seaside escape that has everything they need wrapped up in beautiful boutique bedrooms, seasonal sustainable suppers and family-friendly (including your fur babies) fun.

We attended back during the holiday season, where the venue had a stunning Christmas tree adorned in bronze baubles and sparkles galore and twinkling lights strung around the bar - as soon as you entered the venue, you could feel the warmth of the place. But no matter the season, the friendly staff, the delicious aroma from the dining areas or the cosy chatter in the on-site bar, you are set at ease and immediately want to rebook.

Heartwood are known for having a very welcoming and warm style, which can be seen equally as reflected in their exquisitely designed bedrooms. The venue currently hosts 43 rooms, each one filled with everything you need for your home away from home; every detail has been carefully considered to make your stay the best it can be. From complimentary Bramley Sleep Spray and Ear Plugs for each guest, to Digby Dog Packs, complete with dog shampoo and treats for your canine companions. And it’s not just the bedrooms where attention has been at the forefront of the brand’s mind. Little touches are found all over - our favourite, their ‘Public Libraries’ - unlike the traditional, Ropemaker’s Libraries are ones that you’ll never find anywhere else. From their ‘Beach Toy Library’ - where guests can borrow a selection of toys and games to enjoy on the beach–that's just a quick 15 minute drive up the road–to their ‘Stick Library’ where only the best-loved sticks have been selected, borrowed and put back for your pooch to peruse and pick from.

Not paws’ing just yet on the dog theme - as resident pup Grace attended this review with us - their outside heated dog shower is a godsend for muddy paws and sandy bellies, allowing you to wash up before dinner. For her, a gourmet dog-friendly meal from Sir Woofchester’s range, which they sell in their restaurant and bar, which includes both nutritious and delicious (or so I’m told) dishes and drinks, including dog-friendly versions of Beer and Paw Star Martini.

And for us. There was also no shortage of delicious drinks and fabulous food choices. Their restaurant, which has an incredible three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the highest accolade, is outstanding and well worth making the trip and booking for on that merit alone. Their menus are specially designed and change with the seasons. Wanting to showcase “menus [that] celebrate fresh, vibrant flavours” you can expect to see some winter warmers as we head into the colder weather” or some lighter dishes in the Spring and Summer months. Taking inspiration from some French classics, The Ropemakers have “a rich tapestry of seasonal ingredients” that their “talented chefs [use] to create dishes… that are skilfully woven together”.

With a range of different menus to suit your mood, you can choose between their À La Carte, All-Day Dining (on Saturday) or their Sunday Roast with dedicated Party and Kids menus on request. Nibbles always come in the form of fresh, warm bread with a selection of toppings and dips, and farm salted butter to lather on, Rustica olives and a variety of ‘bar snacks’ such as Scotch Eggs.

If you are a fan of a Souffle, then this is the place for you - because not only do they do them for Starter (the Twice-Baked Cheese Souffle, made with a rich Coastal Cheddar Sauce) - but also for Main (A Grand Souffle - Mushroom Duxelle & Oak Smoked Cheddar Souffle, Truffle Cheese and Chive Sauce with Green Beans) and Dessert (Pistachio Soufflee with Jude’s Chocolate Ice Cream). Now, if you think that multiple soufflé’s in one meal is one too many, then we just can’t be friends. I opted for both the Cheese and the Pistachio - starting and ending my meal off on a soufflé high. The Twice-Baked Cheese immediately caught my eye. It was playing on the TV in our bedroom, highlighting the dishes of the season and oozing in all its cheesy goodness, and it did not disappoint. The pistachio, too. Two of my favourite things - souffles and pistachio come together, I was drawn to another dessert, thinking I should probably explore something other than a souffle here, but a few quick words with our wonderful waiter soon changed my mind. He said it was one of the best desserts on the menu, and I think he may be right. My guest opted for their seasonal crumble: right now - that’s Wye Valley Rhubarb with Rhubarb and Elderflower Ice Cream - and although delightful and rich in flavour and jamminess, the soufflé’s lightness just topped it over.

But if soufflés aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more on the menu to get you excited for. Exquisite cuts of meat - including their Pork Tomahawk or 14oz Chateubriand for Two, whole fillets of fish or dressed crabs through to seasonal risottos and pies. With a fantastic selection of British and French cheese to finish off.

And each dish pairs together perfectly with their carefully curated wine list, as well as an impressive list of local cask ales and beers.

Before-dinner drinks can be taken in the bar, where guests can choose between Woody’s Favourites, a selection of only the best in-house crafted cocktails, to the more classic cocktails with a modern angle, such as their Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and Spicy Marg, through to dedicated twists on Spritzes, Bucks and Mules. Brambleberry, Elderflower & Apricot and Rose took up the Spritzes of the season, while the Mule’s see Raspberry and a Finnish variation listed with a Spiced Apple Buck finishing the cocktail menu off strong – but make sure to ask for what’s in season and their specials, to get the most out of their expertise, as, like the food menu, the drink one, too, changes with the seasons.

Creating something for everyone, The Ropemakers have a selection of equally delicious Mocktails such as their Apple and Ginger Spritz and Zest Fest, which combines cloudy apple juice with Belvoir (the OG, ifykyk) elderflower cordial, lemon, mint and soda, as well as a range of Low and No Alcohol drinks including an AperNo Spritz and an EspressoNo Martini.

We recommend sipping in style around their exquisite island bar, a focal point in the open plan hospitality areas, with cosy sofas hidden in the snug and armchairs placed in front of an open fireplace to warm you up - in the summer, a beautiful terrace to the front and a beer-style garden in the back offer an extra way to cool off as you sip in the sunshine. Or for larger parties - three separate, brightly-coloured, Instagrammable heated beach huts provide an intimate setting for private dining, accommodating up to eight guests each.

Breakfast offers a selection of lighter dishes such as fresh seasonal fruit platters with natural yoghurt through to Full English breakfasts, classic loved dishes including Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs, Smashed Avo on Toast, and Bacon and Maple Buttermilk Pancakes - and, of course, a sausage, for the pooch. The perfect start to your day after a well-rested evening. Fuelling you up to explore the area, lounge in their sun-trapped garden or head home - bellies full, heart happy and a lot of wonderful memories made.

The Ropemakers Pub gets the balance just right: relaxed but refined, welcoming yet quietly stylish. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, whether you’re there for the food, the setting, or simply the atmosphere. A return visit feels less like a question and more like a plan – already one set in motion.

The Ropemaker: A Coastal Retreat Where Comfort Meets Culinary Craft

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