The Relais Cooden Beach

The sandwiches were great and good value, which was a bright spot. But this is the second time we’ve visited and found the tables left with food and glasses on them. When I asked a manager to clean ours, he asked whether there was another clean table. There wasn’t, and most people were just moving things onto other tables. It doesn’t look good for such a well-placed restaurant. It’s also a shame the staff can’t take orders at the table and get some tips.

We ended up leaving without being served and walking back to Bexhill for food and drink. We’d walked over ready to relax, but waited and waited without anyone acknowledging us, even though staff were serving the nearby tables. At least five staff were walking around, but I couldn’t tell what they were doing. The outdoor seating area is great, and there’s table service for food and drinks. It’s a shame, because on earlier visits the service was quick, polite and friendly. Now I’m not sure the walk from Bexhill is worth it.

The food was really good overall, though the plain mashed potatoes and rather unexciting cheese board, despite being generous, lost it a point. Some of the seating in the cosy food and bar areas sits inexplicably low. The hotel itself was comfortable, with a lovely room and great bathroom facilities. Brilliant location right on the beach, by a station.

We had a peaceful two-night family retreat at Relais Cooden Beach Resort, tucked at the end of Cooden Drive road. The seafront views gave us a sense of calm and privacy, and the amenities and dining were superb. It’s a bit pricey, but reasonable for the location. A great place to unwind if you’re feeling busy and worn out and fancy a little flash and glamour. Highly recommended.