Rockwater in Hove's new 'speakeasy' style rooftop bar

Rockwater CEO Luke Davis says the new space will "reinvigorate and elevate" the experience at his destination with smooth jazz music and a cosy atmosphere. 

Once a summery seaside hub with cool house tracks and glass-fronted windows has been transformed with curtains, soft cushions and a wood-burning fire in the centre.

"It feels like a bit of a speakeasy," said Luke. "We've got jazz evenings on Thursday and then we're going to change the events on the Saturday and the Friday."

Luke Davis, left and Roberto Paterna, right (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

It comes hand-in-hand with a new partnership with trance label Perfecto Records - fronted by DJ Paul Oakenfold.

"I love seeing people's faces when they walk in. The vibe is really nice."

The cosy rooftop at Rockwater (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The smooth soundtrack of a jazz band on Thursday evening was the brainchild of director of operations Roberto Paterna.

He said: "I went around Brighton and Hove during the winter and I saw a kind of ghost town.

"People need some sort of motivation to come out in order to get out of their pyjamas on their couches and come out. We have an amazing new drink list, a beautiful product.

"We needed the right vibe to go with this. I'm a firm believer Thursday is the new Friday, so we thought why not try some Jazz with the new atmosphere?

"There is no better place to be than Rockwater on a Thursday night. We are adding coolness into Brighton's music culture - A space for the community to come and feel cuddled by our service."