Hot Rocks Restaurant and Cocktail Bar first opened its doors in 1997 and was the brainchild of local businessman and surfer John Green. But the story begins well before then - back in the late ’80s, when John was shaping surfboards under the name Green Classic Longboards in a small workshop unit in Christchurch. (Look out for them - they’re still out there!)
In 1989, John opened the original Hot Rocks Surf Shop in Bournemouth. He brought the beach lifestyle to town with everything from boards to beachwear. What started as a town centre surf shop would eventually lead to one of the best-known beachfront restaurants on the UK coastline.
Every summer, John would rent a pop-up shop in a tiny corner of the Pier Approach known as the ‘Pony Shelter’. The unit also housed an aquarium, a palm reader called Madam Rosina, and even a boat hire office. Here, he sold flip-flops, sunglasses, and all the must-have gear for a day by the sea. These were classic touches you’d find in any seaside surf shop near Bournemouth Pier.
In 1996, John’s seasonal pop-up came to an abrupt end when the council earmarked the site for redevelopment. Refusing to let go of this iconic beachfront spot, he proposed a bold new idea . . .
To transform the single-storey building into a vibrant, two-storey surf-themed American-style diner.
He was keen to bring a “Taste of Summer” indoors all year-round. Inspired by his love of surfing, John planned to serve dishes from around the world, each named after famous surfing destinations. The restaurant would be decked out in surfboards, bold beach colours, and memorabilia from surf culture across the globe. Surfing films would play all day long, creating a laid-back vibe with views over Bournemouth Pier and its beautiful golden sands.
The ground floor would also double as a surf shop, supported by major surf brands keen to be part of something truly special.
John’s idea struck a chord. The bid won a unanimous vote, beating out national and international chain restaurants. His local, independent vision stood out, and that’s how Hot Rocks Restaurant & Cocktail bar was born.
Thanks to its prime location and standout design, Hot Rocks quickly became a Bournemouth landmark. Known affectionately as, “the big white building with the turquoise roof,” it’s featured in countless seaside photos. And, of course, no visit is complete without a snap of our famous wave and surfboard sculpture outside the front doors!
For three decades, we’ve welcomed locals, tourists, and beach lovers from all over - earning a reputation as the go-to beachfront restaurant in Bournemouth.
Like many in hospitality, we battled through the difficult months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as the world began to reopen and recover, another wave hit us - this time far closer to home.
In October 2021, a seemingly harmless neon sign caught fire. Within moments, flames spread to the roof. The resulting fire and water damage devastated the entire building, leaving us no choice but to gut and rebuild Hot Rocks from the inside out.
It was a tough blow for our team, our guests, and our local community.
But giving up was never an option.
We reimagined the space, modernised the design, and kept our doors - and hearts - wide open.
The décor may have changed. The surfboards might have gone. But the soul of Hot Rocks remains the same: still bringing a Taste of Summer to the seafront, whatever the weather.
We’re proud to still be one of Bournemouth’s best-loved local independent restaurants, run by a fantastic team who work tirelessly to help you make great memories by the sea.
We’re still chasing that Endless Summer - and we’d love you to be part of it.
