Rocksalt, Epsom
A Warm Welcome Discovered by Chance
I first found Rocksalt while searching for a place to eat with my family. It came up online, and we decided to try it — and I’ve been coming back ever since. What makes Rocksalt special isn’t just the menu (though that helps); it’s the feeling. Step inside and it instantly wraps you in warmth. Open, lively, and relaxed, it has the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re on holiday — even if you’re just around the corner from home.
There’s a buzz that never feels chaotic: families catching up, couples on dates, groups sharing nibbles and drinks. Whether you’re here for dinner, cocktails or just a glass of wine and some olives, it never feels like you’re rushing in or being rushed out. That comfort, that casual energy — it’s one of the core traits of a third place, and Rocksalt does it without even trying.
A Design That Balances Detail with Ease
The interior is beautifully thought through — modern with rustic touches. Wooden floors and chunky tables meet pewter-grey walls and wicker details. The lighting is soft and stylish: wicker lampshades hang and geometric wooden ceiling panels, casting a glow that feels both elegant and unpretentious.
Even the air conditioning is styled with wood and wicker, blending seamlessly into the aesthetic (something I never thought I’d say about air con). There’s vintage decor — small antique-style trinkets tucked into corners — but the real design statement comes from the textures and tones: the contrast between dark wood and soft neutrals, the glow from the lamps, and the warm mix of seating.
Music hums in the background — usually a mix of upbeat pop and relaxed dance tracks. Enough to give the place energy without overtaking conversation. Like the rest of the space, it’s dialled-in just right.
Tapas, Mains & All the Small Joys
Rocksalt’s menu is generous and made for sharing. There’s everything from grilled padrón peppers to arancini, slow-cooked beef filo pastries to charred halloumi and lamb kofte. The small plates are perfect for grazing — whether you’re catching up with friends or going full date-night mode.
My favourites? The pan-fried king prawns in garlic butter and paprika, the Hampshire pork fillet in wild mushroom sauce, and the grilled tenderstem broccoli. Everything arrives beautifully presented, but without any pretension. The flavours are bold, the ingredients fresh, and the kitchen doesn’t miss a beat.
There’s also a hearty mains section — steaks, burgers, schnitzels, seafood, pastas — but the magic is in the flexibility. You can come for a full dinner or just pick two or three small plates and a cocktail. The menu doesn’t pressure you to make it an “occasion” — another key part of what makes a Third Place work.
The Outdoor Area: A True Escape
My favourite part of Rocksalt might actually be outside. The outdoor space has stone flooring, warm lighting, and wooden walls lined with tables — and somehow, it really does feel like dining abroad. It’s peaceful and ambient, and when the weather’s good, there’s nowhere else in Epsom I’d rather be.
At the back, there’s a separate room for large groups — benches along three walls, exposed brick, glowing uplighting, and large wooden tables that are made for birthdays, long dinners, and celebration.
A Place That Feels Like More Than a Restaurant
What makes Rocksalt more than just a great restaurant is how effortlessly it brings people together. Even if I’m not meeting anyone I know, I always feel like I could. It attracts a real mix: families, dates, catch-ups, work lunches.
It’s comforting. Welcoming. Warm. A place to reconnect or unwind. Somewhere you don’t need an excuse to visit. In a world of quick drinks and takeaway culture, Rocksalt gives you a reason to linger. And that’s why it feels like a third place: not home, not work, but something in between — and sometimes, exactly what you need.
Comments