Following a series of pop-ups over the years, Bunka has returned with a permanent rooftop location and spectacular views across Hastings and the coast. The venue serves a selection of pizzas, meats, cheeses, local beers and a Henners English wine bar.
The rooftop sits atop Hastings’ Observer building, breathing new life into an iconic town-centre landmark with a fresh cosmopolitan energy. Envisioned as a laid-back destination, Bunka Rooftop is a place for long summer evenings on the south coast, shared plates and sports screenings under the open sky.
‘Bunka’ is a Japanese word for culture, reflected in its established reputation for bold culinary fusion. Alongside classic pizzas like margherita and pepperoni, the menu features unexpected combinations such as mussels and nduja alongside Asian-inspired creations like a kimchi pineapple version, bringing a playful twist to traditional flavours. The menu also features a daily selection of cured meats and British cheeses, which pair well with house pickles and focaccia and, naturally, the assortment of English wines courtesy of Henners Vineyard.
Cocktails are just as inventive as the food menu, reflecting Bunka’s playful approach to flavour and fusion. The drink list reimagines classic cocktails with unexpected twists - from adding plum and ginger to a Negroni to infusing an Old Fashioned with toasted black sesame.
The restaurant is led by a trio of food lovers: chef Josh Levy, street food innovator Celia Farrar and operations expert Tad MacDonald. Josh started his career with Jamie Oliver before working with Michelin-starred chefs including Thomas Keller, Albert Roux, Jason Atherton and Tom Kerridge. Farrar, meanwhile, originally from a design and branding background, went on to found Europe’s first poke eatery before publishing a cookbook on Hawaiian-inspired sushi bowls. Macdonald brings over 15 years of hospitality experience, with experience ranging from steak specialists Flat Iron to coffee experts Caravan, before working as operations manager for Heist, Boatyard and Farmyard in St Leonards.