Luxury Locations issue 26

FEATURE

A defining season for Rocks Group For Rocks Group, this moment marks more than new openings. It’s a statement of growth. From Sheer Rocks, the iconic clifftop destination celebrating 15 years with a refreshed design and concept, to Catherine’s Café, the timeless beachfront favourite in English Harbour, and Rokuni, the bold Asian-inspired concept now thriving in Sugar Ridge, the group’s portfolio has become a masterclass in consistency and creativity. Each venue feels completely unique, yet unmistakably Rocks Group – a blend of effortless style, warmth, and quality that has helped define Antigua’s hospitality scene for over a decade. “We’re a small island, but our standards are world-class and we compete on an international stage,” says Grimley. “That’s what drives us. Creating spaces that feel special, but also accessible. Whether it’s a six-course dinner and wine pairing or a pint and a fish butty by the marina, the goal is the same: to deliver the best possible experience and quality, every single time.” That ethos has paid off. Sheer Rocks has been named Best Restaurant in the Caribbean three times by three different publications, Catherine’s Café continues to win international accolades, and Rokuni has become a west coast favourite for both intimate date nights and elaborate omakase feasts. Now, Fat Urchin and Roca carry that legacy forward; approachable, inventive, and just a little rebellious. The future looks bright There’s something deeply Antiguan about the Rocks Group story. The balance between old and new, laid-back and luxurious. It’s a reminder that evolution doesn’t mean abandoning roots; it means building on them. With Fat Urchin drawing crowds to Jolly Harbour and Roca on track to be a signature stop for gourmets on the go, Antigua’s west coast is becoming a destination within a destination, not just for travellers, but for the island’s own community. “We’ve always wanted to create places that locals love first,” says Grimley. “If the community embraces it, the visitors will follow. That’s the magic ingredient.” As the group continues to grow, with whispers of more projects already on the horizon, one thing is clear: Antigua’s dining scene is evolving fast, and Rocks Group is leading the charge. From the cliffside elegance of Sheer Rocks to the casual charm of Fat Urchin and the refined everyday appeal of Roca, the group’s latest chapter is more than a series of openings. It’s a testament to a vision. One built on creativity, consistency, and a shared belief that good food and good company never go out of style. n

global sanitation projects. “Roca is truly unlike anything we’ve done before,” continues Grimley. “It’s a concept we’ve been nurturing for some time, and now this venue brings it to life in a way that we think will genuinely wow people.” Alongside Fat Urchin, this space is being crafted by Sempre, the visionary award-winning designers behind Rokuni’s sculptural interiors. Known for blending organic materials with striking architectural form, their influence gives Roca its quiet sense of theatre - a refined showcase of its top quality offerings. The result is a space where everyday rituals like a morning coffee, pantry restocks, or an evening glass of wine feel effortlessly elevated. Roca captures the evolution of Rocks Group’s design language: grounded in nature, confident in simplicity, and always layered with warmth. Every texture, finish, and fixture tell the story of a brand that understands how space shapes experience and how design, done well, becomes hospitality’s silent host. Together, Fat Urchin and Roca tell two sides of the same story: the evolution of the Antiguan dining scene. One celebrates comfort and community; the other, craftsmanship and curation. Both speak to an island in motion; embracing new tastes, ideas, and experiences while staying grounded in authenticity.

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