THE UK is basking in temperatures of up to 30C this bank holiday, it’s even going to be hotter than Greece, or as Sun Travel like to call it – perfect beach bar weather.
If you’re hoping to sip on a cool beer or salty margarita by the coast, check out our favourite spots in Kent, Devon, all the way to the Isle of Wight (and don’t forget your sun cream).
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Little Swift, Kent
“Sipping frozen margaritas on the beachfront as the sun sets behind you… there’s hardly a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in the UK.
“And Little Swift in Margate, Kent, is one of my favourite places to do it.
The tiny natural wine & cocktail bar has a number of tables on the pavement out front, overlooking Margate’s Main Sands beach.
“They specialise in frozen cocktails from £9, with flavours ranging from pina colada and margarita to Aperol sours.
“Grab a drink, people watch, then make your way to Beach Buoys for some of the best fish and chips of your life.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
Bo’s Beach Cafe, Devon
“The atmosphere may be a little more mellow than some of the other spots mentioned in this list, but the views will surely trump them all.
“The decking from Bo’s Beach Cafe juts out over North Sands beach, a dog-friendly shore in Devon.
“Wooden picnic tables look out towards the bluest of oceans where you can watch the sea tractor roll in and out daily, collecting local passengers from the water and delivering them to dry land.
“Expect to mingle with a mix of laidback locals as well as tourists who prefer to escape the crowds of the nearby Salcombe.
“The pizzas are legendary and can be washed back with an ice cold beer.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor
The Hut, Isle of Wight
“For a spectacular sunset cocktail or a chilled glass of rose, there’s no better place to be than The Hut at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight.
“This chic, laid-back beachfront restaurant and bar combines the casual charm of a traditional British seaside pavilion with the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of a Mediterranean beach club.
“There’s panoramic views across the Solent from its open-air deck where you can enjoy the freshest seafood while the DJ spins mellow tunes and as night falls, the party really starts.
“The joint is popular with sailors too – and has its own dedicated tender service to bring people from their boats, yachts and dinghies.” – Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel
The Venus Cafe, Devon
“We all know Devon beaches have a lot to boast about, but at the red sand, Broadsands Beach near Paignton, you’ll find the fantastic Venus Cafe.
“With views of the bay, the Venus Cafe has a huge decking area with over 100 seats to soak up the sunshine.
“If you are here in the morning then they breakfasts are a must, but the cafe also serves locally caught fish such as mackerel and sardines at the weekend.
“From the beach bar you can also spot the two Brunel steam railway viaducts, where you will see steam trains chugging along.
“The cocktails are a must here – costing just £9.50, flavours include a tropical pineapple daiquiri with coconut and Salcombe’s Island Street rum.
“Prefer something with more of hit? Pick the Espresso Martini, which is made with local Tors Vodka and a pinch of sea salt (game changer!).” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Rockwater, Hove
“Last summer during the July heatwave, I was sunning myself in Hove and stopped by Rockwater Beach Club on the promenade.
“The venue is rustic-looking on the outside and blends in with its surroundings with wooden- slatted exterior and huge glass windows.
“The inside is spectacular with plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere with both locals and tourists chattering away.
“I felt like I was in another country as I sipped on an Aperol Spritz whilst the sun shone through open windows looking over Hove Beach.
“When I go back next, I’m desperate to sit upstairs on the roof terrace which soaks up the sunshine and has sweeping views across the seaside.
“The drinks list is as long as your arm with everything from classic cocktails to refreshing summer coolers.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Surf Side, Cornwall
“I can think of nowhere I’d rather be on a gloriously hot day than Surf Side on the Cornish shores of Polzeath.
“This lively rum bar is spread across two floors and spills out onto the sands with party goers stomping their feet late into the evening.
“I once heard someone refer to this spot as an “apres-sea” bar and it feels completely fitting with hordes of surfers stumbling in after hitting the waves.
“The food is decent, as well as the cocktails – sample the local oysters, gorge on a steak sandwich or tuck into moules marnieres (mussels in a white wine sauce).
“Outside on the sands – and part of the bar – you’ll find a little old beach boat that’s been converted into a food van of sorts and sells outdoor BBQ bites and beach fries.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor
Blackpool Sands, Devon
“At Blackpool Sands – which is already very picturesque – you’ll find Blackpool Sands Café, Lounge and Restaurant.
“The tropical-looking lounge has an interior and vibe that transports you to the Mediterranean, with straw umbrellas, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a heap of natural light.
“And its so close to the beach that the sand even gets inside.
“Dishes on the menu all use locally sourced ingredients, so what you eating feels as good as what you see.
“But – as you are in Devon – make sure to get their cream tea.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter