Sitting pretty on the sands of North Cornwall’s Polzeath Beach,
Surfside is the sort of place you’d come to at least three times a
week if you lived close by – and even that wouldn’t be enough. The
weather-beaten exterior appears somewhat gritty, but don’t be
fooled. Inside, straw pendant light fixtures, bistro-esque chairs
and wooden walls make for a stylish dining set-up. Its backyard rum
bar, however, is what really seals the deal. Decorated with
towering palm trees, centuries-old treasure chests and benches
strewn in Persian rugs, the ramshackle space was purposefully
designed by Tom Bailhache to pay homage to rum’s swashbuckling
roots. The menu? 90 different types and counting.

Could it be Ibiza? Possibly Formentera? No, it’s Folkestone.
Tucked on the western edge of the Harbour Arm, The Pilot is a top
spot for an afternoon of sun-worshipping with a side serving of
craft cocktails. Opt for a shaded seat inside the container
structure or relax on one of the deck chairs beneath the baby palm
trees. There aren’t many beach bars we’d rush to on a bad-weather
day, but this place is the exception, thanks to its ridiculously
delicious hot chocolates.

Renowned in local circles as the best shack in town for craft
beers and live-music sets, The Cove is exactly where you’d picture
a relaxed crowd of beach lovers to spend their time. The venue is
spread across two floors: upstairs you’ll find a bar-only menu –
perfect to work your way through while watching the sky turn
Tango-orange. Downstairs, seafood platters, wood-fired pizzas and
burgers the size of your face await. We suggest heading along for
6pm, when you should be able to bag one of the first-floor balcony
seats. Order an extra-large Salcombe gin and kick back to sweeping
views across Mouthwell Sands.

Margate and us? It was love at first sight. With a streetscape
that oozes a vibrant and fiercely creative attitude, the Kentish
town is also home to one of the UK’s coolest beach bars –
naturally. Step forward, The Sun Deck. Perfectly positioned on the
Promenade, directly opposite Main Beach, the outdoor space is the
result of a community-led effort. It has since become something of
a landmark, with Margate Arts Club and Margate Radio regularly
hosting gigs and events. Come with your crew, but be warned: this
is a walk-ins-only affair.

Worthing is having a major moment, and we are absolutely here
for it. Among the new bevvy of independent boutiques and edgy
eateries is Bayside Social, the brainchild of Masterchef champion
Kenny Tutt. With a design inspired by Miami’s thriving art deco
scene, you’ll find playful touches throughout the sleek,
glass-fronted terrace property – think sun-kissed wood,
burnt-orange leather details and ocean-blue tiles. You’ll find us
scoffing our way through the small plates menu, with a chilled
mimosa to hand, obviously.

A summer drinks menu that has an entire section dedicated to
frozen cocktails? We’ll have one of each, please. Overlooking
Edinburgh’s Portobello Beach, The Boathouse first opened its doors
back in 2019, and has been a playground for the city’s cool kids
ever since. Interiors are made complete with neon lights, flower
walls and a wooden pergola draped in fairy lights. Party people
should visit on a Saturday night, and arrive hungry – the food menu
is too tempting to resist. Our order? The bruschetta paired with an
enormous bowl of Napoli pasta, washed down with an icy porn star
martini.

Proof that you shouldn’t judge a watering hole until you’ve
tried its drinks, the unassuming traditional village pub that is Ty
Coch Inn can be found in the Welsh fishing village of
Porthdinllaen. Splash in Morfa Nefyn Beach’s gin-clear waters,
before joining a charming crowd outside the boozer for an ice-cold
cider. On a quiet day, you should be able to snag one of the picnic
tables, from which to enjoy sweeping views across the Irish
Sea.