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.