Few things in life feel better than enjoying a cold drink at the seaside, looking out to the horizon. While opportunities along the UK’s diverse and beautiful shores have been previously limited to pubs, cafés or a dash to an off-licence, there’s now a burgeoning bar scene that channels the feel of faraway places. Here are 23 of Britain’s most alluring beach bars to enjoy before the end of summer…
Dune Bar at The Oystercatcher,
This converted caravan sits on the sandy dunes of Rhosneigr, where marram grass dances in front of a dramatic, rocky beach. Retro cocktails come in jugs, while short but satisfying wine and beer lists keep things simple. Pizzas, loaded fries and chicken wings can be grabbed from nearby Pat’s Shack and enjoyed on a 64ft-long dining table. oystercatcheranglesey.co.uk
Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd
For majestic views of the Irish Sea, head to this inn in the little village near Morfa Nefyn, on the Llyn Peninsula. You can only access the pub on foot, but it is well worth it for the view of Porthdinllaen beach immediately below, with its golden sand and azure water. Nautical decor keeps things traditional – as does the focus on real ales and hearty pub grub. tycoch.co.uk
The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen, Brynmill, Swansea
Located at Brynmill on the edge of Swansea, this beach bar is the ideal place for a spritz after a day spent on the sandy beach. The Secret Signature cocktail list is a highlight, with fresh ingredients such as strawberries and watermelon, and there are nibbles including mussel and cockle popcorn and calamari on the all-day menu. thesecretswansea.co.uk
The Caribbean-channelling rum bar is the spot to sink cocktails to the soundtrack of local musicians and DJs while keeping your toes in the sand (there’s also a pirate ship-like terraced seating area). Expect classic cocktails, low- and no-alcohol options, locally brewed beers on tap and a solid wine list. You can even order fresh seafood from the BBQ Boat. The bar’s west-facing outlook is perfect for sunset, too. surfsidepolzeath.co.uk
The Beach Club at Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall
Built into the rocks overlooking Tavern Beach at St Mawes, the Italian-inspired Beach Club is set across three terraces at the Hotel Tresanton – a former yacht club. Blue and white-striped canopies and semi-tropical plants set the scene, which is offset by unbridled views of the sea. Keep things light with spritzes, oysters and small plates before taking the steps down to the beach for rockpooling or a brisk swim. thepolizzicollection.com/hotel-tresanton
Serving the surf scene on the north Devon coast, this clapboard café is renowned for the home-made Sri Lankan curries it dishes up on weekend evenings. In summer, the Sunset Bar is the place to watch the sun sink into the sea, with DJs on Sunday evenings. instagram.com/thebeachcafedownend
Keep a lookout for the baby blue surfboard atop a pink convertible and you’ll have found Sobo Beach bar on Southbourne’s promenade, at the tail end of Bournemouth. Among the sand and shingle, sip on conker spritzes or peach sangria while waiting for a pizza, poke bowl or something fresh from the grill. Music ranges from disco DJs to Latin beats, and wellness sessions and creative workshops offer a wholesome way to start the day before the bar opens. sobobeach.co.uk
With views across Weymouth Bay (and beyond), Billy Winters is a former shipping container-turned-beach bar and diner right on the sands. Named after the local “Billy” prawn is caught in the colder months, the bar starts the day with coffee before moving on to its own Islander Lager, small batch gin (and tonic), mussel ale and oyster stout – and much more. Be sure to order from its shellfish bar as well. billywinters.co.uk
Southsea Beach Café, Southsea, Hampshire
Hanging wicker lights, potted cacti and deep-blue tiling sets the scene at Southsea Beach Café. Set on Clarence Esplanade, its outdoor benches are perfect pews for taking in views of the Solent while sipping on a cocktail. New sea wall defences have upgraded the esplanade and added amphitheatre steps around the 500-year-old castle, around which a poem by Simon Armitage has been inscribed into the sea wall. But be warned, the area will be packed for the three-day Victorious music festival over the August bank holiday weekend. southseabeachcafe.co.uk
Goat Ledge, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex
It’s hard to miss this colourful community café on the shingle off St Leonards-on-Sea’s Lower Promenade. It’s a good thing, too, as it offers the perfect spot to soak up the sun with a fish bap in one hand and a glass of something chilled in the other. The long beer list is its niche, but expect cocktails and wine as well, while seasonal food menus will keep you sated. goatledge.com
Bison Beach Bar, Brighton, East Sussex
Overlooking the Sea Lanes open-air pool complex on Brighton beach, Bison Beach Bar celebrates craft beer. Rooftop booths can be booked but it’s just as nice to find space on the beach and enjoy a selection of beers that run through its 14 taps, as well as classic cocktails. Food comes from Wood x Coal and there are DJs at weekends. bisonbeer.co.uk/beachbar
The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, Folkestone, Kent
Set inside a lighthouse on Folkestone’s Harbour Arm, this is England’s closest Champagne bar to France, with Cap Gris-Nez only 23 miles away. The bar also serves English sparkling wines, crémant and still wine. Cocktails are a real celebration of all things fizzy, from Kir and Pêche Kir Royales to French 75s. Oysters, pâtes and sharing platters will help to soak up the bubbles. thelighthousechampagnecompany.co.uk
Sea Shed Beach Bar and Kitchen, Margate, Kent
In keeping with this creative seaside resort, Margate’s Sea Shed Beach Bar and Kitchen was painted by three contemporary artists in bright, bold colours. It sits on the sweeping expanse of beach. Find space on a picnic table to enjoy classics from margaritas to piña coladas. Picnics are provided by zeitgeist restaurant pop-ups – most recently, Bocca di Lupo.instagram.com/seashedmargate
Finxs Beach Bar, Broadstairs, Kent
Genteel Broadstairs – most often associated with the author Charles Dickens, who visited frequently – is these days home to cool spots such as Finxs Beach Bar. Pitched right on Viking Bay, its bright interiors display menus of classic cocktails – think spritzes, negronis, margaritas and daiquiris – alongside English sparkling wines, orange wine, beers and ciders. instagram.com/finxsbeach
Festoon lights twinkle around the Dune Bar and Kitchen in Old Hunstanton. Set right by the sand, this contemporary beach shed is turning out some of the best food and drinks in the area. Spritzes, classic cocktails and wines by the glass keep guests’ thirsts quenched, while tacos, pizzas and fritto misto keep dining casual. Sunday nights often feature live music. duneoldhunstanton.co.uk
The Beach Shack, Whitby, North Yorkshire
The Beach Shack on West Cliff offers patrons one of Whitby’s best views over the beach and harbour from bright pink and blue benches. There are DJ nights and stone-baked pizzas, too.
facebook.com/thefishermansshackwhitby
Marsden Grotto, South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Marsden Grotto was first created in 1782 when lead miner and quarryman Jack “the Blaster” Bates and his wife, Jackie, used dynamite to blow a hole in the side of the cliff at Marsden Bay to make themselves a beachside home. It is now a cave bar and restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and local seafood overlooking the North Sea. marsdengrotto.com
Fred’s Fish Quay, North Shields, Tyne and Wear
Fred’s on Tynemouth’s Fish Quay is the perfect place to watch boats drift by. This surf-themed diner-cum-bar is laid-back and decorated in bright colours, with surf boards and huge sea-themed murals. There are Tiki classics (cocktail umbrellas and pineapple-shaped glasses) and boozy slushes, while food highlights include “spice bag” fish or chicken and chips, and lobster or fried ice-cream sandwiches. fredsfishquay.co.uk
Durano Lounge, North Shields, Tyne and Wear
They don’t come quirkier than Tynemouth’s Durano Lounge. Inspired by its location inside a former toy museum, this playful seaside café and bar is a charming spot to enjoy views of Longsands Beach. Drinks are fun and inventive – the Mango Tiki Shake, Cherry Bakewell and Pink Pearl Fizz in particular. thelounges.co.uk/durano
The Landing, Beadnell Bay, Northumberland
Only 100 metres from Beadnell Bay Beach, The Landing’s floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace offer a chance to soak in the view of the Northumberland coast’s endless sandy dunes. Ales from local breweries and a curated wine list are perfect accompaniments to the seafood-heavy food menu. northcoastcollective.co.uk/the-landing
Cladach Beach House, Brodick, Isle of Arran
With its claim to fame of being Scotland’s only beach bar, Cladach Beach House is perched on the golden sands of Brodick Bay on the Isle of Arran, overlooking the Firth of Clyde. As well as shining a light on independent beer, wine and cider producers, its changing cocktail menu showcases local spirits and ingredients on an island where palm-like trees line the shores. cladachbeachhouse.co.uk
Harry’s Shack, Portstewart, Co Londonderry
Right on the golden sands of the two-mile-long beach at Portstewart Strand, Harry’s Shack is an homage to restaurateur Donal Doherty’s father, who founded the family’s first restaurant in Donegal. Now, his son serves local beers, fresh seafood and home-grown vegetables to the hordes of visitors who descend on the seafront. Sheltered from the wind by a grassy bank, this is the ideal sun set spot. harrysshack.app
Shanty Portrush, Portrush, Co Antrim
Housed in a former boathouse and old lifeboat shelter that played an important role in Portrush’s maritime history, the Shanty bar is an imposing white and red beacon. An impressive wine list is matched with coolers, fizzes and sours, plus beers which slip down easily while overlooking Northern Ireland’s famed Causeway Coast. shantyportrush.com.