Britain's summer of 2026 continues with warm weather across the country, leading coastal visitors to seek out top beach bars and seaside pubs.
Although forecasts indicate slightly cooler temperatures next week, warm days offer opportunities to enjoy coastal watering holes. Options range from centuries-old pubs with ocean views to surfer beach cocktail venues and simple beach huts serving lemonade for children after a paddle.
Lusty Glaze Beach Bar in Newquay
Lusty Glaze Beach Bar sits hidden away just north of Newquay in Cornwall, offering an atmosphere that feels like an escape to a far-flung balmy island.
On weekend nights, a resident DJ spins music behind a pink and white boat lit with neon lights, converting the beach sand into a dancefloor. During quieter weeknights and earlier in the day, the venue provides a peaceful environment accompanied by the sound of lapping waves.
Visitors can order beverages including a Lusty's Pink Lemonade cocktail or a pint of Sundowner lager. More details can be found at lustyglaze.co.uk.
Sargasso on the Margate pier
Sargasso is situated on the Harbour Arm stone pier at Margate in Kent. The venue provides direct views back across Main Sands and the town's architectural mix.
Located near Dreamland, local art galleries and the Turner Contemporary, the bar allows visitors to relax with drinks and coastal sharing dishes after exploring local attractions. Patrons can order a Muz red vermouth and soda before taking a late-night dip in the bay.
Further details are available at sargasso.bar.
Tŷ Coch Inn in Porthdinllaen
The Tŷ Coch Inn is located on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula at Porthdinllaen in Gwynedd, Wales. The shore-side pub features a red exterior and expansive views across the water.
The pub is accessible by foot only, requiring a 20-minute walk from the nearest car park. Inside, the pub features a nautical decorative theme with jugs and jars hanging from ceiling beams, alongside rotating cask ales.
The venue serves food for lunch only, with no food service in the evening, and doors close at 7pm on weekdays. More information is listed at tycoch.co.uk.
Still & West in Old Portsmouth
The Still & West is a Grade II-listed Fuller's pub located on the harbour in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire. Its waterfront position ensures a constant breeze and broad views across the Solent, Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The pub features nautical charm and serves drinks such as a pint of Seafarers ale to patrons watching harbour traffic. The establishment is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their dogs along.
Details are available at stillandwest.co.uk.
The Cove at Hope Cove
The Cove operates as a beachfront cafe bar tucked near the cliffs around Hope Cove, a tiny sandy beach in Bigbury Bay in South Devon. The maritime pub sits steps from the water and serves both tourists and community residents.
Outdoor picnic benches allow guests to sit outside and take in the sea air. Drink options include Devon Scrumpy cider. Further information can be found at thecovedevon.co.uk.
The Hut at Colwell Bay
The Hut is situated directly on the beach at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, operating as a coastal fixture for locals and tourists since 2013. The venue has grown from a small rustic beach bar into a hotspot featuring whitewashed walls and an English beach club atmosphere.
Visitors have described the venue as "spectacular" and the food as "awesome." One visitor commented: "Best of all: the incredible sunset seaviews on a clear, sunny day."
Information is available at thehutcolwell.co.uk.
Macgochans in Tobermory
Macgochans is housed inside a former fisherman's cottage looking over Tobermory in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The venue includes a pub, dining area, beer garden and live music, attracting tourists during summer and local residents year-round.
The venue serves seafood sourced from the bay, alongside whisky from the nearby Tobermory Distillery, cocktails, and pints of Gobhar Odhar ale produced by Ardgour Ales.
Details are listed at macgochans-tobermory.co.uk.
The Square & Compass in Dorset
The Square & Compass is located in Worth Matravers, Dorset, positioned directly on the Jurassic Coast overlooking the English Channel. The venue combines a rural and coastal atmosphere, catering to walkers and food lovers while welcoming dogs.
The pub serves pasties and pies prepared by Dorset bakers, accompanied by local ales including Moonlite from Hattie Brown's Brewery.
More information is listed at squareandcompasspub.co.uk.
The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island
The Pilchard Inn is located on Burgh Island in South Devon, a micro-island once frequented by author Agatha Christie. The pub features cream stone fireplaces indoors and outdoor benches overlooking the water.
Access to the island depends on the tide. Visitors who find the tide in after eating and drinking can take a ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor.
Additional details are available at burghisland.com/the-pilchard-inn.
