Latest news with #beachbar
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
I visited the best seaside town in the UK during a heatwave – with a beach bar that feels like it's in the Mediterranean
HOVE is the vibey neighbour of the popular Brighton - and my top choice for a weekend break when temperatures hit an all-time high. It's a tad more relaxed, still with a pretty pebble coastline and blue waters, but much quieter. 7 7 On Friday afternoon, just under two hours from my home in Hertfordshire, I hit Brighton. The seaside town that everyone knows and loves for its sea lanes, pop-up market stalls, quirky creatives and music scene. But shortly after arriving, I left and decided to head over to Hove instead. Just a mile's stroll down the front, which is delightful on a bright summer day, and I was there. It was immediately quieter with a notable absence of Brighton's squawking seagulls. Hove still retains its beach charm, and in fact, it's recently been named one of the best seaside towns to live in. The Times said: "With plenty of beach to go around, and vibrant culture and nightlife, Hove (actually) is the UK's best place to enjoy a city-by-the-sea lifestyle — it's far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers. "Here you'll find a more relaxed lifestyle that is heavy on yoga, wellbeing and barista-made flat whites." Almost as soon as I hit Hove, I discovered a gem of a beach bar called Rockwater. Rustic-looking on the outside, Rockwater completely blends in with its surroundings with wooden slatted exterior, huge glass windows. and the inside is spectacular. The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 7 It has plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere - imagine the sun shining through open windows, the clinking of glasses and happy tourist chatter. Just like me, visitors have been so impressed by Rockwater that they feel like it's transported them to another country entirely. One wrote on Tripadvisor: "We managed to catch the sun-setting over the sea making it feel like we were on holiday abroad." The popular beach bar that's open from dawn until dusk has various areas to relax in, from the dining area to cosy nooks and even a corner filled with books and magazines. But, the jewel of Rockwater is the rooftop bar which has sun umbrellas, and it's enclosed with a glass balcony to lessen the sea breeze. I opted for a table downstairs next to the huge open windows which look out directly onto the seafront promenade. I'm nosy, and love nothing better than sipping on a cocktail and people-watching at the beach. Rockwater has an extensive drinks menu from classic cocktails, to refreshing summer coolers, the price of a glass of wine starts from £7. I opted for an Aperol Spritz for £12, while the food options varied from salads to lobster and crayfish mac'n' cheese, burgers, steak, a variety of pizzas and of course, classic fish and chips. It's not just for adults either, there's a kids menu with the likes of sausage and chips, pasta and desserts from chocolate brownies to sundaes. 7 7 If you come to the seaside with your dog, Rockwater is dog-friendly, so they are welcome inside - the only rule is that they're not allowed on the roof terrace after 8PM. Around the back of the beach club are food trucks for anyone who wants the same food, but would rather enjoy it on the beach. Unlike other beach bars, Rockwater hosts all sorts of activities, too, including early morning yoga and sea swims as well as evening craft workshops, comedy nights, and live music. The summer evenings are dedicated to Rockwater's Sunset Sessions x Cafe del Mar where a DJ entertains guests with music on the roof from 5PM until midnight. There's also silent yoga discos, book club socials, sound bath sessions and the fad that I had to get involved in - puppy yoga. The Yogi Paws team hosts an hour-long session of puppy yoga at Rockwater which is held in the mornings and trust me, it really helps to unwind. There's also a second venue on the promenade at Branksome in Poole. Sun Travel also visited the new London riverside beach club that feels like you're in the south of France. Plus, the three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor this year.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The Mykonos-like beach restaurant on the UK coastline where guests get delivered by boat
FOR anyone wanting a slice of Greece right here in the UK, check out this very cool bar. On the Isle of Wight is a bustling coastal bar called The Hut where you'll find all-day parties, live music, and cool beach vibes that make it feel like it belongs in the Mediterranean. 4 4 With the hot weather rolling back in, The Hut is the perfect place to have a bite to eat, enjoy sea views and have a dance. The bar sits on the edge of Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight which has a shingle shoreline and calm waters. The Hut itself looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean with gleaming white walls, retractable glass windows and long wooden tables. Just like some of the most exclusive Mykonos bars, you can get to this one in style, by boat or even helicopter. For those taking to the water, you can get a boat out onto the water, then on approach to The Hut drop anchor as their own tender will bring guests to shore. Those wanting to arrive like a celebrity, you can even come via helicopter. This will land at the helipad at Afton Manor next door - no one will forget that. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "The food was superb and watching the dingies taxi service bringing in the customers from their boats for lunch was incredible." With a boat to shore service, and the bar being right on the coast, guests have said it looks like it could be in the Mediterranean or even the Caribbean. Another said: "I still marvel what the owners made out this old humble beach cafe- this would not look out of place in Mykonos." The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 4 Posts on social media show The Hut hosts lots of live events with DJs, dancers, live musicians like saxophone players with guests getting up and dancing on the tables. For anyone wanting more of a relaxed vibe, avoid Saturday lunch time as The Hut warns that's when the DJ will be at it's loudest. The Hut's menu thrives on seafood, there are surf and turf sharing platters as well as oysters, crab and mackerel. Fish is their speciality with eight dishes dedicated to the likes of sole, sea bass, cod and sea bream. But you can also dig into a juicy cheese burger, steak and Korean chicken. When it comes to drinks The Hut has so much choice including 15 house cocktails which are £15 each. There's also an eight page wine list as well as a choice of beers and non-alcoholic drinks. The Hut is busy, so it's recommended to book before setting off, and for bigger groups you'll need to put down a deposit of £15pp to secure your spot. Each year, The Hut holds its own annual party with live music and DJs. It costs £250pp whole table buyout which includes a Hut Feast, bottomless rosé, and a welcome cocktail. The Hut has private parties too for anyone who wants to celebrate with incredible views. Both the Roof Deck and the Top Deck can be made indoor our outdoor because they have retractable roofs, sliding glass walls, and heating. Plus one travel writer discovered London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city. And the UK's best beach bars – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails. 4
Fox News
14-06-2025
- Fox News
Florida home to America's top beach bars as Daytona Beach spot leads the list
"No shoes, no shirt, no problem." That's the motto at the No. 1 beach bar in America. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club in Daytona Beach, Florida, recently earned that distinction from USA Today readers. It's one of three watering holes from the Sunshine State that cracked the top 10 best beach bar rankings of 2025 — along with Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar in Pensacola (No. 2) and Sloppy Joe's on the Beach in Treasure Island (No. 7), both nestled off the Gulf of America. Florida's top beach bar sits near the Atlantic Ocean, attracting a mix of "really dedicated locals" and tourists who trek to Daytona Beach annually for bike week and one of NASCAR's longest-running races. What started as a hot dog stand in 1957 eventually expanded into a full-fledged restaurant and bar. After longtime owner Dick Keough retired, Connie and Matt Fuerst took over the bar in 2012. "He always said he wanted to own this place," co-owner Connie Fuerst said of her husband, a veteran of the restaurant industry. It's the only bar in the city "actually on the beach," Fuerst told Fox News Digital. "Everything else has to be on a seawall. We're grandfathered into that rule." Part of its appeal, she said, is that people are able to "come in off the beach in their swimsuits and have a drink and enjoy it." The bar also puts on beach concerts and has karaoke every weekend. Then there's the restaurant, which keeps its kitchen open until 1 a.m. – an enticing draw for the early-morning crowds. For those who decide to stop by, Fuerst recommends the Ocean Decker, "which is a huge monster of a burger." "It's got onion rings, cheese, bacon, ham, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles," she said. "It is about, I want to say, 8 inches tall, and we have to put a steak knife in it to keep it together. People love it." Hawaii – not Florida – is the state with the most beach bars in the top 10. They are all located on resort properties. California comes in just behind Florida with two bars on the list, while South Carolina's Tiki Hut at Beach House is the lone representative from the Deep South. Check out the list of the top 10 beach bars and their locations. 1. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club in Daytona Beach, Florida 2. Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar in Pensacola, Florida 3. Tiki Hut at Beach House in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 4. Reunion Kitchen + Drink in Santa Barbara, California For more Lifestyle articles, visit 5. Copper Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Kohala Coast, Hawaii 6. Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii 7. Sloppy Joe's on the Beach in Treasure Island, Florida 8. The Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz, California 9. House Without a Key at Halekulani on the Beach at Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii 10. The Edge of Waikiki at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
One of the UK's most popular seaside towns has California-like beach bar named one of the best in the country
OHSO Social on Brighton's promenade has been named one of the best beach bars in the UK - and is said to feel like California. The seaside bar receives rave reviews from punters with one even calling it a 'slice of Ibiza ' and another praising the party 'vibes'. 4 OHSO Social sits right on Brighton Beach, just seconds away from the famous pier. The website states: "Taking it's vibe from the beach clubs of California, expect a laid-back vibe with exceptional hospitality, a sun-drenched soundtrack, and view of the sea off Brighton Beach." It's open seven days a week as a cafe during the day during the evenings, it turns into a beach-side party spot with live music and DJs. It has been described as the "best place to go in Brighton" by bar-goers. Another called it a "slice of Ibiza" with another saying it had "amazing food, amazing servers, amazing vibes!" Someone else wrote on Tripadvisor: "Lovely spot and drinks on the beach. Live music too makes it really nice on a sunny day!" OHSO Social was even named as one of the top beach bars in the country by Sykes Holiday Cottages. They put together a list of the top beach bars in the UK with OHSO landing the top spot. To enjoy the summer months, OHSO has a big, large outdoor terrace that leads straight onto Brighton Beach so it really will feel like you're abroad with a beer in hand. Speaking of, the bar has beer and cider on tap, 11 signature cocktails, sharing pitchers, plenty of spirits as well as soft drinks. 'Amazing' beach bar just an hour from Manchester that punters say is 'like being abroad' 4 It's not just a drinks destination, OHSO serves food too. They've got the classic seaside favourite like fish and chips as well as scampi and mussels. There's also lots of sharers like the seafood basket as well as small plates, burgers, salads and if you've got room, dessert too. The bar is there for a drink after work, or with friends, but can be booked for parties and private events too. They're pro at organising special events from birthdays to weddings, office parties, product launches, or team away days. The website says that the bookable areas if from 8 to 500 guests. Here are the UK's best beach bars with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails. Plus a . And this pretty 'seaside' town one hour from London has been named best half term day trip – with popular fish and chips & 800-year-old pub. 4
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
English beach bar that ‘feels like being in the Med' with Ibiza-style music nights
A SERENE beach bar in Cornwall is said to 'feel like being in the Med' with some of the best sunsets in the country. The Rockpool in Gwithian, Cornwall is located just 300 metres from three miles of picturesque sand. 6 6 6 Serving up a range of different dishes from restaurant Lula, The Rockpool sits just off of Gwithian Beach, which is known for its vibrant sunsets and seals. One person who visited The Rockpool said: "Food, drink, atmosphere, music and staff were immense. "Thought I was in the Med momentarily! Really recommend, the prawn skewers were superb. Will definitely be going back…" The venue also hosts "Ibiza style sundowner sessions", according to it's Instagram - with acoustic, jazz and band music each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and all day on a Sunday, all summer. Many visitors note how the restaurant is the ideal spot for watching the sun set on the horizon. A visitor said: "I sat outside and had an amazing view of the sunset. Will definitely be back here. "Had some live music as well which is always a bonus. Definitely a cool chilled out place that is kid friendly." Popular dishes include the restaurants"roast on the coast" which has previously included slow-cooked harissa lamb, Peri Peri chicken, Cauliflower and leek gratin. On Lula's website, the menu is described as "a fresh fusion of Cornish, New Orleans creole and Floridian crab shack spice". There is also a range of different breakfast options and many dishes suitable for veggies and vegans. UK beach named one of the top 100 in the world On Gwithian Beach itself, there is golden sand and a consistent swell great for surfers and kite surfers. Surfers particularly enjoy the nearby 'Sheep Dips' - a large pool formed between two big rocks, that is quite deep in the middle. For little ones, there are also plenty of exploring opportunities with rock pools, dunes and dramatic cliffs. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach during peak season and there are a number of car parks, other cafes and amenities. Additionally, the beach is dog-friendly year round - as is The Rockpool. Off of the beach and 300 yards into the sea is Godrevy Island - which is home to a lighthouse that dates back to 1859. The parish town of Hayle is also a short 10-minute drive away, or if you are feeling adventurous, takes just over an hour to walk to from Gwithian. A top Haven holiday park with a seaside bar that 'feels like Ibiza' is also on one of UK's best beaches. Plus, one of the UK's oldest beach bars to open new rooftop terrace in time for summer. 6 6 6
