While the weather is set to get a little cooler next week, the seemingly everlasting summer of 2026 shows no signs of abating anytime soon.What's the perfect accessory to a blue sky and a free weekend on home soil? A cooler by the coast at one of the nation's beach bars. Whether it's a pint of IPA in a centuries-old pub with a sea-side view, a chic cocktail joint on surfer sands or a simple beach hut serving a lemonade for the kids after a paddle, the nation's coastal watering holes don't disappoint.Here, we round up some of the best coastal bars and pubs right up to the nation's beaches that you should bookmark under 'perfect for a summer refresher'. Lusty Glaze Beach Bar Newquay, Cornwall Show me the sundowner: Lusty Glaze Beach Bar in Newquay feels like an Ibiza hideawayOn a weekend night, when the Lusty Glaze Beach Bar DJ is spinning the decks behind a neon-lit pink and white boat, the sands in front of this Cornish bolthole double up as a dancefloor. Earlier in the day and on quieter weeknights though, it's a much more peaceful affair, with just the sounds of the waves lapping. However you encounter it, this hidden-away spot just north of Newquay, feels like you've managed to escape to some far-flung balmy isle. What to order? A Lusty's Pink Lemonade cocktail, or a pint of the Sundowner lager. lustyglaze.co.ukSargasso, Margate, Kent Sargasso sits on the sweeping stone pier at Margate, looking back at the Kent resort's Main SandsOn the Harbour Arm, looking back at Main Sands and Margate’s marvellous mish-mash of architecture, Sargasso has one of the hip Kent coastal hideaway's best views.After exploring the galleries, beach, Dreamland and the neighbouring Turner Contemporary, Sargasso is an ideal way to repose with a drink – and some terrific coastal-inspired sharing dishes. Order the Muz red vermouth and soda and contemplate a late night dip in the Bay before you.sargasso.bar Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd With cask ales on rotation, this Welsh wonder is a truly unique place to enjoy a drink - but you have to walk to itAccessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this deeply scenic red-hued, shore-side beauty makes the first sip even more worth it. On the north coast of the pretty Llŷn Peninsula, there’s big picture views of the water, and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams. Go for lunch, there’s no food in the evenings and doors close at 7pm weekdays.tycoch.co.ukStill & West, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire Perched right on the harbour in Old Portsmouth, ensuring there's always a breeze, The Still & West has sweeping views out across the SolentThere’s nautical charm in spades at this Grade II-listed Fuller’s pub in Old Portsmouth, which sits overlooking the Solent, Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Order a pint of Seafarers ale and spend a hot afternoon watching the comings and goings of the harbour. It's dog-friendly too, so take Fido along. stillandwest.co.ukThe Cove, Hope Cove, Devon Tucked close to the cliffs around Hope Cove, a tiny sandy beach in Bigbury Bay in South Devon, is The Cove, an ideal cafe bar to watch the world go byFind a spot on one of the picnic benches outside of The Cove, which sits right by South Devon's Hope Cove, and while away an hour or two taking in the fresh sea air. This maritime pub – which describes itself as a Beachfront cafe bar – is both a tourist stop and a community favourite, with the sea just a few steps away. If you've got nowhere to be, order a Devon Scrumpy and enjoy this mellow pitstop in Bigbury Bay.thecovedevon.co.uk The Hut, Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight An Isle of Wight staple for locals and tourists alike, The Hut puts you right on the beach at Colwell BayThis beach restaurant is equal parts laid-back and glam, with whitewashed walls and sea views to die for.It's situated right on the beach, and boasts a beach club ambience, English-style. The Hut has been a fixture on the Isle of Wight since 2013, morphing from a small rustic beach bar into a well-known hotspot.It's been described as 'spectacular', with the food dubbed 'awesome', while one visitor commented: 'Best of all: the incredible sunset seaviews on a clear, sunny day.' thehutcolwell.co.ukMacgochans, Tobermory, Argyll and Bute How does seafood, sunshine and a wee dram as you look over Tobermory in the sunshine sound?Live music, wide sea views, a dining area and a pub and beer garden, this former fisherman’s cottage woos the tourists in summer and the locals year-round. Plenty of the whisky served up comes from nearby Tobermory Distillery and the seafood arrives from the bay you’ll look at while nursing a wee dram. The cocktails are fine too. Order a pint of Gobhar Odhar, by Ardgour Ales. macgochans-tobermory.co.ukThe Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset Wild and wonderful, The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset overlooks the sea and serves up delicious local pastiesA side portion of mindfulness comes with every pint at this Dorset coastal haven. On a hot day, its position right on the Jurassic Coast, with the Channel laid out before you, you'll never want to leave. Rural and coastal at the same time, it's a must-stop for foodies and walkers alike – and welcomes dogs too. Enjoy pasties and pies from Dorset bakers, and wash it down with some great local ales, including Moonlite, by Hattie Brown’s Brewery.squareandcompasspub.co.ukThe Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon Find a perch on a rock and watch the tide pull and push at The Pilchard Inn cafe in South DevonThere’s a whiff of risk in drinking at The Pilchard Inn, on South Devon micro-isle Burgh Island (once beloved by Agatha Christie). If the tide comes in when you’re full of food and beer, it’s a rattly – but fun – ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor. The pub? It’s all cream stone fireplaces inside, and benches with a sublime view outside.burghisland.com/the-pilchard-inn