I visited the best seaside town in the UK during a heatwave – with a beach bar that feels like it's in the Mediterranean

Scottish Sun

14-07-2025

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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.
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Rockwater is literally on the seafront in Hove - and where I spent my weekend
Credit: Alice Penwill
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The beach of Hove is still has the pebbly shoreline and bright blue waters
Credit: Alice Penwill
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
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The rooftop bar is a popular spot with incredible views over Hove beach
Credit: Alice Penwill
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Alcoholic drinks at Rockwater start from £7 and there's a huge list of cocktails
Credit: Supplied
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.
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The downstairs looks right onto the promenade - and is great for people watching
Credit: Alice Penwill
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Inside are places to eat but also relax on squishy sofas and stools
Credit: Rockwater
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.