Vino by the waves: The best British seaside hotels for wine
English summertime means visits to the seaside, ideally with a glass of wine in hand. Having toured the coast recently here are some of the best places to drink with a view of the waves.
The Terrace Rooms & Wine – Ventnor, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight has a new destination for wine lovers. The Terrace, named for its wide pergola overlooking Ventnor’s beach, is a beautiful six-bedroom townhouse with an award-winning wine collection.
Run by charismatic couple the Faheys, Ashley comes from a hospitality background and has an eye for interior design making the hotel, which is also their home, a sumptuous space with plush furnishings, plenty of plants and bags of coastal charm. Tom meanwhile is one of the UK’s top sommeliers and has filled the cellar, and the bottle-lined walls of the dramatic dining room, with an incredible array of vinous delights.
Each day at 5pm guests are invited to take a seat for a multi-glass complimentary tasting, an event as entertaining as it is educational. Their rosé collection is particularly impressive, having won “Best Rosé Wine list” in the UK twice in row.
Best of all, after enjoying some of these fabulous bottles, it is just a few steps to bed in the comfortable airy rooms with views of the sea and vintage details. Healing heads the next morning is The Terrace’s four-course breakfast, cooked by Tom with almost everything sourced from the island. Both Ashley and Tom are passionate about hospitality and wine ensuring their guests feel special throughout their stay. The only issue is that once you’re here, you may lose the desire to explore the rest of the island.
• To book visit the website here
Rockwater – Hove
Right on Hove’s wide beach is Rockwater, a bar and restaurant with a relaxed party vibe. As soon as the sun shines, the roof terrace is jam packed with happy people drinking rosé, watermelon spritzes and local Sussex wines. Inside, the fluffy throws and squishy sofas make it a cosy spot whatever the weather, a place to shelter from stormy seas with a burger and the catch of the day.
Styling itself as a local home-from-home, it offers regular events such as yoga, sip and paint sessions, live music and networking brunches. Order mimosas at breakfast, Minuty in the afternoon and margaritas come evening.
• To book visit the website here
The Gallivant – Camber Sands
The tag line is “Happiness is a Place” and having stayed here several times, I can say that this is true. Unassuming from the outside, the rooms have everything you could want including rolltop baths, piles of books and individual outside spaces.
The main restaurant, Harry’s, specialises in coastal nostalgia and English wines, but has no sea view itself, so my recommendation is to opt for the signature experience before or after dinner.
The excellent staff are happy to pack up a bottle of wine, glasses, ice, and a large soft rug in a hamper for you. Steal away into the dunes for sundowners at sunset on the Camber Sands. Instant happiness.