FOR MANY, soaking up the sun on a beach with a cocktail in hand is the epitome of a summer break, and is considered to be an important part of a holiday.

Despite the fact we may not be able to guzzle a gin and tonic in Greece or sip on a Spritz in Spain this summer (thanks coronavirus), we can seek our summer pleasures closer to home.

This week's Trader of the Week is W Beach, Bournemouth’s only beach club.

Bournemouth Echo: W Beach's seating W Beach's seating

W Beach can be found on Bournemouth beach's golden sands in front of seafood restaurant WestBeach on Pier Approach.

Although the beach venue has been penned as a club, its main offering is cocktails and tapas in an alfresco style dining environment.

Owner Andy Price said: "W Beach is a beach club environment with soft seats, a full cocktail bar, bean bags, sun loungers, proper chairs and lit fire pits in the evening. All food is also cooked on grills on the beach.

READ MORE: TOCA Bournemouth is crowned Trader of the Week

"There has always been a beach deck operation in front of WestBeach since 2002, but gradually it got bigger as we doubled up the space.

"In the last five years we have become more ambitious with it, and the seafront services and BCP Council has given us more and more space. Last year, we had a large outdoor beach, extended menu and DJs.

Bournemouth Echo: An aerial view of W Beach on Bournemouth beachAn aerial view of W Beach on Bournemouth beach

"This year we have been given a lot more space in light of the encouragement for outdoor trading.

"It has been really popular, and it has been really progressive of the council and seafront services to allow us to expand to create something similar to European cosmopolitan dining."

Light snacks and tapas are served at W Beach, and includes dishes such as baked gnocchi and feta, baby chorizo in red wine and thyme, and lemon hummus and crudités.

Bournemouth Echo: Food and drink offered at W BeachFood and drink offered at W Beach

Andy said: "W Beach is a change in direction; it’s a beach club with great small plates and tapas, easy dining and great cocktails and wine list. Customers can also experience fine dining in the restaurant (WestBeach).

"W Beach is a more premium offer and it attracts people that really want to enjoy their food and wine. Bournemouth needs good offerings to showcase the beach as a fantastic place to go and have a quality experience.

Bournemouth Echo: W Beach on Bournemouth beach W Beach on Bournemouth beach

"The Air Festival brings in a lot of trade but it’s not for the whole summer. W Beach is really helping to save our bacon and helped us to trade out of the pandemic.

"I’m really grateful for W Beach as well as the support we get locally."

W Beach is only open to those aged 21 and over.

To find out more, visit: https://www.wbeach.co.uk/

If you want to nominate your favourite local business for Trader of the Week, email: maya.george@bournemouthecho.co.uk