The Pit Stop On The Pier

Right, The Pit Stop On The Pier. You'll find it right on Southport Pier, can't miss it. It's not fancy, but it does the job if you need a quick cuppa and a sit down after battling the wind at the end of the pier. They've got a 4.5 star rating based on 75 reviews, so people seem happy enough.

It's a decent shout if the weather turns proper grim, which, let's face it, happens a lot in Southport. They do a good range of cakes, and the coffee's not bad – certainly better than some of the instant rubbish you get in other places. Open 10am-5pm, and give them a ring on 07599 817457 if you're unsure.

This isn’t the place for a long, luxurious afternoon tea, mind. It's more of a refuelling station than a destination. But if you just want to warm up with a brew and a bit of cake, and watch the rain batter the sea, you could do a lot worse. Plenty of seating for a quick pit stop.

Just a heads up, parking on the front can be a nightmare, especially on weekends. Best bet is to park further back in town near Lord Street and walk down.