New Brighton in Merseyside has been ranked as one of the worst UK seaside towns in a Which? survey, but locals and business owners strongly disagree with the assessment. The survey, conducted nearly 12 months ago, placed New Brighton 108th out of 118 locations with an overall score of 52%. It scored poorly on beach quality, food and drink, and scenery, alongside other low-ranking towns like Bognor Regis, Southend-on-Sea, and Blackpool.
Local Businesses Thrive
Lee Chean, owner of Love Coffee on the waterfront, says the town is vibrant and popular. 'When it's warm and sunny, it's bouncing down here. People from all demographics come and love it. It's an old-school seaside town—how many places like this are left?' He chose New Brighton over other Merseyside locations for its unique charm.
Rebecca Edwards, who runs Becky's Brekkys on Victoria Road, notes increased footfall since opening nine years ago. 'It used to be quiet, but with new businesses like Rockpoint Records and more pubs, it's got much busier. Many families visit, and we even get customers from America.'
Nightlife Concerns
Despite the daytime appeal, residents highlight a lack of evening entertainment. John Hodson, 87, a 30-year local, says, 'There aren't enough things for young people to do—just the bowling alley and slot machines.' Erin Mason, 25, recalls visiting as a child but rarely goes now. 'My parents talk about the nightlife here, but my friends and I never come for a night out. There's no reason to.'
Ian Reid, 61, attributes the decline in nightlife to changing licensing laws and habits. 'Nightclubs have closed because people prefer going to Liverpool, where they can stay out later. New Brighton is more a town for families and older residents.'
Lost Landmarks
New Brighton once boasted popular venues like RJ's, The Chelsea Reach, and Witches Cauldron, but they have all closed. The New Brighton Baths were destroyed by storms in 1990. Despite these losses, the town retains its charm. Reid notes, 'A friend who lived in London for 40 years just moved back and is delighted.'
While the Which? survey paints a negative picture, those on the ground see a different story. New Brighton remains a beloved seaside destination, though its evening economy needs revitalisation to attract younger visitors.
