The beaches in Brighton were bursting with people yesterday as the city baked in 33C heat.

But while many were out enjoying the glorious sunshine, there were those that had to struggle on through to keep sun-seekers cool with chilled pints and ice cream, and The Argus went out to have a chat with them.

The Argus: A man relaxes on Brighton beach. Photo: Simon DackA man relaxes on Brighton beach. Photo: Simon Dack

Ice cream vendors had long queues while restaurants and bars along the seafront were rammed with customers.

Monarch in King's Road had flung its doors wide open, with soulful summer tunes filling the pavement.

But how did its staff keep cool?

Alberto Zeneli, barman at Monarch, said the last few days have been absolutely crazy.

“But yesterday was my day off – so it’s all good,” he said.

The Argus: Alberto Zeneli, barman at Monarch, taking a minute to chill out in the cellarAlberto Zeneli, barman at Monarch, taking a minute to chill out in the cellar

‘Today has been so hot outside, so most of the time you’ll find me down here in the cellar.

“It’s good fun working here – there are a lot of people and it’s always busy. It recently changed from a fast-food place to now, and it’s so different, so nice outside and in.”

While Alberto was able to take quick trips to the cellar, some were not so lucky.

The chefs in the kitchen at Monarch were sweating it out with little respite from the heat of the stove - but these chefs are used to blazing temperatures.

The Argus: Brighton was packed. Photo: Simon DackBrighton was packed. Photo: Simon Dack

Elsewhere, at nearby restaurant Bohemia in Meeting House Lane, front-of-house worker Luke Nicol was enjoying his shift  - and his hair was immaculate thanks to the air conditioning

“it's been intense, some people have been finding it too hot on the terrace and moving inside which is air conditioned,” he said.

“But it’s been so busy, the last few days with the university's graduation have been great. But personally, I’d rather be in the sea.”

The Argus: Luke Nicol from BohemiaLuke Nicol from Bohemia

Less than an hour previously, the record for hottest temperature had been broken at 39.1 which was recorded at Charlwood in Surrey, later surpassed at Heathrow, which topped 40C.

The Met Office had earlier revealed that the UK had experienced its warmest night on record on Monday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s.