The Best Pubs
in
Southend

Step into The Crooked Billet and you’ll find a proper old-school gem with wooden beams, an open fire, and a warm welcome that makes you want to settle in for the evening. They pour a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, while the live music adds a lively buzz without drowning out the chatter. It’s a dog-friendly spot with plenty of room for groups, plus a generous outdoor area perfect for sunny afternoons. Whether you’re here for the excellent fish and chips or just a pint by the fire, this place delivers honest, satisfying hospitality.

Head to The Angel Inn for a truly cracking pub experience where exceptional food and a warm, welcoming vibe go hand in hand. The menu is a delight, packed with generous, well crafted dishes that cater brilliantly to gluten free needs, and the team here genuinely cares about making every meal feel special. With a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a dog friendly garden and plenty of space for groups, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed birthday celebration or a spontaneous midweek treat. You’ll leave already planning your next visit.

Make your way to The Hamlet Court in Westcliff on Sea, a lively pub that has been a firm favourite with locals for over 25 years thanks to its cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Whether you're catching the big game, enjoying live music, or soaking up the sun in the dog friendly outdoor seating, there's always something going on. The recently refreshed space is perfect for groups, and the food from hearty Sunday roasts to top notch burgers keeps people coming back for more.

Nestled in the charming old town of Leigh-on-Sea, The Mayflower is a CAMRA award winning gem that perfectly combines a cosy local feel with stunning waterside views. Their rear seating area opens onto Leigh Creek, making it an idyllic spot to enjoy a perfectly poured pint of real ale or a glass of wine alongside their famous line caught fish and chips. With a welcoming bar, dog friendly policy, and plenty of room for groups, this is the kind of place where you can easily while away an entire afternoon. Treat yourself to a visit and discover why this pub has been a three time champion of the local brewing scene.

With its cheeky name rooted in local smuggling lore, Ye Olde Smack is a wonderfully welcoming pub perched right on the Thames Estuary where the history is as rich as the pint selection. This dog and family friendly spot serves up a cracking range of beers, wines, and cocktails, while the balcony and beer garden offer prime spots to soak up the seaside views. Whether you're gathering a group to catch the big match on Sky Sports, settling in for a legendary Thursday pub quiz, or just enjoying a relaxed drink, the warm and attentive team makes every visit feel effortless.

Tucked away near the seafront yet feeling like a hidden local gem, The Alex is an absolute treat for anyone after a brilliant pub experience. With a fantastic range of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a huge outdoor area and live music, it’s the perfect spot to gather your mates, catch the big match, or bring your pup along for a relaxed afternoon. The food is delicious and generous, especially the bottomless brunch, and the whole team makes sure you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just popping in for a quick drink, this friendly, lively pub never disappoints.

The Trading Room Bar & Kitchen is a cracking local pub where you can settle in for a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails while catching the big match on one of their many screens. The food is a real highlight, from superb Sunday roasts to perfectly cooked fish and chips, all at prices that won't leave you wincing. With live music every other Saturday, a dog-friendly welcome, and plenty of outdoor seating for sunny days, it's an ideal spot for groups looking for a relaxed and lively time. Whether you're popping in before the theatre or making an evening of it, this place delivers genuine hospitality and top notch grub.

Right on Southend’s seafront, The Guildford is a cracking spot that perfectly balances being a proper local boozer with a brilliant sports pub. They’ve got a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the place is always buzzing whether you’re catching the big game, enjoying live bands, or tackling the Thursday night pub quiz. It’s dog-friendly, welcoming to groups, and the food is both great value and genuinely tasty—everything you’d want for a relaxed, cheerful night out.

For a fantastic pub steeped in local history, look no further than Parsons’ Barn, a charming JD Wetherspoon set in a beautifully converted 1763 barn. You can enjoy a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails in the spacious interior or out in the lovely beer garden, all at incredibly reasonable prices. It’s a welcoming spot perfect for groups, with a friendly team that goes above and beyond to make every visit feel special. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee with unlimited refills or a hearty breakfast, this is a genuine hidden gem.

If you’re after a proper local gem where you can kick back with a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a cracking cocktail, The Meadowlark is exactly what you need. This lively spot has outdoor seating for sunny days, live music to get the energy going, and plenty of big screens so you never miss the big match. It’s wonderfully dog friendly and perfect for groups, with a menu packed full of hearty classics that won’t break the bank. Bring your friends, your family, and your pup for a genuinely warm and welcoming time every single visit.