The Best Pubs in Southend-on-Sea

Step into the heart of historic old Leigh and discover The Peterboat, a charming, family run seafood restaurant, pub and bar. Renowned for its delectable fish dishes and captivating coastal surroundings, it offers estuary views that set the perfect scene. The diverse menu features freshly caught seafood, classic British dishes, and satisfying vegetarian and vegan choices, with guests raving about the cockle chowder and fish and chips. With a lovely beer garden by the water and exceptional customer care, this spot promises an unforgettable dining and drinking experience.

Step into history at The Crooked Billet, a charming 16th century pub where traditional character meets seaside living. On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than grabbing a pint of real ale and fresh seafood outside while soaking up the scenic views. If seafood isn’t your thing, their chicken club sandwich is a solid bet. Real ale enthusiasts will love the excellent beer festivals held twice a year. Just be prepared to be patient at the bar, as service can be slow if you aren’t a regular.

Welcome to The Alex, a friendly pub that feels like a secret place and for many feels like home. It offers an unrivalled relaxed vibe and a fantastic selection of craft beers, ales, and cocktails, plus a full menu with bottomless brunch. The pub is a haven for sports fans, showing everything from the Premier League to darts and Formula 1 on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. You can also enjoy live music, a beer garden, and activities like pool, making it a brilliant spot to relax and meet new friends.

The Last Post is an award winning Wetherspoon pub, known for its superb quality, choice, and value in both food and drink. It offers an all day menu with traditional meals and innovative international dishes, and is particularly known for its beer, real ales, breakfast, brunch, steak, eggs, and dinner. Customers praise the great selection of beer, the always great real ales, and the lovely English breakfasts, all at good value prices. The pub also features outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.

Ye Olde Smack is a traditional, family friendly Greene King pub that even lets dogs in. It offers outdoor seating and regularly features live music. You can enjoy classic dishes like scampi and chips with mushy peas alongside a pint of Wadworth St George and Dragon. This easy going pub welcomes a real mix of people.

This award winning Wetherspoon pub offers superb quality, choice, and value in both food and drink. The all day menu features an exciting mix of traditional meals alongside popular and innovative international dishes. It is known for its beer, breakfast food, great value, and Thursday night curry club. The pub also has outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.

The Marlborough Head in Rochford is a great British pub at the heart of the community, offering a warm welcome and a family friendly space for everything from celebrations to a quiet coffee. Its menu is bursting with traditional pub classics, award winning kids dishes, and delicious desserts, complemented by an explorative selection of beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails. The pub features a fantastic, dog friendly beer garden that is open come rain or shine, free wifi, and live sports on Sky Sports, ESPN, and TNT Sports. With an open fire, outside seating, and live music events, it is a welcoming spot for all.

This traditional pub, part of the Greene King family, offers good food and a decent selection of beers. Reviewers specifically recommend the rosemary and Italian cheese chips as well as the Doombear ale. The pub also features outdoor seating for guests to enjoy.

Parsons Barn is an award winning pub offering superb quality, choice, and value in both food and drink. Its all day menu features an exciting mix of traditional meals and popular international dishes. The pub is the home of the CR3 and has outdoor seating, making it a fantastic place to eat and drink with really nice, helpful people.

The Anne Boleyn pub in Rochford offers family-friendly dining with affordable, flavourful pub food. It features live sports on big screens, a pub quiz every Sunday, and a new menu with bigger, bolder dishes. Guests can enjoy bank holiday deals like £11 bottles of fizz and a £6 favourites menu. The pub is also dog friendly and has a pool table and dartboard.