Shops and cafes may come and go, but nothing brings the community together like a good old-fashioned pub, so the Echo is looking back at some of Southend's much-missed boozers.

Some pubs have been brought back from the brink, like The Cricketers in Westcliff, which is set to reopen in three weeks. Meanwhile, the brewery behind the Woodmans Arms in Thundersley has vowed it will reopen as soon as possible.

However, it seems the Cornucopia on Southend seafront, believed to be the smallest pub in Essex, has called "last orders" for the final time.

Echo readers have selected some of the long-gone Southend pubs they miss the most.

The Railway Hotel

Echo: There are plans for a major overhaul of the currently vacant pub.There are plans for a major overhaul of the currently vacant pub. (Image: Star Pubs and Bars / Newsquest)

An elegant Victorian pub, the Railway Hotel was home to a bustling music and arts scene, until it closed in 2020.

The late Canvey-born guitarist Wilko Johnson and glam-rock legend David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, had been known to be regular punters previously.

However, the pub has remained empty for the last three years.

Now, Star and Pubs Bars, the brewery which owns the Railway Hotel, has said it plans to "breathe a new lease of life" into it.

Last month, a brewery spokesman said: “Star Pubs and Bars investment will allow for an all-new bar to be installed, along with new seating, kitchen, and ‘Instagrammable’ features.

“Additionally, there will be new lighting throughout the pub and complete refurbishment of all the toilets."

The Cork and Cheese

Echo: The Cork and Cheese pub was later demolished.The Cork and Cheese pub was later demolished. (Image: Darkstar / ClosedPubs.co.uk)

Said to be Southend's best-known real ale pub, the Cork and Cheese in the Victoria Plaza shopping centre closed its doors in 2007.

At the time, landlord John Murray said trade had dropped during the Victoria Plaza redevelopment scheme, which disrupted trade. With the subsequent ban on smoking in public places looming, the landlord decided to call it a day.

The pub was later demolished.

The Esplanade

Echo: The pub welcomed musicians such as Pearl Jam and Dr Feelgood and stood on the seafront for a century.The pub welcomed musicians such as Pearl Jam and Dr Feelgood and stood on the seafront for a century. (Image: Darkstar / ClosedPubs.co.uk)

This seafront pub stood on Western Esplanade for more than a hundred years.

In 1992, US grunge titans Pearl Jam played their first ever European gig at the tiny venue. Since then, the rockers have sold £60 million records worldwide.

South Essex pub rockers Dr Feelgood also started gigging there half a century ago, and played at the venue twice in the 1990s.

However, the pub was empty and up for sale for several years until it was bought by a Swedish firm in 2014.

Echo: Zinnia - a plush new restaurant now stands where the Esplanade once stood.Zinnia - a plush new restaurant now stands where the Esplanade once stood. (Image: Ethan Banks)

In 2019, it was demolished to make way for a "plush" new £3.5 million restaurant as part of the Clifftown Shore development.

"Zinnia" finally opened its doors in November last year. The food on offer at the restaurant, which has an outdoor dining terrace boasting sweeping views of the Thames Estuary, is inspired by culinary fusions from North and South America, the Polynesian islands, eastern Asia and Australia.

The Grand Hotel

Echo: The Grand Hotel has been converted into 18 luxury apartments, costing nearly three quarters of a million pounds each.The Grand Hotel has been converted into 18 luxury apartments, costing nearly three quarters of a million pounds each. (Image: Newsquest)

A landmark on Leigh Broadway since its construction in 1899, the Grand Hotel has been transformed into luxury flats following a series of delays.

The Victorian building was originally known as The Family and Commercial Hotel.

It was owned by the late television star and businessman Mick Norcross, who died in January 2021. In 2017, Mr Norcross was granted planning permission to convert the old building.

In February last year, the first of 18 plush new apartments went on the market at a starting price of £700,000. The transformed building also includes a basement restaurant, a spa and a shop.

All the apartments are two-bedroomed, with en-suite bathrooms, bespoke kitchens, underfloor heating, and access to a private rooftop terrace space. Several apartments also boast dressing areas and private outside space.

 

What do you miss about Southend's long-lost pubs? Get in touch to share your favourite memories.