Best pubs outside of Southend. (Surrounding areas)

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Agreed, we're sadly lacking any decent pubs in Benfleet.

The Hawk at Battlesbridge isn't bad for a selection of beers, and, of course, the Crouch Vale Brewery Tap Room at South Woodham Ferrers is well worth a visit.

What's happened to the Zach Willsher? It used to be the in place the first few years after it opened, when I was a young man, when I was a fit handsome devil, before age and fat took over, I used to end up going out with young ladies from Hadleigh or mainly Benfleet for some reason that I met at Zhivago's or TOTS . They all liked the Zach Willsher. I also had a couple of work mates that drank there, so I ended up fitting in and got to know a few people. It was a good pub with a good crowd (Mainly under 30s). I never had a problem, even though an outsider, and even though there was a problem between Southend and Benfleet for quite a few years. The only problem I had was at the Manor Disco, Lol. Anyone remember the Manor Disco on the Manor Trading Estate? Then of course there was the Sam Lords, that I wasn't so keen on.

 

[OldBlueLady]

What's happened to the Zach Willsher? It used to be the in place the first few years after it opened, when I was a young man, when I was a fit handsome devil, before age and fat took over, I used to end up going out with young ladies from Hadleigh or mainly Benfleet for some reason that I met at Zhivago's or TOTS . They all liked the Zach Willsher. I also had a couple of work mates that drank there, so I ended up fitting in and got to know a few people. It was a good pub with a good crowd (Mainly under 30s). I never had a problem, even though an outsider, and even though there was a problem between Southend and Benfleet for quite a few years. The only problem I had was at the Manor Disco, Lol. Anyone remember the Manor Disco on the Manor Trading Estate? Then of course there was the Sam Lords, that I wasn't so keen on.

The best thing about the Zach is the outside space, if you don't mind the cars queuing at the traffic lights! Sticky carpets, old wooden seating and tables and a family type of menu - you know the sort of stuff I mean!

We used to have some good pubs but many have disappeared - The Wagon & Horses, The Crown, The Cutley Lynch, Sam Lords, now only one pub left in Hadleigh (plus Fatty's).

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

The best thing about the Zach is the outside space, if you don't mind the cars queuing at the traffic lights! Sticky carpets, old wooden seating and tables and a family type of menu - you know the sort of stuff I mean!

We used to have some good pubs but many have disappeared - The Wagon & Horses, The Crown, The Cutley Lynch, Sam Lords, now only one pub left in Hadleigh (plus Fatty's).

What did Fattys used to be called, back in 70/80s when it was packed out every Friday and Saturday?

 

[OldBlueLady]

What did Fattys used to be called, back in 70/80s when it was packed out every Friday and Saturday?

I really can't remember - will ask hubby when he's up!

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

What did Fattys used to be called, back in 70/80s when it was packed out every Friday and Saturday?

I know it was called Spencer's Wine Bar in the past.

 

[LCBB72]

I know it was called Spencer's Wine Bar in the past.

Before that it was Mr Cherrys , before that Luckys Grill Bar a greaser hang out till some Leigh Comm chaps went up there one night .

 

[Floval Flyer]

Anyone been to The Rodney Inn over at Little Baddow?

Real step back in time pub, nice garden, very grumpy landlord and the best chips I’ve ever had!

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Anyone been to The Rodney Inn over at Little Baddow?

Real step back in time pub, nice garden, very grumpy landlord and the best chips I’ve ever had!

If it's got a pool table and/or a dartboard I'm there.

 

[Benfleet A1]

I always gauge a proper old boozer on whether there is some old geezer nursing half a stout and ******* on a woodbine in the corner with a dog asleep under the table.

 

[Benfleet A1]

S u c k i n g is banned?

 

[LCBB72]

I always gauge a proper old boozer on whether there is some old geezer nursing half a stout and ******* on a woodbine in the corner with a dog asleep under the table.

I remember The Billet down Leigh 50 odd years ago when I first left school it was nothing like it is now . The old public bar on the left as you went in had real old fishermen and cocklers who still wore flat caps thick black trousers and black jackets who had drunk in that pub since they were they old enough to drink . Most of them being over 70 who were mostly related who would give any stranger a look that would make the go in the other bar . I found them being great old boys who were a wealth of knowlage of life down the old town and cockling and fishing .

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

I always gauge a proper old boozer on whether there is some old geezer nursing half a stout and ******* on a woodbine in the corner with a dog asleep under the table.

Horse and Groom at Rochford? I recognise the layout from 10 years ago but it has changed in many ways, and not always for better.

 

[Mad Cyril]

Horse and Groom at Rochford? I recognise the layout from 10 years ago but it has changed in many ways, and not always for better.

The doom and gloom

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I remember The Billet down Leigh 50 odd years ago when I first left school it was nothing like it is now . The old public bar on the left as you went in had real old fishermen and ****lers who still wore flat caps thick black trousers and black jackets who had drunk in that pub since they were they old enough to drink . Most of them being over 70 who were mostly related who would give any stranger a look that would make the go in the other bar . I found them being great old boys who were a wealth of knowlage of life down the old town and ****ling and fishing .

I've always loved the inside of that pub, it's good to know a bit of its' history. Of the pubs in the old town the only one I tend to go in these days is the Mayflower, for a pint of Proper Job.

 

[LCBB72]

I've always loved the inside of that pub, it's good to know a bit of its' history. Of the pubs in the old town the only one I tend to go in these days is the Mayflower, for a pint of Proper Job.

Funny I have heared a lot of people say that about the Mayflower .

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

Funny I have heared a lot of people say that about the Mayflower .

It is a good pub, good beer, not a young "fffing" drinker place, dog friendly too.

 

[Special Blue]

Anyone been to The Rodney Inn over at Little Baddow?

Real step back in time pub, nice garden, very grumpy landlord and the best chips I’ve ever had!

Please tell me that it's known by locals as The Dave!?

 

[GrumpyBlue]

Please tell me that it's known by locals as The Dave!?

You beat me to it

 

[SUBBlue]

Before all of this Covid mess I frequented the Half Moon in Rayleigh.
They’d have regular live music 2 or 3 Saturdays a month with some quality (& not so quality!) bands on offer attracting a good mix of older & younger generations making for a good evening.

Sadly though the long term proprietors have retired & there are plans by the brewery to turn it into a sports bar come restaurant with the live music element fading into the past by the looks of it.
Such a shame.☹

 

[Mad Cyril]

Before all of this Covid mess I frequented the Half Moon in Rayleigh.
They’d have regular live music 2 or 3 Saturdays a month with some quality (& not so quality!) bands on offer attracting a good mix of older & younger generations making for a good evening.

Sadly though the long term proprietors have retired & there are plans by the brewery to turn it into a sports bar come restaurant with the live music element fading into the past by the looks of it.
Such a shame.☹

The Half Moon was my pre Toothbrush pub of choice. Obviously I'd have a couple of cans in Websters Way car park first.