Described as ‘Notting Hill with a seafront’ Leigh-on-Sea in Essex boasts an historic Old Town and buzzing Broadway. Cool bars and chic boutiques strive for your attention, along with traditional pubs and cockle sheds.
It’s hardly surprising that a town with such a close proximity to London (less than an hour by train), instantly strikes you as ‘comfortable’. Stock brokers, solicitors and successful entrepreneurs’ sports car and luxury saloons vie for parking spaces on and around Leigh’s natural epicentre, the Broadway.
But like Notting Hill, which is home to a similar demographic, there’s a laid-back but well-heeled vibe that many of the locals will refer to as ‘buzzing’.
If you’ve not been, or not visited for a while, Leigh really does reward you jumping into the car or onto a C2C train for a day out. Alternatively, indulge yourselves in a weekend with a difference.
Among the City slickers you’ll find a wealth of artists and creative types, while down in the atmospheric Old Town, the original wealth creators of Leigh, the fishermen, still ply their trade. For lovers of fresh seafood, Leigh’s Old Town is fabulous.
Leigh Old Town
The cobbled main street leads to Cockle Row, where you can buy all manner of bivalves drawn from the estuary waters. They don’t worry
about food miles here because much of it has travelled no more than a handful of yards on its way from boat to plate.
The friendly, traditional pubs of the Old Town are also popular with locals and tourists alike. The Mayflower on the High Street is a multi CAMRA award-winning pub that will delight fans of real ale, while the Crooked Billet, opposite the cockle sheds, is another traditional waterside establishment with a big reputation.
Nearby, the cockle sheds signal its principal raison d’etre. Watch the boat pull in catch of the day over a plate of fresh seafood washed down with something cold. Its near neighbour, The Boatyard has a superb terrace overlooking the waters of the Thames Estuary, while inside diners can enjoy dishes from an extensive menu while being entertained by a variety of different acts and events; from the swingin’ sounds of the Rat Pack era to modern day tribute artists.
The Broadway in Leigh
A short walk or drive up the cliffs takes you into the heart of Leigh and onto the Broadway. Again, pubs and restaurants abound, with a wonderful supporting cast of cool bars and relaxed cafes. In the case of the latter, the aptly-named Stop The World Café is a great place to plot up and kick back over a coffee and a mind-blowing slice of cake. ‘Yummy’ doesn’t even begin to describe the nibbley gorgeousness on offer.
Of course, with cakes come calories, so it’s time to hit the shops and get drastic with the plastic. Leigh is chock-full of fabulous independent, quirky fashion boutiques, dedicated antiques stores, and home-ware emporiums, elegantly placed alongside the big names and high-street classics.
Throughout the year, the town also regularly stages a number of shopping events and fairs, presenting visitors with great opportunities to snap up vintage fashions and accessories, locally made up-cycled furniture or a unique artwork.
The Broadway and streets around it are also home to businesses dedicated to health, wellbeing and beauty.
What’s on in Leigh on Sea
Leigh’s maritime history is celebrated with a summer festival focusing on all things nautical but nice. Usually held in August, the Leigh Maritime Festival crams a lot fun activities into one day. Expect traditional and ever-popular activities, such as crabbing. For foodies a food market will be a popular draw, whilst craft stalls and a family entertainment, including an ‘End of the Pier’-style puppet show plus a rowing race with a difference.
Places to stay in Leigh
For such a picturesque town that’s perfect to unwind in, getting your head down after a busy day, or night, out requires travelling a little further. Neighbouring Southend-on-Sea has a wealth of excellent hotels, catering for all tastes and budgets. An enjoyable meander down the seafront, via Chalkwell, offers a broad assortment of hotels and B&B’s.
Sitting at the top of Pier Hill, at the very end of Southend High Street, you’ll find the historic Park Inn Palace, where Laurel and Hardy famously stayed during a tour of Britain at the height of their fame. Lenny Henry’s favourite, Premier Inn can be found on Eastern Esplanade, while the boutique Suenos Guesthouse is a cracking place to stay with a touch of luxury. If you want to push the boat out, head for The Roslin Beach Hotel and spoil yourselves. Featuring a spa, award-winning restaurant and stylish bedrooms, the Roslin is popular with Southend’s smart set and visiting stars.
Article courtesy of Visit Essex
