Ask
Blink
del.icio.us
digg
furl
Google
ma.gnolia
reddit
simpy
spurl
stumble upon
Yahoo
location:
address:
51 High Street, SS9 2EP
phone:
01702 480289
how to find it:
Follow these directions carefully, as the quickest route isn't the most obvious. Cross over the road outside Leigh-on-Sea station and turn right. Look out, almost immediately, for a flight of steps leading down to a narrow path between the railway line and lots of sheds, which, depending on the time of day, might be filled with sellers of cockles, mussels, jellied eels and such stuff. The path broadens out (a little) into the High Road in due course, and you'll find the Crooked Billet on your left before too long.
click for directions to The Crooked Billet from wherever you areclick here for a larger map
This is how you do it, as any passing Mr Punch might observe. A proper, well-run, little pub, the diminutive size of which is perhaps its only failing. Two tiny little rooms, four real ales on hand pumps (the Deuchars IPA was notably well-kept and refreshing on our visit), a loyal local crowd and friendly staff. The pub is also famed for fish and chips, although take note that you'll need to find a place to sit inside to order them. If you're not eating, there's an extensive outdoor seating area in two parts: a small garden-type bit adjacent to the pub, and a much bigger yard filled with benches and tables hemmed in by the sea (well, the tidal Thames) on one side, and several cockle-selling sheds on another. Lovely and atmospheric, this has to be one of the best seaside pubs in South Essex, if not the very best of them all. Just time it right to avoid the crush.
2/5/2008
Have your say - click to comment on this pub and read what others think about it.