The Lobster Smack, Canvey Island  rated4 pints - click for an explanation of our ratings

location:

Canvey Island

address:

Haven Road, SS8 0NR

phone:

01268 660021

bus route:

RS ESSE 26 A 26A SUHE CAE EWAS A EEE bus info

how to find it:

By public transport, the easiest way to get here is to get the c2c train on the London Fenchurch Street/Barking/Upminster-Southend and Shoeburyness line to Benfleet. From there take bus 26 or 26a (destination Canvey Newlands) to Canvey Village. Get off the bus by the King Canute pub, and turn down Haven Road off the other side of the main road. The Lobster Smack is at the far end of Haven Road, on the left, a 10-15 minute walk away.

click here for a larger map

picture of Lobster SmackA real gem of a pub, hidden away in the remote, coastal location of Holehaven Point, the Lobster Smack is well worth seeking out. The pub has been in business for a few centuries, its isolation formerly making it a one-time favourite haunt for smugglers, while it has also been suggested as a model for an inn featured in Dickens' Great Expectations. Nowadays, the pub is notably well maintained, with wood beams all around giving an attractive appearance, and a fair bit of fresh paint was in evidence externally when we visited. There's a lovely beer garden outside (alas that the very necessary and high, concrete, sea wall, nearby severely inhibits views out to the briny). The staff are notably friendly, as one would expect on this close-knit island, and a wide range of food is available at prices that are so reasonable that any passing visitor from London might rub their eyes in disbelief. A couple of real ales are usually available on hand pumps, but both had run out on our visit. None the less, we're happy to recommend this secret beauty of South Essex - we found it an ideal pitstop while walking the Canvey coastal path. Despite being a bit out of the way, there didn't seem to be any shortage of punters, either - it's clearly well loved and appreciated by locals, despite the fact that, even for them, it's a bit of a trek.

reviewed:
03/05/2008
reviewed by venichka

Eating at The Lobster Smack ... we last ate here on 03/05/2008

A wide range of pub food, both traditional and otherwise, with special offers on curries and steaks on certain evenings, and Sunday lunches. We had a sausage baguette with chips and salad - which was all perfectly acceptable and fine. Like most of the food on the menu, it was also extraordinarily cheap. Probably a good place for a family meal (although children have to have left the pub by 8pm).
food rating 2 - quality
value rating 1 - value

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

good beer served - click for explanationreal ales
beer garden or outdoor seating available - click for explanationbeer garden
separate restaurant - click for explanationpub food
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