Things to do in Leigh-on-Sea
We all know Leigh-on-Sea is the happiest place to live according to Rightmove (named in 2019 for the second time in three years) and to us – those who are lucky enough to live here! We here at space282 are well aware of the many benefits there are to living in a popular coastal town; the community-led groups, a vibrant arts and music scene, streets laden with independent shops and businesses, close proximity to London, good schools, the list goes on.
So it’s no wonder that those priced out of cities are moving to coastal escapes such as ours. But if you’re used to city living and you’ve just moved here, what exactly goes on in Leigh-on-Sea? What things are there to do? What do we recommend?
We’ll be bringing you a month by month guide on all things Leigh-on-Sea that will hopefully satisfy your social needs! First up….
Craft Beers and Microbreweries
If you’re a lover of your craft beers and independent breweries, then you’re in luck! Leigh-on-Sea and Southend has quite a few to choose from, including local bottle shops and taprooms.
HOPPILY – Hoppily is a craft beer bottle-shop based at 1221 London Road in Leigh-on-Sea and offers a monthly subscription service. Hoppily has an intimate taproom / pop-up bar setting with a few independent beers on tap and bottles available to try. They collaborate with a variety of breweries in Essex, London and the South / South East. You can often find Hoppily at different events throughout the year.
LEIGH-ON-SEA BREWERY – Conceived in late 2016, Leigh on Sea Brewing Company are brewers Ian Rydings and Mark Springham. As well as an online shop there is a taproom at 35 Progress Road which often puts on different events. Beers are available by the cask, keg or bottle and include Legra Pale, Six Little Ships, Two Tree Island, Crowstone, Cockle Row Spit, SS9, Renown, and Kursaal Gold. Each ale has been named and chosen with local Leigh-on-Sea history and landmarks in mind, as well as the brand design of each beer created by local designer Neil Fendell.
http://leighonseabrewery.co.uk/
THE CRAFTY HALF – Located at 1376 London Road in Leigh-on-Sea this micro bar is a family run business selling a vast range of craft beers, ciders, wines, and spirits. They offer a friendly service where you’re welcome to take your own lunch along whilst sampling some of the beers on tap. They’re very accommodating here and happy to share local brewery knowledge with you. Good gins on offer too!
https://www.facebook.com/thecraftyhalf/
CRAFTWERK – Not technically Leigh-on-Sea but this place has to get a mention, another family run business that started from a love of craft beer. The team behind Craftwerk have a history in running pubs, they went on to spend months travelling around the globe to taste and sample some of the best independent beers on offer, before bringing their knowledge and passion to 14 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea. Craftwerk is a cool place to drink, eat, listen to music, meet friends and the team is happy to talk about what’s on tap with you. It’s not just craft beer either, there’s ciders, wines, spirits, and low alcohol choices. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
http://www.craftwerkbeers.com/
WEST ROAD TAP - Taking inspiration from fellow micropub, Billericay Brewing in Billericay, West Road Tap is also a bottleshop that offers wines, spirits, ciders, and bar snacks. West Road puts on events throughout the year working with local food pop-ups, it’s a great place to sit outside when the weather is warmer to while away the hours.
https://www.westroadtap.com/about
MILE AND A THIRD - Another Westcliff bar specialising in cask ale and craft beers but does serve other drinks and snacks. There’s a record player to help yourself to if you fancy taking some records along and a host of retro games to play. The staff at Mile and a Third are on hand to discuss the beers and the setting here is spacious and close to the seafront.