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An award winning source of news, local issues, information, events and features for Southend-on-Sea. Covering all areas of Southend including Leigh-on-Sea, Thorpe Bay, Westcliff and Shoebury, with independent hyperlocal content. Your Southend is an online community where discussion and debate between local residents is encouraged. Share your photos, news and comments with us through our regularly updated social media feeds or on our website.

WIN: A £50 voucher to spend on whatever you like at Southend city’s newest coffee and cocktail lounge!It’s day 7 of our ...
20/12/2025

WIN: A £50 voucher to spend on whatever you like at Southend city’s newest coffee and cocktail lounge!

It’s day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and today’s prize is from a brand-new independent venue that feels like exactly what Southend has been missing.

If you remember the buzz of Yates or East Coast Social back in the day, that lively corner spot is alive again and reimagined.

South Street Bar & Coffee Lounge has opened on London Road, just off Southend High Street, bringing a fresh all-day and all-night concept to the city.

By day, it is a relaxed, quality coffee lounge serving its own speciality coffee, whether you want to stay and unwind or grab a takeaway.

Food is available throughout the day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus featuring smash burgers, loaded nachos, paninis, chicken tender loaded fries and more.

Head upstairs in the evening and the vibe shifts. The upstairs sports bar offers pool, darts, games and big screens showing all the live sport. Expect pints, gins, cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

The owners said: “Guests at our first South Street coffee shop on Southchurch Road wanted somewhere they could stay a little longer, enjoy evenings out, and experience the same welcoming atmosphere, just with a different vibe. So we listened.

“The Bar & Coffee Lounge brings the best of both worlds: exceptional daytime coffee culture blended with relaxed, stylish evening socialising. Think handcrafted cocktails inspired by our favourite flavours, curated wines, great music, and a space designed for everything from after-work drinks to late-night chats.

“We’re independent, we’re local, and we’re here to make you feel like family. Come down, we promise you’ll love it.”

How to enter:
To be in with a chance of winning the £50 voucher, simply leave a comment on this post and tag someone you would take with you to try their cocktails, coffee or food.

A winner will be randomly drawn at 6pm on 24 December and notified via direct message.

👉 Check back for Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and another Southend business worth knowing about.

Parents are saying this is the best Santa experience they have ever seen... and it's here in Southend! If you want to ge...
19/12/2025

Parents are saying this is the best Santa experience they have ever seen... and it's here in Southend!

If you want to get into the festive spirit and give your children a genuinely memorable experience, a few tickets are left for the Southend Christmas Experience at Caddies.

This year’s reviews have been outstanding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was so impressed with the Father Christmas experience and show – controversial but I think the Father Christmas was even better than Lapland UK!”

“We had an amazing time, kids loved it! Santa was amazing, the show was great fun and we enjoyed the golf. Great value for money too!”

“We attended for the Christmas experience – absolutely WOW!!!!!! We were all blown away, what a fantastic afternoon! The best Santa we have ever seen”

🎟️ Latest availability:
20 December: SOLD OUT ❌
21 December: LAST FEW TICKETS ⚠️
22 December: 70% SOLD ⏳
23 December: 60% SOLD ⏳
24 December: LAST FEW TICKETS ⚠️

Tickets include a 40-minute interactive Elf Academy show, a very magical visit to see Father Christmas, and nine holes of Crazy Golf.

WIN: A ‘Bestie Head Spa' experience for two at The Meredith Clinic Headspa in Leigh-on-Sea!IT'S DAY 6 OF THE 12 DAYS OF ...
18/12/2025

WIN: A ‘Bestie Head Spa' experience for two at The Meredith Clinic Headspa in Leigh-on-Sea!

IT'S DAY 6 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY ✨

Today’s prize is all about switching off and indulging in proper relaxation. It comes from the Meredith Clinic Headspa - a beautiful and luxurious space in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea.

Inspired by traditional Japanese techniques, the treatments focus on improving scalp health, rejuvenating hair and promoting overall wellbeing. Gentle massage, soothing water flow and a calm, unhurried environment combine to create a deeply relaxing experience.

What truly sets this head spa apart is their Bestie Experience. You and a friend relax side by side at the same time, under the signature water halos.

It is the only head spa in Leigh-on-Sea offering a duo experience and it's perfect for sharing something special together. It's ideal for best friends, mums and daughters and partners.

🎁 The experience is also perfect for Christmas - their gift vouchers allow you to give a beautifully indulgent present that is guaranteed to impress.

Guests come out of the experience feeling thoroughly rejuvenated:
💬 Rachel: “Absolutely incredible. Best 90 minutes. So relaxing and such a treat. Highly recommend.”

💬 Gemma: “I feel like a new woman. The whole experience was amazing.”

How to enter the prize draw to win the Bestie Headspa Experience:
Simply leave a comment on this post and tag the person you would take with you if you won.

The winner will be randomly selected at 6pm on 24 December and notified via direct message.

👉 Check back tomorrow for Day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and another brilliant Southend business featured.

17/12/2025

WIN: A huge Greek mix grill platter for four people, worth £50

🎄 IT’S DAY 5 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

If you love authentic Greek food made with quality ingredients and generous portions, today’s prize is for you.

Just Greek is a family-run restaurant and takeaway on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff, which many locals say serves the best gyros in Southend.

Described by customers as offering “a true taste of Greece”, it has quickly built a loyal following for its food, value and friendly service.

The menu is packed with Greek favourites, including charcoal-grilled souvlaki chicken and pork, freshly cooked moussaka, Greek pork belly, thick and creamy tzatziki and much more.

Customers who keep going back say:
Holly Crouch: “The food is absolutely stunning (understatement).”

James Tickett: “The food is fantastic, portions are generous, prices are very good, and the staff are so friendly and hospitable that we love coming here regularly. Excellent authentic vibes, food and drink.”

🍽️ What you could win:
A Greek mix grill platter for four, including:
Souvlaki chicken and pork, gyros chicken and pork, Greek pork belly, Greek sausages and bifteki. It is a serious feast.

Just Greek is open for eat-in, takeaway collection and delivery via their website and the usual food delivery apps.

How to enter:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment on this post and tag some people you would bring with you to help finish the platter of food.

A winner will be randomly drawn at 6pm on 21 December and notified via direct message.

📍 Just Greek, 171 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea

👉 Check back tomorrow for Day 6 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and another brilliant Southend business.

👀 WIN: A delicious brunch for up to five people at Selby’s Café & Bistro in Southend IT'S DAY 4 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRIST...
16/12/2025

👀 WIN: A delicious brunch for up to five people at Selby’s Café & Bistro in Southend

IT'S DAY 4 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Could this be one of Southend’s best hidden gems for brunch? Customers certainly think so, and it is easy to see why! The food looks exceptional and the reviews speak for themselves.

For Day 4, we have teamed up with Selby’s, a family-run Café & Bistro in the heart of Southchurch, to giveaway a meal and drinks for up to five people.

Selby’s is known for serving fresh local produce, excellent coffee and generous portions in a cosy, welcoming setting. The menu has something for everyone, from their popular 'Butcher’s Plate' full English breakfast to smashed avocado, doorstep sandwiches, and indulgent bacon, maple and apple crumble triple pancake stacks.

Drinks are just as well covered, with everything from cappuccinos and lattes to traditional milkshakes.

Customers say:
“The best breakfast in Southend. Beautifully presented and delicious food.”

“Absolutely delicious. A lovely place to come, sit, chat and eat amazing food. Never disappointed. Price for what you get and the quality is fantastic.”

“Beautiful food, lovely staff and a wonderful coffee.”

“I don’t go anywhere else for breakfast or lunch, it’s my go-to place.”

How to enter this giveaway:
Simply write a comment on this post and tell us how many people you would bring with you to try their food:
• Two people
• Four people
• Or five people for those larger groups and families

📍 Selby’s Café & Bistro, 215 Hamstel Road, Southend-on-Sea

Normal Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8.30am–3.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am–2pm
Wednesday: Closed

Note: Selby’s is open until Christmas Eve, then closed over Christmas for a well-earned staff break, reopening on 10 January.

A winner will be randomly selected on 21 December at 6pm and notified via direct message.

👉 Check back tomorrow for Day 5 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and another brilliant Southend business featured.

15/12/2025

LATEST: Uber has been granted a 5-year licence to operate in Southend.

Southend Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee unanimously approved Uber’s application.

✨ DAY 3 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYWIN: Annual Passes for a group of two or four at Southend’s premier entertai...
15/12/2025

✨ DAY 3 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

WIN: Annual Passes for a group of two or four at Southend’s premier entertainment venue, Caddies!

Today’s prize is all about year-round fun. We have teamed up with Caddies, one of Southend’s most popular and fast-evolving entertainment venues, to giveaway some of their annual passes.

If you have not been before, Caddies works just as well for a family day out as it does for a night out with mates or a date night. And if you have been, there is a good chance it has changed since you were last there because they are always adding new crazy golf holes.

Important to note: Caddies’ hugely popular Christmas Experience is currently running, and tickets are almost sold out. It features an “incredible” Santa’s grotto visit and an interactive Elf Workshop show, with glowing reviews. A small number of tickets remain for dates between 20 and 24 December, but you will need to be quick.

At Caddies all-year-round, you’ll find a huge range of attractions, including:
• (Very) Crazy Mini Golf – two ‘bonkers’ nine-hole courses packed with interactive obstacles that go far beyond standard mini golf.
• Bumper Car Battle Arena – fast-paced, high-energy sessions where bumping, spinning and dodging are all part of the fun.
• The AMAZEBALLS ball pit – over 50,000 illuminated balls with mirrors and lighting effects, suitable for groups during the day and over-18s only after 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Shuffleboard – competitive, easy-to-learn fun that is perfect for groups.
• The Caddies Comedy Club – live stand-up performances from established and emerging UK comedians.

There’s also a great drinks menu, including quirky cocktails and mocktails, meaning adults are just as well catered for as the kids.

How to enter the giveaway:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment on this post and say whether you would choose the annual passes for a group of two or a group of four. (Get a bonus entry if you share this post)

This is a standout prize from a standout Southend venue that continues to raise the bar for entertainment in the city.

A winner will be randomly selected at 6pm on 19 December and notified via direct message.

👉 Check back tomorrow for Day 4 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway and another brilliant Southend business.

🎄 DAY 2 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYWIN: Fish & Chips for a whole YEAR... or a £100 voucher! 🐟🍟Today’s prize com...
14/12/2025

🎄 DAY 2 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

WIN: Fish & Chips for a whole YEAR... or a £100 voucher! 🐟🍟

Today’s prize comes from one of Southend’s most popular chip shops. Rams on Woodgrange Drive is well known for freshly cooked food, golden crispy batter and generous portions. It is the go-to chippy for many locals, and for good reason.

Alongside classic fish and chips, Rams also serves burgers, fried chicken and a wide range of tempting sides.

Here's what customers are saying:

Stacey W: “They are the best! Food’s always fresh and yummy! Large portion sizes.”

Lynette S: “Absolutely best in the area. All the staff are lovely, always friendly and polite.”

🏆 The prize options on offer:
• Fish & Chips for a whole year (Cod, a max of two meals per month).
• Or a £100 voucher to spend at Rams

To enter this competition, simply leave a comment on this post and tell us which prize you would want to win: fish and chips for a year or the £100 voucher.

A winner will be randomly picked at 6pm on 19 December and notified by direct message.

Rams Fish Bar is open 7 days a week, 11:30am to 9:00pm.

You can phone orders ahead for collection so your food is ready when you arrive: 01702 462 214

📍 Rams Fish Bar, 201 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2SG

👉 Check back tomorrow for Day 3 of our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, with another brilliant Southend business and another prize to be won.

🎉 DAY 1 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYWIN: Two tickets to the most fabulous all-inclusive New Year’s Eve party in ...
13/12/2025

🎉 DAY 1 OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

WIN: Two tickets to the most fabulous all-inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Southend 🥂

We have teamed up with Southend’s Holiday Inn venue to giveaway a pair of tickets to their glamorous New Year’s Eve Party, taking place in the stunning Laker Suite at the hotel.

This is a proper end-of-year celebration. Guests will enjoy:
• An all-inclusive drinks package
• A generous three-course buffet
• A DJ keeping the party going until 1am

At last year’s event, guests said the service and food were “above expectations”, and this year’s menu looks just as tempting.

The indulgent menu has something for everyone, including:
• A selection of tasty starters and fresh salads
• Hearty mains such as teriyaki salmon, butter chicken masala, braised beef bourguignon and jerk chicken
• Vegetarian and vegan options throughout
• Classic desserts including sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie and Christmas pudding

To enter this prize draw, simply leave a comment on this post and tag the person you would take with you if you won. (Get a bonus entry by sharing this post).

Tickets for this event must be pre-booked in advance. Full booking details and a link to the complete menu can be found in the comments on this post.

This is a fantastic night out from one of Southend’s standout hotels, perfect if you are looking to welcome the new year in style.

The winner will be randomly drawn at 6pm on 24 December and contacted via direct message.

👉 Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the next prize and another brilliant Southend business featured in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway.

LISTEN UP SOUTHEND 👀🎄We are about to launch our biggest prize giveaway ever, with over £1,000 worth of prizes up for gra...
13/12/2025

LISTEN UP SOUTHEND 👀🎄

We are about to launch our biggest prize giveaway ever, with over £1,000 worth of prizes up for grabs!

This Christmas, we are running a huge 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, showcasing some of Southend’s very best businesses.

The fantastic prizes on offer include meals at restaurants, tickets to events and annual passes to attractions, plus others.

Each day, a brand-new competition will go live, giving you another chance to win and another way to discover the brilliant businesses across the city.

To get involved:
• Check back on our page and Instagram page every day from 13th - 24th December.
• Enter as many of the competition prize draws as you like.
• You could be one of 12 lucky winners before Christmas arrives!

Give this post a like if you will be entering the competitions and get ready for the first prize draw today…

⚠️ SEVERE TRAFFIC ALERT: The A127 is currently CLOSED at Rayleigh Weir while Essex Police carry out an investigation. Th...
09/12/2025

⚠️ SEVERE TRAFFIC ALERT: The A127 is currently CLOSED at Rayleigh Weir while Essex Police carry out an investigation.

The closure is leading to severe travel delays, with queueing traffic on multiple major roads surrounding the area. Some bus services are also impacted.

The investigation follows an incident which police had been alerted to, about concerns for the welfare of a person.

There is major disruption to traffic on surrounding roads in Rayleigh including The High Street and Rayleigh Road.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We know nearby routes are also impacted. We would ask motorists to find alternative routes and avoid the area where possible.

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote 0155 of Tuesday 9 December.”

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