SOUTHEND-ON-SEA.

This pub is hidden in the Victoria Plaza in a corner and looks rather innocuous from the outside and not at all worth venturing in. But you must as it will be worth any amount of time you spend trying to find it. They serve a number of real ales from micro brewers every day. It varies, so it is hard to say how many are on at any one time, but you will not be disappointed. The decor is not up to much - plastic beams and breweriana, but the beer and food make up for it. They even let you rent 4-pint containers to take home the beer of your choice. Bring it back and you get you rental charge back - cant say fairer than that can you. Food is only served lunchtimes but ranges from soup to sandwiches/baguettes to pies and steaks. Not a great deal of choice for vegetarians, but pubs traditionally do not. One thing has to be said, is that prices are unbelievably low, hence it attracts a wide variety of people at lunchtimes from bankers to shoppers. No accommodation here, but close to the station - Victoria. The accommodation above is not overly close, but is close to the Central Station from which you can get a train to close to the pub.