Savouring Southend: A Culinary Journey Down Memory Lane
Let’s embark on a gastronomic time travel journey to the land of Southend, Essex. Why? Well, because reminiscing about missed meals is the latest trend, and who are we to resist the allure of the past, especially when it involves stuffing our faces?
Ah, Southend, the seaside that has a little place in my heart and filled my belly with joy when I needed it! Whether you’re a local or just someone who’s been lucky enough to experience the delights of Saffend on C, there are some dining spots that are forever etched in my memory. Join me on this virtual food adventure as I revisit the places I miss to eat out in Southend, Essex – a delicious trip down memory lane!
Restaurants, just a handful!
1. Oyster Creek Kitchen: Where Thames Meets Taste Buds
Picture this: a serene view of the Thames River (They call it the Seaside but it’s actually the the Thames), a gentle breeze ruffling your hair whilst sat outside on the wooden benches and the tantalising aroma of fresh food wafting from Oyster Creek Kitchen, Kitchen! From succulent oysters (I never ate them-I was only told about them) they were probably dredged the night before so super fresh to a perfectly built burger bun.
Oh, how I miss those leisurely afternoons, people watching and frantically trying to put the outdoor heaters on convincing myself it’s always sunny buy the sea!
2. The Flying Pasta: Where Pasta Flew Right to Our Mouths – because, why walk when pasta can fly, right?
Westcliff on Sea had a hidden pasta treasure that warmed our hearts and filled our tummies literally every week– The Flying Pasta. Not only was their pasta cooked to perfection, but it was like a warm hug from an old friend. The staff’s infectious friendliness added an extra sprinkle of flavor to every dish not just the parmesan cheese. The spinach and ricotta was great along with the lasagna, making each visit a delightful adventure in carb heaven!
3.La Petite Pétanque: So Hidden, Even Google Maps Raised an Eyebrow
Southend holds its secrets close, and La Petite Pétanque is one of them. Nestled away like a well-kept secret, this charming eatery offered more than just good food; it offered an experience. I recall it being a bowls lawn. Serving french cuisine that greeted you as you entered the orangery style entrance. I liked to sit outside mostly but on the odd occasion we sat in the oldie worldie vibe was great. Breakfast is a must if you have the chance.
4. Roslin Beach Hotel: An occasional visit
Sometimes, we yearn for a little sophistication in our dining experiences, and the Roslin Beach Hotel is probably the most popular fancy restaurant the locals would go to. The food is fancy and actually the roast dinner isn’t bad at all. You may see a few TOWIE stars and other familiar faces.
5. Ice Cream on the promenade. Need I say more. Come rain or shine I have walked the sea front wearing gloves with an ice cream in my hands with Mark right by my side probably moaning about how cold it is!
Getting messy!
Another thing I do miss now I no longer live in Southend is Mudlarking, although I wouldn’t say I mudlarked really. I guess I didn’t and don’t have a clue how to, I just like reading up about it and hope one day I’ll find something extraordinary but this is what generally happened when I headed out to the sea bed once the tide moved out.
Mudlarking is like a surprise party where the gift bags are filled with things you didn’t know you wanted. From random toys to that elusive ancient coin (by “ancient,” we mean anything that looks older than last week’s dinner in the waste bin), there’s an inexplicable thrill in uncovering the unexpected – and I don’t just mean the miniature crab that’s suddenly found a new home on your shoe.
After a good ‘mudlarking’ session, you’ll find that life’s worries seem to wash away along with the muck you collected on your hands and clothing. Your shoes might not thank you too, but your sense of adventure surely will.
So, it might be unconventional, it might be messy, and it might even raise a few eyebrows, but in a world where pristine perfection is overrated, embracing the mud can actually be quite fun and the restaurants along the way are not that bad either.
Photography Eve Woodhouse.
