please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This very atmospheric Nicholson's pub that also appears in the 2016 and 2017 GBG's was the last of the 4 in Leigh that we visited and in my opinion is the best, it’s just a shame we didn’t have more time here.
Busy in the public bar where seating is at a premium while the other bar is more for diners. The seating area to the front was empty but it was a cold day so I’m not surprised.
6 ales on the hand pumps, the Bays Gold from Torquay was on top form and according to the barman was proving to be a hit with the punters. In addition there’s a good selection of European lagers and Symonds’s Cider on draught.
The Men’s toilets are outside in a stable type building.
I think the Crooked Billet is a really good pub and best in the Old Town area. Score’s highly.
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An airy and comfortable pub which seemed to be the best on the High St. Not terribly welcoming on our visit. The Adnams Southwold was well above average, but not fantastic. My pescatarian companion approved of the seafood shack alongside the outdoor drinking area.
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Lovely pub and the first you come upon walking from the station.
Good selection of beers, tried the Nicholson's Pale Ale and the Adnams Southwold Bitter. Both excellent condition and reasonably priced. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable.
There's a lovely outside eating area with a superb sea food shop next door. You can buy your sea food and eat it in the outside area.
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Good selection of cask ales - the Doombar I tried was very pleasant. Decent food too at sensible prices. Pleasant location overlooking the river with a large outside seating area. Only 5-10 mins walk from the station too. Recommended!
alexw - 12 Sep 2012 19:43 |
Has recently been awarded the local CAMRA groups pub of the year,an accolade it deserves,beer selection is always very good,and reasonably priced , normally Thornbridge Jaipur is available ,worth a visit just for that excellent ale.
Staff in the main helpful and efficient although a barmaid on our recent visit did give the impression she 'd rather be elsewhere,she could well be now,that aside if in Leigh Old Town this is a must check out pub.
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Reasonable enough pub (and there are so few in South Essex) with a beer patio across the narrow street by the side of the estuary. Ale was okay. Popular with 'Enders, though I suppose most of them live this way now.
anonymous - 13 Mar 2012 20:01 |
Great nicholsons pub with six or so pumps.
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Fittingly quaint for the area. Very busy on the sunny October Sunday that we visited but still wonderfully relaxing and served pretty quickly. Outside seating ample. Doom Bar and Aspalls very nice.
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I thoroughly endorse the previous reviews about it being the best pub in Leigh. Seems to have got a bit more "Pubcoish" recently; They used to run a beer festival years ago which was interesting given the size of the place!
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Called in for luncheon yesterday - unable to book as phone does not take incoming calls!
Good selection of real ales; settled on a pint of Adnams followed by London Pride.
Lunch was an ample sufficiency although the service was diabolical. Three bar staff who seemed to double as waiting staff did their best. Suspect the hold-up ws in the tiny kitchen. When it came it was good.
Perhaps they should operate a restricted menu on Sunday - possibly offering only a choice of Sunday Roasts?
Will visit again but probably not on a Sunday
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As has been said before this is possibly the best pub in Leigh. Situated in the old town it is full of charm and feels like a real pub. It has two smallish bars and in the summer it can get packed.
Good selection of beer and friendly bar staff. Also has a reasonable selection of food.
The only thing I have problem with is that some of the window seats aren't that comfortable if you are sitting there for a longish time. Though in saying that they are probably original and part of the charm of the place!
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Nice wooden floors, good service and a view of the estuary good for a few swift halves
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The crooked billet is the best pub in Leigh. It is a fantastic place to meet in winter with log fires, cosy nooks and snugs and fabulous in Summer when you can sit outside see the estuary and purchase cockles and prawns from Osbornes (located opposite). Adnams ales and not bad selection of reasonably priced wines. Only thiong which can be hit or miss is the food...sometimes very good, sometimes so so.
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really nice genuine place.
good to return here
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this is a really good pub!
yes its packed in the summer....but that just shows what a great pub it is!
the staff are all really friendly and serve you as quickly as possible!!
even if theres queues down the road.. you still get served quicker here than any other pub!
foods great as well..proper pub food!!
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Try you judge the pub all year round, yes its busy in the summer but thats only 3 months of the year. I was there on Halloween night what a great party.
Please Don't call yourself regulars if you only use in the summer real regulars use it all year round, YOU ARE CALLED A DAY TRIPPER.
anonymous - 7 Nov 2007 22:34 |
Dont agree as have used the pub in the past twentyodd years and it was always a victim of its own success, mainly the weather !When one man & his dog (includes myself)do visit as we live close.
Think it has taken a bad turn for the worse in recent times with a lack of attention to detail & punters, probably got the worst gents outside of basra, food is average (bring back the seafood platters etc) owned by fading company m&bplc; dont, think the new people should be blamed ,they all elong elsewhere &all this from a regular
anonymous - 16 Oct 2007 18:59 |
what a great place very good staff, queues on busy days but its worth it to get served in turn and quickly with very good ale. Beats all other pub in the area hands down. Thank You to the staff and Landlord Andy for bring this place back to were it should be, as the best pub in Leigh.
anonymous - 1 Sep 2007 13:53 |
A gem of a pub, but as mentioned before a victim of its own success. Been there a few times and always enjoyed well cared for ales. Never managed the food as its been rammed to the gunwales each time. The only downside is the lack of ventilation. Roll on the smoking ban.
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Dannycd don't know if you've been there lately but its run by new people now, and its the best pub around LEIGH, I spent new years eve there and i have to say what a great night it was. really great pub with great staff.
anonymous - 3 Jan 2007 02:16 |
Lovely pub, sorry dannycb, good selection of beers and wines. If you don't fancy the cockles etc outside, good food to be had inside, particularly on a Sunday.
Don't have too much to drink before leaving tho'...the steps can be leathal....
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This is a nice pub and yes it is in a great setting etc etc. But its reputation is to the detriment of those who live in Leigh! Me included.
If there is more than a millisecond of sunshine, every man and his dog (literally sometimes) come and converge on this tiny pub and we cant get a bloody drink!
My mate used to work here and he says it really got on his wick when he opened the curtains in the morning to find it was a sunny day. Which is terrible but true.
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Worth riding on bicycle from Canvey for this one - no better place to watch Southend air show!
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Agree with all previous reviews.A real traditional pub opposite Osbornes cockle shed.On a day as today enjoy a pint of real ale and a pint of cockles outside.Usually three real ales on and the London Pride was 100%.This pub is really well worth a visit.
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Great Pub.
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Ah, the Crooked Billet, Leigh on Sea. What a fab pub. Pint of lager and a pint of fresh prawns from the kiosk opposite. Leigh old town's shining gem.
anonymous - 10 Feb 2006 17:08 |
A real old english pub, not many left. It's good to see a proper pub that hasn't been changed. Very small inside but has a big beer garden on the waterfront with view's of the estary. The Best pint of Real Ale around.
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