Pipe of Port in Southend-on-Sea

We were lucky enough to be brought here for my birthday. We had the festive menu. A good selection and something for everyone. A nice idea offering a glass of Prosecco with nuts and olives as a starter option, so we all opted for this. We all had the Turkey pie, full of meat and a crispy puff pastry top, served with baby potatoes and roasted vegetables. Delicious. A good selection of drinks and extensive wine menu. Looking forward to returning.

I love this place. Sometimes, you can't explain why something is so right. This is one of those occasions.

I had heard a lot of good things about this place so had high hopes for a good meal out. Unfortunately those hopes were not realised. The setting is very nice and offers something a little different to the norm. Due to the large group we had the set menu which was fine. People had said this place was famous for its pies so that’s what I wine for. Unfortunately you’re not served a pie you get a bowl of stew with a pasty lid on it with a small amount of accompanying vegetables. Those that had the fish pie didn’t even get any veg. The pie was ok but nothing to rave about

Good food served hot and good choice of wine

Absolutely incredible place. The service was amazing and the steak was the best I've ever had, it's on the pricey side but well worth it for the quality. It's a really special little gem and I'll be back to try everything on the menu

Amazing vibes, the servers were very lovely and helpful, the wine was amazing and the steak was the best I've ever had. Would highly recommend

Visited on Monday night to take advantage of the fantastic 50% discount on bottles of wine which you can take home if unfinished. Had lovely bottle if Prosecco and house red. Food was lovely both had steak delicious and beautifully cooked. Service was great. This is a great restaurant all year round. Will be back for the lobster special later this year!

Unfortunately, that would be our first and last time at the Pipe of Porto. The food was good, but the price of the drinks was excessive. However, the main reason behind our unpleasant experience was the behavior of the male waiter. We asked him to split the receipt for business expense reasons, but since it was the end of his shift, it seemed like it was too much of a headache for him, so he just shut us down. He spent the whole night disturbing and incessantly “checking” on us with a huge fake smile instead. Customer service is not about that. He left us very disappointed.

Took my fiancée (her first visit) to the Pipe of Port Saturday evening and dined with another couple. The food was nice enough, but nothing to write home about. I ordered the Steak & Kidney pie which was served with green veg, but my partner’s Fish pie arrived without anything else. The service met our needs and a charming young waitress engaged in pleasant conversation. I would return, especially in the winter, but probably without my better half. Exchanging her company and that of our friends for a boozy night on the vino with the boys.

Fantastic restaurant, went for our Anniversary ... very cosy & romantic .. sward dust on the floor & quiet dark Lovely food & wine ..will go back only for special accession because it was quite expensive.

Despite living in Southend for over 30 years, I've never been to the PoP. Friends have always said how good it was so for our second anniversary, my partner and I booked for dinner. Had been warned to find a coat hook because of the sawdust on the floor. Glass of champagne for me to go with my beetroot and salmon. Lovely. My main was beef shin ragu with mash and broccoli. His majesty had steak and kidney pie (not pudding). Delicious. The French waiter was brilliant. Quite a few dining for a Tuesday night. Will definitely go back. Maybe for one of their tasting sessions.

We were staying in Southend and looked at reviews of this place so decided to visit . We arrived at 6:00 pm when they opened and was lucky to have a table. Looking at the menu we went for the 3 course menu . It’s a bit dark in here as it’s below ground level but very romantic with the candles . The food arrived fairly quick and well presented on the plate .

Been going to the pipe of port since the 80s, service was terrible , so slow, starters lovely, mains chicken pie, had been cooked for too long no sauce, husbands just a small piece of chicken. Waited an hour and 15 minutes between starter and mains, wasn’t asked if wanted another drink, staff didn’t know what each other were doing, no body asked if food was ok, didn’t have deserts or coffees just wanted to go. Will not go back, has changed the service isn’t there anymore. So sad.

My first visit to the delightful venue whilst back to the U.K. for a few days following a recommendation by my financial advisor. Excellent food and service and reasonably priced - I can’t say more. Highly recommended folks

Lovely friendly staff. Beautiful surroundings. The food was amazing.. Highly recommend. Five stars +++++

Really lovely food. Great service

All satisfactory, went for the special deals, all good. Surprised how busy for a Monday, a very good sign

Food was delicious and service brilliant

The entrance down the stairs is quite dark, and with sunshine and photochromic glasses I was nearly blind! Short menu, with mostly cold choices. Starter was a pate with Melba toast. Not the easiest to eat as so dark. Main was cold rare beef with salad and a superb baked potato. The potato was superbly cooked, absolutely perfect. The salad with it was delicious but again hard to see. The beef was nice, though the added 6cms of string was a little surprise. Nice staff as I say, only negative was rhe darkness issue.

The entrance down the stairs is quite dark, and with sunshine and photochromic glasses I was nearly blind! Short menu, with mostly cold choices. Starter was a pate with Melba toast. Not the easiest to eat as so dark. Main was cold rare beef with salad and a superb baked potato. The potato was superbly cooked, absolutely perfect. The salad with it was delicious but again hard to see. The beef was nice and mostly rare, though the added 6cms of string was a little texture surprise. Nice staff as I say, only negative was the darkness issue.

Having popped in a few weeks earlier for an impromptu sample of some lovely Ports, we chose it for a lunch to toast a departed loved one. The pies had also been recommended by a number of people. We had a lovely lunch, pies were really nice as were the starters. More Port was enjoyed, especially the 10 year old Tawny. Staff were freindly, service was great and the whole atmosphere was just really nice, really Christmas, can's wait to go again which will probably be in january for cheese and port tasting. Throughly enjoyed and wish we'd discovered it earlier.

6 friends met for a pre Christmas meal. Some of us had been going to the PoP for well over 30 years. The meal was average. The pork belly was very small, pies were delicious as ever but only came with 2 small new potatoes and a spoonful of roasted vegetables. What happened to the jacket spuds? Some of the more reasonably priced wines (£30) were unavailable. There was a 60 minute wait from ordering desserts to them being served. The wait wasn’t worth it as they were uninspiring. All in all a very poor experience. At £40 a head plus drinks and service charge (which is added on regardless) we expected better. We did receive after dinner drinks for free to try to compensate for the wait between courses, but unfortunately it won’t tempt us to return. So disappointed.

A really lovely evening. table of 13 for Christmas with friends. Really friendly and professional service. Great food, and excellent wines. Thanks all.

Love this place,.my favourite winter restaurant.

Haven't been in over 20 years!! Pies and wine still very delicious!!

Always a Winner!!! Haven’t been here since before Covid but an impromptu evening visit on a busy Saturday night didn’t fail to please. A lovely quirky restaurant with a difference from all the chain restaurants . To enter you go down some stairs to what could be thought of as a cellar. The restaurant is underground so is darkened but this adds to the atmosphere. Sawdust on the floor, candles in bottles on the tables just adds to the feel good. Although a limited menu, it’s perfect, the food is of a high standard. We had fish pie and the lamb, both exceptionally delicious. Good choice of desserts For each item on the menu, a recommendation of wine to complement the chosen food, this takes the often laborious task of trying to choose a good wine for dinner. Staff very attentive, polite and friendly. Overall cannot fault the evening. The Pipe of Port has been in Southend for many years and has stood the test of time. So if you’re looking for something different from the run of the mill places to eat, then this is a must. Not the cheapest but alternatively not the most expensive . We had 2 mains, 2 desserts, bottle of wine and 2 coffees for just under £100 - worth every penny

Two friends arrived impromptu for lunch on a wet Thursday We were the first to be seated for lunch and we put in the furthest corner on a tiny table for two Waiter with French accent took our order and we certainly had lots of attention till the restaurant started to fill for lunch diners From that moment on after we got our food that was delicious, it was hard to get any attention Eventually we got up and went to the waiter station and said we wanted to pay but couldn’t attract his attention… he said he was busy He gave us the bill and we walked to the bar to pay Lovely food but as we weren’t ordering alcohol we were rather neglected….. why would we come back

Great food and service, it's like stepping back in time to the City wine bars of old without having to travel up to town. An absolute delight

Popped in to see what it was like and stayed for a glass of wine and they have a good choice. Great place to visit olde world style with sawdust on the floor. Will visit again to try out the restaurant seems like a nice choice of meals.

I visited the restaurant for lunch with family and the food was exceptional. We had a three course meal and all was delicious especially the lamb and steak. We did not have to wait very long for our orders and everything was served together. The ambiance in the restaurant is so cosy and welcoming. The staff could not do enough for us and others around us. Several wine options meant that we were spoilt for choice and our waiter, Mat gave us a lovely recommendation. He made our visit very enjoyable. Perfect dinning experience for adults. I will definitely visit again.

Fantastic Lovely atmosphere friendly cheerful staff Excellent food and drink Would highly recommend

Had an enjoyable meal here catching up with friends. Menu is not overly extensive but sufficient choice for most tastes. The only thing I felt let down the meal was lack of included side dishes. I had one of the pies that only came with a potato choice. A friend had the fish pie and that was all she got. A small serving of vegetables with each would have made it better. Service was attentive and friendly

As always a lovely meal , traditional English fare done really well, venison and port stew a standout, and of course some great wine with wonderful service

We found this place and a great find. The food was very nice and a great wine list. The special of the day Tolouse sausages was delicious. We bought some pies to takeaway at £4.95 each and although the selection was minimal as they sold out, I had one later in the evening and was very tasty. We will definitely visit again when back in the area.

Great little restaurant with traditional decor. I love the sawdust on the floor, and the candle light. Food was perfect, and exactly as I remembered it from years ago. Definitely worth a visit

Very nice location inside the city center. Romantic atmosphere and very good plates.

Don't judge the entrance. Down stairs is totally different,the service is very good with a good atmosphere and the food is even better.

What a wonderful place, the ambience was just right and the food was incredible. The staff were very helpful and courteous, we loved everything about it!

This is such a traditional, atmospheric Restuarant. Our host, Fay, looked after us so well. I had the steak and kidney pie with jacket potato, fabulous! Of course I started with white port, very nice and good measure. Sawdust on the floor is a great touch. Comprehensive wine list. Would thoroughly recommend a visit to this cosy Restuarant 👍

Delicious food. Wine was pairing perfect and the staff were informative and unpretentious. Considering the quality of wine, it reasonably priced.

Very poor menu and over priced very dark and hard to read menu and the toilet were very smelly would certainly not go there again

Absolutely beautiful food, staff faultless, extremely happy with choice of venue and food. Guys visit this place you won't be disappointed. To all the idiots that want a.£1,000 Mel for £90 get a grip, go up to London and pay silly prices, don't be on here slagging off local businesses trying to succeed- and do you know what go and find better!!! Scott (southend)

Biggest rip off had for a long time £32 00 for a bottle of wine Will never go back again spent £142 00 for four pies and two bottles of wine

If you want a French experience in Southend, this is the place to be. Very nice, diverse menu, amazing wine selection and the atmosphere is unique. Certainly recommended.

Excellent food and service, highly recommend

I can't fault this place. The best in Southend. For good food and fine wine, you will be hard pushed to beat this restaurant. Food well prepared and presented. Very helpful, polite, friendly staff. A real treat every time.

Good food good staff good atmosphere

One of my favorite restaurants in Southend. Absolutely lovely food. Wine is superb. Wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Firstly, let me say we love the Pipe of Port for its ambience and friendly service. When we've come for dinner we've always been happy with our meals. Today we went for lunch and decided to have a starters and then the smaller size lunchtime pies. The starters weren't too big, but we're fine for the price, but we were very disappointed with the size of the small pies. The large pies are priced at £16, the small pies are priced at £10, but they are tiny. Basically they are in a ramekin dish. We did say about how small they were, because we felt the larger pies must be more than two ramekin dishes and that would mean they should be £20, if double the size and that would make quite a small size. Anyway, they said they were proportionately correct, but we are not convinced. To be fair, we said it wasn't about getting money off the bill, but they did take £13.00 off the bill, which was good of them, but unfortunately with so many other places offering better value for money, we won't be returning for a while and when we do we'll have the large pies to see what size they are now.

Guess being going there since opened. Not much change. Love the pies, good choice of menus, staff friendly, think menu still the same.

First visit for a long time.. Still the same great atmosphere.. Steak and kidney pie excellent.. Massive wine selection.. Staff very attentive

Had dinner here with friends last Saturday. Although our server, Herb, was very pleasant the overall standard of service was awful. We sat for twenty minutes without being asked if we wanted a drink and it was difficult to get the attention of any of the staff the entire night. We used to come here regularly and looked forward to a good evening but the service spoiled it and the food had gone downhill quite badly. Paid £17 for a chicken pie with very little chicken and £ 29 for a dry fillet steak

Nice setting decent meals and reasonably priced

Exceptional service. Great people. Hospitable. There were seven of us who were delighted with the most beautiful meals. Three of us had the Scottish steak and kidney pie with mash. Amazing.

This was a must visit for us on a recent trip to the area we used to live in almost 20 years ago. A basement bar and restaurant with wood panelling, sawdust on the floors and low lighting. We made the mistake of coming here for lunch instead of dinner and having a small pie meal instead of the full sized meal option. When you come to this fantastic spot, you really need a full appetite to enjoy their signature dishes to the max. Cue another visit from us for dinner! And don’t drive if you want the full experience and want to be able to select from their extensive wine list with many fortified choices as well. Highly recommended.

This place is a well established hidden gem. I had wanted to go for years, and then a friend bought my husband and I a gift voucher for our 1st wedding anniversary. We went on an evening in the week so it was fairly quiet. It was lovely and warm in there despite the cold outside. Service was great- wine list extensive which I found a bit overwhelming but that’s my issue not theirs! If you are like me, look at the wine list in advance. We started by sharing a seafood platter- which was varied and tasty. They brought us bread which always pleases my husband. The pies are legendary- so my husband opted for the chicken pie and I went for the trawler pie. Both substantial sized portions. We didn’t really need the side of greens but it was the right thing to do! So full we didn’t have dessert. The service was great. The atmosphere very romantic- probably the most romantic restaurant I’ve been to in Essex. Would definitely return!

My favourite restaurant in Southend. Excellent food, excellent wine, fantastic staff & service.

What an amazing venue, food always excellent, wonderful ambiance, staff very accommodating. Such a lovely evening spent at the Pipe of Port, thank you

The Pipe Of Port is one of my favourite restaurants to visit! You enter by going down a short flight of stairs & you immediately find yourself in a lowly lit intimate setting. It's far removed from the busy High Street of Southend only several feet away. The food/drink is of a great quality. I was more than impressed with all of the staff but one stood out in particular! The waiter called Matthew. He has exceptional service skills. Welcoming, helpful,attentive, professional with much attention to detail! He was constantly on the ball making sure that all customers were having their needs met. Lovely place to go for a lunch or dinner. We'll done everyone! See you soon.

Our favourite venue for a date night. Love sitting in the old-style booths. Special for birthdays and anniversaries

Lovely place, good selection of wines and very attentive staff. Vegetarian options a bit of a disappointment but meat dishes look good if you're into eating flesh (steaks look quite lush and I caught a glimpse of pies that definitely deserve attention) 🙃

Not much choice for vegetarians, but friendly staff.

Lovely meal and excellent service, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.

Have been to the pipe a few times with work colleagues this time with my husband. Love the atmosphere here and decor. My husband had the steak and kidney pie. My husband said it was very tasty but I have to say the plate looked a little bare no other veg just potatoes which seems a little stingy. You can order separately at £4.50 but I think for the price some veg should be included. We also had the pate and the salmon which were very nice. Overall enjoyed our visit and would recommend.

this place is lovely, food amazing: i had a pie and was... a dream!! People really polite, service really good. Really suggest

tipico pub inglese con un'ottima scelta di vini. piatti tipici con abbinamento di vini. ho mangiato un ottima Pie con rognoni e funghi: deliziosa. Servizio e personale molto educato e professionale. Ambiente pulito. Se vi trovate in zona ... fermatevi!

Great staff, food, and activities everything we visit

Nice food and great waitress Charlotte. Riesling expensive

It’s been some years since visiting the Pipe of Port, and honestly I wonder why it’s taken me so long to come back. Dining as a family party of eight for a family birthday, we loved the experience. There is genuinely nowhere in Southend to have a dining experience quite like this, it has an atmosphere and vibe like no other. A fantastic menu, quality ingredients, super-friendly and efficient service, and wine pairings to match. The set menu is great value for money (2 courses for £20) and the whole meal cost us about £38 per head, which included some beers and a couple of bottles of wine, plus sides. Can’t wait to come back. The pies are a must-pick, and the danish herring with creamed Stilton was outstanding.

Been going here on and off for years. So about time I gave credit. Proper pub food not just shipped in pre made from brakes (as far as I know. Never disappointed with quality, portions or staff.

I've been here probably a dozen times and love it but it's not without its quirks. The restaurant is seriously dark. I've had to use the light on my phone to read the menu. The service can be hit and miss. The food is all really lovely though - I've never ordered something and not enjoyed it. They also have an incredible wine/champagne selection.

The pies here are so good- we had the turkey & cranberry and chicken & chestnut. The brownie with hot raspberry sauce is delicious, and not too big a portion. Service was prompt but not rushed, we always enjoy coming in here

Best restaurant in Central Southend. Very good wine and port menu and excellent food.

As there was an offer we paid £15 a head deposit before 30/9 to qualify for the free mulled wine and the Christmas menu and I advised one diner GF On the day,(2/12/22) they rung me to confirm the table and us 3 friends were v excited to eat at PoP as it had been awhile Our booth was right in the corner with just abit of Christmas decorations and not the ambience of the rest of the restaurant and it was v difficult to get there passing a big party of men restricting access to our corner Firstly, just accidentally we were given usual not Christmas menu then we asked for our mulled wine and persuaded to quickly order as if there was a time limit to the table although one of the young waitress denied this We ordered starters and on arrival asked for bread that in the past in the venue was just put on the table When it arrived our GF guest asked if it was GF or whether they had any and young waitress said she would ask. We waited and GF had a couple of mouthfuls left to eat when GF slice of bread was produced that had obviously been plucked from the freezer and toasted….. but GF happy As for main course there was only one choice of the pork belly for GF but waitress enquired but no apple sauce available although she said many had asked….. how strange One diner had the veg wellington and said it was delicious I had their famous Turkey pie including a piece of INEDIBLE gristle about 3” long and 1” wide and pointed it out to the waitress to ask the chef what he made of it …. Waitress came back to say chef said it’s just tough Turkey….. as if that was the answer🤷 not sorry or anything Puddings we were asked about immediately and managed to hold them off until 3rd time of asking and that’s when we asked again about time limit on the table …. Restaurant was half empty by this time Then we asked about the included coffee and petite fours and told unless you pay extra it’s filter coffee or tea They said they had decaf but no milk alternatives which is odd as everywhere seems to have oat milk or almond milk now When asked if petite fours were GF the waitress returned saying Turkish Delight was When bill arrived deposits taken off hand amended bill but charged for mulled wine so I produced the original advert on their website confirming this was free and waitress returned with another non itemised bill hand amended bill not charging for mulled wine I was the first to leave as my lift was outside and as I passed the waitresses station one said in a loud voice HAS SHE PAID! Why would I rush back although mostly food good

Nice cosy atmosphere, friendly attentive staff & great tasty pie's.. perfect place for a winter lunch

Fabulous food and wine pairing recommendations. Excellent service, lovely cosy ambience. What else do you need? Cant wait to book and go again.

I visited here years ago but for some reason haven’t been back until now.. We was in town today and fancied some lunch. Got seated straight away even tho we hadn’t booked.. Waitress very pleasant and welcoming. We had a few menus to choose from....

This place is such a gem, my partner and I love it! Staff were friendly and inviting - wine was fantastic! I especially like how each dish has a suggested wine pairing, it's an awesome touch!

Great atmosphere,service, and the pies are the best ive had in years...

Food was tasty. The pie is one of the best I’ve tried. The price was reasonable. The service was the best!

Some of the best food I have had at very good prices. Great for intimate setting or a chinwag with friends. Prices for all sorts and selection is very good.

Always good! Excellent meal last night. It was the chef's supper. More like this please

My Nan and I went to have a nice dinner at the piper of port, the atmosphere was great and the waitress were very nice. But come to the end of the meal we see that we have been charged extra for the filit steak....

Food is good, booze list is fantastic

We had a wonderful time celebrating my Step mum's 70th Birthday with a large group of her friends. The food was absolutely delicious. Starters was very nice. For main I had the puff pastry salmon pie, the pea casserole that comes with it accompanies it...

My favourite restaurant in Southend bar none. The food, atmosphere and service always excellent.

Excellent place to eat, I would definitely return if I’m in the area. The staff were very friendly and I really liked the atmosphere. The food was also delicious, and it was nice to take a break from the same meals offered by nearly every other restaurant at the moment.

Very good atmosphere. Excellent service. Food decent

A great restaurant, the food is delicious, the dining environment is very comfortable, and the staff’s service is very good. It’s a restaurant worth going to again

Worst negroni I have ever had. Food is ok.

Had the pleasure of spending an hour or so here with friends and being treated to all kinds of wine with recommendations from the sommelier (guy with long hair) who treated us like VIPs. Will 100% be returning to try more hidden gems in their collection and try their food.

Hmm been going there for years.. this was worst ever I asked for fillet and haggis pies to be cooked rear which has been done perfect before sadly this time it was well done ....we have cooked better at home for xmas... got worse wine we asked for wasn't available

Great food, and good portion sizes for lunchtime- not too big. Service is excellent, and there was a good range of options on the fixed price menu. For £35, this is excellent value.

Oh dear overpriced food that wasn't very nice the only good thing I can say is the staff were friendly and helpful

A classic of its type. Think Davy's Wine Lodge at its best

Starter of tomato's and olives, very good. Steak pie good, pudding ok. Vegetables extra and £1.50 extra for mashed potatoes. The price of wine was a complete take on. £33 for a bottle of prosecco. It was not worth it. Would not go back because...

Great food, service and staff, ticks all boxes. We wanted to have something other than fish and chips so we decided to try out this resturants and we were very impressed. The pies were prefect and eveything else we order was also great. This place is hidden gem!

I went ages ago to this restaurant on my first visit to Southend on sea, great food and service.

Came here for lunch with a friend. Had the pate, steak and kidney pie and cheese cake. Later that evening was vomiting for 2 hours was so sick. I would never eat here again.

We had a very enjoyable meal on Friday evening. We were visiting Southend for the weekend and looking for somewhere to eat quite late. We walked in just before 9.00 pm without a booking but we’re welcomed and accommodated. Loved the quirky ambiance, candles and...