The Elms - JD Wetherspoon in Southend-on-Sea

Great Spoons in a lovely traditional pub building. Plenty of space, clean and nicely decked out.

Great place for me and friends to meet up eat drink and be merry. Shame about dog ban.

Great pub and service. First time we visited and will come back.

I do love a 'spoons for quick food and drink stop off for a reasonable price.

As proud members of the prestigious Cocodile and Waistcoat Club – a highly refined group known for our love of light refreshments and spirited discussion – we descended upon The Elms for what we assumed would be a delightful afternoon of discounted beverages and stimulating conversation. One drink led to another (as they often do in such fine establishments), and before long, the sun had set, the ales were flowing, and deep philosophical debates about compost, geraniums, and 1990s coach trips were in full swing. It was during this intellectual peak that disaster struck: one of our founding members, John, found himself exiled to the cold, unforgiving outside world. But fear not! John, never one to be bested by bouncers or boundaries, heroically re-entered via the side door, much like a Victorian chimney sweep returning home. Sadly, his triumph was short-lived. A noble bearded gentleman – the Gandalf of Security, if you will – spotted John and, clearly heartbroken by the breach of the venue’s highly fortified side door, politely (read: with the force of a small rhino) asked him to leave. When we inquired about the reasoning – bearing in mind we were simply sipping our drinks and discussing whether dahlias prefer full sun – we were blessed with the presence of a manager who, judging by his mannerisms, had perhaps studied under Basil Fawlty. Visibly trembling with rage and moustache twitching, he explained that our gentlemanly behaviour was apparently not the vibe they were going for. In a truly touching display of customer service, the entire group was then lovingly escorted out the front entrance – a new Wetherspoons initiative we can only assume is meant to help patrons move more efficiently to their next venue. Five stars for that, honestly. Sure, the language was a little colourful, but hey, it's Essex, not Eton. So, would we return? Absolutely. Who wouldn’t want an evening of intrigue, surprise exits, and security drills dressed up as hospitality? A true rite of passage for any self-respecting club of waistcoat-wearing warriors. Cheers to you, The Elms. You’ve truly outdone yourselves.

Always great value for money but watch the parking did not know you have to register your car got a 45 pound ticket same on you witherspoon

Nice big, and cheap pub! Food is okay and fantastic value, easily eat out with your partner and have a drink each for under £20!

Such amazing value we go for a monthly breakfast at the elms and we have never left disappointed or hungry lol would highly recommend.

Popped into this wetherspoons for a small breakfast, didn't realise their car park is over seen by Euro Cars. Was in the Elms literally 45 mins and got a hefty £75 fine. When I asked at the bar they didn't want to know or help. Just advised me to pay with 14 days to reduce the charge to £45. Will never set footb in this place again.

Went to pub, been going to for years, got a £45 fine for parking. Can't even visit a pub for a drink and food without being bullied.

Huge Wetherspoons. Early Essex drinking shed. Pub is old and historic, huge inside. Large outdoor seating area, and a car park. Food is good, service okay. Much better spoons than the Southend central one. Always happy to return.

It’s a Wetherspoon so drinks are good value typical food menu for the chains of pubs car park is free for 3 hours via you inputting your registration on the touchscreen pad near every main entrance nice atmosphere was busy but still had plenty of seating and tables if you wanted something to eat

Tuesday 25th march 2025 Had a day off and came in for a large breakfast and a pint of stella for £10.49 Very good value as a breakfast is about £14 where i live and a pint £5.50 The wetherspoons has lively crispy hash browns best ive had rest of the food was hot too nice spiced sausages and The bacon tasted flame grilled Staff were polite and a lady asked if food was okay plus all bought to you at your table by using the app what more could u want.

Been here a few times first time was not so good food was luke warm as if it had been left on the back burner,2nd time was a lot better sat in the main food court area & food was nice & hot service was ok.

Food ok, drinks cheap Good value for money

Don't bother with this place. Ordered on the App. No cup for the Tea I'd ordered and no eggs available, not notified and substituted with hash browns

Despite being completely rammed with hardly a single table available, food was served in 20 minutes. Excellent 👌

Excellent value for money, and great service using the app. Great staff, keep up the good work guys 👍

First rate food at a good price...

There is worse places. It's not bad, food nights are a bargain, drinks are cheap. Ok for a night out, evening meal. Not to take someone to impress though.

The food is cheap and is nice enough for what you pay for.Portion sizes aren't the same went with a group of around 10 people and we all had different amounts of chips on our plates.To the point where one of the kids meals actually had more chips than some of the adults meals.Prices are decent and the meal included a soft drink in the price or you pay a small amount extra and add a alcoholic drink.Some of the food came out in a good amount of time and was pretty warm.Timing of food wasn't the best as one of the people on our group had finished their meal before the last 2 people got their meals .Would probably be a better experience in a smaller group over all not to bad of a place for a meal on a budget or just before christmas.

Good cheap drinks and food ok for the money

If I could've given less than one I would have. A very racist bar staff. Maybe not there fault but the fault of the manager but I've been going there for 20 years and I'm absolutely disgusted. Will never go there again

A large lovely spoons in the middle of Leigh-on-Sea with a big carpark so you don't have to walk! It almost looks like a country estate house in the middle of suburbia. A number of entrances with outdoor seating in the front with loads of picnic tables. The usual seating options w(booths, tables and high tables) throughout with a raised area that was being used for a function when I was there as well. ALL of the staff seemed very you - I mean under 30. But they all did a cracking job. Some were bossing, some were serving, some were cleaning, it was just like normal only with really young people. Maybe there is a Stephen King novel in there somewhere. Anyway, they were cheerful, polite and poured a fantastic Guinness so I don't care.

Pensioner friendly. Nice selection of beers at the right price

Classic spoons pub, crazy low prices for somewhere in the middle of Leigh

Good food, good price, good atmosphere

BEWARE! Lunch ended up being really expensive, not realising needed to check car in. £75 fine (reduced to £45 if paid in 2 weeks).

All perfectly fine. Nice food brought to the table by pleasant staff. No problems.

Nice friendly service, good for families

One of the nicer spoons out there.

Not even the acknowledgement from multiple staff walking by behind the bar that "someone will be with you shortly" while waiting to be served. Just rude and costs nothing to do it. What's happened to basic customer service 🤷

We had a very nice meal at a good price. But were astonished to receive a parking charge notice of £75 a few days later. We had not realised that you have to give your car details to the staff. Nor did we see the signs saying this. Please be aware of this when using the Elms.

Visited here last at the end of September with my mum and her friend. Food was good but wanted to say a special mention to one of the bar staff. The young lad was so friendly and so helpful. I asked for his name which was Jack..Can you please pass on to him what a little star he is. He deserves a special mention..

Yes 👍 go and enjoy the Pint, don't stare any more on your phone..

An incredible selection of drink and a reasonable price. The food is so underrated. Pizza, halloumi fries, burgers are top tier. Food and drinks come quick to your table. Staff are friendly and attentive.

It's a Wetherspoons, cheap and cheerful.

Very busy as was the end of the working day but managed to get a table. Food was good as had the new Korean dish. Staff were polite and friendly.

The greatest 🙌 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️ 💓 💖 🙌 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️ 💓 💖 🙌

Not the most relaxing atmosphere food was good but wheelchair access terrible

The parking machine wasn’t working, so the staff member told me it’s okay I can go ahead and order my breakfast, if I get a parking ticket to bring it back in and they will have it cancelled. I got the ticket, brought it in and have now been informed that the policy has changed and I will have to pay the £75 parking fine. I also contacted Wetherspoon head office, who said it was my responsibility, even though the machine wasn’t working at the time and their staff member told me to stay.

Good value, good service, great beer choice and quality

Typical weatherspoons. Great value beer and large range. The food was good and service excellent. Plenty of seating and good parking.

Friendly staff very cheap to eat and drink

I don't know how they do it for the money. Good food. great beer what more do you want.

It was a good atmosphere, not a big wine selection and quite accessible.

Excellent prices and very good table service

Fairly nice but could do with a good clean!

Very good.comfortable.Much space inside and out.There was today. 9

Stopped off for rest break. Didn’t have food.

1st time we had been in this establishment. We had gone with friends for a Sunday meal. Although they didn't do roast dinners, the food we ordered was very good. I had steak, which was cooked to my liking, others had chicken and burgers, and one had a Korean chicken fried rice thing, which they said was delicious. The service was very quick and all the staff were very helpful. I would return in the future at some point. All food was reasonably priced for what we had. On this occasion, I forgot to take photos as we were all hungry. We were really happy with everything.

Great cocktails and jugs Food Great Responsibly priced, goid deals for families

Excellent value pub. Food good prices and, best of all excellent beers!!

So tonight we went to the elms for drinks,there was 8 of us,so my friend got up and went outside to take a call from her daughter and when she went to come back in,staff wouldn’t allow her,even though she had drinks on the table! The staff haven’t got a clue absolute idiots! We all had to leave and leave a round of drinks we had already purchased!

A bit crowded and noisy for me, but it was obviously very popular.

Great place to hang around. Beer is very reasonably priced. Lots of space to sit inside and outside.

Nice place, we sat outside where you can find plenty of space.

Absolute joke. App doesn't work, Felt like I needed a shower when I left.

Very friendly staff, huge wether spoons. Great indoor and outdoor seating. Helpful staff. Great food. Not all spoons great food, but this one deffo

First time of ever having a Wetherspoons breakfast and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Two large breakfast and unlimited hot drinks for under £17, extremely good value. Very friendly staff and the pub and customer toilets were clean. Would definitely go back.

Just want to say thanks to Simon the manager for sorting my parking fine issue

The new food manager needs to stay. Definitely notice the change in meals & we asked a member of staff who told us the new food manager has started in kitchen. This person has made a difference as meals a lot better. The service from Ben when ever we visit is outstanding. His service is always greet & smile & this young man always takes away empty plates glasses.

Wont be coming back here stupid pub who have sold their car park to a 3rd party - used to come here at least once a week will never come back. Rung them to see if they could remove it and they said theres nothing they can do.

Josh the bar man was exceptionally good, he was fast, spoke to us and had knowledge about the local breweries. He was amazing

Overall nice place to eat and drink, had issue once with a samosa coming out stone cold with the curry, they refunded it or offered to replace only.

Very cosy atmosphere, Service was great, the manager dealt with customers efficiently, the food was great and at a good price! The place is spotless and the decor is engaging, would definitely come again!

The food was lovely & the service was quick also friendly staff & manager.

A group drink, the app worked well

This is to do with the parking system you have outside. Can’t say I noticed any sign posts, and unlike every other restaurant or pub I’ve been to where there is a parking payment system, not a single one of the staff asked me to type my reg in to a machine and 2 saw me walk in, even saying hello, the third served me at the bar, and none of them cared to mention it. Rather expensive 35 minutes and a pint in the end after receiving a fine through the door, thanks a bunch guys

Kitchen shut, no advance notice. Usually good pub. But disappointed kitchen was shut

Good food. Good service. Slow but short staffed. Had to stop all service for an hour because they were short of staff.

Food was cold. Complained. Second meal to 20 minutes. Not a good experience. Will not visit again

I visited on a Saturday afternoon for food and drinks the service was good a large wetherspoons also busy excellent value for money a large forecourt garden

It's a relaxing place atmosphere is good food and drinks good.

Great place, ideal for a meet up, easy to get to, good choice of ales, food ok - its a pub. Big car park n outside parking and seating

Went here for a breakfast they had run out of mayo and salt lol had a vegetarian breakfast the sausages were vile and very little Tom much bean s very disappointed tbh I have however had lunch there it was very nice

Not too crowded service quite quick All in all not too bad

Breakfast is usually good quality and other meals I've had too.

You know Wetherspoons, spotlessly clean, great prices. Be sure to put your car registration in the tablet or risk a big fine.

We was in a big group of 18 year olds, we had no ID but had no intention of buying an alcoholic drink and a security guard came over instantly being hostile and was very rude to us trying to blame us for ordering late when we was supposed to be out by 9 saying she will kick us out. She was rude to us and after all of it we had eaten and left by 8:45. She was also walking around the pub/restaurant vaping when people where eating

We enjoyed it but be careful i was sent a parking ticket for using the car park I put my reg on the machine in the pub I don't know maybe I didn't press enter. Anyway the manager sorted it very quickly as I had proof of being there. <>< John 3:16

Good quality, reasonably priced food and drink

Lovely pub with loads of seating, great staff and super fast food delivery.

Lovely food nice staff nice venue

The pub itself is very nice and a good place to go however the experience we had with one your security was appalling. We had been outside for a few hours and having a nice time when the female security worker came over very aggressively asking us for ID at first we wasn’t sure if she was joking or not because her whole demeanour was very very aggressive. We showed ID which was not the issue at all we was more then happy to do this it was the way we was approached that left a bad taste in our mouth, completely unnecessary to approach a table in such a aggressive manner. She was definitely on some kind of power trip or something and certainly needs to be trained on how to communicate normally with other humans.!

I have used my local weatherspoons for years & went here recently for a breakfast I was discusted to find I have been issued a £75 parking fine for using their car park Clearly my own fault for not reading the signs but surely the staff should be warning patrons of this nasty surprise I will not be using this establishment again & would recommend to people to not use their car park because if you forget to punch in your registration you will be stung I would imagine that car park earns a small fortune out of genuine patrons

Took 5 residents with Dementia they enjoyed the food, and it was nice to see them smile

Great place for a quick meal and drink !

A Wetherspoons with a free car park that hasn't been turned into an outside seating area. What a novelty. Great pub with 3 hrs free parking, outside seating area, good food & the sun was finally shining. Loved it in here, even though 14 lads on a stag do were knocking back Jaeger bombs at 0930 in the morning. They were a little boisterous to say the least.

It's a decent for a Wetherspoons.

Value you for your money everytime.

Have eaten here several times with various family members. The food has always been good , served promptly, the staff are helpful and friendly. Wetherspoons are great value for money.

Little bit loud Very noisy people

Nice pub. We ate outside in the sunshine. Plenty of seating with garden umbrellas. Both meals were nice and hot and very tasty . We though it was really good value for money food and pint each just over £20 for the two. Massive selection on menu burgers, pizzas, steaks, pub grub, salads and many more. Even in busy Saturday we didn't have to wait long. Very enjoyable experience altogether.

Great priced breakie and also well cooked. Pub is nice and big with plenty of history to read on the walls.

Great British Pub, Guinness was lovely and very cheap! Very busy on Saturday night and great atmosphere.

Good value drinks and food busy at times

Nice big wetherspoons, lots of booths. I liked it, would go again and recommend to my wetherspoons crazy friend.

Pretty bog standard Wetherspoons with they typical beers and fayre. It was fairly clean, which surprised me as there only seemed to be two bar staff. A very large pub with a very small car park. Nothing bad to say, but nothing special either.

Intermittent service food standard Wetherspoons fare First visit since leaving Essex 2 years ago. The place was really busy at lunchtime, people milling round looking for a free table. The food was excellent, service good considering the crush and a really good vibe to the place. 'Spoons in Berkshire could learn a few things!