Ye Olde Smack in Southend-on-Sea

Great pub with very friendly staff and good selection of wine. One of the best fish and chips in the area. Highly recommend

It's a lovely pub, didn't eat on this occasion, but have in the past and the food was good. Always a nice atmosphere.

Great service and food roast beef was amasing.friendly staff.have to come back definitely will be coming back. See you soon

So, as a local I can say that this is the best staffing the Smack has had. I used to visit here often prior to moving to Leigh. Francis, Daniel and all the team are doing a great job. They are friendly, approachable and personal. They can have a great chat with everyone and make you feel super comfortable whether you’re a local or just visiting. Recently, I had a few drinks here and a small appetiser. Very happy with how quick the service was and despite it being super busy, you can find quiet alcoves and spaces to tune out.

Tamzyn serves like no other. Pay rise. Now

Give Lou and tamzin a pay rise!!!! Cutest people ever

Best place to spend time with good beer at true pub with its history.

Great local pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere! The food and drinks are good, but what really sets this place apart is the excellent service. Graeme, our favourite barman, always goes above and beyond to make sure we have a great experience. Friendly, attentive, and full of laughs.

A lovely homely feel on a cold evening. Welcome staff Clean. Great food and lovely drinks. (Thank you for the extra sauce pot lorenzo).

Had a lovely evening courtesy of Barman Graham. Food was delicious and staff were friendly and professional. At all times we felt welcome and would love to come again.

Perfect afternoon soaking up the sunshine, great beer and amazing fish & chips!

Lovely brewery owned pub in old Leigh. Fish and chips were really good as was the beer.

Visited today - on a very wet August Saturday. The pub was quite full but we managed to find a table for 3 of us. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. Drinks ordered - and bought back to our table (quite an obstacle course due to the amount of people) We ordered food via the app. All the food came out at the same time - and was nice and hot. My chicken burger had just the right amount of spice and sauces. I was really pleased with my food choice. The only minor niggle - was that I had added the option of onion rings - which, for £3.50 - they served me up with 4 onion rings (which became 3 when the OH said she wanted 1 of them) A nice olde worlde feel inside too, with some quirky decor. A great place to come and spend a few hours.

Great place for a drink and meal. Went here with the family and Lorenzo at the bar was very helpful

Little bit disappointed. Come down on a busy Friday night and can’t fault that the bar staff were on par with drinks and keeping the queue down. The entertainment was great too! We ordered food quite late so we understand the staff are tired and waiting to go home, however we received our food. The service at that point was fast and we had no issues, however the nachos were not what we expected. Barely any cheese , everything cold and nachos themselves were just deep fried tortilla wraps. We understand that there is personal preference, but wouldn’t recommend. Then we waited quite a while for a desert. We asked the staff about this and they went to check, but again another 20 minutes passed before receiving it. Unfortunately the sticky toffee pudding was as hard as a brick on the top and certain parts were inedible, and the custard was clumpy and barely luke warm. We ate what we could as we were starved and didn’t want to waste our money however it was quite disappointing, and I don’t we’d come back for food.

Nice place to sit and have your food and drink. Friendly staff, good food at a decent price - London's (Beckenham in fact) Toby Carvery should come over and see how its done - which is probably why they don't have a review page, right TC! They have experts when I went there for the first and subsequently the last time that could carve your meat 'waffeer thin". And I do mean 'Waffeer".

Ordered food to be eaten on their balcony over looking the water. Made for such a great experience and the burgers were amazing, definitely keep coming back again and again just for this alone

Wonderful place to have a drink and food . Great staff , pleasant atmosphere.

Didn't have food but did see someone else food looked good,had a few beers felt very relaxed 😎

Amazing stop at the Ye Olde Smack. Gorgeous pub and the food was lovely. Staff were so friendly would definitely return

Nice old place, bit of history and friendly staff that serve big portions of food.

Never eat in the ye old smack, after waiting almost an hour & asking how long it was going to be the food arrived, the duck dish was over cooked with a hard fried egg who was supposed to be runny only to find a piece of plastic in the food, we also ordered 3 x roast beef roasts, the veg was more or less raw, the beef was very undercooked with a slimy texture that couldn’t be cut , the 4 frozen roast potatoes where undercooked, the meals have left the 5 of us feeling sick!!

Came here for some lunch today burger was really good and so were the chips would recommend 👍

Beef on Sunday Roast was tough and chewy and potatoes were small and overcooked, suggest you avoid!! Duck Hash potatoes were inedible due again to significant overcooking. Essentially an expensive pub lunch lacking quality.

Great pub in old Leigh. Always a good relaxed atmosphere and although it can get really busy, you can usually get served ok. Superb terrace out back overlooking the Thames estuary. A gem.

Lovely old pub, great food, lovely staff, relaxed atmosphere and great sun terrace

The pub seemed quite , not many people entering this pub, mainly because of overpriced food and drinks I decided to order food here hoping for a nice fish and chips, at nearly £18 id expected a nice generous meal with plenty to eat as a day out on a bank holiday Monday in August 2024 wasn’t a good visit at the pub, needs a change in menu or chef , I wouldn’t be surprised if this pub closed because of people not attending due over priced, and small portions of food, this pub needs addressing for better service, i came here a few years before and the food and drinks was very good. But sorry to say this time around was disappointing..

We came here for a Sunday roast and the food was awful. Looks like it’s all frozen food warmed up in microwave.

Great food and great customer service. Francis is such a good host. Thanks a lot

Excellent steak and ale pie. Great lively atmosphere it's quicker ordering through the app

Francis the assistant manger, is very welcoming and helpful when it comes to any questions, and Caitlin is good too!

My favourite pub in the area. Francis, Graham and Caitlin are super welcoming and friendly no matter how busy it gets! Cosy old school English pub by the seaside.

Lovely food and drink excellent customer service! Spoke to Francis behind the bar he was a very kind and helpful chap. Poored a spot on perfect Guinness which will convince me to come back for more 😄 highly recommend. Well done to Ethan for being helpful with food and for running around all day working 🤣 overall if you’re going for a day out in leigh would very much recommend the smack!!

During my vacation travels around London & Essex, England I Found this cute pub on the coastline of Leigh on Sea. The experience was the highlight of my trip from America. Such a traditional pub was made so lovely and enjoyable for an amazing Friday night experience . It will be one me and my Freinds won't forgot and we will be certainly returning tomorrow night for Round 2!! Special thanks to Francis, Mac and Lorenzo for the service from the nights bartenders which it was a pleasure to meet.

Me and a few friends had drinks at lunch and Francis, in particular, made it a great afternoon. Great place, great people. Would recommend.

I live just up the road and the Smack is my local. There’s a great atmosphere, lovely setting at the outdoor tables and we always have a great time at the quiz on a Thursday. The staff are lovely, Graham is wonderful and Francis has been a wonderful addition, always looking out for us and making sure all is alright.

We are often here and Francis has been a particularly great addition to the staff. Always friendly and willing to help out and has brought a very personal touch to our local.

Great place for a drink and food lovely view of the sea friendly staff

Great service, friendly and helpful staff, the food was delicious definitely will be returning

Enjoyed a late lunch whilst in Leigh-on-Sea

Lovely place and lovely team Francis lovely person and very friendly and definitely we come back and hope to see him again and was one of the best memories

Was recommended to chillax in here after meal at Peterboat Good choice

The food was awful won't be back

Lovely outside space on the balcony

Decent quality food and really speedy service. Kat was really friendly and an extremely welcoming host, thanks!

Kat was brilliant, and really looked after the table our group had.

Lively, pleasant, great atmosphere but the menu is not the best so we chose to have a drink only but that was because we only wanted a small snack so not a criticism on the pub but reason for no score.

We ordered food and the service was shocking! Just slapped the food on the table and left, I understand that they’re busy as England was on but never seen anything like it.

Good pub good food and atmosphere

Food is poor, we were served reheated chicken and the wait at the bar is very long. Good selection of drinks which is positive

a really nice pub with a lovely balcony and very welcoming atmosphere. Served by Kat, who was very nice

Amazing staff and perfect beer garden overlooking the water. Our favourite summer spot!

The best experiences with my family and the smile face of Francis batista thanks to this guy my family have amazing experience definitely we come back soon

Great time with family amazing service

Good choice of beers, good for sport but worst toilets in south east England, especially if a woman!

Great pub, love coming in with family for a few beers and a bite to eat

I was served by a very charming Barman, Lorenzo, the level of service was above and beyond any other bar I’ve been to. I love the atmosphere here and the pint tasted even better with a friendly face who knows remembers your name to pour it for you. Give this man a pay rise!

absolutely amazing - the two on close last night were amazing! (we didn’t get there names!) waiting for us to get our student discount up and let us finish celebrate the end of our degree in full fashion! amazing night! got 2 bottles of prosecco and both were amazing

I've been going to the smack for years and I love the pub, along with the others in old Leigh. Previously it wasn't my favourite place to eat because I don't think it's fresh but it was OK. I noticed the menu had changed, face lift if you like so I took my daughter and father in law there yesterday to give it a go. Unfortunately I didn't think it was great. My chicken kiev was so over cooked the chicken was tough and the breadcrumbs hard to crunch through. I didn't eat most of it. The chips were lovely , burger was good and the chicken sharer was tasty. I am assuming it was a one off but I think it's important to share feedback. Outside of that, very friendly pub and good atmosphere.

Love it here. Staff are always friendly and chatty and great views when sat outside out the back. You can sit here for hours for drinks, great food and wonderful views. Always happy to come back when in the area.

Battered halloumi fries are delicious.

Very authentic place tucked away in Leigh on sea.

very disappointed. i went there for my birthday last month and went for food upon arrival i was given menus and sat down with my friends and ordered via the greene king app, once i had ordered my friends around me attempted to order and it showed that everything was out of stock ,seeing this we went up to the bar as asked what the issue was and apparently they stop serving food at around 7 and we had arrived just before then, obviously we had requested a refund and then moved to the next restaurant (the peter boat) which had 100x better service overall. a few days later i had received my refund and it was not even half ,i had received just over £3 after i had spent well over £15 and i was not told at all that i would not be receiving a full refund ,obviously i had called the restaurant up and a member of staff had given me an email as the manager was not there at the time. i had emailed with all the details i was told to give over and i have not received a reply even after following up with a second email. so overall my experience was horrendous and i do not recommend, but i do recommend the peterboat that is just next door

Dog friendly with good food and superb cider

Service was very slow - there weren't enough staff. One of our meals had to be returned because it was cold, but the food was nice.

Very cosy little pub in Old Leigh-On-Sea. Food is always good 👍.

Manager: Rude. No welcome, no eye contact, and no manners. Beers slammed down and change thrown into my hand without a word. Uptight with Jedward hairstyle. Staff: The staff were a damn sight more pleasant than the manager. Atmosphere: All but a few tables reserved but managed to find a table. So, to start, the atmosphere was pleasant until the football lovers turned up. TV up loud and sporadic shouting ruined a nice afternoon. Moved onto Mayflower for a cheaper and quieter session. Ordered: Mac n cheese was like pvc glue . I added bacon, which was just one slimey slice offering, not like it should be with bacon lardons Decor: Why would anyone paint it a disgusting purple with black ceilings? Being a local, this was our go-to place. Since the Mick Hucknall lookie like manager has left, it has gone to pot. Overpriced wine at 10.10 for a medium. Advice is to not go unless you have booked a table and know when the footie fixtures are. Life has been sucked out this lovely historic fisherman's pub.

Such a lovely pace to hang out and catch up with friends with a brilliant selection of beers and amazing atmosphere the whole evening!

Nice little pub. Only issue is when it's even remotely busy, it gets difficult to be served

My friends and I come here very regularly, the best pub in Old Leigh by a long way. Great atmosphere, solid drinks. I would love some improvements on the toilets though, clean but a bit old.

Lovely pub great atmosphere for the football and great service from Kat who was lovely to talk to West ham winning too coyi

came here for my 18th birthday and had wonderful service from Kat and all members of the team, and had a great time with the quiz too!

Good atmosphere to watch the football. Great service from Kat who gave lovely service. All the bar staff are great and welcoming. Would definitely come again.

Fun quiz! Come here regularly for food as well and always a good vibe, also they show the football so that’s a win in my books

It was my sister's 18th birthday and we were served by Kat tonight. She was so friendly and we were served quickly. Would recommend this spot! Quiz was also very fun

Great location, fabulous food and the friendliest staff - Cat couldn’t have been helpful with us celebrating our daughter’s birthday.

Great establishment, tasty food, friendly staff and overall a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this heritage pub!

Lovely pub with a great atmosphere. Food was delicious and Kat behind the bar was very helpful and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit.

Verily, we journeyed to ye olde Smack on a the night of Tuesday to toil upon our latest writing endeavour. We sallied forth and upon our arrival, we were met by most merriest Kat, who bestowed upon us battered fish and nice chips. In the coziness of said tavern, we did inscribe: 'Twas indeed a most agreeable evening. We shall return hither anon and partake of its convivial warmth. We offer thee thanks, O ye tavern of Smack, for thou hast warmed our hearts with cheer. Cheers Kat.

Food was great, absolute perfection Service was great, above expectations Everyone was lovely, atmosphere was enjoyable

I’ve lived in Leigh for over three years and I always come to The Smack for a night out because it’s always easy to get served and there’s plenty of space. I made a reservation on 11th April to watch the West Ham game and was dealt with by Kat who was very accommodating and made sure we had a table in front of a tv. As there was a quiz going on, it was great that Kat looked after us I’ll definitely keep coming to The Smack

First time visitor to the pub and found it to be excellent in atmosphere, service and was very welcoming. Will definitely come back again. We were served at the table by Kat who was very helpful and deserves a special mention.

Book a table in advance always busy

It's a Greene King pub so no surprises with food but all okay. Very pleasant barman and waterfront location bumps the points up.

Well all started out lovely we had table booked for 3 pm we ordered food at 15.42 we had starters which was lovely , by 17.00 was still waiting for main meal and was told would be about 1/2 hour to which I replied we have been here since 3 . The manager said he would look into it and I was then told 5 minutes gave it ten went and asked again, a waiter came to take starter dishes away and I said how long to which he replied there is another table that’s been waiting longer than you. I said I am not worried about the other table and he said they feel the same about you and laughed how rude, I then went back to the bar and the said waiter past me and said we are giving you a free round of drinks I said dont want your drinks thanks I want my food . And want to speak to the manager I sat down food came one burger I wouldn’t give to my dog and the chicken was raw which went back the manger came over and I complained he took 25pound off the bill and asked how it was and I replied we won’t be back any time soon and the rude waiter , wasn’t like they didn’t have time to cook the meal .

We came for a pub quiz on Easter weekend. Food was terrible, attitude of the quiz master was awful, he wanted silence in a pub on a bank holiday and was rude as anything. Also weird toilet seats

Tried a quiz night here, the host made the night tedious. Got the Chicken Sharer for 2, looked good but it was in competition with the Sahara, for how dry the chicken was.

Lovely local pub, great atmosphere and people. Great food and pints. Nice and cozy seating and drinks are well priced :)

Visit the smack quite often as is generally a nice place, good food, dogs welcome, my only problem is with a barman, after watching how he speaks/treats the other various team members I find him disrespectful rude and to be honest lazy, I have warmed...

First time in this pub, very nice decor and pleasant service. Enjoyed a couple of pints and thoroughly enjoyed. Didn't eat but the food being served looked great!!

Really nice pub, friendly atmosphere, really nice staff (especially Kat, she’s great!) and nice that we can bring the doggies too!

Great atmosphere, drinks, and service. In a brilliant location- Old Leigh- and overlooking the Thames. Didn't eat, but the food looked great.

Never again tables sticky drinks flat rude manager not a welcoming place to go will never be going back there again my rating 1/10

Nice friendly staff. Had a roast dinner but the yorkshires were soft and very hard to cut, tastes like they had been reheated.

I visited this pub with my sister, her dog, and our Auntie who lives nearby. It was early afternoon on a weekday. The pub was quire busy. The pub is easily accessible for people in a wheelchair. With parking nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful in accommodating our auntie in her wheelchair. The food and drink were good, and arrived promptly. No complaints here. Thanks.

Had an amazing experience. All the staff were excellent and the food was perfect. I would definitely recommend a visit!

Food was ok let down by frozen steak chips worth the wait

Great atmosphere and lovely food, Jacob really went above and beyond to help us when needed. Would definitely return for the cod and chips

Great experience all round. Friendly stuff and excellent service. Lovely cosy pub, great ambiance will absolutely return.

Lively pub with a vibrant atmosphere and great energy, good range of beers on offer and lovely food