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With Summer just around the corner and all the planning focused on the days out and activities, I figured we need something for the parent's too! We've been working (not so) hard over the past few months to try and visit as many pubs as we can to bring you all the info on the best places to go with kids! So here's a guide of all the local pubs with play areas in the area and a few a little further afield if you don't mind the travel. In no particular order....
The Rose Inn, Great Wakering
We've been to The Rose Inn countless times and it's pretty much our go-to when we fancy a pub lunch with the kids in tow. It's a Greene King pub, based in Wakering with a great outdoor area. The outdoor area is separated into two parts, with the back area being the largest space with a children's play area. The play area consists of a climbing frame and slide and a separate netted climbing area aimed at slightly older children. The pub is super child-friendly and there's so much space for them to run around outside. As well as the play area, they have lots of trees at the back of the garden that the children love running and hiding in. Even inside, there's lots of space for pushchairs and high chairs.
'The Rose Inn is a great local pub in the heart of the community, with friendly service and honest pricing.'
The Saxon King, Southend
'Situated just off the A127, The Saxon King is a perfect place to eat out in Southend-on-Sea. Named for the remains of a Saxon king discovered in Priory Park, which our pub overlooks, we’re also close to Southend’s seven miles of beautiful beaches, and kids’ favourite Adventure Island. Our impressive menu includes traditional pub classics, as well as contemporary dishes, such as our homemade kebabs. Our menu celebrates everything that’s great about the British pub meal, and our younger guests are well cared for, with an outdoor children’s play area.'
The Cock Inn, Rochford
The Cock Inn is another Greene King pub featuring lots of outdoor space and a play area. We've only ever sat outside here but as with most Greene Kings, they are really child-friendly, with children's menus and high chairs. Serving a selection of traditional food and drinks every day of the week. The outdoor area is huge and so lot's of space for the children to play, including the play area.
The Castle Inn, Little Wakering
The Castle Inn is based in Little Wakering. It's a cosy pub with a lovely feel to it. The restaurant serves pizzas, Sunday lunch and they have a small children's menu. The garden area is fairly small but has a children's area in the back with a climbing frame, slide and some extra toys such as a play house and see-saw.
'The Castle Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the area dating back to the 17th century and built in 1620. The cellar still has tunnels running to the church and the creek which were used by smugglers, to smuggle Tea, Silk & Brandy, but have since been blocked in. The Inn is now known and loved for its traditional Ales, home cooked fresh food and family friendly atmosphere.'
The Old Walnut Tree, Southend
Another Greene King, located in Southend, which you just can't go wrong with! We visited for lunch with our family, sat outside for drinks then went inside to eat. The outdoor area is large, with lots of space for the children to run around and a play area at the bottom of the garden. Again, very child-friendly.
'Our bar area is large and spacious hosting two dart boards and a pool table. We have various sports and club teams that are available to join if you like competing to be the best.We have a large 200 seat dining area which means getting a seat to dine from our extensive Flaming Grill menu will never be a problem'
The Plough and Sail, Paglesham
The Plough and Sail is a lovely pub located in Paglesham. I've been a few times and didn't realise there was a play area until my last visit. The outside gardens are across the car park and are separated into two areas. One side has a play area and other is slightly bigger, with some bird cages. The pub is child-friendly with children's menus and highchairs (albeit slightly dated highchairs - if you go you'll know what I mean)
'Just a few hundred yards away from the River Roach you’ll find The Plough & Sail owned by the Oliver family since 1965. Still run as a traditional country pub set in the Essex countryside with cozy log fires, home-cooked food, real ales and a superb Gin selection. The Plough & Sail has history dating back over 300 years.'
The Old Garrison Pub and Kitchen, Shoeburyness
Recently under new ownership, the The Old Garrison serves food and drink, hosts quiz nights and is child-friendly. They kindly sent me some photos as we haven't yet had a chance to visit but if you do, let us know what you think!
'At the heart of the busy and vibrant Shoeburyness, The Old Garrison pub offers a wide selection of Wines spirits, and beer, with a quiz every Monday night from 20:00, Sky and BT sports and a gorgeous family-friendly beer garden with a fantastic children’s play area. A “must visit” for locals and visitors alike, you can be sure of a warm welcome and friendly service.'
The Meadowlark, Shoeburyness
The Meadowlark is based in Shoeburyness and is a child-friendly, dog-friendly pub. It has a small play area outside, beer garden, children's menus and lot's of space for pushchairs.
'Here at The Meadowlark we pride ourselves in being a welcoming, friendly, community pub where there’s always something going on. We have a comfortable lounge area to relax with family and friends or head to our bar to unwind with a drink. Why not challenge your mates to a game of darts or pool, or stop by to watch the big match on our multiple big screens; we’ll be showing all the best sport from both Sky and BT.'
The Victory Inn, Rochford
Another Greene King pub, located in Rochford. When we visited it was fairly busy so the picture on the right is taken from their website. They are super child-friendly, lots of space indoors and out, with children's menus and meal deals. They are dog-friendly and play sports on the TV in the garden. The play area has slides, swings, (not for toddlers) a see-saw and climbing frame with slide.
'Whether you're stopping for lunch, dining with the family, or catching up with friends, you'll find our menu has got it covered!'
The Paul Pry, Rayleigh
Based on Rayleigh high street, The Paul Pry is a good location is you're already out and about in Rayleigh. As a Greene King, it's fairly well priced, family and dog friendly, with the usual amenities. The garden area is large, with different areas of seating, including the play area at the bottom part of the garden.
The Waeccar Pub, Great Wakering
The Waeccar based in Great Wakering high street is known for it's good food! It has recently been taken over by new owners so we will try and have a visit soon!
'We Serve Extremely Tasty Food! – Everything here is made from fresh ingredients by our fantastic team of chefs. We only use the best cuts of meat sourced from Marsh’s Butchers & Fresh Veg sourced locally. Every meal is made to order. Our Kitchen is currently open from Wednesday to Saturday serving the main menu and on Sundays when it’s our amazing roast dinners! We have a huge beer garden with plenty of room to just turn up. Your kids will love our new play area! We have an undercover heated area and a decking area if you prefer to be in the sun. Or just plot up in the garden on one of the many benches available.'
The Lobster Smack, Canvey Island
The Lobster Smack is a child-friendly, dog-friendly pub with large garden and play area. Showing sports and offering Sunday lunch so perfect for the whole family.
'After a huge refurbishment our doors are now wide open and we can't wait for you to join us and see our beautiful pub. Well behaved dogs are also welcome in our beer garden and bar area, so you can enjoy our fantastic pub with your four-legged friend'
A little further out....
The White Horse, Billericay
The White Horse is a modern pub and restaurant based in Ramsden Heath. It's recently had a huge makeover, with a new order garden area, huge outdoor TV area and brand new children's play area. Serving food all day, they also have 'The Little Seafood Shack' serving seafood along with wines, champagnes and beer. They are family and dog friendly and offer a children's menu as well as selling ice-lollies.
The Bull, Stanford-Le-Hope
The Bull Pub in Stanford-Le-Hope was recommended to us by one of our readers. It's a modern pub with a lovely outdoor area, separated into seating areas, dining areas and children's play area. The play area is a fenced off area for children under the age of 14. There are two separate climbing frames with swings for the younger and older ones and lots of space for them to play.
The Six Bells, Boreham
A traditional pub, based in Boreham, dating back to 18th century, offering Sunday lunch, children's menus and a large garden. We visited in the summer so didn't sit inside but they have a huge garden area so lots of space for the children to play. The play equipment is definitely aimed at slightly older children (pre-schoolers upwards) as the slide and climbing frame is quite high. The staff were all really friendly and of course, it's child friendly.
Have you been to a pub with play area that we could add to our list? List us know here or email us at [email protected]
