The Pipe of Port
A charming, candlelit Dickensian-style bar and restaurant offering hearty British pies, steaks, and an exceptional wine selection since 1976.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Pipe of Port
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, candlelit Dickensian-style bar and restaurant offering hearty British pies, steaks, and an exceptional wine selection since 1976.
"Candlelit, atmospheric, and serving delicious pies and fine wines, The Pipe of Port is a truly special dining experience."
Value Lunch Menu
Visit during lunchtime for fantastic value with their specially curated lunch menu.
Dim Lighting Caution
Be prepared for dim lighting; consider using your phone light to read menus if needed.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
British
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1702 614606
Address
84 High St, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1JN, United Kingdom
Website
pipeofport.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dickensian Charm & Cozy Atmosphere
Step into a uniquely atmospheric, candlelit basement with sawdust floors and mahogany tables, offering a cozy, traditional dining experience.
Award-Winning Pies & Steaks
Indulge in hearty, homemade pies and perfectly cooked steaks, a true taste of traditional British cuisine that keeps patrons returning.
Extensive Wine Selection
Explore a vast and impressive wine list with unique pairings for every dish, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Value Lunch Menu
Visit during lunchtime for fantastic value with their specially curated lunch menu.
Dim Lighting Caution
Be prepared for dim lighting; consider using your phone light to read menus if needed.
Special Events
Check out regular wine events and supper nights for unique dining experiences.
Recommended Dishes
Try the Prawn and crayfish salad or the steak and kidney pie for an authentic taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
Value Lunch Menu
Visit during lunchtime for fantastic value with their specially curated lunch menu.
Dim Lighting Caution
Be prepared for dim lighting; consider using your phone light to read menus if needed.
Special Events
Check out regular wine events and supper nights for unique dining experiences.
Recommended Dishes
Try the Prawn and crayfish salad or the steak and kidney pie for an authentic taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pipe of Port is lauded for its unique Dickensian atmosphere, extensive wine list, and hearty, traditional fare, particularly its pies and steaks. While many praise the friendly and helpful staff, some diners note the dim lighting can be a challenge for reading menus and seeing food. Minor inconsistencies in dishes have been mentioned, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its charm and quality as a beloved local gem.
"Honestly one of my top 2 dining experiences, and I worked as a chef for years in London.
The food was beautifully prepared and tasted amazing, the wines were impeccably chosen and recommended....but it's the staff I will come back for. So friendly, so helpful, and so fun.
Incredible."
Danny Walsh
"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."
Paul Fisher
"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 👍"
John Parsons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant boasts a unique Dickensian-style ambiance with candlelit tables, mahogany furniture, and sawdust floors, creating a cozy and traditional atmosphere.
The restaurant is famous for its homemade pies, steaks, and traditional British fare. The steak and kidney pie is a highly recommended classic.
Yes, they offer a vast and impressive selection of wines, with many reviewers highlighting the extensive list and unique pairings for their dishes.
Some diners have mentioned that the dim, candlelit atmosphere can make reading the menu challenging, and suggest using a phone light if needed.
The Pipe of Port hosts regular wine events and supper nights. They also offer a fantastic value lunch menu and sometimes have Monday night wine discounts.
Yes, it's recommended for romantic meals and celebrations, with staff noted for being friendly and accommodating for events like birthday dinners.
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The Pipe of Port is a cosy candlelit basement bar and dining room with homemade pies and a great wine list. Good for lunch and tea is La Petite Petanque, a sweet wisteria-covered cafe in a former bowling green pavilion.
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A five-minute walk inland from the seafront takes you to The Pipe of Port, one of the best places to eat in Southend and a particular favourite amongst residents of the town. Conveniently located a stone’s throw from Southend Central station, the restaurant is renowned for its pies and steaks, with a menu that combines classic and contemporary British food for all round stellar dining experience. There’s a fantastic value lunch menu here if you’re around during the day, and the desserts are to die for.
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Sawdust floors and shelves of wine for sale add to the atmosphere of this ‘Wine Merchant & Dining Rooms’ – a Dickensian-style space that’s been a linchpin of the town’s eateries since 1976. It continues to win consistent support for its traditional fare, and is well-suited to business lunches.
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Tucked away just off Southend High Street, this basement restaurant is a firm favourite in the area known for its vast wine list, tasty pies as well as its eclectic décor and comforting lowlighting. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Pipe of Port (@thepipeofport)
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Described as a wine merchant and dining rooms, The Pipe of Port is a small and very friendly place. The owners describe it as “our crusty old Dickensian candle-lit dining rooms with mahogany tables and sawdust covered floors is one of the most atmospheric venues in town”.
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A pub with a difference as it’s set in a cellar and has candlelight and sawdust on the floors. They serve everything from craft beers to cocktails and carefully-selected wines from around the world. The management and all staff are renowned for their friendliness.
A Weekend in Southend
After all this excitement we were looking forward to dining at The Pipe of Port; famous for its wines and its pies this has got to go down as one of the best places I have ever eaten. I shall say no more for now, I’ll be posting about it soon.
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However, if you’re looking for something a little special, head to Food by John Lawson in Leigh on Sea. This creative chef has created one of the finest restaurants in the area. Food is sophisticated and beautifully presented.
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This cosy wine merchant host regular tastings, but also serves excellent food in the dining room, ranging from British classics to more international flavours. The prix fixe menu is excellent too.
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