Ye Olde Smack, Old Leigh, Leigh-On-Sea

Greene King pub that looks quite nice from the outside and the interior has been done out quite nicely too. It seems to be trying to attract both drinkers and diners, but ultimately falls short on both counts. The beer selection is poor, unless you're a Greene King fan and the food seems no competition for the PeterBoat just down the street. There is a nice carpeted area at the front, with bare boards to the rear and the right-hand side. There is also a small outdoor drinking area to the rear with river views. I spotted at least 3 TVs, all switched off. A sign underneath one said that all major sporting events were shown. Music was playing instead. There are old pictures of Leigh on the walls. The regular ales are Greene King Abbot, IPA and the house beer Ye Olde Smack. The guest beer was Black Sheep Best Bitter. On draught, there were Greene King Hazy Day & Level Head & Beavertown Neck Oil. I opted for a half of the Hazy Day. When about to pay, I noticed the foreign barman was trying to charge me £6.80. Whilst this is prime tourist territory, £6.80 for a half was clearly incorrect. Then I noticed he was trying to pour me a pint. The correct price turned out to be £3.45. So, they also mark up the prices for halves. For a Greene King beer, it wasn't a bad effort, but definitely not worth £3.45 for a half. Dogs are welcome here and a few did come in and instantly had a disagreement. Probably the worst of the pubs in the Old Town.

An inn of some age that has been smacked around and is now owned by Greene King. Stevie Wonder channelling Prince did the refurb, a somewhat gothic shade of purple. Apart from a bit of subdivision there's little of note inside; the big draw is the small balcony overlooking the estuary. Was rammed at the business end of a sunny afternoon and there were plenty of male staff who in some cases were more interested in chatting to the Ronseal girls wiggling their bits at the bar. Four cask of little note, my GK IPA was perfunctory (NBSS 2).

Official site of Ye Olde Smack - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of Ye Olde Smack - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk