Black Box Tap, Southend Airport, Southend-On-Sea

Blue Scrumpy left this review about Black Box Tap

The Black Box Tap is now branded as the Hangar. It is located on an industrial estate next to Southend Airport and has a small car park outside. On entering and finding the bar, I was concerned that I wasn't in the right place. There are no handpulls on the bar and the only Black Box beer I could see was a keg lager. The barmaid quickly allayed my concerns and pointed to a blackboard listing 2 Black Box cask ales - Mild High Club & First Class. The board also listed a couple of ciders from local producer Buffoon - Cloud 9 & Bee's Knees. They could be found in tiny boxes behind the bar. I elected to try both for £6. Goose Island Midway was available on keg.

This is a modern bar with a pool table in the middle and a shove ha'penny table. There were multiple TVs, all switched off. Flags of World Cup nations were scattered around. So, they are presumably showing some or all games. Music was playing during my visit. Walls are painted blue and grey and have various aircraft parts and pictures on them. Flooring is bare boards. A few picnic tables can be found outside.

There is an open kitchen next to the bar, which seemed to be quite popular. Special of the day was pie, mash or chips and peas for £8.50. Live music was being promoted and there are also regular quiz nights.

Whilst I didn't get to try any of the brewery's beers (I believe they brew in the same unit), my ciders were both enjoyable. Worth seeking out.

On 16^th June 2026 - rating: 7
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