Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, has confirmed it is looking to recruit new bosses to run The Exchange on Southchurch Road, as the pub is being listed on uk.businessesforsale.com at £25,000.
The pub has been operating in the former Barclays bank in Southchurch for 16 years and is known “for its fun, friendly atmosphere” with a popular beer garden and outdoor seating.
It still utilises the original bank vault as a beer cellar, named with its financial history in mind.
Shepherd Neame’s director of tenanted pub operations, Greg Wallis, said: “We can confirm that we are currently looking to recruit new licensees to take over The Exchange in Southend.
“We are confident that this friendly, community pub poses a fantastic business opportunity for the right licensee.”
According to the listing, the annual rent is set at £38,480, and the agreement is fully tied across all beverages including beer, cider, wine, spirits and minerals.
Describing the location, the listing said: “Set between Kursaal and Thorpe Bay, Southchurch is a residential suburb that houses a busy high street full of independent shops and businesses.
“It is just a 15-minute walk to the Southend seafront with its famous pier, beach and Adventure Island theme park.”
The Exchange trades seven days a week from noon onwards, offering customers live music, quiz and bingo nights, seasonal events, and Sky and BT Sports coverage.
The flexible layout makes it popular for private events, parties, after-funeral gatherings and special occasions.
The pub serves food daily from noon until 9pm, with classic pub favourites, sandwiches and Sunday lunch menus proving popular with residents.
Outside seating at the front provides space for an additional 40 covers during warmer weather. Earlier this year, bosses revealed plans to revamp the exterior with new light blue signs and paint.
The site noted: “The Exchange is a well-established, wet-led pub and restaurant with the community at the very heart of the business.”