The Pipe of Port

About

Southend's Original Dickensian, candle-lit Wine Bar & Dining Rooms Est 1976. WSETuk certifed staff, Award winning Pies, Wine List 100+ & CHChampagne Room

Story

History of the Restaurant

The Pipe of Port first opened its doors in 1976 as a Davy's Wine Bar, before being taken over by sisters Janet and Sue and Sue's husband Stephen in 1981.

One of the guiding philosophies of the family was that in an ever-changing world some things should always remain the same, and they reflected this ideal in the décor and general welcoming and homely atmosphere.

The restaurant was taken over by Martin Day and his wife Katy in 2013. Martin spent many years as manager of The Pipe of Port before becoming a wine buyer for one of the UK's largest wine merchants, and has brought his boundless enthusiasm and knowledge of wine back with him.
Katy’s experience in Operations Management is proving very useful in streamlining and modernising the mechanics of the restaurant, allowing our fantastic team to focus on what they do best; provide you with brilliant food, award winning service and out of this world wines and drinks.

Martin & Katy have, and continue to maintain the values that Stephen, Janet & Sue instilled, whilst putting their own stamp on it, such as employing an experienced mixologist to expand the Pipe's cocktail and spirits offering and introducing Pop Up Summer Sundays (which we think is the best Sunday lunch you'll find outside of your Mum's house!).

Our cellars offer a wide range of wines from around the world and we travel the globe seeking out interesting winemakers with a passion for their craft. We also work very closely with our food suppliers to ensure only the highest quality (locally sourced wherever possible) produce is supplied for our chefs to work their alchemy with.

The philosophies and ideals that have defined the restaurant continue today - to bring you homemade classic & contemporary British food and world beating wines in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.