The Boatyard

July 22, 2012

The Boatyard combines the benefits of a modern purpose-built restaurant with the classic surroundings of the Old Leigh fishing village, not to mention the excellent food. Contained within what was previously a working boatyard, the building has been converted into a modern restaurant, fully air-conditioned with a state of the art music system, digital projection screen and a glass-fronted kitchen area.

A panoramic polarised glass frontage provides uninterrupted views of the Thames Estuary and Two-Tree Island Nature Reserve. Even more spectacular views can be obtained from the stunning wooden deck which juts out into the water and spans the entire width of the building.

How to find us.

The Boatyard is 5 minute walk from Leigh-on-Sea railway station, on the c2c London to Shoeburyness line.

the A13, and under 10 minutes from the A127.

It is only about forty miles from London.

A History of Old Leigh ?The village of Leigh was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Legra", a small fishing hamlet. Due to its good position on the shipping route to London, it began to grow and by the 16th century had become a fairly large and prosperous port.Ships of up to 340 tons are recorded as being built in Leigh, including many that would have been built for the local fishing fleets. With its location at the mouth of the Thames, the navy against threats from pirates and the French, Spanish and Dutch Navies often used Leigh.

By the 18th century ships had become larger and trade changed. ?At this time Leigh's deep water channel silted up and the importance of the town diminished. It then gradually reverted to a fishing village, supplying the London market by road and barge. When the London to Tilbury railway was extended to Southend in 1856, this split the village in two and many of its timber-framed buildings were demolished. But the trains were a benefit to the fishermen as it enabled them to transit fish to Billingsgate much faster than before.By the 20th century the old village had become a small part of the area of Leigh-on-Sea, which was incorporated in the much larger Borough of Southend-on-Sea. To this day Old Leigh's fishing industry continues and despite many changes, it has kept something of the village character it once had.

Our Management Team

Restaurant Manager: Zeta Edwards

Front of House Manager: Cllare Carey

Front of House Manager: Margaret Guppy

Head Chef: John-Paul Paduano