TWO totally British traditions have come together in one waterfront business – allowing visitors to enjoy a pint and a fish and chip supper.

The traditional Mayflower fish and chip shop, at the end of Old Leigh High Street, now has a surprise in store for hungry customers in the market for a drink with their chips.

Tucked away behind its heated metal counter and plastic chairs is a cosy pub, offering a full range of wines and beers.

Top this off with estuary views and a warming gas fire and you may well consider this the perfect place to while away a few hours.

Manager Sam Hardy, 37, ran the chippy for almost three years before deciding to extend its old kitchens and transform them into a bar.

He said: “It’s a nice challenge to be running the shop and the pub together, but I admit I just couldn’t imagine how it would look when the idea was first talked about.

“I think it looks wonderful. So many people are quite surprised to find us here and everyone has been so positive. There has been a great reaction to the pub. Everyone really seems to like it.”

The Mayflower is owned by Southend businessman Robin Levy, who also owns the Bakers Bar nightclub in Southend town centre.

Miss Hardy said: “We have already had some really busy days, which is quite surprising since we only opened this month.

“I am really looking forward to the summer, because it will be amazing down here.”

Lester Whitcomb, 56, an electrician from Glendale Gardens, Leigh, is a big fan of the Mayflower, named after the the ship which sailed from the Thames, carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World in 1620.

He said: “I think the place is brilliant. It all looks great.

“I can come down for a drink and pick up my tea here as well. It’s got a really friendly atmosphere and I think this place will become very popular.”

John Labbett, 25, an oyster farmer, of Thames Drive, Leigh, added: “I used to work here when I was a teenager.

“I think they’ve done a lovely job with the pub, it really does look great and it already has a great atmosphere.”