Following a £1million refurbishment, Clarence Yard, in the heart of Southend, has reopened as what could be Essex’s most stylish chippy – without the upmarket prices.

The Victorian building, located in Clarence Street, in the heart of the town centre, has had both its interior and exterior faithfully restored, with exposed brickwork, leather banquette seating and drop chandeliers creating a stylish dining environment.

The new Clarence Yard has been designed to appeal to a varied clientele, from shoppers and local workers during the day, to families and couples during the evenings and weekends.

Quality runs throughout the new restaurant, with its suppliers also playing a key role in making sure excellence is served as standard. 

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James Gibbs, Catering Director of parent company, the Stockvale Group, said: “We’re working with Wisbey Potatoes in Benfleet.

"They’re terrific and if they don’t feel a particular producer’s crop is up to standard, they’ll go elsewhere to make sure we always get the finest spuds available.

"The freshness is unrivalled too. Last Monday I put in an order and the potatoes were dug up on Tuesday and delivered to us on Wednesday morning.

"We then tumble the potatoes, to clean them and then put them through our own chipper. You definitely won’t find bland, frozen chips in Clarence Yard!”

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With several areas, including a mezzanine level, available for customers to sit back and relax in, Clarence Yard is still very much a classic ‘chippy’.

Speaking just after the new venture opened its doors on Monday, Philip Miller, Chairman of the Stockvale Group, said: “For those in a rush, we do smashing takeaway - served in temperature-holding boxes.

"We are also family friendly, in that all Sealife and Adventure Island annual pass holders receive an automatic 20 per cent discount off their bill.”

“If you come in, you will not be disappointed. We’ve created a great place to enjoy proper, posh fish and chips with, if you fancy it, a glass of wine or beer.

"Everything on the menu represents excellent value for money. All our mains cost less than £9, including chips.

"You can get beer-battered cod and chips, served with mushy peas and tartare sauce, for just £8.25.”

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Clarence Yard is now open, seven days a week, from 12pm, at 23-29 Clarence Street, Southend on Sea.

For more information visit www.clarenceyard.com, like the Facebook page, @ClarenceYardSouthend and follow ClarenceYardSouthend on Instagram.