A trip to Wetherspoons can often be a safe bet for a good night out.

The pub chain, which is known for its cheap grub and drinks, has now reopened almost all of its venues across the country following the latest national lockdown.

It boasts six pubs across south Essex, but choosing the best one can be difficult.

TripAdvisor may help to answer that question though through its reviews and star rating system.

Below is how each of the Wetherspoons in south Essex is rated on TripAdvisor, starting with the pubs with the highest overall rating.

Those with the same overall rating are separated by the number of five-star reviews:

Roebuck, Rayleigh

Overall rating - 3.5 stars

Five-star reviews – 76

One-star reviews - 48

One very satisfied reviewer described Roebuck as “simply the best”, adding: “As always, great grub, great choice of beers VERY competitive prices for both, and good for company."

But one-star reviewer said they had their worst ever pint at the pub, while others said they were served with cold food.

The Last Post, Southend

Overall rating - 3.5 stars

Five-star reviews - 62

One-star reviews - 26

A five-star reviewer says it is a classic spoons, with another adding: “Food was hot, cooked well, very tasty and delivered to the table in very quick time.

"The staff were on top of the job too clearing tables as soon groups left, very impressive and so efficient.

"It was a very busy lunchtime so all round an enjoyable time out."

But one critic was unhappy with their food and said they would be looking elsewhere for their next fish supper, adding: “They should rename this ‘the last resort’ the fish was like cardboard and chips many black and soggy.”

The Blue Boar, Billericay

Overall rating - 3.5 stars

Five-star reviews - 54

One-star reviews - 40

Some reviewers described it as their favourite Spoons, with one writing about the food: “This is proper pub grub at its finest.

“The food is great, the service is always friendly and going here for lunch or dinner with friends or the husband is always a great night out that doesn't cost a fortune.”

But one critic said they would have given the pub no-stars if it was possible, with another claiming there was a “stale smell of beer and urine”.

The Parsons Barn, Shoebury

Overall rating - 3.5 stars

Five-star reviews - 44

One-star reviews - 17

One reviewer described it as the "best" Wetherspoons they had visited, while another added: “This is a lovely pub great way to end the night to relax and unwind.

“This place is lovely.”

However, not all reviewers were happy with their experience, with one critic saying the best part of their meal was the Diet Coke, while another said the portions were too small and they were only served with 10 chips.

The Elms, Leigh

Overall rating - 3 stars

Five-star reviews - 75

One-star reviews - 84

The pub has a “super friendly” atmosphere according to one five-star reviewer, and another claimed it offers the best breakfast in Leigh, writing: “Most weekends we pop down for breakfast with our family and it’s always perfect. Very family friendly. Helpful staff. Quick, simple food.

"I hope it never changes.”

One critic said they would avoid the pub again at “all costs”, while another pointed out it was not an ideal location for a business meeting.

The Moon on the Square, Basildon

Overall rating - 3 stars

Five-star reviews - 18

One-star reviews - 45

One happy customer said the pub was “perfect”, and another said: “Not only is the moon on the square an excellent spoons, it's objectively an excellent place to eat and drink given the options available in Basildon.”

But one of its harshest critics labelled the venue “soulless”, with another adding the place was dead and had “gone down hill drastically”.