A PUB has been named the “Best Festive Business” in Southend after covering the venue in Christmas lights and decorations. 

The Cliff Pub, on Hamlet Road, emerged victorious following a public vote with more than 2,000 residents voting for their favourite. 

The competition, run by Southend Council, saw 54 business enter. 

The Inn at Belfairs finished in second place while the Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Esplanade came third. 

Both the winner and the runners up were congratulated by the mayor, Margaret Borton on Tuesday.

Cliff Pub manager, Roy Junior, said: “We are overwhelmed with how many votes we received, it is completely unexpected, and we appreciate every single vote.

“We love to go over the top when celebrating the holidays, getting everyone involved and seeing everyone enjoy themselves.

“We like to see ourselves as more than just a pub, more like a community hub.

“People from all walks of life together enjoying themselves in a safe space.

“We are also one of the last full time LGBTQ+ venues in Essex and hoping the prize from the promotional video from Blatella can help us reach out to more people who are yet to experience what we have to offer.”

The vote was carried out on the “Business-on-Sea” Facebook page as residents and visitors to Southend were asked to vote.

The competition is in its 10th year with this year’s three sponsors including Blatella Films, withMichelle, and the Federation of Small Business.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “I would like to congratulate the winning businesses for this year’s Best Festive Business competition.

“We saw some incredible entries and as always it brought a bit of festive fun to the town, whilst also promoting the fantastic local businesses right on our doorstep.

“It has been amazing to see so many votes this year, and I would like to wish all our businesses throughout the Borough a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2022.”