AN iconic pub on Southend seafront, known as the the smallest in Essex,has suddenly closed down in mysterious circumstances.

The Cornucopia, in Marine Parade, has officially ceased trading, with workmen seen on site pulling down its signage yesterday.

READ MORE

The owners have strongly denied rumours on social media it had been visited by bailiffs last week carrying out a repossession order.

Echo: Shut - Workmen tear down pub signageShut - Workmen tear down pub signage

However, a spokesman for the pub did confirm to the Echo The Cornucopia – named after a Latin symbol of abundance – had “ceased trading” without offering further information.

"It’s always sad when any business closes down, especially when it is an historic building that has been a long-time feature of the area,” Kursaal ward councillor Matt Dent said.

“I hope that it will eventually reopen under new owners, and we save this important part of our seafront’s cultural heritage.”

The Cornucopia was also well-known for hosting exotic dancing. 

It is the second pub in Southend to close since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, according to data from real estate advisers Altus Group.

Echo: Historic - The pub had been a long-time seafront fixtureHistoric - The pub had been a long-time seafront fixture

There are now 64 pubs in Southend as of June – down from 66 in March 2020, before the first lockdown.

The Railway Hotel, on Clifftown Road, one of Southend's most famous pubs, closed in April of last year, with owners citing the "unbearable pressures" of Covid.

And now, pubs across Southend are dealing with soaring energy costs, the pressure of inflation and tax rises, which may force more landlords to close their doors.

Echo: Boarded up - The iconic Railway HotelBoarded up - The iconic Railway Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

“Unfortunately, pubs closing down is one of the signs of the times,” Mr Dent said.

“The economy is faltering, inflation combined with the cost-of-living crisis means customers have less money to spend, not to mention the soaring overheads for landlords.”

“It underscores the importance of tackling our current economic problems,” he added.

“We need to get a grip on this very soon or we could see many more of our city’s beloved hospitality businesses going bust in the coming months.”