DESPITE a number of sad closures over the years, there are still some much-loved unspoilt and unchanging pubs in south Essex.

Here are the top three unspoilt and unchanging pubs in south Essex, as suggested by Echo Facebook users.

1. The Angel Inn, Shoebury:

Located on the edge of North Shoebury, an attractive collection of cottages has been sympathetically restored as the Angel Inn.

It is a traditional country pub, with flagstone floors, quality furnishings and soft background music.

This historic listed timber framed structure dates from circa 1650 and was formerly the North Shoebury Post Office and Blacksmith’s Shop.

During the winter months, visitors can enjoy an open fire, alongside a variety of real ales, Guinness draught lagers or bottled beers.

Echo: The Angel Inn, ShoeburyThe Angel Inn, Shoebury (Image: Google Maps)

2. Hoy and Helmet, in Benfleet:

The Hoy and Helmet is a Grade II listed building, thought to date from the early 15th or 16th century.

Bosses at the Hoy and Helmet state they are “proud of our heritage”.

Visitors can come together over drinks, live sport or a quick catch up and enjoy expertly kept beers, favourite spirits or a round of shots.

This is alongside a menu of pub classics and small plates for sharing with friends & family.

Echo: Hoy and Helmet, in BenfleetHoy and Helmet, in Benfleet (Image: Google Maps)

3. The Plough and Sail, in Paglesham in the Rochford district 

Just a few hundred yards away from the River Roach is The Plough and Sail, which has been owned by the Oliver family since 1965.

It is still run as a traditional country pub with cosy log fires, home-cooked food, real ales, and a superb Gin selection.

The Plough & Sail has history dating back over 300 years.

Bosses state they are “very proud of our home-cooked food, our hugely talented chefs make all of our dishes from scratch using locally sourced ingredients where possible”.

Echo: The Plough and Sail, in RochfordThe Plough and Sail, in Rochford (Image: Google Maps)