A PUB in an old bank has sealed its place at the heart of the community as its new landlady strives to create a comfortable space for punters “from all walks of life”.

Regulars at the Exchange in Southchurch Road, Southchurch, say it has become “much more welcoming” since manager Becky Champion took the helm in August last year, when the pub was taken over by brewery Shepherd Neame.

The building has only been a pub since 2002. It previously housed a branch of Barclays, hence it being named “the Exchange” in honour of its financial history. 

The original bank vault is still used as a beer and wine cellar today.

Echo: The Exchange reopened under new management in August last year.The Exchange reopened under new management in August last year. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Becky, 32, is enthusiastic about the future and loves being at the heart of the community.
She said: “They’ve given us the freedom to breathe new life into the pub.

“It needed a bit of love and attention.”

Becky, who has lived in Southend for 12 years, wants to restore “community spirit” to the Exchange.

Echo: Millie O’Donovan, Becky Champion and Becky Williams enjoy pouring pints for punters.Millie O’Donovan, Becky Champion and Becky Williams enjoy pouring pints for punters. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

She said: “It’s not just about serving people; it’s about building relationships. A pub is a community in itself.

“I spend more time with this lot than I do with my family. Our regulars are my favourite thing about working here.”

The pub offers live music every week, along with meals prepared daily using ingredients from Southend businesses.

Echo: Battered prawns are on the menu, with a raft of new dishes set to join it next month.Battered prawns are on the menu, with a raft of new dishes set to join it next month. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Becky added: “Our chefs are incredible. Their Sunday roast is the best in the area. I would genuinely challenge anyone to let me know if they can find a better one.”

Barmaid Millie O’Donovan, 19, of Shaftesbury Avenue, said: “I love it here. I’ve worked in quite a few pubs in Southend, but this is my favourite.

“Becky’s the heart of the pub, and a big part of the community in general.”

Echo: Barmaid Millie described her boss as 'the heart of the pub'.Barmaid Millie described her boss as 'the heart of the pub'. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Punter Jim Martin, of Belle Vue Road, said: “I’ve been coming here for 21 years. It’s had many owners, but I felt it drew the wrong kind of clientele.

“This isn’t a London wine bar, it’s a community pub. That makes it much more enticing for families.”

Echo: Grant Hixon Jim Martin have been regulars at the pub for many years.Grant Hixon Jim Martin have been regulars at the pub for many years. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Fellow customer Anne Valerie said: “It’s very friendly and cosy. Whenever I come with friends, we always bump into people we know.”

The pub will participate in Window Wonderland next month. Staff members and artists Harry Overell and Jim Riebold will display their work across seven of its windows.

Echo: Anne Valerie describes the pub as 'cosy'.Anne Valerie describes the pub as 'cosy'. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Becky is also running the Southend Arts Trail, taking place in September, alongside community organisation Project Southchurch.

Co-chairman Rob McAvoy said: “We really appreciate Becky getting involved. She’s more than keen to work with us and she’s encouraged her staff to take part.”