A SOUTHEND street has been touted as one of the city's up-and-coming areas with a range of new businesses helping to breathe life into the city's evening economy.

Alexandra Street, near the High Street in Southend, has become a street full of independent businesses over the past few years - and now a number of new bars and restaurants are boosting the area's nightlife too.

Moonlight Bar and Restaurant, in 13-17 Alexandra Street opened in late 2023 on the site of the former Basement Bar, while Twelve Cocktails has moved next door in the former Venue Bar.

New bar and golf simulator venue Bunker 19 is set to open next door later this month. Co-owner of the new bar, Daniel Day, previously told the Echo: "I’ve liked the area, it reminds me of Brighton Lanes and it could have that look, I like the backstreets when we first looked."

Twelve Brunch and Cocktails was formerly based in Clifftown Road, before a long-running noise dispute encouraged a relocation to the up-and-coming street. 

Before this recent wave of businesses opening, the street already boasted popular pub The Alex and health food restaurant Pulp Kitchen.

Likened to both the Leigh Broadway and the Brighton Lanes - it also offers more independent store variety, including Books-on-Sea and By The Sea Vintage.

By The Sea Vintage owner Fiona Foster also told the Echo in November: "It is a great community area; it is becoming its own independent street in a way. It is like its own small Leigh Broadway."

More businesses look set to take on the street, as many of these newer spots are forming a community partnership to try and encourage interest and footfall.