Leigh named one of the best 'hip towns' by The Telegraph

The Telegraph has included the seaside town in a list of “cool alternative towns to visit in the UK”, praising picturesque views and nearby green spaces.

It comes as The Crooked Billet, a pub in Leigh High Street, looks to extend its opening hours to cash in on the town’s great reputation.

Pub - The Crooked Billet (Image: Steve Brading)

A licensing application received by Southend Council hints at the pub’s plans to open until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 12.30am for the rest of the week.

The Telegraph says Leigh is a “quieter and cleaner alternative” to its neighbouring Southend.
“What’s more certain is that Southend can get busy, noisy, lairy and littery,” it says.

“Neighbouring Leigh is a clever side-swerve, offering a cobbled high street, cosy pubs, cockles stalls, fishing boats and great views of Kent. There are green spaces at Daws Heath and Two Tree Island.

“Leigh has been voted as one of the best places to live in England as hotels are in short supply. Take up residence in a holiday let – you might find out why commuters love the place so much.”

Team - Kristy Chamberlain (right) and her colleagues Chris Nevin, Lily Thresher, and Laketa Lester love Leigh (Image: Kristy Chamberlain)

Kristy Chamberlain, who owns the Krystalls Boutique prom shop in London Road, agrees that “Leigh is the best”.

She said: “It’s got the best restaurants, shops, drinks, and everything is independent. Big chains would get booted out and all the little businesses speak up for each other.

“Leigh people do stick together, we promote each other’s businesses, and no one’s in competition.”

The town’s bars and restaurants are “always packed out”, especially in Leigh Broadway, she added, so longer hours at The Crooked Billet should be a welcome move.

Picturesque - Leigh has been praised by The Telegraph (Image: Steve Brading)

Carole Mulroney, the Lib Dem city councillor for Leigh, has deep roots in the town  with “ancestry going back hundreds of years”.

Despite being born in Rochford and previously living in Chelmsford, she proudly considers Leigh her home.

“When we had the opportunity, my husband and I moved down here 18 years ago and I’ve just thrown myself into life here because it is such a wonderful community.

“As a child, Southend was near home and obviously there are things that need to happen there, but there are things that need to happen in Leigh too. Not everywhere is 100 per cent and I have a great affinity to Southend too.”