All we know about £2.85m King of Essex pub in Basildon

The King of Essex pub, which will cost £2.85 million, will open in the former Poundworld in East Walk, near the East Square Cinema Complex.

Plans for the pub to open in August remain on track and patrons in Basildon could soon enjoy the new venue.

Inside - A CGI of what the inside is planned to look like. (Image: Wetherspoon)

The new pub would see Wetherspoon return to the town for the first time since the closure of the Moon on the Square in 2022.  

The venue had shut after making way for a 492-home development, with work currently taking place. 

Developers had initially applied to create a three-storey pub and aimed to open in November, but plans were delayed and a scaled-back proposal was approved in March of last year. 

New pub - The King of Essex will take the place of the closed East Walk Poundworld (Image: Wetherspoon)

The beginning of works on the new Wetherspoons was confirmed by Labour councillor for planning and infrastructure, Adele Brown, earlier this month.

Jessica Power, Labour councillor for jobs, skills and economy, said: “The opening of a new Wetherspoons in Basildon town centre is a fantastic boost for local regeneration and the local economy. 

“This will not only create jobs and attract investment but also encourages more people to visit the town centre, creating more to offer and adding to the night time economy.

“It’s a positive step forward for the area, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall offer of Basildon.”

Basildon town centre is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, with hoardings going up around a number of sites including the Market Square development, were demolition has begun ahead of the creation of 492 new homes.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said: “We are confident the new pub will be a great addition to the town’s social scene and also be welcomed by local people and visitors alike.

“The investment highlights Wetherspoon’s commitment to the town.”