A SEAFRONT pub renowned as the “smallest in Essex” is set for a new lease of life as a takeaway serving “healthy alternatives” to seafront fish and chips.

The Cornucopia in Marine Parade has permanently closed after making a “significant loss”. 

The landmark pub’s owner has now submitted plans to Southend Council to convert the former pub into a takeaway

Businessman John Remblance, whose company Star Amusements owns the pub, has revealed additional details for the takeaway, including an aim to add a “healthy alternative” selling chicken and salad. 

Echo: The Cornucopia is widely believed to be 'the smallest pub in Essex'.The Cornucopia is widely believed to be 'the smallest pub in Essex'. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Mr Remblance, who owns the pub and a series of arcades on the seafront, purchased the site in 2022 and oversaw a £13,000 revamp but has struggled to make it a success since. 

In a statement, planning agent Stone Me Limited said: “After researching the market in depth, it has been decided to develop an offer to provide a chicken and salad operation to provide a healthier alternative to the abundance of fish and chips, burgers and doughnuts.”

However, the kitchen will also feature a southern fried chicken machine alongside three grills and two fryers.

The Cornucopia’s recent demise is said to follow a trend for drinking establishments.

The documents add: “According to the British Beer and Pub Association, cask beer in 2021 accounted for just 4.3 per cent of overall beer sales, and around 15 per cent of draft sales.

Sales have nearly halved in the past eight years and continues to drop post-Covid by a further 1.9 per cent.”

The agent lays part of the blame with Southend Council, which it says “has been proactive in allowing a shift away from the seafront of the nightlife industry”.

In the last profit and loss account for the year ending August 2023, the Cornucopia faced a significant loss.

As the historic building is locally listed, the owners have vowed not to alter any of the windows, doors, or external stonework.

In their plans, Stone Me architects described the former pub as being of a traditional Victorian design with “interesting features”.

They added: “Although the exact date of construction is not known, it can be assumed construction took place in the latter half of the 19th century due to the styles of design and understanding the development of Marine Parade.”

The building dates back to the 1850s, when it was used as an inn, and has been an iconic pub in the city for decades.