Pubs have been a big miss over the winter.

The majority of venues have only been able to open for a handful of days since the second national lockdown was enforced in November.

But hope is on the horizon, with the Prime Minister set to outline his road-map out of lockdown this week.

Boris Johnson is expected to give everyone a rough idea of when pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen.

Whatever the announcement, it’s likely we will all have to wait at least another month before we can finally get back to our favourite drinking venue.

We asked readers which pub they have missed the most during lockdown and they didn’t disappoint, with more than 150 people commenting on Facebook.

The majority of pubs in south Essex were suggested by readers, but we’ve picked out some of the most popular suggestions and why they were singled out by you.

They were:

The Railway Pub in Prittlewell

Ness Dean said: “Without a doubt, great bands, fantastic staff, good beer and a great bunch of regulars!”

Carmel O'Callaghan King said: “Such characters, great live music and just a generally feel good vibe. Always feel at home in there. Awesome staff too!

Michelle Wilson added: “Lovely friendly pub, very welcoming atmosphere top pub.”

Old Walnut Tree in Southend

Steve Pullon said: “A great team, really look after you (especially when they were open during COVID), all had a personality instead of being just a chain and the food is great too.”

Phillip Ringwood added: “The walnut tree it has a good atmosphere great staff and great deals.”

The Dickens in Southend

Linda Brownlie said: ”Amazing owners and staff and customers that all feel like family, its a home from home, miss you all."

Michelle Polley said: “Best pub around by miles. Great atmosphere, great staff, great selection of drinks, good prices and super duper clean.”

David Jessep added: ”The landlords know how to treat their customers.”

The Castle in Southend

Terry Champ said: “They have served customers and gone beyond. Also supplied food to NHS and covid nurses. This pub is amazing and family run. They support all of there customers and the community beyond.”

Sam Lane said: “The castle with Jolene Hills and her staff, friendly, entertaining and fabulous food!"

Pat Steer added: “The Castle pub on the sea front a real community pub great food excellent staff always friendly and welcoming. Always doing things for local charities.

“Live music at weekends. Themed days and evenings. Easter and Christmas parties for the children.

“And also if any of the regulars are unwell or need any help the staff are on it."

“It's a family run community pub.”

The Whitmore Arms in Orsett

Paul Delaney said: “lovely people, excellent food, lovely beer and always a warm welcome. Love the place.”

Sally Cain said: “Great family-run pub with the best Sunday roast.”

Other suggestions included:

The Exchange in Southend

Graham Topping said: “Great pub and staff. Food is excellent too. I can't wait to go in on a Sunday for an full English breakfast again.”

Motowns in Benfleet

Terry Morgan said: “Staff are friendly. Cocktails are great. All in all, great bar.”

Mawsons in Southend

David Eastwick said: “A local micro brewery serving top quality beers. Great friendly staff. The best little pub in southchurch.”

The Castle in Little Wakering

Richard Anderson said: “A great family pub excellent food and great atmosphere.”

The Viper in Ingatestone

Drew Gibson said: “In the summer with the dog – love it. Brilliant beer garden and right opposite amazing places to walk.”