HAMLET Court Road is “returning to its former glory” with punters discovering the street has just as much to offer as the independent and lively bars in Leigh, according to bar bosses.

The busy road was once known as Southend’s second high street, but in recent years it has struggled and failed to compete with other parts of the city.

Two pubs and a new bar have all opened in Hamlet Court Road since October, and the owner’s have insisted trade has been roaring since.

Isla’s Bar and Restaurant - offering plush cocktails and bottomless brunch - is bringing a splash of colour to the road, while the Westcliff Drinks Co and The Craftsman pubs are specialising in live music and pub grub.

Adrienne Meyers, manager at Isla’s, believes the bar’s pink interior, flower walls and neon signs are helping to bring the street alive, and has even witnessed pensioners boogying the night away alongside youngsters.

The 31-year-old said: “There’s nothing like us here at all. “I think we are seeing people come here rather than Leigh due to the offering and new businesses springing up, and also because we offering something so different.

“I think people can see the potential here - Hamlet Court Road is definitely on the up and returning to its glory days.

“I think we will see the road flourish; our weekends and Sunday lunches are manic. “People love the atmosphere and are surprised when they come in and see what it’s like.”

The business opened on November 26. It comes after Leigh has built a reputation as a place to go with quirky and independent bars and restaurantsWestcliff Drinks Co is also seeing good trade and has started regular comedy, quiz and live music nights since opening in November.

Damian O’Boyle, owner of Westcliff Drinks Co, said: “It’s been a really exciting start - business is going really well and we’ve been welcomed by all the folk in the area - customers and local businesses alike.

“Hamlet Court Road is definitely on the up. We are seeing a lot of people from Leigh and London move into the Westcliff area and new bars and restaurants are springing up to meet demand.

“It’s a great place to be, good drink, good food and near the sea. We find businesses are being more collaborative than competitive - and that brings variety and interest to Westcliff.

“For drinks, you have a number of options catering to different crowds now and you have excellent Thai, Indian and Greek restaurants a few steps away. You can have a really great night out in Westcliff.

“The bar is warm and welcoming, with excellent drinks and a classic jukebox full of 50s, 60s and 70s vinyl.

“All our spirits are from Leigh Spirit Co, which sources great rums, vodka and gin. The cocktails are incredibly popular and Leigh Rum is now supplying local and London bars and is enjoyed by customers as far afield as Ireland, New Zealand and the US.”

James Laurence, owner of The Craftsman, added: “The pub is vibrant and generally busy and has been very busy, “Friday night is our club urban nights and those are really busy and Saturday is our live music nights and we have all different kinds. “We also have open mic nights and support Southend artists.

"We also offer food and 23 beer and ale pumps. “Feedbacks been great so far and we have a licence until 2am and are the only one around with this seven days a week.”