Echo readers have been shouting out their favourite pubs in Essex on our Facebook page.

One of the most common choices was Paglesham's historic Plough and Sail pub, which has links to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Owned by the Oliver family since 1965, with Abi Oliver now keeping the venue as successful as ever, the village pub is renowned for its exceptional menu

It has been a fixture in the village for more than 300 years.

Back then it served the hard-working oyster smacks crews, and nowadays it is famous across south Essex, serving delicious food and speciality drinks.

Ken and Hazel Oliver took over in 60s and, when they retired, Abi's father Mark moved the family into the pub in 1995.

She previously told the Echo: "It has always been like one extended family to me.”

“There are people now who remember my nan and grandad when they were behind the bar."

The pub is well-known for its homemade food, vast gin selection of more than 40 choices, plus regular guest ales including those from local breweries.

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One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: "I’ve been visiting the Plough and Sail for many years and am never disappointed. It’s in a pretty and quiet village close to the River Roach.

"The pub is warm and welcoming in the winter and in the summer it has delightful outside gardens.

"The menu has a lovely variety of home cooked foods. The chicken Kyiv and the steak and Stilton pie being some of the best I’ve eaten anywhere!

"The staff are friendly and polite. It’s clearly a well run family business that prides itself on quality food and attentive service."

The team also have vegan, veggie and gluten-free options.

Other popular choices among Echo readers were The Dickens and Papillon pubs in Southend and The Old Smack in Leigh.