PUBS have been an integral part of communities ever since beer and darts were invented, and they can be a rewarding place to work.

However, these five south Essex pubs are now looking for a new landlord to become the "beating heart" of their community:

1. Railway Hotel, Southend

Echo: The Railway Hotel in Clifftown Road, Southend.The Railway Hotel in Clifftown Road, Southend. (Image: Newsquest)

Address: Clifftown Road, Southend SS1 1AJ

Ingoing cost: £93,130

Rent: £54,522

Type: Lease

A search has been launched to find who will “breathe a new lease of life” into the iconic Railway Hotel pub.

The pub was arguably one of Southend’s most well-known pubs but closed during the pandemic due to the “almost un-tradable circumstances”.

Since closing in 2020, it has remained vacant, despite campaigns to have it registered as a community asset and protected.

Last year, it was revealed Star Pubs and Bars, which owns the pub, plans a “significant refurbishment” including an all new bar and "instagrammable" features.

2. Switch, Southend

Echo: Switch in Queens Road, Southend.Switch in Queens Road, Southend. (Image: Switch)

Address: Queens Road, Southend SS1 1LT

Ingoing cost: £9,417

Rent: £23,000

Type: Tenancy

The vibrant venue boasts funky interior, games - both virtual and old-school board games - coffee, and cocktails.

It is surrounded by shops, food and retail outlets, and mixed housing.

Private accommodation consists of two flats with two bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom. 

3. Brookside Tavern, Leigh

Echo: Brookside Tavern in Rayleigh Road, Leigh.Brookside Tavern in Rayleigh Road, Leigh. (Image: Google and Carol Curry)

Address: Rayleigh Road, Leigh SS9 5PS

Ingoing cost: £5,350

Rent: £20,000

Type: Tenancy

Last month, landlady Carol Curry revealed she would be stepping down after 28 years at the helm.

Stonegate, the brewery behind the pub, has stated it is committed to the pub staying open but Mrs Curry confirmed she was told her lease would not be renewed.

The pub currently focuses on community and live sport and benefits from a secluded beer garden at the back.  

4. New Courthouse, Stanford-le-Hope

Echo: The New Courthouse in Kings Street, Stanford-Le-Hope SS17 0HJ.The New Courthouse in Kings Street, Stanford-Le-Hope SS17 0HJ. (Image: Google)

Address: Kings Street, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 0HJ

Ingoing cost: £5,750

Rent: £20,000

Type: Tenancy

The New Courthouse presents an exciting opportunity for the right landlord to develop a great community pub.

Having previously been run with an emphasis on a Turkish food offering and weekend entertainment, the New Courthouse offers the new landlord the perfect opportunity to attract new customers, by changing the direction of the pub, with the introduction of good quality traditional pub food, sports viewing, and drinks offer.

5. Ship Inn, Grays

Echo: Ship Inn, London Road, Grays RM20 4AR.Ship Inn, London Road, Grays RM20 4AR. (Image: FindMyPub.com)

Address: London Road, Grays RM20 4AR

Ingoing cost: £7,000

Rent: £28,000

Type: Tenancy

Just a short distance from Lakeside, the Ship was named one of the "Top 20" family-run businesses in the UK in 2022, according to shopping platform ShopAppy.

The Ship has repeatedly been praised by customers for its excellent service, personal staff, value for money and role in the community during and after the pandemic.