Red Arrows display team dine at Prowse in Westcliff

The world-renowned display team roared into Southend over the weekend, drawing ecstatic crowds keen to spot the famous red-painted jets.

Plane spotters were delighted as the Red Arrows landed at Southend Airport in formation on Sunday, whilst they took part in the Folkestone Armed Forces Day display.

Wow - Red Arrows display team at Prowse (Image: Prowse)

The world-famous display team arrived at the airport after lunchtime, giving enthusiasts plenty of time to see them.

On Sunday, the team members headed to Prowse for dinner, a hotspot in Shorefield Road, above Westcliff's iconic arches. 

Stunning - ten Red Arrows arrive (Image: Simon Murdoch)

Prowse owner Cat Prowse described the visit as "surreal".

She said: "The pilots booked online whilst searching the top restaurants in Southend, and I established who they were when I spoke to them as a large table.

"Then another booking came in for another ten people and I thought they double booked, and it turned out it was then all the engineers. They explained one engineer flies with one pilot.

"They were all very charming.

Amazing - Red Arrows display team outside Prowse (Image: Prowse)

"They didn’t mind talking about their careers and tours in Afghanistan and told me how it worked and how they came to be in the Red Arrows.

"They said they will be coming back next time they are in Southend as they loved the food and service."

Located in Shorefield Road, Westcliff, Prowse replaced the popular Flying Pasta restaurant last year.

With chefs from Greece, Turkey, and Italy, it offers a Mediterranean mix, specialising in barbecue meats, seafood, and cocktails.

The eatery has quickly become one of the top-rated restaurants in Southend, according to TripAdvisor.

Give us a wave - the display team wave to the crowd (Image: Kevin Cocksedge)

Cat added: “I remember them growing up, watching them at the Southend Airshow every year.

"They even said they wished they could do shows in Southend again.

“It was fascinating and surreal hearing the stories and what it is like to be in the Red Arrows.

"Someone was also celebrating their birthday too and happened to be a massive Red Arrows fan.

"The whole team were signing and clapping and got involved in his celebrations.

"He said it was an amazing experience for him."