An urban explorer has taken a look inside a former coffee bar on Southend’s iconic Royal Terrace which dates back more than 200 years.

After previous explorations along the Royal Terrace, urban explorer Martin Halliday came across “The Shrubbery”, which sits on the corner of Royal Terrace and Royal Mews.

Mr Halliday explores old and empty buildings, as well as historic sites in south Essex, for his channel and Facebook group De-Evolved.

Explore - Martin Halliday visits 'The Shrubbery'Explore - Martin Halliday visits 'The Shrubbery' (Image: Martin Halliday)

 

After coming across the boarded-up building, the Shoebury man was instantly intrigued.

And he wasn’t left disappointed following the exploration, with blocked tunnels, ancient doors and secret rooms discovered.

Mr Halliday said: “I had finished taking photographs and recording video at Hamilton House, at 8 Royal Terrace, when I saw the boarded up front of the Shrubbery.

 

History - The 200-year-old buildingHistory - The 200-year-old building (Image: Martin Halliday)

 

“The mods of Southend would pass time and hang out in coffee bars such as The Shrubbery, so I instantly became intrigued.

“So, a few weeks later I returned, and spoke to an on-site builder. He was a jolly chap and was helpful in my enquiry.

“We arranged that I could return another day, and I could conduct my explore with permission.

 

Interesting - Hidden rooms found at the siteInteresting - Hidden rooms found at the site (Image: Martin Halliday)

 

“I was able to explore 99.9 per cent of the building and it didn’t disappoint.

“I found an old newspaper, from the 1930s, which was torn in half and damp, but I still managed to separate the pages and shoot photos.

 

Wow - Newspaper dating back to the 1930sWow - Newspaper dating back to the 1930s (Image: Martin Halliday)

 

“It has plenty underground from coal storage chambers, blocked tunnels, hidden rooms, a lift shaft, an ancient little door, and a pantry/cold storage.

“There was a crack in a wall, but I was unable to fit so I am unsure on what lays behind it. It could be a possible tunnel.

“There is plenty of food for thought here.”

 

History - A blocked up tunnelHistory - A blocked up tunnel (Image: Martin Halliday)

 

The Shrubbery is believed to have been constructed around the 1790s.

Coffee bars were a feature of towns around Britain 50 years ago, and Southend had more than its fair share, including The Shrubbery.