Inside A127 Dick Turpin pub that has hit the market

Following a saga which could have seen the pub replaced by a petrol station and drive-through coffee shop, Greene King bosses ultimately made the decision to close the pub after it struggled to turn a profit.

Iconic - The Dick Turpin pub (Image: WTS Property Consultants)

Now it has been placed on the market with WTS Property Consultants, who say it will appeal to restauranteurs, developers, builders and investors.

They add how the landmark is on a prominent position fronting the A127 with a daily traffic flow of around 54,000 vehicles.

For sale - Inside the pub (Image: WTS Property Consultants)

The advert offers a glimpse inside the pub which offers a huge seating space, buffet-style serving station, as well as a large car park and children’s play area outside.

The biker community had used the pub as a meeting point for years, and the closure was branded as the “end of an era”.

Adam Ball, previously the organiser of Southend Shakedown, and part of the biker community, hopes the new buyer will think about its history.

He said: “It was a sad day to learn Greene King was shutting down this well-known place.

Empty - The pub is now closed (Image: WTS Property Consultants)

“As a frequent visitor, I would chat with bikers from all over the place. Whether they had come from London, other parts of Essex, and even further afield.”

The pub, which dates back almost 100-years, has proved popular, but according to the proposals it has been “running at a loss for three years” after being significantly impacted by the Covid pandemic.

Earlier this year the EG Group, which owns a series of petrol stations across the country, had plans rejected by Basildon Council to demolish the pub and replace it with a petrol station and drive-through coffee shop.

Spacious - The playground area (Image: WTS Property Consultants)

The council rejected the application due to the potential loss of a “non-designated heritage asset”.

The future of the former pub now remains unclear, but Adam and his fellow bikers are hoping that whoever takes over maintains its legacy as the go-to spot for bike and car enthusiasts.

He added: “There are very few places for us, and indeed car enthusiasts, too, that are well known for meet ups.

“I hope that whoever takes it on can embrace the bike communities. I will be the first one there if it does.”

Plans - The spacious car park (Image: WTS Property Consultants)

Commenting on the closure, a Greene King spokesperson said: “We are aware that this is disappointing news to the local community and our loyal customers, and would like to thank those who have enjoyed visiting us over the years.

“We look forward to welcoming them into our other pubs in the area soon.”