The Cliff Pub 'here to stay' amid fears it could close

Earlier this month, Southend Council approved plans for the Cliff Pub, in Hamlet Road, to be transformed into three flats sparking fears the venue could be lost for good.

However, the manager at the venue - which has served members of the LGBTQ+ community for decades - confirmed they have signed a new lease for another three years.

Community - The Cliff has been a focal point for the LGBTQ community for more than 50 years (Image: Provided)

Bosses are also hoping to extend that in the future, with an option to renew for another three years, and a spokesman for the pub has promised the Cliff’s array of drag nights, quiz nights and community socials will remain long into the future.

A spokesman said: “The pub has three years left on the new lease and it is trading well, we have no intentions of anything else and we still have our twice monthly drag nights and quiz nights, we do karaoke and things are still going okay.

“It is getting harder, but the Cliff is holding its own.

“We will remain as a focal hub for our community for the foreseeable future.

“It is all negative when it comes to pubs but it is not all bad, some are doing okay and I do really understand why he applied.”

Events - The Cliff remains a popular venue (Image: Provided)

According to the manager at the pub, they have had “no intention” of closing and the planning application was submitted by the landlord as a back-up plan in case the pub did close at any point and would prevent it “standing empty”.

The spokesman for the pub added: “The Cliff has had no intention of closing and won’t close until we decide it is time.

“We have three years if the pub is still doing well, and we are happy to accept the rent.

“Our landlord does see pubs close, and he doesn’t want an empty building, the Cliff is special, and it has clients.

“I have no issues or ideas about moving, he has permission to get flats and I am supportive of the reasons for it, he doesn’t want an empty building.

“He can now turn it into flats if he wants, pubs are disappearing and we remain very supportive of him, he did what he needed to do.”

Party - A night at the Cliff (Image: Provided)

The Cliff’s future has been uncertain in recent years following an initial application to transform the building into three flats.

After plans submitted in May 2023 were refused, altered proposals that removed a plan for a two-storey rear flat roof extension were submitted in February.

Earlier this month those plans were approved, sparking an outpouring of sadness from the community.

At the time, Blenheim Park Labour councillor, Laurie Burton, said: “The closure of the Cliff would be terrible news for the city, especially for the LGBT+ community.

“It’s such a brilliant venue, from drag queens, DJs to the weekly quiz night, everyone is always guaranteed an amazing night.”

The announcement that the Cliff is “here to stay” has sparked celebrations on Facebook, with more than 250 liking the pub’s Facebook post and more than 30 comments of support left on social media.