Leigh-on-Sea has a rather limited choice of attractive places to dine at or anywhere to just have a drink in a stylish bar with a relaxed atmosphere; however, Sand Bar has filled the gap that previously existed, with a choice of two bars and a charming restaurant, on two floors and, weather permitting, they have a few tables outside for those who prefer to eat al fresco.

The menu changes weekly but popular dishes include salmon and mustard fishcakes served with roasted creamed leeks, pan roasted fresh mussels in dolcelatte, roasted red onion, fresh basil leaves with a splash of Pinot Grigio and pan roasted fillet of sea bass with sautéed garlic wild mushrooms.

They specialise in fish and seafood with mains of pan roasted plaice fillet, served with a red lentil mash and finished with a carrot and parsley butter or bouillabaisse with red mullet, crayfish, mussels and monkfish, in a tomato and celery soup, but carnivores are looked after with thinly sliced calf's liver and crispy bacon with a mustard bubble and squeak and an onion gravy.

Don't miss their early bird menu served in the evening before 7 pm from Monday to Friday, Saturday last orders at 6pm and Sunday's early bird, last orders at 1.30 pm, only £10 for two courses, tremendous value.