CLACTON is blessed with a wide range of seafront pubs and bars which present the perfect opportunity for either a hectic night out or a quiet pint on the coastline.
The choice is so vast, in fact, day-trippers to the seaside may find themselves struggling to decide which haunt to head to during their next visit.
With that in mind, we decided to compile a list of some of our favourites to hopefully make the choice a little easier.
The Boardwalk Bar and Grill
The Boardwalk Bar and Grill is located next to Clacton Pier, which was named the Pier of the Year in 2020 by the National Piers Society.
It has been a staple of the seafront for sometime but now boasts a fresher look following the completion of a £130,000 makeover back in June.
As well as regularly offering some top entertainment, one key advantage of this bar is the QR codes which when scanned enable punters to order hot food.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Every year me and my wife come on a holiday to Clacton and we always pop in to this amazing place. T
"The staff make you feel so welcome and from what I’ve seen work extraordinarily hard - always service with a smile, polite and well mannered and they ensure you are having a great time.
"The food and drinks are made with great care, to the point I feel like who ever the chef is cooks from the heart - it is always made quick, fresh and perfectly presented on the plate."
Killick’s restaurant and bar
Killick’s, in Marine Parade West, was previously home to El Guaca but is now starting to make a name for itself in its own right - despite only opening back in the summer.
Offering American-style grub alongside delicious cocktails and heavenly desserts, the diner was founded by brother-sister duo Mark and Maria Killick.
It maybe the new kid on the block, but Killick's is already making a positive impression, and clearly proving a thorn in the side of the competition.
Referring to the Prezzo chain next door, one five-star TripAdvisor reviewer, said: “If I had to choose between the two I’d eat here again and give the family run business my custom.”
Tom Peppers
With three levels boasting a nightclub, bar and seafront-based sports bar, Tom Peppers dominates both the seafront and the TripAdvisor rankings.
The long-standing venue is ranked Number 1 for nightlife in Clacton on the reviews website and become one of the go-to pubs and clubs when hitting the town on the weekend.
As well as football events such as the Euro 2024 qualifiers being televised at the venue, there are Wednesday Jukebox and pool nights along with Thursday DJ night-parties to look out for.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Quality staff here, can have a chat and a laugh and nice atmosphere when it’s not busy.
"DJ is decent and it’s a great place to watch football with a decently priced pint."
Kazza's bar
Another sports bar on the list is Kazza's bar, which doubles-up as a shisha bar, meaning it is an establishment where people can smoke and share flavoured tobacco.
The bar has a wide-range of musical acts, from swing and soul duos to a 'sax and the voice' tribute acts.
Most recently Clacton's 'Miss Terry Tour' gave plenty of cheer at the venue during what was the bar's first-ever LGBTQ+ event in October.
My Big Fat Greek Taverna
Last on the list - but by no means least - is My Big Fat Greek Taverna, owned by the Smedley family, who love and offer top-tier traditional Cypriot cuisine.
A 'taverna' is a Greek word which does not precisely translate to the word 'restaurant' and so is apt for this venue which, like a tavern, serves beer and other alcoholic beverages, as well as food.
One TripAdvisor reviewer, who gave 5-stars, said: "This is the best Greek taverna that we have been to, even beats the originals in Greece.
"Superb ambiance, you would really think that you have been transported over to Greece."
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