The Grand Old Lady -- and SO Victorian! I used to drink there regularly (albeit soberly) in the 1970's... it was very handy, as I lived just round the corner in Leigham Court Drive. I've been living in the Netherlands for about forty years now, and haven't been back to Essex yet... Thank you so much for the video, I loved it, especially Old Leigh. On EastEnders there were occasional visits to "Sarfend" and even to Old Leigh itself. I really enjoyed your video, so natural and relaxed. Keep up the good work!
The 1899 building was originally a hotel; originally named the "Leigh-on-Sea Family and Commercial Hotel" but then became the Grand Hotel. In later years it remained partly in use as a hotel but mainly a pub and venue hired out for all sorts of uses from music gigs to private functions. After several years lying unused, it was purchased by the late Mick Norcross (of 'The Only Way is Essex' fame) and, after a lot of local controversy and several planning applications later, is currently being converted into self contained flats. It was never a cinema although there were, in the past, two cinemas within about 100 yards of this building but long since gone.
Thank you David for the history of the Grand. As a small child (70 years ago) we lived above Stacey's antique shop on the Broadway where it curves along the side of the building. It was 'our' local. The flat was great for getting out on top of the shop sign and watching the carnival and chucking our coppers into their buckets. An alley to the back of us in Maple crescent led to the Corona and I can remember still those plush but itchy seats...and watching so many classic films. Good times.
I cannot tell you what it means to me to watch this video. I live in California and usually go back every year to Leigh. But Covid put the kibosh on that. I lived in Leighcliff Road (between Highcliff and Grand Drive. The walk you took was the walk I have taken thousands of times.
Very soon! I'm actually heading up into the East Riding this week (possibly tomorrow but unconfirmed yet). I'll be knocking off some smaller ones. I'd say I'll have done Howden before July. At least visited if not edited and uploaded, it's firmly in my sights :D
The building built in 1880 is the Grand Hotel . Its been unused for many years now . It used to be a very vibrant pub with several different bars and a club upstairs for bands to play . Why its taking so long to renovate I have no idea but last I heard it was going to be a boutique hotel
You also refer to Leigh Sailing club and show the former mine hunter Royal Navy HMS Wilton - that is actually Essex Yacht Club. Leigh Sailing Club is located further west in the old Leigh Railway Station located very close to the beach. The path running along the coast from Chalkwell Railway station to Leigh beach is known as the 'cinder path'. As has been pointed out the 'wobbly' bridge is called Gypsy bridge.
The Grand Old Lady -- and SO Victorian! I used to drink there regularly (albeit soberly) in the 1970's... it was very handy, as I lived just round the corner in Leigham Court Drive. I've been living in the Netherlands for about forty years now, and haven't been back to Essex yet... Thank you so much for the video, I loved it, especially Old Leigh. On EastEnders there were occasional visits to "Sarfend" and even to Old Leigh itself. I really enjoyed your video, so natural and relaxed. Keep up the good work!
The 1899 building was originally a hotel; originally named the "Leigh-on-Sea Family and Commercial Hotel" but then became the Grand Hotel. In later years it remained partly in use as a hotel but mainly a pub and venue hired out for all sorts of uses from music gigs to private functions. After several years lying unused, it was purchased by the late Mick Norcross (of 'The Only Way is Essex' fame) and, after a lot of local controversy and several planning applications later, is currently being converted into self contained flats. It was never a cinema although there were, in the past, two cinemas within about 100 yards of this building but long since gone.
Thank you David for the history of the Grand. As a small child (70 years ago) we lived above Stacey's antique shop on the Broadway where it curves along the side of the building. It was 'our' local. The flat was great for getting out on top of the shop sign and watching the carnival and chucking our coppers into their buckets. An alley to the back of us in Maple crescent led to the Corona and I can remember still those plush but itchy seats...and watching so many classic films. Good times.
This is great info! Using all of this :D
Great video of my home town. The 'Curvy Bridge' is actually named 'Gypsy bridge'
And it wobbles haha
I cannot tell you what it means to me to watch this video. I live in California and usually go back every year to Leigh. But Covid put the kibosh on that. I lived in Leighcliff Road (between Highcliff and Grand Drive. The walk you took was the walk I have taken thousands of times.
This is a lovely comment to get! Thank you so much!! So glad I could do this for you!
Another great video Andy! When will you be doing Howden (no rush at all!)
Very soon! I'm actually heading up into the East Riding this week (possibly tomorrow but unconfirmed yet). I'll be knocking off some smaller ones. I'd say I'll have done Howden before July. At least visited if not edited and uploaded, it's firmly in my sights :D
@@TheVillageIdiot That's great and can't wait!! Have fun in East Riding and keep on making great content Andy!
The building built in 1880 is the Grand Hotel . Its been unused for many years now . It used to be a very vibrant pub with several different bars and a club upstairs for bands to play . Why its taking so long to renovate I have no idea but last I heard it was going to be a boutique hotel
It looked amazing even in the scaff :D
You also refer to Leigh Sailing club and show the former mine hunter Royal Navy HMS Wilton - that is actually Essex Yacht Club. Leigh Sailing Club is located further west in the old Leigh Railway Station located very close to the beach. The path running along the coast from Chalkwell Railway station to Leigh beach is known as the 'cinder path'. As has been pointed out the 'wobbly' bridge is called Gypsy bridge.
All good cheers :D