It all began with Hazel and Ken.
Just a few hundred yards away from the River Roach you’ll find The Plough & Sail owned by the Oliver family since 1965. Still run as a traditional Essex country pub with home cooked food, real ales, an impressive Gin selection and cozy log fires. The Plough & Sail has history dating back over 300 years.
It is said that Paglesham was known to be the smuggling capital of the district where many locals were ship owners using the port to transport goods such as tea, gin and tobacco from Dunkirk, providing a healthy profit. The coast between Southend and Rochford was ideal smuggling country, with its creeks and rivulets turning to mud flats at low tide.
Over 30 oyster smacks were based in Paglesham and The Plough & Sail became a meeting place for the hardworking crews.
Today, The Plough & Sail still provides a meeting place for the local community and those visiting to enjoy the natural beauty of the Essex countryside.