Roots Hall: A Fan’s Guide to Football, Seafronts and Southend Soul

There are football grounds you visit, and there are football grounds you experience. Roots Hall sits firmly in the second category. It’s old, it’s creaking, it’s stubborn, and it’s absolutely ours. A proper English football ground with character in every corner, where the floodlights feel like they’ve seen everything and the stands still hum with the ghosts of great days and grim ones.

Whether you’re a first‑timer, a returning exile, or an away fan making the pilgrimage to the Essex coast, this is your guide to getting the best out of a matchday at Roots Hall — and the city that surrounds it.

Arriving in Southend: The Warm‑Up

Most journeys end at Prittlewell Station, a tiny, unassuming stop that becomes a conveyor belt of scarves and anticipation on matchdays. Step off the train and you’re five minutes from the ground — close enough to hear the early rumble from the West Stand.

If you’re coming by car, the A127 funnels you straight into the city. Parking is on‑street only, and the roads around the stadium are residential. The golden rule is simple: park respectfully. Don’t block driveways, don’t double‑park, and remember that people actually live on these streets.

Roots Hall: Where Football Still Feels Like Football

Roots Hall isn’t polished. It isn’t modern. It isn’t pretending to be anything it’s not. And that’s exactly why people love it.

• The West Stand is one of the loudest areas in the ground — a wall of long‑timers, families, and die‑hards who generate a proper roar when things get going.
• The North Bank is the other major source of noise, now split between home and away fans:
  • Home fans take the right‑hand side (as you look at the pitch).
  • Away fans are housed on the east side of the North Bank, the section left of the goal.
• The East Stand is a time capsule: wooden seats, tight rows, and atmosphere that feels like it’s been bottled since the 70s.
• The South Stand is more relaxed these days — passionate, but not the main source of volume.

Inside, the food is classic lower‑league fare — pies, sausage rolls, chips — the sort of stuff that tastes better when the wind is howling and the game’s on a knife edge.

Pubs: Where to Drink on a Matchday

Matchday drinking in Southend has its own geography — and its own rules. The pubs immediately around Roots Hall are home‑fans‑only, so away supporters should head into the city centre or along London Road (A13).

Below are the pubs that matter.

The Plough (London Road, Westcliff)

One of the oldest pubs in the city — dating back to 1654 — The Plough is a proper old‑school boozer with centuries of character. Warm lighting, friendly staff, and a crowd that mixes locals with visiting supporters make it a standout choice. Known for its local ales and welcoming atmosphere.

The Olde Trout Tavern (City Centre)

A warm, community‑driven pub with an ever‑changing selection of ales from local and national breweries. Friendly, relaxed, and believed to show Southend United games. Ideal for away fans arriving via Southend Victoria.

The Park Tavern (London Road, Southend)

A cosy, family‑friendly pub with an in‑house bistro, a beer garden with a play area, and even ducks. Dog‑friendly, welcoming, and perfectly placed for away supporters heading toward Roots Hall.

The Last Post (City Centre)

A classic Wetherspoons in a former Royal Mail sorting office. Big, busy, affordable, and efficient.
No football shirts allowed — home or away.
Often becomes a neutral zone on matchdays. Ideal for supporters arriving via Southend Central.

Important Note About Pubs

All information in this guide is correct at the time of writing, but pub policies can change, especially regarding away supporters. Some establishments may restrict entry for clubs with large travelling support.

Always contact the venue directly if you’re unsure.

Please respect our city, enjoy your visit, and we hope this guide helps you have a brilliant matchday.

Food: Fuel for the Fight

Southend is a proper seaside city, which means one thing: you’re never short of places to eat. Whether you want a quick pre‑match bite, a post‑game feast, or a full day of seafront grazing, there’s something for everyone.

The Fish House (Near Roots Hall)

A Southend institution and one of the most respected fish & chip shops in the city. Family‑run for decades, renowned for handling large party orders (30–200 meals), and praised in national sports magazines for their matchday efficiency. Hot, fresh, reliable — the perfect pre‑match chippy.

Fast Food in the City Centre

• McDonald’s and Burger King at the top of the High Street
• McDonald’s, Wendy’s, KFC, and Taco Bell at the bottom

Ideal for quick bites before heading to the ground or seafront.

Seafront Food: Adventure Island & Marine Parade

Southend’s seafront is packed with food options — from theme‑park diners to traditional fish & chip shops and classic seaside pubs.

Adventure Island – Inside the Park

All of the following are inside Adventure Island or its connected attractions:

• Feelgoods Diner – American‑style diner with big portions, milkshakes, and live‑singing staff.
• Sands by the Sea – Modern restaurant with estuary views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Pavillion – Fresh, hot seaside fish & chips served right on the front.
• Three Shells Café – Iconic beach café known for doughnuts and family‑friendly seating.
• The Britannia – Georgian building serving traditional fish & chips with sit‑down or takeaway options.
• Dino’s Diner – Kid‑friendly classics like nuggets, burgers, and jacket potatoes.
• Hot Dogz Diner – Build‑your‑own hot dogs with toppings like mac & cheese and chilli.
• The Island Eatery – The park’s biggest fast‑food outlet with burgers, fries, and sweet treats.
• Fish & Chip Shop – Classic seaside portions served fast.
• Hot Dog Bar – Quick hot dogs with simple toppings.
• Chips with Dips – Loaded chips with cheese, beans, gravy, curry sauce and more.
• Pimm’s Stand – Refreshing summer drinks served over ice.
• The Curry Pot – Butter Chicken or Sri Lankan Veg Curry with rice and naan.
• The Ice Cream Club – Waffles, pancakes, and ice cream creations.
• Coffeeplus – Hot food, cakes, coffee, and snacks.
• Candy Cottage & Candy Shack – Sweets, popcorn, candy floss, and chocolate.
• Nana June’s – Rossi’s ice cream, mini doughnuts, iced coffees, and sundaes.

Marine Parade – Pubs & Fish & Chip Shops (Outside Adventure Island)

The seafront itself is lined with:

• Independent pubs
• Traditional fish & chip shops
• Ice cream parlours
• Doughnut stands
• Coffee huts
• Rossi’s outlets
• Hot dog and snack kiosks

Perfect for away fans arriving via Southend Central or anyone making a day of it.

Hotels: Stay the Night, Make a Weekend of It

Southend has a wide range of places to stay, whether you want airport convenience, seafront views, or a base right in the heart of the city.

Holiday Inn Southend

77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend‑On‑Sea, SS2 6XG
Modern, spacious, and right next to Southend Airport. Ideal for supporters flying in or those wanting a quieter stay.

Ilfracombe House Hotel (Near Cliffs Pavilion)

9–13 Wilson Road, Westcliff‑On‑Sea, SS1 1HG
A long‑established, family‑run hotel close to the Cliffs Pavilion and the seafront. Friendly, comfortable, and well‑located.

The Last Post Wetherspoon Hotel

Weston Road, Southend‑On‑Sea, SS1 1AS
Affordable, central, and extremely convenient for Southend Central station, the high street, and the seafront.

Park Inn Palace Hotel

Church Road, Southend‑On‑Sea, SS1 2AL
A landmark hotel overlooking the seafront and Adventure Island. Modern rooms and great views.

Travelodge Southend City Centre

33 Chichester Road, Southend‑On‑Sea, SS1 2JP
Budget‑friendly, central, and close to shops, restaurants, and transport links.

Premier Inn Southend Airport

Thanet Grange, Prince Avenue, Southend‑on‑Sea, SS2 6GB
Quiet, modern, and close to the airport. A short drive from Roots Hall.

Premier Inn Thorpe Bay

213 Eastern Esplanade, Southend‑on‑Sea, SS1 3AD
Right on the seafront in Thorpe Bay. Peaceful, scenic, and ideal for a calmer stay.

Things to Do: Beyond the 90 Minutes

• Southend Pier — the world’s longest
• Adventure Island — rides and nostalgia
• Old Leigh — cobbles, seafood huts, estuary views

Away Fans: A Warm Welcome (and a Loud One)

Away supporters now occupy the east side of the North Bank, the section left of the goal. It’s close to the pitch, compact, and noisy — a proper lower‑league away end.

Roots Hall is friendly, loud, and full of character. You’ll get banter, you’ll get atmosphere, and you’ll get a proper football experience.

Why Roots Hall Matters

In an era of identikit stadiums and corporate gloss, Roots Hall stands as a reminder of what football used to be — and what it should still be. Close to the pitch. Close to the players. Close to each other.

It’s imperfect, it’s ageing, and it’s ours. And until the day we move on, it remains the heart of Southend United.

If you’re visiting, embrace it. If you’re returning, welcome home.