Just a few hundred yards away from the River Rouch you’ll find the Plough and Sail owned by the Oliver Family. Still run as a traditional pub with real log fires, fine ales, home cooked food and a very warm welcome. The Plough and 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 Paghesham and the Plough and Sail became a meeting place for the hardworking crews.
Today, The Plough and Sail still provides a meeting place for the local community and those visiting to enjoy the natural beauty of the Essex countryside.