Born-and-bred in the county, Simon Patterson and Glyn Morgan took over Chinnerys in 2001. They have invested more than £300,000 to develop the pub as both a traditional, high-quality local and a music venue. With a capacity of 400, the venue has become well-known for helping countless musicians begin their careers.
The ‘Dedication Award’ was presented to Patterson and Morgan by the owners of the building, Star Pubs. This achievement is doubled by the pub’s success in achieving a sought-after place on the Southend Monopoly board earlier this year. In celebration of their 25 years of running the pub, the duo have loaded July with musical acts, from a Pynk tribute group to the Essex band Roxxi Red.
Vital opportunities
One of the last remaining large-scale grassroots music venues in Essex, Chinnerys hosts 120 gigs a year. Regional, national, and international artists perform everything from rock and country to ska and soul, drawing music lovers from around the world to Southend. Names as big as the Arctic Monkeys, Snow Patrol, Squeeze, and Ellie Goulding have performed at this venue.
Chinnerys provides vital opportunities for musicians from across the county to develop their performance skills. It puts on at least two Live & Local events a month, even hosting concerts for colleges amongst other educational music events.
The more traditional, local side of the pub is also much-loved. The Guinness is award-winning and it has received the Cask Marque accreditation for the quality of its cask ales. Patterson and Morgan have recently signed another 10-year lease on the business.
Morgan, a sound engineer and guitarist, said: “Simon and I had been searching for a music pub of our own for many months. When Chinnerys became available, we jumped at the chance to take it on. We’ve never regretted it; Chinnerys brings together everything we enjoy – fantastic music and a great pub. We’ve loved every minute of our time here."
Essential to musicians
He added: “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing staff, customers and audiences, not to mention all the talented musicians who play here. We’re looking forward to many more good times and booking many more fabulous bands over the next 10 years.
“Sadly though, performance spaces like Chinnerys are a dying breed. They’re essential to the next generation of musicians as well as to the well-being of society in general.”
Star Pubs area manager for Southend Steve Charlton added: “It’s a real honour to present this award. It’s no exaggeration to say that Simon and Glyn make a huge contribution to Southend, Essex and the music industry at large.
“In the face of all the changes of the past 20 years, Chinnerys has stood the test of time, and it’s all down to Simon and Glyn. It’s an amazing achievement. We wish them many more happy years at Chinnerys.”
