Yachting and Boating World forums: The George & Dragon, Churchend, Foulness Island

Quite unique--a 17th Century pub located on MOD property. I've often looked on the map at Foulness Island and was intrigued that there were two villages and a pub in a restricted area on the Foulness weapons facility. Having driven there this lunchtime I've discovered that it's not too difficult to access---firstly you have to ring the landlord on 01702-219460, give him your name and the number of passengers in the car and your approximate time of arrival. He will then call security and arrange for permits to be issued to visit the pub. The access to Foulness Island is just off the Great Wakering road, past Southend and Shoeburyness. Once through security you are restricted to the road that leads to Churchend, you are not allowed to stray from the road or visit the other village on the island (as their pub closed around 8 years ago there is nothing lost!) Evidently visiting yachtsmen can land at The Quay in the River Roach, of to the south of the Crouch before you get to Burnhm. Visiting yachtsmen do not have to get permission providing they stay on the footpath, it's about a 20 to 30 minute walk to the pub. Try it for somewhere totally unique. The guy needs some supprt as he evidently has less then a dozen regulars and "passing trade" isn't somthing that features highly. There is a web-site with opening hours etc on www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk Well worth a trip, although don't expect it to be busy, the landlord opened up for the two of us this lunchtime, and closed up once we had left. By the way they also brew their own beer.