Wetherspoon opening £2.75m pub - 'new era' for famous UK town

The brand-new opening of Basildon's £2.75m pub, Sigered, King of Essex, brings new jobs, investment, and a nod to local history to this iconic Essex town situated 30 miles east of London.

Although Basildon was created as a "new town" after World War II, the earliest known reference to the town actually dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Essex, boasting an abundance of country parks and green spaces.

However, it's also considered one of the most deprived.

Now, the brand-new pub, which has already created 70 jobs, will not only contribute to the town's modern-day regeneration, but will also offer locals all the popular favourites.

The new Wetherspoons is set to replace the historic town's former Moon on the Square and will sit alongside the town's newest developments, including the Vue Cinema and East Square. But its unique name is actually a nod to the last known Saxon King of Essex.

The Kingdom of Essex, also known as the Kingdom of East Saxons, was actually founded in the 6th century. Born as the son of Sigeric of Essex, Sigeric was the final independent ruler of the ancient "Kingdom of Essex". Ascending to the throne in 798 after his father abdicated, he reigned until 812, when Mercian overlords demoted him to the title of duke.

The menu, as shown on the website, features classics such as a bacon butty, breakfast wrap, and tea, coffee, and hot chocolate with free refills. There's also freshly battered fish and chips, bangers and mash, and the vegetarian all-day brunch.

Opening times are listed as 8am to 12pm, Monday to Thursday, and Sunday, with closing time being slightly later on the weekends.

Cllr Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jobs & Skills, praised the opening as a landmark for the town.

"This is a new chapter for Basildon's regeneration and for our community. It's encouraging to see real investment translating into tangible benefits - not just in terms of job creation, but in revitalising our town centre. We warmly welcome the new team and look forward to the positive energy this brings."

Ahead of the opening, Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, and Cllr Power will meet with the pub's management and staff on Friday, October 17, to officially welcome them to the borough.

The new pub officially opens its doors on Tuesday, October 21.