The Haystack, in 96 Furtherwick Road, had its last day on Christmas Eve before closing as former landlord Warren Garner, who was at the helm of the pub for 14 years, has decided to step away from the business.
The pub’s resident DJ, Andrew Summerfield, has been running regular events at the pub for the past six months and has been left deeply upset by the news as he feels business was picking up.
He said: “I wish the owners all the best and considering that we had just got the nightlife back, I feel we had just got in the direction that we wanted.
“On a social level there are two other venues that do music and alcohol on Canvey, the Monaco and Starr Sports, those are the only other two along with Jimmy Macs in the summer.
“The Haystack is one of the only places to really go to now, it is essential and the transport links to elsewhere are weak, the pub is in walking distance of everybody.
“Ten to 15 years ago, it was the pre-drinks pub, it was the place you would get that done and it must stay as a pub.”
Andrew runs events with his company Gizz Entertainment Limited across Canvey still but is looking for a new main base.
Pub regular, Kim Jennings, also shared his memories of the pub.
He said: “I’ve been going to the Haystack for many years, and sometimes attended many events there.
“I have made many friends over the years, it was my local even though I live in Pitsea.
“I usually went there on Wednesday afternoons before going to my club and they always decorated the place for Halloween and Christmas.”
A Greene King spokesman said: “The Haystack is temporarily closed while our independent tenant carries out some refurbishment work and looks forward to welcoming new and returning guests in the near future.”