Always on
This project successfully funded on 30th September 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
The Pipe of Port Fundraiser
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Aim
Be Part of the Pipe’s Next Chapter – Help Us Give It the Love It Deserves
Hello. We’re Debbie and Julie - two women who have spent over 60 years between us working at The Pipe of Port in Southend.
What began as waitress jobs many years ago has led us here: taking on the Pipe as its new owners and bringing it back to life. We’ve raised the funds to reopen, but the venue itself - a beautiful, historic space - needs some extra love.
The Pipe isn’t just a restaurant or wine bar. It’s a Southend institution. Even dating back before it first opened as Davey’s Bar in 1976, it was the cellar that once stored tea chests for the old Liptons supermarket. Since then, it’s welcomed thousands of people for celebrations, cosy dinners, and shared memories. It holds decades of stories, laughter and history.
We’re not asking for help to run our business. We’re asking for support to carry out repairs and upgrades that will preserve and honour the soul of the place, without losing its unique character.
If you can’t make it to our fundraising dinner on Thursday 7 August, this Crowdfunder offers another way to get involved. The fundraising event is being hosted by our dear friends and loyal customers, Kathy and Neil Ryan, who encouraged us to let people help. At first we were hesitant. But we’ve come to realise this isn’t about asking for handouts. It’s about community.
As a thank you, we’ll be etching the names of our early supporters onto a permanent ‘Thank You Wall’ inside the Pipe, so your generosity becomes part of the fabric of the place.
This is about keeping something special alive for Southend - a venue full of charm, warmth and heart. With your help, we can give it the strongest possible start for the next 50 years.
Thank you so much,
Debbie & Julie
The New Custodians of The Pipe of Port
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made