The publicans of a Southend pub and grassroots music venue have received an award to mark their contribution to the city and Essex on their 25th anniversary at the helm.
Steve Charlton (right), area manager for Star Pubs, presents the award to Glyn Morgan and Simon Patterson. Photograph: Phil Lee Photographics
Simon Patterson and Glyn Morgan took over Chinnerys on the seafront in 2001. The pair have since worked tirelessly and invested more than £300,000 to put it on the map as a top-quality traditional local, and a well-known 400-capacity music venue which has helped countless musicians start out on their careers.
The Dedication Award was presented to Simon and Glyn by the building’s owner, Star Pubs.
One of the last remaining large-scale grassroots music venues in Essex, Chinnerys hosts 120 gigs a year. Regional, national, and international artists perform. Big names such as the Arctic Monkeys, Snow Patrol, Squeeze and Ellie Goulding have performed there, and local artists, like Sam Ryder, Busted and Sam Duckworth honed their stage craft skills there, along with Nothing but Thieves, who hold the record for the fastest-selling tickets.
At a local level, Chinnerys provides vital opportunities for musicians from across Essex to build their performance skills and get their first breaks. It puts on at least two Live & Local events a month and hosts concerts for colleges in addition to other educational music events.
Glyn and Simon have no plans to call time and have just signed another 10-year lease on the business. “It’s a real honour to present this award,” said Steve Charlton, Star Pubs’ area manager for Southend. “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 last 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.”
