One of Leigh-on-Sea’s most historic pubs is back in local family hands after eighty years.

The Peter Boat Inn has been bought by the locally based East Anglia Pub Company in a multi million pound deal.

The pub - a fixture on Leigh Old Town’s High Street for hundreds of years, with generations of customers drawn to its panoramic views of the Thames Estuary – was previously owned by national chain, The Spirit Group.

The Peter Boat Inn is steeped in Essex history. One of its earliest mentions comes in records dating from 1757. In1892 the original building burnt down and a tunnel – possibly a smugglers passage - was discovered connecting the cellars to the wharf side

Brian McKay, Managing Director of the East Anglia Pub Company says “We are thrilled to own such a historic pub in the heart of Old Leigh. We have over a decade of experience of trading pubs within the area and are very much looking forward to restoring The Peter Boat to its former glory. As we are local ourselves, we know what local people want in their pub - and we are really looking forward to giving it to them at The Peter Boat Inn.”

The purchase was handled by Dedman Gray Commercial; its Peter Alabaster says “We are delighted for our client. The Peter Boat Inn is a local landmark with a prestigious reputation, which will certainly now go from strength to strength.”

Dedman Gray Commercial was recently declared the Most Active Commercial Agent in Essex for 2009 by the Estates Gazette - and the past few months have certainly been a busy time for the Southend-on-Sea based commercial property specialists.

The purchase of The Peter Boat Inn follows Dedman Gray Commercial’s successful purchase of another Leigh landmark, the Riley Snooker Hall in Leigh Road.