As a kid I went to Southend-On-Sea several times a year and used to look on the dilapidated Kursaal as a haunted building of mystery. The dome was about the only thing you could see behind the boards and I always wanted to go inside and take photos. I was really happy to see at last after nearly 25 years the building was restored and opened back up, all be it as a smaller venue. The function suite can house a few hundred people, and is available for rent for weddings, meeting and conferences etc. I looks like except for the main entry and gallery that the Kursaal as a whole has started to be in disrepair. The ammusements and bowling is about all that is left. read more

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Amusement arcade and bowling alley on the seafront in Southend. The bowling alley is large and has it's own bar but was mostly empty when we visited. There aren't really very arcade games and not much else to do there for entertainment. There are quite a lot of empty spaces for rent that could be filled with restaurants or shops, etc. The Kursaal obviously needs some investment to be a really great amusement arcade. read more

Go several times a month it's a great evening out with a lot of laughs and bowling at a reasonable price

We had our wedding ceremony and reception in the Kursaal Function Suite last Thursday, and what a great day it was. The ambiance was lovely, but what made it special was the excellent food provided by the chef (many guests said they had never had a better meal at a wedding), and the superb service by the bar/waiting staff, who never stopped smiling and were unbelievably friendly. The DJ was excellent too, and the price more than reasonable. We had a wonderful day. read more

Quite rundown now, but had the potential to be nice! Bowling alley and amusements are the main attractions and there is a casino attached.