The View at Southend-on-sea

Seafront functions with exclusive hire at The View

Wedding Receptions

Parties

Anniversaries

Baby Showers

Corporate Events

Wakes

Special Occasions

Welcome to the view

Celebrate life’s special moments at Sands by the Sea in The View, our stunning seafront function room overlooking Three Shells Beach. Ideal for wedding receptions, parties, anniversaries, baby showers, corporate events, wakes and more, The View offers a memorable coastal setting with no room hire charge. Simply choose the catering package that suits your event and your guests.

No hire charge

Minimum 50 guests

Exclusive use

Seafront views

Indoor & Outdoor

A stunning seafront venue for unforgettable occasions

It is easy to see how our function room earned the name The View. Located directly on Three Shells Beach, with beautiful views across the Thames Estuary and the famous pier, it creates a striking backdrop for any celebration. The View also opens onto the Glass House Bar and our spacious Sea Garden Terrace, giving your guests even more room to relax, socialise and enjoy the setting.

All kinds of special occasions

Whether you are planning an elegant wedding reception, a relaxed family celebration or a professional corporate gathering, The View is designed to be flexible.

Wedding Receptions

Parties

Anniversaries

Baby Showers

Corporate Events

Wakes

Choose the package that suits your event

Our packages are designed to keep things simple while still giving you flexibility. There is no room hire fee. Your cost is based on the package you choose, multiplied by the number of guests attending, with a minimum booking of 50 guests. All packages include a welcome drink of Pimm’s, Prosecco or orange juice on arrival.

Buffet

£35 per person

Our buffet package is ideal for relaxed celebrations and social occasions. Choose 7 items from a wide selection including favourites such as sausage rolls, chicken drumsticks, sandwiches, duck spring rolls, lamb koftas, butterfly prawns, wraps, cod bites, mini quiche, pasta salad, veggie samosas, veggie spring rolls, bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, wedges and more. A selection of mini cakes is included, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

Three Course Meal

£40 per person

For a more formal event, our three-course meal package offers a great choice of starters, mains and desserts. Menu highlights include chicken goujons, smoked haddock fish cakes, calamari rings and sweet potato falafels to start, followed by options such as Sands Signature fish and chips, signature pie and chips, or battered sausage with chips and curry sauce. Desserts include ice cream sundae, brownie and sorbet. Kids’ meal options are also available.

Night Bites

£30 per person

Perfect for evening functions, parties and less formal celebrations, our night bites option gives guests a choice of easy, crowd-pleasing food. Options include bacon rolls, sausages in a roll, chicken goujons and chips, mini fish and chips, sausage and chips, and mini burgers and chips. This package is based on one item per guest.

Afternoon Tea

£19.50 per person

Our afternoon tea package is a lovely choice for daytime gatherings, baby showers, birthdays and relaxed celebrations by the sea. Standard afternoon tea includes mini cakes, a scone with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sandwiches, a sausage roll, and unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks. Gluten-free and vegan afternoon tea options are also available. Guests can also upgrade to a sparkling afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco for £9.75 each.

Wedding Receptions

£30 per person

If you are looking for a unique coastal setting for your celebration, The View is a brilliant choice for a wedding reception. Your guests can enjoy exclusive use of The View, the Sea Garden Terrace and the Glass House Bar, with plenty of room for up to 150 guests depending on layout. You can choose from a three-course meal, buffet, night bites or afternoon tea, and the seaside setting adds charming finishing touches such as candy floss and traditional seaside rock on the tables.

Booking your function is simple

Celebrate life’s special moments at Sands by the Sea in The View, our stunning seafront function room overlooking Three Shells Beach. Ideal for wedding receptions, parties, anniversaries, baby showers, corporate events, wakes and more, The View offers a memorable coastal setting with no room hire charge. Simply choose the catering package that suits your event and your guests.

Choose your package

Choose your menu

Confirm the date

Payment secures your booking

Ready to start planning?

We can provisionally reserve bookings, but they are not guaranteed until payment has been received. If your event is coming up quickly, speak to us — short-notice bookings may be possible.

Frequently asked questions

Can we hold our ceremony at Sands / The View?

Sorry, ceremonies are not held at Sands / The View.

Yes, some decorations are allowed, although nothing should be pinned or taped to the walls. Blue Tack can be used on the glass windows. Decoration is the customer’s responsibility.
This depends on the booking, but it is usually the day before or on the same day.
There is no resident DJ, but you are welcome to book your own.
Booking times are either 12 noon to 5.00pm or 7.00pm to midnight.
Sorry, 18th and 21st birthday parties are not allowed.
No, refunds are not available for guests who do not turn up due to advance staffing and costs.
Yes. Guests are welcome to visit beforehand and should call to arrange a suitable time.
There are no set drink packages, just standard bar prices. A ‘live card’ can be arranged with at least 7 days’ notice.
Capacity depends on layout and whether you have a DJ. For a buffet with limited seating, the venue can hold up to 150 people.