I recently hosted a surprise 40th birthday party for my partner at San Fairie Ann in Southend on Sea, and it was an outstanding experience. The event included family and friends, with welcome drinks and an impressive Italian-style buffet featuring charcuterie, burger sliders, fries, arancini (including vegetarian and vegan options).

The booking process was seamless. I communicated via email and had a video call with the owner, Harry. He was incredibly helpful, balancing our needs while offering useful suggestions and assurances regarding the food, music, and projector equipment.

On the day of the event, the staff were exceptional. Despite the warm weather, they ensured we stayed cool with a fan, managed the bar efficiently, kept the buffet table tidy, handled the cake cutting in the kitchen, and promptly cleared away.

The venue's amenities were as advertised and perfect for our party. The space was clean, well-decorated, and we added our own balloons and lit number display. There was parking directly opposite the venue, although the sunny day caused some traffic congestion, which wasn't the venue's fault.

Our overall experience was fantastic. I would have preferred the ground floor venue for its brightness and cooler temperature, but it wasn't available that day/weekend. A minor incident occurred when a guest dropped a phone charger cable into the only fan, but Harry handled it without any fuss.

I found the venue to offer good value for money, considering the hire cost, food, and drinks. I highly recommend San Fairie Ann for its unique style, character, and quality, distinguishing it from similar venues nearby.

I would definitely recommend this venue for its excellent service, distinctive ambiance, and the wonderful experience it provided us.