Shop. Eat. Drink. Play. Create. Visit The Bridge at The Victoria Centre

The first floor of The Victoria Centre has more going on than many people realise.

They come into The Victoria Centre, tick off what they need, and head back out again. Meanwhile, one floor up, The Bridge has quietly become one of the most interesting places to spend time on Southend’s High Street.

It’s not a launch, nor is it a pop-up moment. It’s here, it’s evolving, and it’s well worth a visit.

What’s up there? 

The idea is simple: Shop. Eat. Drink. Play. Create.

That plays out in a way that feels genuinely varied, with each space bringing its own personality and pace.

You can settle in at Create 98two for coffee, calzone and ceramic painting in the afternoon, then come back in the evening when it shifts into a social bar with workshops and events.

You can browse rails of vintage and slow fashion at Dalarna Vintage, dig through second-hand finds at The Thrift Club, or explore nostalgic streetwear and Y2K-inspired pieces at Dr Drip.

If you’d rather play than shop, Super Side Quest offers retro gaming alongside anime merchandise and a social, drop-in atmosphere. And for something completely different, The Princess Emporium delivers bookable character experiences and makeovers for children right on the High Street.

No two units feel the same, because each space reflects the ideas, style and personality of the people running it.

Why it’s worth the trip upstairs

The Bridge was launched to bring life back to long-vacant first-floor units and to give independent businesses space to grow. Backed by Southend-on-Sea City Council and SaveTheHighStreet.org, it has become an ongoing initiative rather than a one-off competition.

That matters for the businesses involved, but it also matters for visitors. It means there’s movement, new ideas, and reasons to return.

If you’ve ever said there’s “nothing different” on the High Street, you might need to take that back until you’ve given The Bridge a proper look! It’s five minutes from the car park and one escalator ride away. Why not give it a try? 

You can browse for something unique. You can sit down without feeling in the way. You can spend time properly exploring, whether that’s discovering a new brand, trying something hands-on, or just enjoying being somewhere that doesn’t feel identical to every other high street visit.

Make it part of your next visit

The next time you’re heading into town, factor in a little extra time and head upstairs. Have a wander, discover something new, and enjoy the chance to engage with the businesses that make the city what it is.

The Bridge is on the first floor of The Victoria Centre, in the heart of Southend-on-Sea.

Go and see what’s happening up there!