The Rettendon Bell is very good for food at lunch time, and reasonably priced, but its layout isn't that conducive for session drinking. It's also quite central for Southend and Witham. If you wanted more pubs, then a circumnavigation of Hanningfield Reservoir could include any of:-
The Bell, Rettendon
Windmill, S. Hanningfield
Compasses, W. Hanningfield
Hoop, Bear, Cock, Baker's Arms, Ship, all Stock
Nag's Head, R. Heath
White Horse, R. Heath and finally
a curry at the de Beauvoir Arms, Downham (now more of a curry house than a pub)
before hurtling down Brock Hill for Wickford Station and the last trains home, or a leisurely ride back to our respective mother-in laws' abodes.