Our 10 minutes with Jack Leighmen

March 26, 2025

1. Let’s introduce you with your vital stats. What’s your name and what local business do you own?

My name is Jack Leighmen and I operate Destiny Travel.

2. Can you tell us a bit more about Destiny Travel? Where can we find you and what areas of travel do you cover?

Destiny is my home-based travel agency in Leigh-on-Sea and I specialise in luxury city breaks, beach holidays and bespoke touring itineraries. As a retail travel agent, I can help with just about any overseas leisure travel arrangements and I am also well-versed to assist with business travel requirements too. I handle most enquiries by email and phone and I am more than happy to meet prospective local clients in their home or a local café at a time to suit them inside or outside of conventional office hours.

3. What have you found is key to running a successful business in Leigh-on-Sea?

As soon as I moved to Leigh-on-Sea 7 years ago, I placed an emphasis on supporting local retailers and businesses. I would like to think that similarly minded residents and business owners operating in Leigh-on-Sea will also want to support my business, so long as I am mindful to be commercially viable and offer them the best service.

4. What made you decide on a career in travel?

For those old enough to remember Alan Whicker and Judith Chalmers, it was growing up watching Whicker’s World and Wish You Were Here on tv. That and jumping on and off the old Routemaster buses in London, I’ve always been travel-obsessed and never thought to do anything else. So that’s what’s kept me busy for the last 30+ years!

5. So, a little more about the little town that we all love… Where is your favourite place in Leigh-on-Sea?

I was attracted to Leigh-on-Sea as I wanted to relocate from London to the coast yet retain easy access to London – plus I love shopping and good food! As I got to know the town more, I’ve also became appreciative of the expertise I can rely on at Vino Vero, I was delighted when The Local Merchant brought mens’ fashion back to Leigh-on-Sea and we own virtually the entire contents of Tinted Twig. It seems unfair only to mention these businesses but it would be rude of me to single out the one or two shops and restaurants that I don’t like.

6. If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

South Africa! We’ve just bought a holiday home in Stellenbosch in the Winelands near Cape Town. South Africa is so interestingly diverse – the people, nature, weather, scenery. Even when one exits a retail park, there you have the most beautiful mountain backdrop.

7. Can you tell us your favourite memory you hold in Leigh-on-sea?

In the week that I moved to here, I took a stroll, enjoying the winter sunshine, to the old town; walking the cobbled steps, admiring the small but delightful beach and discovering Leigh Art Studio! Am I allowed to share another landmark memory please? A chance introduction to local artist Sharon Henson and, from having considered myself totally unartistic, I enrolled in Sharon’s weekly art classes and 4 years on I now feel just about confident enough to hang a couple of my recent paintings in my house.

8. Do you have a favourite bar or restaurant you go to in the town and if so, which one is it and why?

For a bar, it has to be Bocca for the ambience and warm welcoming staff. For eating, we’re spoilt for choice – we love Tutti’s homemade pasta, La Cucina for a special meal and the homely intimacy at Enfes Mangal. My husband and I enjoyed our first date at Leigh Bistro, so they get my No.1 vote.

9. When did you last do a handstand?

Gosh, I think it must have been at junior school! I’m the least sporty person you could meet although I am considering enrolling in the “Couch to 5k Run” to kickstart some form of personal fitness. Don’t hold me to it though, I’m just thinking about it at the moment…

10. Finally, are there any immediate exciting plans in the pipeline for Destiny Travel that you would like to share with our leigh-on-sea.com readers?

Yes, getting myself known to Leigh-on-Sea residents and businesses – I think this could be an exciting opportunity for Destiny Travel to become the No.1 choice of the locals!

To turn your holiday dream into a reality, please call Jack on 07738 042566 or email jack.leighmen@destiny-travel.co.uk

www.destiny-travel.co.uk

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