Essex pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Essex - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Viper, Mill Green
Address: The Common, Mill Green Road, Mill Green, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0PT
Phone: 01277 352010
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Nearest train station: Ingatestone (1.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The, Gants Hill
Address: 7-9 Seven Ways Parade, Woodford Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6JX
Phone: 020 8551 7441
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Nearest tube station: Gants Hill (0.1 miles)
Nearest train stations: Ilford (1.4 miles), Seven Kings (1.7 miles), Manor Park (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Has re-opened!!! Small, friendly sports bar, showing most premier league games throughout year. Phone for more details
7 Apr 2013 12:45
Seems to have closed sadly. Drove past at 19.45 and the security shutters were down16 Mar 2013 19:04
This is a very unassuming bar from the outside, but, within, a friendly crowd (and great, friendly and helpful staff!) and a good selection of real ales. It's a bit small, yes, but it has a big heart. One complaint - the Wild West saloon doors to the men's loo; please get rid of them! :-)8 Dec 2011 14:16
The Victoria Inn, Colchester
Address: 10, North Station Rd, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1RB
Phone: 01206 514510
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Nearest train stations: Colchester (0.4 miles), Colchester Town (0.8 miles), Hythe (1.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A really welcoming local and another good option if you are on your way to and from Colchester United Football Club. No food of a Saturday though -- perhaps this Essex tiown has the slimmest people in Britain? A wide selection of ales and some good CAMRA literature are accompanied by a crazily piled set of board games. A cosy den indeed.
10 Feb 2013 11:57
Remains my favourite pub in the area and, as others have said, it continues to get better and better!24 Jan 2013 10:24
A rare visit to my home town to see the mighty U’s put on a predictably miserable display. Luckily I fortified myself by visiting the New Inn and the Victoria. The second stop en route to the WHCS was the Victoria, I’ve been here a couple of times since it started to provide quality real ale and we all started on the local mild which was rather good as I’m not a fan usually, the second pint was a golden ale and though good was a mistake on my part as I’d been on porter, mild and dark bitter so far. My first visit to this pub in 1977 resulted in me getting no further than the door, with the barmaid shouting out that they didn’t want art students in there – I was quite insulted because I wasn’t! It’s certainly a lot better now, and far more welcoming. It’s also very handy for catching the shuttle buses to the WHCS. 8/1010 Dec 2012 15:43
The Spread Eagle, Prittlewell
Address: 267 Victoria Avenue, Prittlewell, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS2 6NE
Phone: 01702 213674
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Nearest train stations: Prittlewell (0.3 miles), Southend Victoria (0.6 miles), Southend Central (1 mile)
Reviews by BITE users:
Refurbishment has tarted the place up a bit but I must say I preferred it before, the Blues shirts and memorabilia seems to have gone which is a shame.
My main bugbear with the Spread is they give you plastic glasses on a matchday. I'm not sure whether the police enforce this, but it's really off-putting.
No decent continental lagers on but they do have ales.
The beer is great, Directors bitter is well worth the money, a very good pint and the wife was happy with her Vodka n diet tonics. The bar food is home cooked if you come in during the day and the soup is the best in town. The management really try and every one is so friendly. Clean loos too with soap a plenty.
We thoroughly recommend a visit at anytime for a good pint and for a good night out Friday or Saturday when the live music is on is well worth a visit. Great pub, take your friends along.
well worth a visit and very welcoming staff.
I would say that the new décor and styling will be very popular and its just what the place needed, would highly recommend.
My main bugbear with the Spread is they give you plastic glasses on a matchday. I'm not sure whether the police enforce this, but it's really off-putting.
No decent continental lagers on but they do have ales.
6 Nov 2012 17:24
Well, this is a really nice pub, we visited this on several nights and they have a great singer called East Beach Dave who sings so many different songs really well its amazing. The guy is a proper entertainer and creates a great atmosphere for everyone.The beer is great, Directors bitter is well worth the money, a very good pint and the wife was happy with her Vodka n diet tonics. The bar food is home cooked if you come in during the day and the soup is the best in town. The management really try and every one is so friendly. Clean loos too with soap a plenty.
We thoroughly recommend a visit at anytime for a good pint and for a good night out Friday or Saturday when the live music is on is well worth a visit. Great pub, take your friends along.
7 Jun 2012 00:11
Well this pub has had a lovely refurbishment, the place is clean and fresh looking but has retained its pub charm that so many locals love.well worth a visit and very welcoming staff.
I would say that the new décor and styling will be very popular and its just what the place needed, would highly recommend.
10 Feb 2012 21:40
The Original Plough, Chelmsford
Address: 28, Duke St, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HY
Phone: 01245 250145
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Nearest train station: Chelmsford (0.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Generally ccall in most nights off the train. Good range of beer on and the pricing not bad. Staff have always come across as friendly and was impressed to see some new bar staff being instructed on the art of pulling a proper pint.
Can't really comment on general atmosphere as tend not to stay that long but its become a regular stopping-off point.
Food OK but a little overpriced for what it was - no real complaints though, beer was certainly average - not very well kept at all (very long in the tooth), and the service was non evistent, very bad indeed. If youre waiting for a train, why not. Otherwise dont bother, there are plenty of other better establishments with a better offering.
Pretty standard Nicholson's fixtures and fittings - and nothing too shabby in that as the traditional robust-looking interior suited the building, and of course there was fine ale and food to be found. Cask-wise the choice was wide, and the quick sample I tried (sorry, forget what it was) seemed in decent nick and I only hope it was representative of the overall quality (beer's usually not a problem in a Nicholson's house).
Maybe not ground-breaking but outside of the usual London context a Nicholson's pub has more of a novelty value around it.
Can't really comment on general atmosphere as tend not to stay that long but its become a regular stopping-off point.
28 Mar 2013 13:28
OK for the station but thats about as far as it goes.Food OK but a little overpriced for what it was - no real complaints though, beer was certainly average - not very well kept at all (very long in the tooth), and the service was non evistent, very bad indeed. If youre waiting for a train, why not. Otherwise dont bother, there are plenty of other better establishments with a better offering.
10 Dec 2012 16:49
Stopped in here for the briefest of halves during a 45-minute stop in Chelmsford en route back from a trip to some brew-pubs in Bury St Edmunds. Pretty standard Nicholson's fixtures and fittings - and nothing too shabby in that as the traditional robust-looking interior suited the building, and of course there was fine ale and food to be found. Cask-wise the choice was wide, and the quick sample I tried (sorry, forget what it was) seemed in decent nick and I only hope it was representative of the overall quality (beer's usually not a problem in a Nicholson's house).
Maybe not ground-breaking but outside of the usual London context a Nicholson's pub has more of a novelty value around it.
15 Aug 2012 16:57
The Victoria, Romford
Address: 122, Victoria Rd, Romford, Essex, RM1 2PA
Phone: 01708 724879
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Nearest train stations: Romford (0.2 miles), Gidea Park (1 mile), Emerson Park (1.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I visited this pub for the first time to see my favourite band P45, not having been there before I did not know what to expect - it was absolutely mobbed with a wonderful atmosphere and very welcoming staff, the stage area was proffesionally built and the decor of the whole place was new, classy, and very clean, including the toilets and wonderful beer garden and smoking area.
Considering how busy it was the bar staff coped admirably with the throng and the prices were very competitive - I have learnt that this pub has live music of the highest standard every wed/fri/sat and would thoroughly rceommend this place for a fun time.
Considering how busy it was the bar staff coped admirably with the throng and the prices were very competitive - I have learnt that this pub has live music of the highest standard every wed/fri/sat and would thoroughly rceommend this place for a fun time.
25 Apr 2013 09:14
Oh dear, what a transformation. What once was a wonderful 'oasis' has been allowed to become a well that should be avoided. I assume the lack of lighting is to hide the possibility that a cleaner is long overdue. The selection of beers seemed to be limited to what was just running out or just plain redundant. What topped this evening was being asked to leave by a bedraggled member of the pub's management so they could close early. Sadly one to avoid until serious flaws have been rectified. 25 Jan 2013 15:04
Under new management, great venue for proper live music. Top bands are gigging there.5 Sep 2012 04:59
The Travellers Friend, Woodford Green
Address: 496-498, High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0PN
Phone: 020 8504 2435
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Nearest tube stations: Woodford (0.7 miles), Roding Valley (0.9 miles)
Nearest train stations: Highams Park (1.3 miles), Chingford (1.5 miles), Wood Street (2.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Before leaving a comment regarding what could be an excellent old time pub, I thought I'd read the previous revues. What is the management doing keeping this rude, surly and ill mannered large female behind the bar. Now days, beer costs a lot, but a smile costs nothing. The locals seem a great bunch, the beer was excellent, the mens was pitiful, but a course on customer care wouldn't go a miss.
The place is dirty and shabby and could do with a Spring clean now. Bar flies everywhere, like a tropical garden which says it all. Shame it has deteriorated like this.
16 Feb 2013 15:59
A man goes into a pub and the landlady says.... well absolutely nothing actually. To be more accurate its the landlady's daughter. I always thought that the first law of customer service is to say a. 'hello' or 'good afternoon/evening' b. smile c. ask 'what can I get you sir'. All three are absent with this member of staff. All you get is a contemptible look and perhaps a slight incline of the head. Beer is now very samey, presumably being limited to brews favored by owners who know very little about beer. God how I miss Ridley's! Would benefit from a. staff going on a training course to learn some common courtesy b. some 'real' real ales and not mass produced stuff c. re-do the disgusting loos. Pluses are NO TV and reasonably unspoilt interior. Beer kept in good condition even if not well chosen.28 Oct 2012 19:10
The Staff are doing their utmost to destroy this pub, people seem to be leaving in droves. Not as busy as it use to be. It is such a shame as it was a local treasure but it is now a pub where even the quality of the beer has fallen into the average zone or sometimes it is just horrid which is a result of it being less busy? I see a lot of their customers in other locals nearby quite often.The place is dirty and shabby and could do with a Spring clean now. Bar flies everywhere, like a tropical garden which says it all. Shame it has deteriorated like this.
13 Sep 2012 16:51
The Cricketers, Woodford
Address: 299-301 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 9HQ
Phone: 020 8504 2734
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Nearest tube stations: Woodford (0.8 miles), South Woodford (0.9 miles)
Nearest train stations: Highams Park (1 mile), Wood Street (1.5 miles), Walthamstow Central (2.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
What looks like a quaint pub from the outside dissappoints on the inside. I'm not at all keen on McMullens beers so I was quite dissappointed on this front to. Needs a good refurb and better beers, then it would be quite something.
26 Feb 2013 18:06
Where else do you get Home cooked specials at lunchtime, a separate public bar where dogs are welcomed? Probably the oldest beer still brewed in this country with a hint of chocolate (AK) - the cult bottled beer Strongheart. There is a golf society, weekend narrow boat excursions, a conker chamionship, Christmas Carol singing as well as Quiz nights ect. And you will still find lots of regulars in Compost Corner chewing the cud after work. The carpeted lounge is popular with ladies to catch up on the news as well as OAPs at lunchtime. Most of the staff have been here quite a while and are more like friends and the assistant manager, Mark, is very helpful. 21 Jan 2013 11:33
A nice pub spoilt by an arrogant and bullying pub manager who drinks way too much and lacks any resemblance of manners. Is often after a few snifters, to be heard slagging off his own regulars behind their backs and berating staff who try their very best to keep up a pleasant atmosphere. I think the pub owners should take a long hard look at the running of this establishment as management (well one of them anyway) gradually drives people away and sadly loses its unique "friendly local" image. A sad state of affairs for such brilliant and much needed pub in the Woodford area. 19 Dec 2012 17:26
The Old Ship Inn, Heybridge Basin
Address: The Basin, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RX
Phone: 01621 854150
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Reviews by BITE users:
My wife and I popped in here today, a freezing thursday. It was quite busy, with most people eating meals. I had a pint of Maldon gold, which was pleasant. The other ale on was Greene King IPA. It was reasonably priced. The staff were friendly enough. We shared a basket of chips, which were very good. I cannot understand the comment about the place being dirty. It looked alright to me.
21 Feb 2013 17:34
Very popular with Dutch sailors and they tell me they enjoy the beer and the food and knowing the Dutch that is praise indeed.13 Sep 2012 13:46
Filthy place. Just don't know how the management are allowed to serve the public! Couldn't bring myself to drink the cup of coffee I bought. (It tasted like basic instant coffee, but couldn't stomach the dirty carpet). The brass foot rest at the bar was disgusting, some of the glasses left on the bar were "milky" - and the loo was awful, I opened and closed the door with my elbow! It doesn't matter how "brilliant" some people rate the food, if the bar & loo areas are filthy, what is the kitchen like??????30 Aug 2012 21:33
The Cricketers Inn, Westcliff on Sea
Address: 228 London Rd, Westcliff On Sea, Essex, SS0 7JG
Phone: 01702 343168
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Nearest train stations: Westcliff (0.4 miles), Southend Victoria (0.6 miles), Southend Central (0.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Visted in Feb., had a few drinks and a couple of bottles of wine with a
very good Thai meal, excellent. Back again on my next vist.
However, this visit hasn't put me off as I know the pub has a good track record for real ales so will reserve my rating for the next visit.
We didnt try out the Thai restaurant.
very good Thai meal, excellent. Back again on my next vist.
12 Mar 2013 20:33
Interesting comment from the last reviewer. I visited here on tuesday 24th July around 9.40 and had a pint that was sadly on the turn - just. The clip was turned round when I went back to try a half of Abbot which was superb. I hadn't been in for around 20 years having moved away so was a little disappointed. The pub interior is decidedly upmarket with large patio doors that opened out onto the street as it was a very warm evening.However, this visit hasn't put me off as I know the pub has a good track record for real ales so will reserve my rating for the next visit.
26 Jul 2012 13:46
Weve visited a couple of times recently and were disappointed with the beer quality,unusual for this pub ,historically a good real ale outlet.It seems there are some new staff members there ,maybe the Manager needs to educate them !!We didnt try out the Thai restaurant.
21 Jul 2012 11:52
The Cock Inn, Rochford
Address: Hall Rd, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1PD
Phone: 01702 540429
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Nearest train stations: Rochford (1.1 miles), Hockley (1.7 miles), Prittlewell (2.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
What The wife said: She loves the atmosphere and the food great pub to bring family and friends to spend a few hours garden facility great would recommend to anyone who askes where are the good local pubs, but what a shame about the decoration looks like something out of the next catalogue where are those lovely wall lights replaced by something modern which does not match the period of this type of pub it now reminds her of a bit next catalogue and mac donalds. what a miss match a.
Atmosphere warm and friendly as were the staff, Beer was great and the manager was smiling and chatting as normal, all in all apart from the renovation nothing had changed and would recommend it to anyone! even the royalty if they were passing!!
Only one gripe from the wife! why did they get rid of the lovely comfortable leather sofa's? yes they were a little tired and could have had a makeover but! they were comfortable highly desired by most of the customers, shame but would recommend the Pub to anyone and after looking at the reviews all agree.
29 Apr 2013 11:41
Visited the Cock Inn yesterday (28/04/2013) after the renovation, absolutely packed with people having the Sunday roast and whatever on the menu.Atmosphere warm and friendly as were the staff, Beer was great and the manager was smiling and chatting as normal, all in all apart from the renovation nothing had changed and would recommend it to anyone! even the royalty if they were passing!!
Only one gripe from the wife! why did they get rid of the lovely comfortable leather sofa's? yes they were a little tired and could have had a makeover but! they were comfortable highly desired by most of the customers, shame but would recommend the Pub to anyone and after looking at the reviews all agree.
29 Apr 2013 11:30
A pub on the village outskirts which has had it's problems over time with first attendances and second the flooding issues around the place locally. Last time in was Sundaylunch and it was busy and everyone was scoffing down the scra. The beer's ok and has two/three real ales - the last one wasn't the greatest but believe generally it's ok.17 Oct 2012 11:24
New Fairlop Oak, Barkingside
Address: Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 2JP
Phone: 02085002217
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Nearest tube stations: Fairlop (0.3 miles), Barkingside (0.6 miles), Hainault (0.8 miles)
Nearest train stations: Seven Kings (2.3 miles), Goodmayes (2.4 miles), Ilford (2.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Ok it's Wetherspoon's but the staff are helpful and the range of beers is the best in the area. Lunchtimes tend to bring mums and kids out to play but for less than £3 you can't complain.
24 Jun 2012 15:21
Ok it's Wetherspoon's but the staff are helpful and the range of beers is the best in the area. Lunchtimes tend to bring mums and kids out to play but for less than £3 you can't complain. 24 Jun 2012 15:21
Ok it's Wetherspoon's but the staff are helpful and the range of beers is the best in the area. Lunchtimes tend to bring mums and kids out to play but for less than £3 you can't complain. 24 Jun 2012 15:21
The Bricklayers, Colchester
Address: 27 Bergholt Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5AA
Phone: 01206 852008
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Nearest train stations: Colchester (0.1 miles), Colchester Town (1.2 miles), Hythe (1.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Nice pub running through from one street to another, reasonable choice of real ales all listed on a blackboard with their strength & price, apparently good hot food (though I didn't try it), friendly staff, very handy for 'north' station. I'll certainly go again if I get the chance.
29 Mar 2013 20:13
Handily placed for the decidedly un-handily placed Colchester North station, this pub is but a stone's throw from the buses that proceed to the Weston Homes Community Stadium. Good it is too although we were feintly distressed by a bemusing 'no food on saturdays' policy. The house pint was quaffable though and the atmsophere unpretentious.10 Feb 2013 09:49
Stopped in at the ever reliable Brickies to drown away the misery of a dismal display by the mighty U's v Oldham. Good range of Adnams and guests, but at this time of year it has to be Adnams Old which was as good as when I first started drinking it over 30 years ago. Great place to discuss the match before getting the train home. One of many very good real ale pubs in Colchester. 8/10 10 Dec 2012 15:47
The Famous Railway Tavern Brewing Co, Brightlingsea
Address: 58 Station Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0DT
Phone: 01206 302581
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Nearest train stations: Alresford (3.5 miles), Great Bentley (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I dont what these whinging people want with a pub!!! An excellent Cider Festival has just passed, very young helpfull Landlord and staff, supurb selection of ciders ( and beers as always ) plus excellent live music,especially the new up and coming "Railwaylers", an all round spiffing weekend in an UNSPOILT AND TRADITIONAL pub!!, looking forward to next years one as well, !st May bank holiday!!!!
8 May 2013 17:38
i was in this pub a couple weeks ago with my partner and two other friends i did not like the look of the pub as it is very run down and also the man behind the bar was been very rude to us and other customers . which we did not like so we left after bout 30 mins and i thought it could do with a face lift and some music as it felt like a wake not a friendly pub at all .8 May 2013 14:03
I think someone on here is on some strong medication. This pub is disgusting, filthy and falling down. It looks like squatters have broken in and set up a bar. The locals are like something out of Royston Vasey (A league of gentlemen). The poor barman looked like he was about to shoot himself, stood solemnly under the bare light bulb hanging over the bar. The 2 beers on were drinkable but nothing exciting. From what i know ale in here certainly is NOT brewed by the landlord anymore nor 'out the back'. Several years ago sure but not now. Thank god. Shocked this place hasn't been closed by health and safety. I wiped my feet on the way out, never to return.15 Dec 2012 17:45
The Crown, Ingatestone
Address: High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0AT
Phone: 01277 353538
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Nearest train stations: Ingatestone (0.3 miles), Billericay (3.4 miles), Shenfield (3.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Still open despite the Police discovering a drugs factory in the loft amazing.
He is worried he will lose his license.
13 Sep 2012 13:38
The pub was raided last week and the pubs landlord arrested by the Police for growing cannabis in the pubs loft.He is worried he will lose his license.
31 Jul 2012 10:42
apart from that the Jake the snake was excellent.