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 [map]
Phone: 01277 352010
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Ingatestone (1.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Blue Boar, Maldon
Address: Silver St, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4QE [map]
Phone: 01621 855888
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
what can I say about this pub, except fantastic.
Visited last saturday (10/10/09) and was met by the head brewer who promptly invited us on a tour of the brewery and gave a brief history lesson on the hotel and the brewery, we then went and sampled the ales, Nelsons Blood, pucks Folly, King Green and Golden Boar, all straight from the barrel and all in tip top condition, so good was it that we had to return that same evening to sample them all again, great food too, the ham egg chips and onion rings really hit the spot, pub grub along with a more substantial menu is available and a pretty reasonable price I thought a nice beer garden too just the place to relax and enjoy great beer from a brewer who really cares what people think about his beers.
Oh and while you are their, if it is open don't forget to stock up on the bottled beers , we managed to take home 8 different beers to try. 10 out of 10 from me.
Visited last saturday (10/10/09) and was met by the head brewer who promptly invited us on a tour of the brewery and gave a brief history lesson on the hotel and the brewery, we then went and sampled the ales, Nelsons Blood, pucks Folly, King Green and Golden Boar, all straight from the barrel and all in tip top condition, so good was it that we had to return that same evening to sample them all again, great food too, the ham egg chips and onion rings really hit the spot, pub grub along with a more substantial menu is available and a pretty reasonable price I thought a nice beer garden too just the place to relax and enjoy great beer from a brewer who really cares what people think about his beers.
Oh and while you are their, if it is open don't forget to stock up on the bottled beers , we managed to take home 8 different beers to try. 10 out of 10 from me.
12 Oct 2009 18:27
Splendid atmospheric pub, great ales and excellent value for money local food.28 Sep 2009 09:03
The tables get a bit sticky from time to time. Very (ahem) Victorian loos. Always good beer- regularly monitered by tame resident brewer.12 Aug 2009 18:47
The Duke of Wellington, Hatfield Peverel
Address: The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 2EA [map]
Phone: 01245 380246
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Hatfield Peverel (0.3 miles), Witham (2.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Visited the Duke today, what a lovely place. The staff are very accommodating, and the food is extremely good value for money. A must visit, perfect for a light lunch. I tried the ale "Old Bob" which was very good, they also had IPA, Abbot and a guest ale related to the rugby. Our waitress was very chatty and seemed extremely happy to be there. Will definitely visit again soon!
Food not as good as expected.
18 Feb 2010 16:44
The Duke of Wellington. I visited this pub for the first time in December, and have been back weekly ever since! They have a fantastic range of real ales (the Rocking Rudolph was good) which change every couple of weeks, and a brilliant wine list. The 2 for £9.95 menu is to die for, you couldnn't cook it at home for that price, and the portion size is very generous. The main thing about this pub is the staff, they are so bubly and friendly, and welcoming to new and existing customers. We were made to feel so welcome, and filled in about all the events that happen on a weekly basis. I belive it was actually the manageress who served us first time, and she is simply delightful. A fab pub to visit if passing through or from the area, keep up the good work!!!!17 Feb 2010 22:10
A pub with great ales and a buzzing atmosphere.Food not as good as expected.
14 Dec 2009 19:27
The Swan, Little Totham
Address: School Rd, Little Totham, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8LB [map]
Phone: 01621 892689
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
I came here in the summer of 2008 and left a pretty negative review on 14 Jul 2008. Despite the rabid MikeAllenPugh seeing the red mist (come on, it's not rendition flights or the MP expenses scandal), I stand by those comments.
Nonetheless, I made a return visit this weekend and can breathe a sigh of relief, as I experienced the pub in the same light everyone else sees it. The mild was in top form and the regulars seemed a nice enough bunch. The interior was homely and the service cheerful. Its the kind of country pub I hope to find on my travels but rarely do. Didn't try the food but it was reasonably priced and will give it a go next time.
I had a feeling my bad experiences could have been a once off, hence choosing to return. Rating upped accordingly.
Nonetheless, I made a return visit this weekend and can breathe a sigh of relief, as I experienced the pub in the same light everyone else sees it. The mild was in top form and the regulars seemed a nice enough bunch. The interior was homely and the service cheerful. Its the kind of country pub I hope to find on my travels but rarely do. Didn't try the food but it was reasonably priced and will give it a go next time.
I had a feeling my bad experiences could have been a once off, hence choosing to return. Rating upped accordingly.
25 Jan 2010 11:29
Absolute top boozer. Took a pilgrimmage last weekend and was not disappointed. A classic Choccy Box pub serving a superb range of beer, perry and cider. On the day we went (BH Monday) they were'nt officially serving food but the landlord, John, managed to rustle up sandwiches for my hungry brood - not many pubs would do the same. Can't wait to go back - next time I'll let the wife drive so I can snooze on the way back.6 Sep 2009 16:45
Landlord Johns beers are top rated by everyone who visits his pub and the new chef is a cordon blue rated chef in his own right.28 Jul 2009 14:35
Golden Lion, Rochford
Address: 35 North Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1AB [map]
Phone: 01702 545487
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Rochford (0.2 miles), Prittlewell (2.5 miles), Hockley (2.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I haven't been in this pub for a few and fortunately it doesn't seem to change much. Plenty of rustic charm and a fine selection of beers. Definately worth a visit.
23 Jan 2010 22:09
Excellent pub, highly recommended. Very friendly owners and bar staff and regulars too. Always a good night out and a great selection of real ales with different selection nearly every day.......Don't miss it :-)22 Jan 2010 13:35
a good old fashioned pub with good old fasioned dust. a decent range of real ales, worth a visit10 Oct 2009 19:39
The Spread Eagle, Rayleigh
Address: 93, High St, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7EJ [map]
Phone: 01268 775717
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Rayleigh (0.4 miles), Hockley (2.8 miles), Battlesbridge (3.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Well what can i say ,yes thing have changed at spread and things had gone down hill ,but it was young Ally who came in November and stayed for 6 weeks who start to sort things out ,and while he was there the place was painted and things started to get better and the lines started getting cleaned every week ! .
And i would just like to say it was not down to Frank and his son .
And would also like to wish the new lady good !
No Dishwasher
No Hot water
No Heating
No Dishwaser in kitchen
No Cooker
No Heaters outside
No lights outside
An Ice machine with a mind of its own
Tell me how you can run a decent pub like that. Ah wel best of luck to all the loyal suctomers that made our time there enjoyable.
Best wishes
Frank and Darren..
Darren and frank was the right people to run this pub but the almighty Jan didn’t have the foresight or interest to see how good they were,
asking the customers would have been a good start but I guess we are just a pound note to her well I wont be drinking in the for some time and will do everything I can to keep my mates out a kind of protest my local yes my kind off landlord no way
And i would just like to say it was not down to Frank and his son .
And would also like to wish the new lady good !
2 Feb 2010 18:49
So its happened again guys. Ive havent been paid for the second week running and das not been paid. Although the customers make the pub the running of it from above is awful so all in all this is what we ha to deal with No Dishwasher
No Hot water
No Heating
No Dishwaser in kitchen
No Cooker
No Heaters outside
No lights outside
An Ice machine with a mind of its own
Tell me how you can run a decent pub like that. Ah wel best of luck to all the loyal suctomers that made our time there enjoyable.
Best wishes
Frank and Darren..
29 Jan 2010 17:29
Well seems like we are back to square one beer is crap again due to the fact that the glasses are being washed in a builders bucket if the dish washer stops working just use a builders bucket why didn’t I think of that.Darren and frank was the right people to run this pub but the almighty Jan didn’t have the foresight or interest to see how good they were,
asking the customers would have been a good start but I guess we are just a pound note to her well I wont be drinking in the for some time and will do everything I can to keep my mates out a kind of protest my local yes my kind off landlord no way
17 Jan 2010 23:35
The Odd One Out, Colchester
Address: 28 Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7ET [map]
Phone: 01206 578140
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Colchester Town (0.2 miles), Hythe (1.1 miles), Colchester (1.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I rate this place - it's like a tardis back in time, what a proper pub should be like. High quality ales and cider.
I like the range of beer, good prices, friendly old type pub.
Alas the beer was in a bit of a bad way on my visit. Hopefully another time they'll get it right.
26 Jan 2010 12:47
I have not been in there for a few years, I used to use it, a lot, when I went to Colchester,in the late 90's.I like the range of beer, good prices, friendly old type pub.
24 Jan 2010 00:18
Very characterful pub a bit out of the way of the others in the town. Alas the beer was in a bit of a bad way on my visit. Hopefully another time they'll get it right.
15 Dec 2009 13:12
The Wheatsheaf, Writtle
Address: 70 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3DU [map]
Phone: 01245 420695
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Chelmsford (1.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Lovely little village pub, although located on a busy street area.
Went in here during the V Festival period in 2009, and on a hot Summers Day, on the way to the festival, was a lovely stop off point.
Quite small, and dunno if would work at all times, but friendly staff and nice selection of ales on tap, its a nice stop off point.
Went in here during the V Festival period in 2009, and on a hot Summers Day, on the way to the festival, was a lovely stop off point.
Quite small, and dunno if would work at all times, but friendly staff and nice selection of ales on tap, its a nice stop off point.
17 Mar 2010 10:41
Excellent good old-fashioned boozer. Fully deserves the Essex Pub of the Year title. Great selecetion of real ales and friendly landlady. I agree with EssexBoy's comments below!!25 Aug 2009 19:36
A wonderful traditional village pub with a wide range of real ales. Recently voted Essex CAMRA Pub of the Year. Landlord Tony and wife Barbara have worked hard over the past 11 years to build up a loyal local following and while the menus somewhat limited it is good value.18 Jun 2009 22:25
The Britannia, Barking
Address: 1 Church Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8PR [map]
Phone: 020 8594 1305
See full pub details
Nearest tube station: Barking (0.3 miles)
Nearest train stations: Barking (0.3 miles), Ilford (1.3 miles), Manor Park (1.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Sorry to hear it has closed.Have fond memories of it in the sixtees.Never an over busy pub,but had a regular local following.
I agree with jockthenoo,the clientele just is not there anymore.
oldandmild
I agree with jockthenoo,the clientele just is not there anymore.
oldandmild
1 Feb 2010 03:01
After 37 years of drinking Young's Special in this great pub its closure almost makes me want to become teetotal. Congratulations Wells and Young's.12 Oct 2009 14:39
Another good pub bites the dust. I fear that more and more of these old establishments will disappear due to government policies and more significantly the potential clientele (or lack of) in the pubs locale. God bless "The Brittania" and all who drunk in her!11 Oct 2009 07:50
Blue and White Shed, Halstead
Address: Churchill Avenue, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2BE [map]
Phone: 01787430743
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
This rare establishment was open again this weekend. A nice bitter and mild was available, and at a decent price. No lager on for those who dont drink ale, fortunatley only ale drinkers were present so this was not a problem.
Only complaint was the ale ran out far too quickly, with no other guest beers lined up to be put on.
Only complaint was the ale ran out far too quickly, with no other guest beers lined up to be put on.
31 Aug 2009 11:49
Agree with the difficulty in locating this and the very strange opening hours. When they do open a very rewarding experience. Local micro breweries occasionally available together with the house beer - Blue & White Shed Strong Dark Ale. Look out for the branded glasses unless Halstead Town are at home when plastic is the only option LOL. Friendly family run establishment and very welcoming. The last visit was a while ago and I hope nothing has changed. 30 Jun 2009 23:47
I agree with Rod. This is an extremly hard establishment to locate. Very friendly family run enterprise, though the lack of draught lager may dissappoint some :-(30 Jun 2009 08:54
The Thatchers Arms, Mount Bures
Address: Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex, CO8 5AT [map]
Phone: 01787 227 460
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Bures (1.4 miles), Chappel & Wakes Colne (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I went to a Christening reception here some 6 or 7 years ago and the food, ambience and decor were dire. I'm happy to say that situation is now quite reversed. Food is good quality, locally sourced and nicely cooked. The fish & chips, the BLT and the steaks all superb. The chips are lovely, fresh and crisp. I have special dietary needs and they were cheerfully accommodated as far as possible. The sticky toffee pudding is to die for, served with a lovely ice cream speckled with vanilla. Welcome is friendly and helpful. Beers nicely kept. Highly recommended.
The views are excellent, and it's worth visiting for this alone. Oddly enough, the pub nearly didn't survive WW2, as a US Thunderbolt crashed nearby, missing the pub by about 75 yards. Also, visit the Norman Motte next to the church - no explanations - just do it.
I can't comment on the food, but on the few occasions we've been there it looks pretty good. I've had a mix of service from blooming excellent, to disinterested. I don't know, suck it and see I suppose. Maybe I visited on an off day.
22 Oct 2009 15:21
My wife and I have just returned from spending the August Bank Holiday weekend camping in the field attached to the Thatchers Arms (the fee - a discretionary donation to the Suffolk Air Ambulance Service). We couldn't have had a warmer welcome from the landlord Mitch. It's a family run pub with great local support. Five well chosen, well kept and mainly locally sourced real ales. Also an eclectic selection of Belgian and American bottled beers, although I didn't get around to trying any of them. The food is also locally sourced and great quality. I can recommend the pork belly - superb. We found all the staff to be attentive and enthusiastic. We shall return.31 Aug 2009 18:14
Hmm. I've got mixed feelinges for this pub. The trouble is, I rememer how it used to be - anyone out there who remembers the days of Gerald and Connie will know what I'm on about. The interior is a bit 1970's bungalow, but to be fair it is clean and tidy.The views are excellent, and it's worth visiting for this alone. Oddly enough, the pub nearly didn't survive WW2, as a US Thunderbolt crashed nearby, missing the pub by about 75 yards. Also, visit the Norman Motte next to the church - no explanations - just do it.
I can't comment on the food, but on the few occasions we've been there it looks pretty good. I've had a mix of service from blooming excellent, to disinterested. I don't know, suck it and see I suppose. Maybe I visited on an off day.
17 Jul 2009 16:18
The Orange Tree, Chelmsford
Address: 6 Lower Anchor Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0AS [map]
Phone: 01245 262664
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Chelmsford (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Beer in excellent condition on my visit. 6 real eales offered, 7 if you include the ubiquitous sharp's Gloom-bar. No GK IPA here.
Friendly landlord who was seen to buy other customers beer.
Crying out for a lick of paint.
Easy to to tie in with a visit to the Queen's head next door to decide if this is
Chelmsford's premier Public House.
15 Mar 2010 09:17
An admirable place. Comfortable pub with a great selection of beers. Great landlord and regular punters. Isn't it ridiculous that you can wander the windswept streets of this County searching in vain for a decent boozer, and then find two crackers (Queens Head and Orange Tree) within a few doors of each other, ripping each other's throats out to attract the limited amount of punters this part of Chelmsford can supply, in order to survive.
Bloody barmy. If either pub goes under in this recession, and some corporate khazi in the town centre survives instead, it will surely demonstrate, beyond reasonable doubt, that this Country has finally gone to the dogs.
13 Nov 2009 16:33
Real Ale Heaven. What I'd give to live in Lower Anchor Street - both the QH and the Orange Tree on your doorstep. 13 Oct 2009 20:09
The White Horse, Brentwood
Address: 173 Coxtie Green Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5PX [map]
Phone: 01277372410
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Brentwood (2.7 miles), Shenfield (3.3 miles), Harold Wood (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Best alternative to the Alma Arms which is full of greybeards and the GreenMan now closed but opening soon as another restaurant large choice of real ales one problem is getting to the pub.
Seriously this place is the best pub within a 10 mile radius of my home, always serving superb ale in a really nice environment. Shame you don't do B&B cos someone's always got to drive.
31 Aug 2009 09:10
Another awesome festival weekend. Great food, great beer, rather to great a hangover (must pop up and see the landlord to complain). Only downside was the boys football pitch doubled as a Car Park. For that you're not getting 11/10.Seriously this place is the best pub within a 10 mile radius of my home, always serving superb ale in a really nice environment. Shame you don't do B&B cos someone's always got to drive.
16 Jul 2009 00:26
Known for being the best real ale pub in the area with normally 6 beers available. Clearly a place when the real ale crowd head to, i have noticed a lot of driving pools arrive, where 4 or 5 guys head out taking turns to drive. This may be because the pub is a bit isolated, although only a couple of miles from Brentwood there is no path and if you head out south it is very hilly with unlit country lanes which skirt the weald country park. The pub itself seems to have perpetual trade, if only a few propping up the bar during the day. At weekends the place seems to attract a younger crowd.14 May 2009 19:07
The Cricketers, Woodford
Address: 299-301, High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 9HQ [map]
Phone: 020 8504 2734
See full pub details
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:
Decent (McMullen's) beer at a decent price, was in the saloon bar on Saturday aftenoon on the Country best bitter, 4.3% and very well-kept. Good little drinker.
He has attitude with pretty much everyone that goes into the pub. It really does amaze me how someone that rude can make a living in the pub industry.
1 Mar 2010 15:27
It's still the nice little pub it has been for the last 20 or so years that i have been going there. However, the latest landlord is suffering very badly from Napoleon syndrome.He has attitude with pretty much everyone that goes into the pub. It really does amaze me how someone that rude can make a living in the pub industry.
12 Oct 2009 04:55
I have been using this pub for over 30 years off and on. The current management team are working very hard to make it an enjoyable place to be. That's meant removing one or two idiots who need to sort themselves out. Hence the malice posts on this site. The beer is very well kept, and the food is tip top. You know that if customers get out of hand they will be asked to calm down. The only people who are banned are those who really need to be, and probably want to be...I suppose being banned is a sort of attention! 10 Jul 2009 09:06
The Endeavour, Chelmsford
Address: 351 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6AW [map]
Phone: 01245 257717
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Chelmsford (1.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Quaint , original interior, small and clean are all adjectives that apply to this
enjoyable public house. Infrequent beer festivals- one such occurring on my visit. Patronised by an elder, friendly clientele
real ale Prices £2.80/2.90 on my visit. Beer in good condition.
Stock beers are GK IPA, Abbot, Adnams, usually always one from the excellent Mightyoak stable. A 2nd guest ale offering would greatly elevate this pub's
standing.
Unlucky not to be in GBG 2010, as it has previously enjoed inclusion in previous years.
15 Mar 2010 08:51
Visited this lovely pub on a Saturday evening, and I must say that the Maldon Gold, which was on draft, was delicious. This is a proper pub. The sort of place you go if you fancy a chat and a pint. The jukebox in the corner has a very large selection of tracks, including numerous 70s soft rock classics. I spoke to a regular customer at The Endeavour, (Richard), who was clearly is a big fan of his local. (My god, that man could talk).28 Jun 2009 13:14
An excellent friendly local with good value food (fish night and steak night are well known). Landlord knows his beers and usually at least 5 real ales on offer.18 Jun 2009 21:46
More information
| Blog | Forums | Copyright Neransk Limited 2001-2010. All Rights Reserved. Calls to 0871 and 0872 numbers cost 10p/min. |
Surely the best pub in Essex?