The Rosebud, Brightlingsea

We visited this pub for the first time in several months following reports that the new landlord had really improved the place. I'm afraid we were sorely disappointed. I'm not one to judge by appearances but the presence of a couple of dozen tattooed, shaven headed thirty somethings using foul language at fifty decibels & pushing & shoving the surrounding clientele is far from inviting. This could have been quickly remedied by a quiet word from the staff bet alas this didn't happen.
We decided to give them the benefit of the doubt as we all have our off days, so we decided to have a beer. They had four real ales on offer, sadly for a free house all four ales were from the same brewery, Mighty Oak. We each had a pint of Their IPA. It was lifeless, watery & devoid of taste & we had to ask the bar person to top our glasses up as the last inch of our beer was froth. Despite this we decided to risk another pint & moved onto Maldon Gold. This was better but only just & once again we received a short measure.
We have since informed the owner of our experiences & hopefully our next visit to the Rosebud will be a more enjoyable one.

5 May 2013 11:13

The Swan, Little Totham

Visited this charming country pub a few days ago. We received a warm welcome, there were ten real ales available, we ate a good quality pub lunch, the portion size was excellent, the prices were more than reasonable, the atmosphere was great & it is cycle friendly. What more can I say. Miss this gem at your peril.

6 Mar 2013 13:11

The Ale House, Colchester

A local community pub that of late has gone from strength to strength. There is always a good selection of real ales & ciders available sourced from local breweries & beyond. The prices are competitive which is more than can be said for the pub opposite where identical ales are often on sale for 20 or 30 pence more.
The staff are friendly & knowledgeable, always happy to have a chat & will even accept suggestions for future ales. The recent addition of a bar billiards table is a nice traditional touch. Based on current form it would be an injustice should this pub not appear in the next edition of the Good Beer Guide.

6 Mar 2013 13:03

The Fat Cat, Colchester

This public house is truly unique, it is the only hostelry in the UK with an invisible landlord.

12 Mar 2012 21:00

Malsters Arms, Maldon

This is a real little gem, warm, welcoming & quirky. I am an occasional visitor from out of town & this pub has never let me down.

Their real ales come straight from the barrell & there are always two guest ales available. Considering this is a back street pub, business always appears brisk & there is never a shortage of friendly local characters who are more tham willing to chat. A special mention must go to Tom Polden, a true gentleman whose home-smoked cheese makes a regular appearance on the bar on Sundays.

There is no menu, but each lunchtime there is a selection of home-made rolls with interesting fillings, which together with their truly formidable range of bar snacks will keep the pangs of hunger away while you enjoy a few pints.

If you have any interest in pubs whatsoever, the Malsters is a must.

PS. It is the first pub in my experience to have rhubarb for sale on the bar.

2 Mar 2012 15:13

North Countymens Club, Colchester

I do not wish to be confrontational in anyway but all comments thus far made regarding the North Countrymen's Club are utter twaddle.

As a long standing member of this club I would like to put the record straight. The NCC is a private members club & has none of the trappings of a 'Masonic Lodge'. We are in no way a secret society & if members are loathe to reveal details of the club it is because they choose to do so. Membership is gained by sponsorship from a existing member & approval by the Committee.

Although we are flattered by inclusion on your site, we are not a traditional public house or bar & admission is strictly reserved for our membrship & their guests.

We are private, independant & proud of it.

2 Mar 2012 14:32

The New Inn, Colchester

I would just like to reiterate the comments made by Dalai Farmer. The couple he refers to took the New Inn to the brink of extinction. Under their stewardship the choice of ales was limited to say the least & the quality of these ales ranged from poor to undrinkable.

During this sorry period the level of customer service was pitiful, on one occasion I had to ask the 'landlord' who was playing the fruit machine to serve me & I was curtly told to 'wait! I'm playing'. During the Christmas period the pub was unheated because the 'landlady' 'couldn't be bothered'. Needless to say I banned myself from the premises.

Now thankfully the previous regime has been reinstated and in a two month period the pub has gone from strength to strength. They constantly have a changing selection of excellent ales in good condition.

I have resumed using this fine public house & I would urge others to do the same. They will not be disappointed.

2 Mar 2012 13:48