The Rampant Horse, Needham Market

Re-opened (after a short hiatus), this pub is now owned and run by the Calvors micro brewery, which is situated just a couple of miles away, and which brews real lagers. t only re-opened on Saturday 31st March, so my visit on Sunday 1st was to a pub that is still not settled into its identity fully, but which was nevertheless, very welcoming and friendly. Beers on offer were the four Calvors lagers (3point8, Premium, Amber, Dark), Woodforde's Wherry (very good), Crouch Vale Yakima (a new one for me, but excellent), Sgarpe's Doom Bar (not tried), and Apalls Dry Cider (again, made only a few miles away). A small menu consisting mostly of locally-sourced produce is available (Sunday's offering was locally-produced roast pork or roast beef, with a vegetarian Tarte Tatin. Close to the railway station, so accessible without a need of a car, and only a short detour from the Gipping Valley river path. Also close to Needham Lake amenity site. Service was knowledgeable and friendly (by the Calvors head brewer on my visit). Strongly recommended!

2 Apr 2012 10:31