The Moletrap, Tawney Common

Don�t believe all the hype � the Mole Trap only scrapes a 5.5/10 � and that�s being generous. And no � I don�t like modern boozers � just friendly, nice pubs that look clean. So that�s why I came here during one of my Essex walks. Let�s start with�

The Good: forget the faded McMullen�s ashtrays or the McMullen�s signage above � that brewery was here back in the 1980�s � but instead I enjoy a lovely pint of Fuller�s London Pride � a perfect way to survey the surrounding green fields of The Mole Trap. Lovely pint. So far, so good.

The Bad: I�m at the food board - since when does Ham, Egg and Chips warrant �8.95? I opt for something more substantial, a tad-under-nine- quid home-cooked meat pie, but it isn�t much better than a frozen supermarket version. Although, the vegetables (broccoli, greens, swede and mash) are just right, but it really isn�t worth the price I�m afraid. This is a �5 meal, I�d say. I�m told the Theydon Oak in Epping does great food for around two quid less than the Mole Trap � and maybe you get a �hello� or �enjoy your meal� or a �goodbye� there? I wouldn�t say any of the 3 staff I came across were friendly � bit like the food prices really. And finally�

The Ugly: the Mole Trap is in dire need of a lick of paint and crying out for some TLC. Outside, flaking (McMullen�s of course) wall signs look down on a drab grey pavement with old green plastic patio seating from the 1990�s (I�m being generous again!) spoil what could be a good boozer. Inside, it�s quite dark, quaint all the same, but needing a bit of cash splashed around from the profits of the expensive pub grub they serve here. I just hope it gets rescued before it�s too late

24 May 2009 09:58

The Mole Trap, Stapleford Tawney

Don�t believe all the hype � the Mole Trap only scrapes a 5.5/10 � and that�s being generous. And no � I don�t like modern boozers � just friendly, nice pubs that look clean. So that�s why I came here during one of my Essex walks. Let�s start with�

The Good: forget the faded McMullen�s ashtrays or the McMullen�s signage above � that brewery was here back in the 1980�s � but instead I enjoy a lovely pint of Fuller�s London Pride � a perfect way to survey the surrounding green fields of The Mole Trap. Lovely pint. So far, so good.

The Bad: I�m at the food board - since when does Ham, Egg and Chips warrant �8.95? I opt for something more substantial, a tad-under-nine- quid home-cooked meat pie, but it isn�t much better than a frozen supermarket version. Although, the vegetables (broccoli, greens, swede and mash) are just right, but it really isn�t worth the price I�m afraid. This is a �5 meal, I�d say. I�m told the Theydon Oak in Epping does great food for around two quid less than the Mole Trap � and maybe you get a �hello� or �enjoy your meal� or a �goodbye� there? I wouldn�t say any of the 3 staff I came across were friendly � bit like the food prices really. And finally�

The Ugly: the Mole Trap is in dire need of a lick of paint and crying out for some TLC. Outside, flaking (McMullen�s of course) wall signs look down on a drab grey pavement with old green plastic patio seating from the 1990�s (I�m being generous again!) spoil what could be a good boozer. Inside, it�s quite dark, quaint all the same, but needing a bit of cash splashed around from the profits of the expensive pub grub they serve here. I just hope it gets rescued before it�s too late

24 May 2009 09:55