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CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2023: Essex pubs with beer gardens named among the country’s best
The sun is out which means that many of us will be looking to enjoy an afternoon of laying around, possibly with a beverage in our hands. In Essex we have plenty of fantastic boozers and now that the weather is improving it’s worth taking a trip out to enjoy those with a brilliant pub garden.
Some of the region’s top pubs have been featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2023. More than 100 pubs from across the county are included in the latest edition, as well as 30 breweries.
Essex has seen 15 new pubs added to the guide since last year. The boozers range all across Essex, from Chelmsford and Southend to Maldon, Harlow and Colchester.
READ MORE: Tiny unspoiled Essex village home to 2,000 residents named among Britain’s best
With the fine weather in mind (and a bank holiday weekend fast approaching), we’ve taken a look at the 15 new pubs featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide to see which have beer gardens.
For more information about each of the pubs mentioned below, and to get yourself a copy of the Good Beer Guide 2023, visit the CAMRA website here.
The six new pubs with a beer garden which feature in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2023
New Welcome Sailor, Burnham-on-Crouch
The New Welcome Sailor is a welcoming and friendly local boozer owned by Grays. On tap are local specialities like Mighty Oak Maldon Gold, as well as Wibblers Dengie IPA and Crafty Stoat.
The Good Pub Guide says: “A welcoming and friendly street-corner local owned by Grays. It hosts regular live music and karaoke events.
“There is an attractive outside seating area and rear patio garden, and a separate function room. Several TVs show live sport and the pub is home to darts and pool teams. A weekly meat raffle is held in aid of local charities.”
Station Road, CM0 8HF
Swan Inn, Chappel
The Swan Inn describes itself as “an inviting pub and restaurant serving seasonal menus, tempting cocktails, well-kept real ales & fine wines located in the picturesque village of Chappel.” Located in a stunning Grade-II listed building near the viaduct of a local trainline, there’s also a large beer garden, terrace and heated marquee for when the temperature drops.
The local pub has three changing beers sourced nationally, but regularly come from Colchester Brewery a short distance away.
The Street, CO6 2DD
The Ship, Chelmsford
This city centre pub is described as being a “traditional” establishment with “some outside seating in front”. The CAMRA guide adds: “The decor is nautical, with dark-brown panelling, portholes, masts, rope, rigging and other maritime artefacts. A wide range of food is offered, including daily specials. There is a jukebox and occasional live music. Sport is shown on the TV.”
The pub’s close proximity to rail and bus stations, with a public car park at the rear, makes it perfect for a trip into Chelmsford.
The Magnet, Colchester
This is a newly renovated micropub on the site of a previous pub, close to Colchester North station. On offer are three changing beers, alongside an “unusual” selection of keg beers, as well as a full range of Essex spirits, the Guide says.
The Guide says: “The pub has a functional layout with a relaxed vibe, and benefits from a suntrap, westerly-facing courtyard area.”
134 North Station Road, CO1 1UZ
The Garnon Bushes, Coopersale
The Garnon Bushes is found along the Essex Way, making it a great stop for walkers needing a rest (and a pint). The pub has flagged floors and low beams, and dates back to the 17th century.
On tap are Courage Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, and a changing beer. There’s an ever-changing menu, as well as both indoor and outdoor seating on offer.
13 Coopersale Common, CM16 7QS
The Crown, Old Harlow
This 16th-century building was formerly a coaching inn and the smaller part was a grocer’s shop, imbuing it with a strong sense of history. When work was undertaken to remove the connecting wall between the two, a 17th-century floral wall painting was discovered, which has been preserved in a side room.
The Guide says: “The large garden is popular in summer, and the pub is a favourite meeting place for locals. There are occasional acoustic afternoons, and live music on Saturday night. Traditional pub food is served, with vegan options.”
40 Market Street, CM17 0AQ
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