The Best Pubs in Chelmsford

This pub is a true haven for anyone who loves great beer. The team here is famously friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, always ready to guide you through a fantastic selection of craft and cask ales, plus a well stocked fridge. You can even sample a few with a flight, and if the weather cooperates, you can enjoy your drinks outside. It’s simply a top notch spot for a proper pint.

Welcome to the Horse & Groom, a comforting country pub in the idyllic village of Writtle offering quality pub classics and seasonal chef’s specials. Surrounded by picturesque countryside with numerous walking trails, it is the perfect spot to enjoy proper pub food and a refreshing drink in the beer garden. Guests can take advantage of fantastic value offers, including lunch and a drink for £12 and 2 for £12 cocktails. The pub is dog friendly in selected areas, family friendly, and features a historic pub with a car park and WiFi.

The Woolpack is a traditional Victorian pub known for its excellent real ales and craft beer selections, alongside live music and board games. It offers a welcoming spot with a nice courtyard and televisions throughout, plus bar food that includes pub grub specializing in different flavoured sausages. Frequent beer festivals and varied entertainment nights add to the appeal, and the venue is available for private hire for events like receptions. With a regular winner of pub of the year, this back street local is a place for good taste, good music, and good food.

This popular pub has a strong nautical theme with dark brown panelling, portholes, and ocean going curiosities inside. It offers excellent pub food including daily specials and the legendary ‘golden hind burger’, alongside a wide selection of real ales from Ridley’s brewery. The friendly staff and great value make it a fantastic spot, with outdoor seating at the front for al fresco dining in summer and cozy fires in winter.

The Orange Tree is a champion among real ale pubs, having been named City Pub of the Year, and its cask ales are simply excellent. The food is superb, with popular Sunday roasts and Thursday curry nights drawing in crowds. It's a belting spot that feels like a must visit, especially if you are heading to the cricket.

This is a cracking proper pub, brilliantly located right by the station with a welcoming buzz that pulls you in. The staff are famously fast and friendly, serving up well kept ales that won't break the bank. Step inside to find a surprisingly spacious interior, with a rear section cleverly designed to feel like a railway carriage, complete with fantastic memorabilia for any train enthusiast. With plenty of outdoor space and a lively, bustling energy, it is a genuinely enjoyable spot that perfectly blends convenience with character.

Tucked away on a back street, United Brethren is a true hidden gem that feels like a well kept secret. This ale and gin bar boasts a cracking selection of drinks, served by brilliant staff who make everyone feel welcome. The real ales are consistently excellent, and the food is a major draw, with locals raving about the homemade Sunday roasts and hearty lunches. Add in popular folk nights and quizzes, and you have a pub that’s full of character and genuine community spirit.

This place is a true gem for anyone who loves real ale. As Essex’s first micropub, it proudly serves five cask ales by gravity and boasts a collection of over 100 bottled beers. The selection leans heavily on traditional UK brews and classic Belgian bottles, making it a beloved local spot for serious beer enthusiasts. It’s a simple, welcoming space where the focus is entirely on the quality of the pint in your hand.

The Golden Fleece is a fantastic spot that transforms from a relaxed daytime craft pub into a lively night out with live music or DJs. Its huge outdoor area, complete with TVs, makes it the perfect place to catch the game while enjoying an excellent selection of real ales and beers. With friendly staff, a great mix of customers, and unbeatable value like two meals for £8, this historic 17th century pub is a true local gem.

The Riverside Inn is a true gem, a beautifully converted watermill that offers lovely views of the River Chelmer from its outdoor seating. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner, where the friendly staff and welcoming character make everyone feel at home. The Long Island Iced Tea comes highly recommended, and the ribs are a fantastic choice for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or a leisurely bite, this pub delivers a wonderfully calm and enjoyable experience.