The Best Pubs in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, a city with deep Essex roots and a vibrant local identity, the pub scene is a rich tapestry that blends centuries of tradition with modern craft and community spirit. You can find everything from historic inns serving home cooked food and real ales to lively spots with bottomless brunches, sports screens, and dog friendly beer gardens. Whether you’re after a quiet pint by a fire, a sunny courtyard with friends, or a buzzing night of live music and cocktails, this city offers a welcoming pub for every mood and occasion. Discover the best pubs in Chelmsford and find your perfect local.


1. Brewhouse & Kitchen
Anne Knight Building, Duke St, Chelmsford CM1 1LW, UK
Head to Brewhouse & Kitchen for an absolute treat, where award-winning craft beers are brewed right on site and perfectly paired with a memorable Sunday roast or their signature beer can chicken. The welcoming team delivers fast, friendly service that makes every visit feel special, whether you’re settling in for a bottomless brunch, catching a rugby match, or bringing your dog along for a pint on the outdoor terrace. With unbeatable weekly deals, a cracking steak and ale pie, and a lively lineup of quizzes and DJ sets, this is the perfect spot for groups, work meets, or simply enjoying a Proper Pint in a brilliantly buzzing local pub.


2. The Orange Tree
6 Lower Anchor St, Chelmsford CM2 0AS, UK
For the perfect blend of top notch ales and live sport, The Orange Tree is an absolute gem. With a fantastic range of well kept local beers, a welcoming team, and plenty of space for groups, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for the rugby or simply enjoy a quiet pint by the fire. Their outdoor seating is ideal for sunny days, while the dog friendly policy and live music make every visit feel like a proper local’s choice.
Photo by Glyn Baker — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Rose & Crown
57 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3DT, UK
Tucked away on the village green, The Rose & Crown is a historic gem that has been serving the community since 1642, offering a wonderfully warm welcome and home cooked food every single day. Whether you're settling in for a pint of real ale, catching live music, or watching the big game with your dog by your side, this family run spot has something for everyone. Their sunny courtyard and large beer garden are perfect for groups, while the impressive selection of wines, gins, and cocktails ensures every visit feels like a treat.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Gardeners
Forsythia Cl, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6XW, UK
Head to The Gardeners for a fantastic local pub that delivers huge portions of great food at incredibly fair prices, all while keeping the drinks flowing with beer, wine, and cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to catch every major sporting event on big screens, or to bring your dog along for a relaxed afternoon in the beer garden. With live music, a pool table, dartboards, and a wonderfully friendly crowd, this is the kind of place where you’ll never leave hungry and always feel right at home.


5. The Tulip
Church Ln, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 7SF, UK
Head to The Tulip for a wonderfully serene spot that feels like a hidden gem, perfect for relaxing with friends, family, or just a quiet drink. The food is excellent and great value, with a friendly team that makes every visit a pleasure, whether you're celebrating a birthday or enjoying a leisurely lunch. With sports screens ready to go, a lovely outdoor area, and a warm welcome for dogs and groups, it’s a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Photo by Rodney Lewis — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The United Brethren
New Writtle St, Chelmsford CM2 0LF, UK
The United Brethren, known locally as The UB, is a wonderfully traditional pub that puts exceptional drinks and genuine community spirit at the very heart of every visit. With 10 taps and 3 hand pumps offering everything from classic cask ales to unusual draught beers, plus a thoughtfully curated global wine list and an impressive range of local gins, there’s a perfect pour for everyone. The beautifully refurbished interior creates a true home from home, while the outdoor garden is ideal for sunny afternoons, often accompanied by visiting food trucks. Live music and DJ nights bring the space to life, and with friendly, knowledgeable staff, a dog friendly policy, and plenty of room for groups, this is a pub that absolutely nails the simple joy of a great drink in great company.


7. The Angel
160 Main Rd, Broomfield, Chelmsford CM1 7AH, UK
Step into The Angel and discover a wonderfully welcoming spot where cracking service and beautifully cooked food take centre stage, from perfectly prepared ribeye steaks to tasty, satisfying dishes that keep guests coming back. Settle in with a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail in the outdoor seating area, all while enjoying a friendly buzz that's ideal for groups and four legged companions alike. With a team that’s genuinely attentive and a setting that feels both relaxed and special, this is a pub that delivers a genuinely lovely experience every single time.
Photo by Peter Stack — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Ship Public House
18 Broomfield Rd, Chelmsford CM1 1SW, UK
Set sail for The Ship Public House, a legendary local that’s been a beloved meeting point for years thanks to its warm welcome and cracking location near the station. Whether you’re diving into the legendary Golden Hind Burger, sinking a Ridley’s Real Ale, or sipping a cocktail on the front terrace, there’s always a lively buzz perfect for groups and sports fans alike. With a quirky nautical interior, roaring winter fires, and a packed calendar of quiz nights and live music, this is a top spot to drop anchor any day of the week.
Photo by Brenda Howard — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. Horse & Groom
Roxwell Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3RU, UK
Nestled in the pretty village of Writtle, the Horse & Groom is a charming country pub that perfectly blends traditional character with a warm, inviting energy. Whether you're settling in for a superb Sunday roast, enjoying a crisp glass of wine, or sharing a round of cocktails with friends, the food and drinks here are consistently excellent. The spacious beer garden is a true highlight, ideal for sunny afternoons with your dog by your side, while the friendly team ensures every group feels right at home. It's the kind of place where you'll find yourself already planning your next visit before you've even left.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Golden Fleece
84 Duke St, Chelmsford CM1 1JP, UK
Welcome to the Golden Fleece, a brilliantly revamped pub where craft beer, cocktails, and live sport come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're settling in for a bottomless brunch, catching the big match on HD screens, or enjoying the spacious beer garden with your dog, every visit feels like a celebration. With a fantastic selection of drinks, live music, and a warm welcome for groups, this is the ultimate spot for a lively, memorable night out.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




