Compiled by Nigel Sadler, our Pub Liaison Officer.

Welcome to the first edition of Pub News, a new newsletter designed to specifically keep branch members up to date with news, promotions, events, beers etc. from the pubs in our area. I intend to produce this monthly and as I gain momentum it should make an interesting addition to the current branch newsletter.

As newly appointed Branch Pub Liaison Officer I am in the process of making my way round the some 200 pubs in the area (and no it doesn‘t mean a pint in each one...unfortunately!)

So far I have visited 45 pubs in 4 days which cover Margaretting, Mountnessing, Writtle, Galleywood, Great Baddow, East Hanningfield and the eastside of Chelmsford.

I intend to get heavily involved in promoting not only CAMRA and real ales but to also give the local trade a boost where possible. 2009 will be a tough year for all business, as well as individuals, but with so many pubs closing we should aim to support them where possible.

As already mentioned this is the first edition so it might be a little light and only cover the areas above but will develop in coming months.

I would welcome any contributions in the meantime from branch members for inclusion in the February issue. My email address is nigsad@yahoo.co.uk and mobile number is 07798 764198.

Cheers

Nigel

WHITE HORSE — Townfield Street, Chelmsford CM1 1QJ — New landlord, Chris, arrived this week from Letchworth. Pub being completely refurbished and reopens on Monday 19th January. Chris aims to get back some of the pub‘s past glory with 5 real ales, good pub grub and home cooking. The bar billiards and darts will remain and the bar will be designed for a sort of ”2 area• approach with TV at one end and a quieter drinking area at the other. Chris is also launching a free loyalty card scheme for both food and drink with promotions in the future.

THE CUCKOO — Radley Green, CM4 0LT — Apparently this closed last week and no further news has been forthcoming.

BAKERS ARMS — Maldon Road, Danbury CM3 4QF — Landlady Kaley (formerly of The White Bear, Galleywood) took over the running of this pub last year. Previously the Bakers had a poor reputation and in particular relating to drug dealing. Kaley has had a £30,000 refit and has completely ridden the pub of the ”undesirable• element. Though a Grays pub she is keen to promote real ale and has plans for a mini-fest in the summer. More info on this to follow. As a side note she is keen to point out that they now offer a very reasonably priced take-away fish and chip service which has helped the local community.

THREE HORSESHOES — The Tye, East Hanningfield CM3 8AF — Appears to now be concentrating on its oriental food restaurant and not so much as a pub.

FLEECE — Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JP — Recently relaunched real ales with both Adnams and GK IPA on now. There are plans to have a third guest ale if the response is good. Though perhaps aimed at the younger crowd it is good to know another pub is helping to promote real ale.

THE SHIP — Stock Road, West Hanningfield CM2 8LB — For those that want to tax their brains landlady Kelly has weekly quiz nights every Tuesday and 3 real ales, including this week Black Sheep‘s Riggwelter, to sup whilst you think about the answers!

THE EAGLE — Stock Road, Galleywood CM2 8PS — Under new management. We wait to see what, if any, changes are made by the new owners.

VICTORIA — Victoria Road, Writtle CM1 3PA — Currently to let but still open. No news on potential landlord at this time.

ROSE & CROWN — The Green, Writtle CM1 3DT — Landlord Barry is keen to remind us that he has 5 or 6 real ales on of which 3 are guest ales. They will also be holding their own beer festival again in the spring this year and hope to have up to 70 beers available. More news on this in due course. Barry also owns the Rose & Crown down at Rochford which you may know.

HORSE & GROOM — Horse & Groom Lane, Galleywood Common CM2 8PL — Gets a mention for being my local and landlord Dave is keen to let everyone know that he now has up to 4 ales on from the Grays list of which GK IPA, Abbot and Oscar Wilde are regulars.