The White Lion, Sawbridgeworth

I'm new to this town and I like it!
I decided (as any single man would) to have a saunter around and check out the local inns. I made an educated (possibly!) decision to aim for pubs that appeared to most traditional from the outside, you know... roses round the door, low doorways, well tended hanging baskets building that generally oozed history. They were okay, but this little (believe me it isn't as big as it looks when you get in!) pub had something to offer beyond what it lacked asthetically. There were two fires going the day I visited, food was on all day (NO BREAKS!!!) half the village appeared to be here (The rest I suggest in my second choice, the George), the ale was restricted to green king products , which is not a hinderance in my eyes, but I like a broad choice. Having said that I had a swift half of the four on offer and they were all mighty fine. The chicken and chorizo pie I had for lunch, took quite a while to come but was well worth the wait. It is not the traditional pub I was looking for but you know what in many ways it was better, I saw no evidence inside of a dodgy past, the staff were helpful and honest about food times and food recommendations, I am giving this pub a great review because I believe and (judging by the amount of well rounded individuals inside) many locally believe this pub is currently the pub with the best all round offer. Are there better? Yes. But not in this small town with such a high ratio of population to pubs, this pub shone out.

P.S - they appear to be working on the toilets, the barman told us they were a little "shonky" before, I like the attention to detail, many pubs leave toilets a slow second(or futher)... not this one.

20 Jan 2011 12:02