The White Horse, Pleshey

The White Horse is a former pub which before the present owners was a focus for locals from the outlying villages. It was not unknown for plates of decent food to be served at 10pm if you were late back from work. Now it's become a food factory; all drinkers, including me, have packed their bags and scattered after being banished to a 'reception' bar the size of a pantry. These rambler-restaurants are a curse on the local community, I'm afraid.

1 Mar 2008 13:13

The Chequers, Felsted

A basic pub with an almost hilariously clear class divide between ordinary locals in the bar and public school teachers and parents in the lounge. Outside at the back is a patio where one can watch one's child playing cricket on Felsted School's 'Front'. It's worth a visit just to enjoy the demographics.

1 Mar 2008 13:03

The Compasses, Littley Green

The Compasses certainly provides refuge for dinosaurs. The seating is arse-punishingly basic, mobile phones are banned and service slow - definitely a throw-back. The Hartford End Brewery down the road has now shut.

1 Mar 2008 12:59