LOCAL PUB NEWS
MALDON and DENGIE BRANCH GBG Selection Proces
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If you wondered how the branch selects pubs for the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, here is an explanation of the process.
Beer Scoring (NBSS)
The National Beer Scoring System is a 0–5 point scale for judging beer quality. The system has been designed to assist CAMRA branches in selecting pubs for the Good Beer Guide and monitor quality by encouraging members from anywhere to report beer quality of any pub in the UK. To submit your scores just visit http://whatpub.com
The Maldon and Dengie branch has been using this system for several years now and has found it to be very effective at selecting the best pubs for the Good Beer Guide. Using the CAMRA NBSS spreadsheet, at the end of the year the scoring is analysed for any unusual scoring i.e., excessive use of 5’s and modified by applying CAMRA's Confidence Rating to show which pubs will sell good quality real ale consistently. The top scoring pubs in our area (we usually select eleven pubs) are then put forward for entry into the Good Beer Guide. This follows CAMRA's recommended method for pub selection for the Good Beer Guide.
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A list of real ciders according to CAMRA
Maldon and Dengie pubs
in the beer Guide 2025
"THE YARD"
"The Yard" Maldon
Thursday - 2-9pm
Friday and Saturday 12-9 pm
Sunday 12-7pm
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The Yard micropub in Maldon High Street, has recently been taken over by W.H.A.R.F Brewery.
It is currently open Thursdays to Sundays and is serving up fantastic real ales from the brewery and guest ales, bottled beers.
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OTHER NEWS
The Rose Inn in Southminster has been sold by Gray’s – the buyer was the former tenant of the Queen’s Head in the town, which was recently closed down for good. We understand he plans to reopen the Rose Inn in the spring.
The Yard, micropub in Maldon High Street, has recently been taken over by W.H.A.R.F Brewery, which stands for Witham, Harwich & Red Fox Breweries.
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We’re still getting out and about, visiting local pubs to update the information on the CAMRA WhatPub website.
If you spot any incorrect information do get in touch.
The Queens Head, Tolleshunt D'Arcy has (we've been informed) had a change of tenants. The Gray & Sons pub will open its doors again in early February.
The King’s Head in Tollesbury is doing well, providing an invaluable meeting place for the locals. During our recent visit, there was a really good choice of ales being served, including beers from Mauldon’s and Downton Brewery (Salisbury).
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The Sunny Sailor in Maldon changed hands after the sale and has a new name as well. The Muddy Duck (alongside the river Chelmer at Fullbridge) is trading.
The Queen Victoria in Woodham Walter, which was offered for sale by Gray & Sons several months ago, has been sold and we await news of the new owners intentions.
CROUCH VALLEY ALE TRAIL
A voyage of real ale discovery on the Essex coast. Along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford (on the Southend to London line) to Southminster, in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula. The line is 16½ miles long, and there is plenty to see along the way – the route passes through historic towns & maritime villages, important wildlife reserves and provides views of the picturesque River Crouch.
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