New Writtle St, Chelmsford CM2 0LF

About This Pub

Ah, The United Brethren – what a gem in the heart of Chelmsford! From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, this place really nails the essence of a traditional British pub while keeping things fresh and inviting. You'll find an impressive array of beers on tap, from classic cask options to more adventurous craft brews, paired with a solid selection of wines and spirits that cater to all tastes. The staff often come across as genuinely friendly and professional, creating that homely atmosphere where you can pop in for a chat or enjoy some live music and DJ nights that really liven up the place. Plus, with outdoor seating and the occasional food truck visit, it's spot on for a laid-back afternoon or evening. But, let's be honest, it's not without its flaws – there are tales of the service being a bit hit or miss at times, and it can get crowded, leading to waits that might frustrate you on a busy night. Still, with such a strong overall rating and that community feel, I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy a pint in a place that feels like a proper local haunt.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The selection of beers is absolutely spot on, with a great mix of classic cask ales, craft options, and even some unusual draughts that keep things exciting for us beer lovers.
  • The atmosphere is just lovely – it's got that traditional British pub charm with a modern twist, making it feel like a real community hub where you can relax with mates or enjoy a quiet pint.
  • Staff are generally friendly and passionate about what they do, serving up drinks with a smile and making you feel right at home.
  • They've got live music and DJ events that add a brilliant buzz, plus outdoor seating where food trucks pop up, which is perfect for a casual evening out.
  • It's been nicely refurbished, creating a welcoming space that's ideal for catching up with friends or trying out their comprehensive wine and spirits list.
Cons
  • There have been a few grumbles about customer service not always hitting the mark, with some experiences feeling a bit indifferent, which can put a dampener on things.
  • It can get pretty busy, especially on evenings or weekends, so you might end up queuing at the bar, which isn't ideal if you're after a quick drink.
  • Since it's not focused on food, options are limited – you're mostly looking at what's on offer from visiting food trucks, so if you're hoping for a full meal, it might leave you wanting more.

Contact Information

New Writtle St, Chelmsford CM2 0LF
+441245492273
Pub
Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday12:00 - 23:00
Thursday12:00 - 23:00
Friday (Today)12:00 - 01:00
Saturday12:00 - 01:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

🍻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ The United Brethren – Chelmsford’s Hidden Gem for Craft Beer Enthusiasts Tucked just off Moulsham Street, The United Brethren, affectionately known as "The UB," is a quintessential British pub that has been revitalized into a vibrant community hub. Whether you're a local or visiting, this welcoming spot offers a delightful blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair. 🍺 Exceptional Beer Selection With a commitment to quality, The UB boasts 10 taps and 3 hand pumps, featuring a rotating selection of classic and innovative draught and cask beers. Expect to find offerings from renowned breweries like Chelmsford Brewing Company, ensuring a fresh and diverse drinking experience. 🎶 Vibrant Atmosphere The pub's spacious interior is complemented by a large garden area, complete with undercover seating in a giant tepee—perfect for enjoying a pint regardless of the weather. The UB frequently hosts live music and DJ events, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. 🐶 Dog-Friendly & Family-Welcoming Families and pet owners will appreciate the inclusive environment. The garden area is dog-friendly until 8 PM, and the pub maintains a family-friendly ambiance, making it an ideal spot for all ages to relax and enjoy. 📍 Convenient Location Situated just off Moulsham Street, The UB is easily accessible and offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling town center pubs. Its proximity to local shops and attractions makes it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors.
OF
Oliver Findlay
We used The UB's function room for a small family gathering on Sunday. It's a great pub with a lovely selection of beers, wines and spirits. The pub has a lovely atmosphere and staff were really helpful.
AA
Appkazoo AI
Certainly! Here’s a strongly worded negative review for The United Brethren: I had an absolutely awful experience at The United Brethren. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that customer care is the last thing on their minds. The staff were indifferent at best, barely acknowledging us, and any requests we made were met with eye rolls or sighs. The service was painfully slow, and when our food finally arrived, it was lukewarm and underwhelming. But the worst part? The landlord. In all my years of dining out, I have never encountered someone so shockingly rude and unprofessional. Rather than creating a welcoming atmosphere, he seemed to go out of his way to make customers feel like an inconvenience. When we politely raised a concern about our meal, his response was dismissive and borderline hostile. It’s one thing to have a bad meal—it’s another to be treated with absolute disdain. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of better pubs out there where you’ll actually be treated with basic decency. Avoid The United Brethren unless you enjoy being made to feel unwelcome.
TN
Tom newton
I absolutely LOVE this place. It just works on all levels for me. Never feels awkward when you walk in, never feels like any atmosphere other than welcoming and warm. Staff are all friendly, polite and professional. Plenty of outside seating area and often have a van offering street food which I highly recommend. As for the drinks, well I am literally addicted to Old Rascal Cider and can’t recommend it highly enough enough.
JL
Jason Little
Super pub in Chelmsford, very busy on the Friday evening of my visit, but worth the wait at the bar. The Brethren of this pubs clientele are united in appreciation of the great job the pub is doing to serve their local community, a couple of ales available, but more craft choice, see the pubs bio.
MR
Matt Reid

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