The Walnut Tree in Chelmsford

This was a favourite of my husband’s family many years ago, thought we’d visit for a reminiscence. Not even a hello, please or thank you from the person who served us. Huge shame as puts you off from visiting again

This is a proper old pub, having changed little over the years. Best pint of Landlord you will find. Cash only, no food.

This is a completely unpretentious village pub which seems to exist in its own little time warp. The interior seems to have barely changed since the pub was built in 1888, apart from the addition of a toilet block and the perspex Covid screen across the bar. It's quirky, the landlord isn't exactly your traditional ebullient host. But all this seems to create a strange sort of charm. There are a few tables outside the front of the pub (occupied by cheerful locals when we were there) and more in the peaceful, grassy garden behind. Although there are beer hand-pumps on the bar the beer is actually gravity-dispensed in the 'cellar' behind the bar. And the beer is clearly cared for properly, the pint of Landlord I had was excellent. The Cask Marque awards are well deserved. If I lived in the village I would definitely frequent this pub. As it is I will have to settle with knowing it is there if I should be passenger this way again. Don't come here expecting food. Do come expecting a really good pint. Also, you'll need cash as that is all that is accepted here. Cash is king!

Pub of the year 1993 up on the wall, that says it all really. Cash only in massive letters when you walk in… another red flag perhaps… unperturbed my partner and I carried on and took a right into the saloon bar… we were immediately hit by the musty smell. This is where we first met the landlady… didn’t look at us.. just said cash only… I asked for two halves as I knew going in was a big mistake… I was very polite, perhaps too polite given the experience so far… to say we were met with contempt for coming into the establishment and buying a drink was an understatement. No eye contact, no thank you… all we got was… £5 and a hand outstretched…. the rudest person we have ever met. After that she went off out the back and that was that. I was just going to leave the drinks there and go but my partner, quite rightly said we should drink them…. I would loved to have visited 30 years ago when it was pub of the year as I would imagine it was worlds apart… unfortunately for us we both agreed it was the worst pub we had ever been to bar none… but what an experience!!

The previous reviews were the reason I sought out this pub and if you don't have a car you will need to make an effort! I'm glad to say this country pub exceeded all my expectations...good real ale served by gravity straight from the barrel...no food only snacks....as one of the punters said just like pubs used to be a few decades ago...a trip back in time! If you're looking for the original no nonsense quintessential English pub then look no further!