The Angel & Harp, Great Dunmow

Situated at the northern end of Great Dunmow, this is more of a dining/events space than a pub. The car park was packed, which seemed at odds with other Essex pubs I'd visited. With no obvious entrance to the pub, I walked around to the front, only to find that the door is reserved for staff to use! Instead a notice directed me back to the rear where I passed through an outdoor patio area into the bar area. Inside, there is a large space, with the vast majority taken up by diners or at least tables set out for dining. Space available for drinkers is extremely limited, with one or two tables and benches set around some chunky pillars. Sitting there did feel like you were in the way of the various waiters and waitresses delivering food and drinks to tables. Elsewhere, the pub extended into a function room and there was a marquee in the garden. Events and functions are clearly a big part of their business model. Frustratingly, I arrived at the bar a split second after a guy placing a large order. After he had finished ordering and paying, the bar manager asked if I was next or the 2 guys sat at the end of the bar with empty glasses. I wasn't quite quick enough to intervene and proceeded to wait what seemed like an eternity for service, as the bar manager decided to disappear elsewhere instead of serve me, despite knowing I was waiting. All of this time, numerous barmen, barmaids, waiters and waitresses came and went whilst making drinks and sending them to tables. What is it with customer service in Essex? Everywhere I went was either outright poor or excellent. There was very little in between. 3 real ales were on - Adnams Ghost Ship, Bishop Nick Heresy & Wibbler's Dengie IPA. My IPA was good, but I just couldn't settle in this pub. It's obviously aimed more towards families, diners, upmarket drinking and events. I don't think I'm part of its target clientele.