The Chequers, Harlow

Apparently The Chequers was a coaching Inn established in 1662 and the side access to the large rear beer garden backs up this claim. Unfortunately the L shaped interior is now more lounge bar than 350 year old coaching inn. The bar was stocked with standard draught alongside Amstel. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some very depressing music playing which nearly had me nodding off during my recent Thursday afternoon visit. A large chalkboard on the wall next to the toilets at the rear advertises live music every other Sunday, a quiz every other Wednesday, Karaoke every Thursday, jazz, soul & funk classics played on Friday evenings and contemporary soul club classics on Saturday evenings. In the large beer garden is a BBQ hut which is the sole provider of food for the pub. There is covered seating so I would imagine food is still available when it is raining or cold. An example of the advertised food was the Longhorn Burger for £8 and slow cooked ribs for £12. I think that the garden is a big draw, but I wouldn’t visit here again with the intention of sitting at the bar.