The Jolly Sailor, Maldon

A somewhat run down and ramshackle looking pub in a prime spot with views over the estuary, it makes the most of it’s position with a terrace overlooking the water as well as a good sized patio area off to the side. Unfortunately the downside of this is that it can get extremely busy as was the case when we visited, although to be fair not only was it an exceptionally hot and sunny afternoon but large crowds had also come to the nearby Malden car show. As a result, tables were left stacked with dirty glasses and plates, it took a good ten minutes to get served at the bar, and from what I could overhear it would appear that they had run out of many of the dishes on the menu. Internally it’s clearly had a bit of a spruce up unlike the outside of the pub, but has little in the way of any character. The front part of the pub is a fairly small L shape, with a sanded wood floor, a few black beams on the ceiling and green painted walls. A couple of small pictures were on the wall, and an old ship’s wheel was in one of the windows, but there was little else of any note. A couple of TV’s were on the walls but the volume was off so this was not too intrusive. A small room at the rear was perhaps a little cosier but broadly similar in terms of décor with a low beamed ceiling and a whitewashed brick fireplace. Beers on tap were Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and London Pride, whilst the ciders were Strongbow Cloudy Apple and Rekorderlig. Overall, with it’s prime spot and good views this could be a great pub, but with the ridiculously slow service and generally tatty appearance, it didn’t particularly do it for me.

This is a small old pub set back a few yards up the hill from the quayside road. Inside it's a single L shaped room with black beams and white painted walls. The floor is a rather cheap and nasty wood laminate. The tables are set for potential dining but no more so than any Spoons. There ia a pleasant garden area at the front overlooking the estuary. The bar has four hand pumps with I thought a disappointing selection, GK IPA & Ale'oha , London Pride and Doom Bore. I went for the GK seasonal beer the Ale'oha which was in reasonable nick but on a humid thundery day rather on the warm side. I thought the £3.65 price tag was a bit steep. The beer choice let this place down for me in what is ostensibly a free house. I suspect the attraction here is the garden overlooking the estuary but water born vessels of any description don't really float my boat. It does accommodation so may be a good option for folk who like all that stuff.

Official site of the Jolly Sailor - www.jollysailor.com

Official site of the Jolly Sailor - www.jollysailor.com