The Picture Palace (Lloyds No 1 ), Braintree

The former Embassy cinema has been a Wetherspoon pub since 1998 but it retains much of its rather austere 1935 Art Deco look (with local Crittall windows and an unconverted circle). With unfussy seating in the stalls and the bar counter in front of the screen / stage area, it looks like it could be converted back again without too much work (as unlikely as that might be). In addition to the regular Ruddles, Doom Bar and Abbot, I found a couple of Adnams ales - Ghost Ship and Old Ale (£2.99) - along Devon Dumpling from Bays, Bishop Nick's Devout stout and Jaipur on the two banks of six handpumps.

Imposing building with a standard spoons makeover inside. 4 guests on including Brewsters Hop A Doodle, Saltaire Blonde and Hydes Lowry.