Crafty Casks, Rayleigh

Blue Scrumpy left this review about Crafty Casks

The definition of micropub does seem to get stretched a little these days. Whilst it probably fits within the micropub definition, as a former retail unit, it feels more like a modern bar.

There is a large single room with the bar to the rear. All cask and keg taps are on the rear wall itself. Blackboard above list the cask ales and craft beers, with separate lists for ciders and cocktails. In addition, a fridge to the right-hand side of the bar stocked various cans and bottles.

4 cask ales were Colchester Number 1, Brew York Clifford's, Tiny Rebel Beach Off & Wibbler's Copperhouse. Ciders were all from Snail's Bank - Fruit Bat, Apply Dapply, Pig Squeal, Rhubarb Cider, Mango Cider, Strawberry & Lime Cider & Toffee Apple Cider. Craft beers were Brew York Jarsa, Black Bess, Juice Forsyth, Big Trouble In Little Kirsch & Coney, Tiny Rebel Cali Pale & Easy Livin', Leigh-on-Sea Boatyard IPA, Vault City Even S'More Double Maple Triple Chocolate Blueberry & Coconut Cacao & Kona Big Wave. There was also a draft cider, which was also from Snail's Bank. This was their Raspberry Ripple.

Children are allowed in. In fact, there was a toddler at the bar. Music was playing and there is a TV on the side wall. Live music was advertised and there is a small stage area near the entrance. Merchandise such as t-shirts, baseball caps and hoodies were being sold. It really doesn't have the feel of a micropub. Although board games such as Connect 4 & Scrabble did help its claim.

Micropub or bar, I still quite liked this place. The last time I was in Rayleigh back in 2015, the only decent pub the town had to offer was the Wetherspoon's and that was a poor pub even by Wetherspoon's standards. With an excellent beer and cider range, Crafty Casks offers something a little different and is a valuable addition to the local drinking scene.

On 5^th October 2024 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3040 recommendations about 3038 pubs]