The Blue Boar, Maldon

Absolutely superb 14th century coaching inn as described below. Dispenses their own Farmers Ales and the Nelsons Blood is an interesting one to try. Also has a function room above the bar area known as the Oak Room which closer resembled a small mediaeval banqueting hall, with low slung beams and fully equipped with period portraits and full suit of armour. Used to have local musicians perform in the Oak Room every month, but not sure if they still do.

A wonderfully atmospheric 14th century coaching inn situated in the heart of town. The main hotel takes up one side of the courtyard whereas the pub with its two bars is opposite. The relatively unspoilt front bar (the Tap Room) has bare parqued floor, an old brick faced fireplace, original old beams and a whole host of wonky walls with suitabley off centre pictures. Stuffed animal heads, horns and antlers overlook proceedings and a fabulous ornate antique cabinet stands in the corner. The carpeted rear bar is more intimate but no less atmospheric with low wonky beamed ceilings and a real sense of history aided by the slightly nautical theme with old ship portraits (all seemingly depicted on rather choppy seas) and ships wheels. The Farmers Ales are brewed on premises and dispensed direct from the series of 12 racked barrels (5 were available on my last visit). The atmosphere is generally lively without being raucous and the locals were all very friendly and chatty. The antics of Popsy the dog will generally keep you entertained. Whilst we didn’t eat on our recent visit, we have dined here before and food was very good and reasonably priced. Upstairs is a function room with a vaulted ceiling and its own bar but I’ve so far not been able to venture up to see it. The toilets are situated in the main hotel building on the other side of the courtyard although sadly there isn’t any access to the hotel itself which is apparently equally interesting. All in all, an excellent pub, one of my favourites and one that doesn’t need many excuses to warrant a visit.