Runabout Report

by Dave Whiting

Our late July trip took us to Homersfield, Flixton and Bungay. First stop was the impressive Homersfield Black Swan. Here this Free House was offering Adnams Bitter (£2.60), Wolf Golden Jackal (£2.70), GK St Edmund (£2.70) and Green Jack Orange Wheat (£2.70). The pleasant but large interior provided ample space for us all to relax whilst some took a short strole to the nearby historic bridge that crosses the county border before it got dark. Next stop was to Flixton Buck. This free house is located adjacent to a large aviation museum which soon became a distraction for several members of the tour group. Inside the large and welcoming pub offered Woodfordes Mardlers Mild (£2.70), Nelsons Revenge (£2.80), Adnams Bitter (£2.70), Eldoods Pageantry (£2.70) and Green Jack Elderflower (£2.80). All too soon we were off again and heading towards Bungay. Here the Chequers offered a cosy single bar with Woodfordes Mardlers (£2.50), Sundew (£2.50), London pride (£2.50) , Adnams Bitter (£2.50) and Buffys Norwich Terrier (£2.50) whilst the Green Dragon is the towns only brew-pub and offered Chaucer Ale (£2.10), Bridge St Bitter (£2.20), Dragon Gold (£2.20) and a Strong Mild (£2.50). Some of us finished the evening in this comfortable two bar pub whilst others explored elsewhere. Just as it was time to leave the town was hit by a significant downpour so for a while it was a job to get anyone out of any of the pubs!

Our early August trip took us to Manningtree, Stutton and Tattingstone. First stop was Manningtree where we headed first to the Crown and its views of the Stour estuary. The pub is owned by GK and offered IPA (£1.99), Mild (£2.60), Abbot (£3.25) and Sundance (£3.35). A short walk took us to the Red Lion. This free house was offering Adnams Bitter (£2.80), Deuchars IPA (£3), Tom Woods Summer Day (£3) and o’Hanlons Yellow Hammer (£3). We also enjoyed a few bar snacks provided during our visit. Driving on to the Gardeners Arms in Stutton we soon settled into this comfortable rural pub. A Free House the pub was offering Nethergate 3.9 (£2.80), Greyhound Smoothhound (£2.80), Adnams Bitter (£2.80) and Broadside (£3.30). Finally we headed to Tattingstone where we soon were parked at the White Horse. This once prominent main road pub is now bypassed and enjoys a quieter setting. Inside we were offered Hopback Summer Lightning (£2.80), Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (£2.80), Adnams Bitter (£2.60) and Cliff Quay Tolly Roger (£2.80), whilst outside on a delightfully clear evening some of us sat for a while looking for shooting stars.

Our late August trip took us to Langenhoe & West Mersea. The Langenhoe Lion was formerly a GK pub - but when we visited it was offering Adnams Bitter (£2.70), Mersea Island Yo Boy (£2.60), Rooster Hedgehog (£2.40) and Wadworth Henry’s IPA (£2.70). Travelling over the “strood” and onto the island we were soon at the Fox. This small traditional Free House gave us a very warm welcome and was offering Mauldon Gold (£2.80), GK IPA (£2.80), Black Sheep Bitter (£2.80) and Woodfordes Wherry (£2.80). Finally we headed down towards the river front where we finished the night at the Victory. This large and well appointed pub was offering St Austell Tribute (£3.10), GK iPA (£2.90) and Courage Best (£3.10). Sadly the view of the estuary was rather spoit by the very dark and low clouds.

Our October trip took us to Stoke by Nayland, Leavenheath and Assington. First stop was the massive Stoke Crown. This popular eating and drinking venue has also been considerably improved and extended in recent years. Despite being a Wed eve, the car-park was almost full – we just squeezed in and soon found Adnams Bitter (£2.95), Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (£3.05), Timothy Taylor Landlord (£3.05) and Woodfordes Wherry (£2.95) on offer. Just across the road is the Angel where accommodation and fine cuisine is also available. They were offering Adnams Bitter (£3), Broadside (£3.20) and Explorer (£3.10) on handpump. Soon we were heading to the Levenheath Lion. Here we found Adnams Bitter (£2.80) and GK IPA (£2.70) on offer. This pub also has a good reputation for food. They usually also offer a guest ale (£2.90). Finally we headed to Assington Shoulder of Mutton. This pub usually offers four beers – GK IPA (£2.90), Morland OSH (£2.90), Adnams Bitter (£2.90) and a guest beer from Mauldons (£2.90) – sadly during our visit they only had one left on but still tried to make us welcome with some chips and a lovely cosy atmosphere.

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