Great British Pubs

Best Pubs in Chelmsford

Looking for the best pubs in Chelmsford? Essex's county city mixes market-town heritage with a thriving real ale scene, especially around Moulsham Street and the railway arches near the station. From long-established locals to busy town-centre bars, drinking out in Chelmsford reflects the wider pub culture of Essex. Whether you want real ale, pub food, or a quiet corner for a pint, Chelmsford's top hostelries are a fine introduction to the area.

The best pub in Chelmsford Must visit
The Ship Pub
Cask Marque Pub food Near station

The Ship★★★★★

18 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SW

A Cask Marque-accredited traditional Pub near the station, known for warm service, well-kept ales including Maldon Gold, and honest Pub grub from the blackboard menu.

5-star rated Website listed Find us online MapsWebsiteFacebookInstagramX

  1. Highly Recommended

    The Orange Tree Pub
    Highly Recommended CAMRA Pub of the Year Changing ales

    The Orange Tree★★★★★

    6 Lower Anchor Street, CM2 0AS

    Repeatedly voted Chelmsford CAMRA Pub of the Year, with two large bars, a rear patio, and four to six constantly changing cask ales, always including something dark.

    Moulsham Street 5-star rated Local favourite Maps

  2. Recommended

    The Queen's Head Pub
    Recommended

    The Queen's Head★★★★★

    30 Lower Anchor Street, CM2 0AS

    A Crouch Vale brewery Pub and genuine beer haven, minutes from the station and Essex County Cricket Ground. Excellent cask ales, open fires, and a welcoming back room for food.

    Crouch Vale Real ale Cricket ground MapsWebsiteFacebookX

More pubs in Chelmsford

  1. The Ale House Pub
    Railway arches

    The Ale House

    24-26 Viaduct Road, CM1 1TS

    Housed in railway arches beside the station, with one of the widest ranges of beer in Essex, up to nine cask ales, six real ciders, and a rotating craft keg selection.

    Craft beer Beer festivals Find us online
  2. The Plough Pub
    By the station

    The Plough

    28 Duke Street, CM1 1HY

    A cosy Pub next to the train station, refreshing travellers since at least 1842. Flagstone floors, up to eight real ales, and a beer garden, easy to miss your train.

    Since 1842 Beer garden Website listed
  3. The United Brethren Pub

    The United Brethren

    New Writtle Street, CM2 0LF

    Known locally as The UB, this drink-focused Pub off Moulsham Street emphasises cask and craft beer over food, with a large garden, tepee seating, and regular live music.

    Craft & cask Live music Large garden
  4. The Woolpack Pub

    The Woolpack

    23 Mildmay Road, CM2 0DN

    A big, traditional Moulsham Pub with character and community spirit. A reliable stop on any Chelmsford ale trail with a solid range of well-kept cask beers.

    Traditional Moulsham Community Pub
  5. The Cricketers Pub

    The Cricketers

    143 Moulsham Street, CM2 0JT

    A long-established Moulsham Street local with a proper Pub feel, dartboard, regulars, and a welcoming public bar serving well-kept real ale at fair prices.

    Moulsham Street Traditional bar Local favourite
  6. The Railway Tavern Pub

    The Railway Tavern

    63 Duke Street, CM1 1LW

    A classic Duke Street boozer within easy reach of the station, offering traditional Pub atmosphere and a good selection of cask ales in the heart of the city.

    Duke Street Real ale City centre
  7. The Nag's Head Pub

    The Nag's Head

    22 Baddow Road, CM2 0DG

    A well-loved Chelmsford local on Baddow Road with a friendly crowd, regular events, and a dependable lineup of cask ales, a proper neighbourhood Pub.

    Baddow Road Neighbourhood Pub Events