After a morning visiting the excellent East Anglia Museum of Transport, the rest of the day was spent exploring Harwich Town, a very historic town in Essex, having to get the train to Manningtree, for a connection onto the Harwich Town train.
Harwich Town
A short walk from the railway station into town presents all sorts of historic monuments, murals and statues. Check out @HarwichBoozers on Twitter for up to date information on pubs in Harwich.
The Stingray
Built in 1921 by the Co-Op as a replacement for the London Tavern opposite, it was known as the Wheatsheaf until 1976 when they sold it and it became The Stingray.
Choice of three beers here, all from Greene King. Went with “Land of Hopportunity”, an enjoyable Five Hop American IPA.
The Globe
A very interesting and different bar next, The Globe. Situated on a corner this is known as the oldest trading pub in Harwich. On entering you notice the huge selection of ciders!
They tend to serve one ale a week, tapped on a Wednesday and served from Thursday until sold oit. Today it was “Ridleys Rite” from Bishop Nick Brewery. Must say a gravity beer usually tastes so much better!. Great chat with owners and regulars in here aswell!
The Alma Inn
A walk around the corner to “The Alma Inn” next. A very historic building which has been trading as an inn since 1859. The building itself is much older and was once occupied by the Twitt family, with Sarah Twitt being the first wife of Christopher Jones who lived just across the road and is famous for guiding the Pilgrim Fathers to America in his ship the Mayflower.
A choice of 5 Cask Ales in here. 2 from Adnams Brewery (Southwood, Suffolk) and 3 from Envilles Brewery (Stourbridge, West Midlands)
The New Bell Inn
Last call in Harwich Town is to The New Bell Inn. Make sure you check opening times here as shuts after lunch until the evening.
Choice of 4 Cask Ales and 7 Real Ciders on here. Decided on “Dengie Red” by Wibblers. Makes a change to see a Red Ale around.
A short walk to the Railway Station for a train back to Manningtree and change for a train to Diss.
Ampersand Brewery Tap
A quick walk (less then 10 minutes) from Diss Railway Station brings you to “Ampersand Brewery Tap”. A large unit housing the brewery, bar, outside seating area and food truck.
A great selection inside 12 Keg Lines and 3 Cask Lines, and a good choice of styles (including several cans and bottles).
Nice to be able to see the brewing setup aswell in the bar area.
Micropub Adventures 