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From Essex’s First Micropub to Chelmsford’s Railway Arches
I spent the afternoon and evening exploring Chelmsford, visiting a great mix of pubs, taprooms and railway-arch bars across the city. I started at The Hop Beer Shop, Essex’s first micropub, before heading underground to the unique Voodoo Keller Bar. From there I called in at The Railway Tavern and Brewhouse & Kitchen, both packed with character and great beer. The evening took me to the railway arches, where I visited Radio City Social, The Ale House and Thirst Drinks Syndicate. Along the way I enjoyed some excellent beers, received some fantastic welcomes and discovered plenty of characterful venues.
Chelmsford has a long history that goes back to Roman times, when a settlement called Caesaromagus was built here nearly 2,000 years ago. The town grew steadily during the Middle Ages and became an important market centre after receiving a market charter in 1199. Over the years, Chelmsford developed into the county town of Essex and played an important role in industry and technology. In 1899, Guglielmo Marconi opened the world’s first wireless factory here, helping put Chelmsford on the map. In 2012, Chelmsford was officially granted city status, marking another important chapter in its history.
The Hop Beer Shop
My first visit in Chelmsford was to The Hop Beer Shop. The Hop Beer Shop opened in November 2014, becoming not only Chelmsford’s first micropub but also the first micropub in Essex. It brought the growing micropub movement to Moulsham Street, creating a place centred on good beer and conversation rather than televisions or loud music. The venue combined a traditional micropub with a specialist beer shop, offering both drinks to enjoy on site and beers to take home. Set within one of Chelmsford’s oldest and most characterful streets, it quickly found a loyal following. More than a decade later, Hop Shop remains a well-known part of the city’s beer scene and a pioneer of Essex micropubs.
Inside, Hop Shop is packed with character from floor to ceiling. The compact room is filled with old brewery signs, framed memorabilia and beer-related collectables, while hundreds of pump clips cover the ceiling, giving visitors plenty to look at while they enjoy a drink. Strings of dried hops hang overhead, reinforcing the pub’s love of beer, and the wooden floors, benches and tables add to the cosy feel. At the rear, the serving area sits alongside the cask stillage, keeping the focus firmly on the beer. Despite its size, it feels warm, friendly and full of personality.
A fantastic warm welcome from David when I arrived and it was great chatting to you. Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales and 4 keg lines, plus a variety of bottles and cans on the shelves. Also worth checking out the delicious cashew nuts from Inspired Nuts. I went for Spruce Goose by Black Box Brewery, a pale ale with fresh citrus hop notes and a clean, uplifting finish.
Voodoo Keller Bar
I took a short walk through Chelmsford, bringing me to Voodoo Keller Bar by Chelmsford Brew Co. Voodoo Keller Bar opened in late 2022 as the underground bar and taproom for Chelmsford Brew Co, a brewery founded in 2016 in nearby Great Baddow. Tucked away beneath 59 New Street, the venue occupies a fascinating part of Chelmsford’s past. The basement was originally used as holding cells for the former magistrates’ court and police station that once stood on the site. Rather than hiding that history, the bar embraces it, creating a venue unlike anywhere else in the city. Alongside showcasing Chelmsford Brew Co’s beers, it has become known for live music, events and its distinctive underground setting.
Inside has a character all of its own. The experience starts with a long staircase leading down from street level into a series of dark, atmospheric basement rooms. Black-painted brickwork, industrial-style lighting and exposed pipework give the space an edgy look, while wooden tables, leather seating and quirky artwork stop it feeling harsh. Different seating areas are tucked away throughout, creating plenty of corners to settle into with a drink. Voodoo branding and Chelmsford Brew Co touches can be found across the walls, adding personality throughout. Upstairs, a small outdoor courtyard with picnic benches provides a welcome spot for a drink in the fresh air.
3 cask ales to choose from on the bar in here alongside a wide variety of keg options. Check out the local Billtong from Biltong Direct in here as well. I went for Death of A Cowboy by Chelmsford Brew Co., an American pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes and a clean, punchy finish.
The Railway Tavern
Railway Tavern,The was next up in Chelmsford. The Railway Tavern stands directly opposite Chelmsford railway station, a location that has shaped its identity for generations. The pub dates from the Victorian era, growing alongside the railway that transformed Chelmsford during the 19th century. Its name reflects that close connection, and it has long been a familiar stopping place for commuters, travellers and local drinkers alike. While much of the area around it has changed through redevelopment, the Railway Tavern has remained a constant presence on Duke Street. Today it is known for its traditional pub character, strong real ale offering and the railway heritage that runs through its story.
It makes the most of its railway theme, with traditional pub seating, dark wood panelling and plenty of nods to Britain’s railway past. Comfortable bench seating lines the walls, while tables and stools are spread throughout a series of connected spaces that feel welcoming and easy to settle into. Railway company names, old photographs and memorabilia add character without overwhelming the room. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light during the day, while the front bar retains the feel of a proper local. Outside, a surprisingly spacious courtyard offers covered seating, murals, railway-themed touches and plenty of room to enjoy a drink.
A great line up of 7 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options. The cask line up includes a house bee from Mauldons Brewery. I went for Railway Tavern IPA by Mauldons, an English IPA with balanced malt flavour, floral hop notes and a smooth, satisfying finish.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Next door was Brewhouse & Kitchen – Chelmsford. Brewhouse & Kitchen occupies one of Chelmsford’s most interesting historic buildings. The Grade II listed Anne Knight Building on Duke Street was built as a Quaker Meeting House in 1823 and remained in Quaker use until the 1950s. It was later used by what is now Anglia Ruskin University before becoming a bar and restaurant venue after the university moved away in 2008. In 2023, Brewhouse & Kitchen carefully converted the building into one of its brewpubs, adding an on-site brewery while preserving many of the building’s historic features. Today, it gives a new purpose to a landmark that has been part of Chelmsford life for more than 200 years.
Inside makes a real impression with its large open layout and brewing equipment on full display. Gleaming copper vessels sit alongside the main seating area, constantly reminding you that the beer is brewed on site. A striking central bar stretches up towards a large illuminated beer board, while a mezzanine level wraps around the room above. Hanging plants, woven light shades and warm lighting soften the industrial features and add plenty of character. Upstairs, there is a mix of booth seating and long tables, with large arched windows bringing in lots of natural light. Despite its size, it feels comfortable, welcoming and full of atmosphere.
3 cask ales on the bar, all brewed on site alongside a wide selection of in house keg options. Lots of different styles to choose from. I went for Session IPA by Brewhouse & Kitchen – Chelmsford, a session IPA with bright citrus hop notes and a light, refreshing finish.
Radio City Social
My final 3 visits in Chelmsford were located in the Railway Arches. First up being Radio City Social by Radio City Beer Works. Radio City Social opened beneath Chelmsford’s railway arches as the taproom and showcase venue for Radio City Beer Works. The brewery was founded in Chelmsford in 2016 and began brewing small batches inspired by their love of craft beer, rock music and the city’s rich radio heritage. The taproom gave the brewery a permanent home where people could enjoy its beers fresh from the source. Taking its name from Chelmsford’s role in the development of radio technology, the venue combines beer, live music and community events under one roof. Today, it remains one of the city’s most distinctive independent beer destinations.
Inside makes full use of its railway arch setting, with the curved metal ceiling creating a distinctive look from the moment you walk in. The long bar is lined with taps and backed by beer boards, while colourful lighting, gig posters and brewery artwork add plenty of personality. Tables are spread throughout the arch, with a small stage area hinting at the venue’s love of live music and events. Large windows at the front bring in natural light during the day, while outside there is a covered seating area beneath a neighbouring brick arch, with picnic benches providing a great spot to enjoy a drink in the open air.
A fantastic keg line up of around 17 keg lines varying massively in style and strength, alongside a brilliant can and bottle selection. I went for Death Valley by Black Iris Brewery, a West Coast IPA with bold citrus and pine hop notes and a crisp, bitter finish.
The Ale House
Next door in Chelmsford was The Ale House Chelmsford. The Ale House opened in 2012, transforming a series of Victorian railway arches beneath Chelmsford station into one of the city’s most distinctive beer destinations. Its unusual setting immediately helped it stand out, turning a previously overlooked part of the railway infrastructure into a welcoming pub focused on real ale, craft beer and cider. Thanks to its location between the railway and bus stations, it quickly became a popular meeting place for commuters, locals and visitors alike. Over the years, its constantly changing beer selection and characterful archway setting have helped make it a well-known fixture of Chelmsford’s pub scene.
Inside has a look all of its own thanks to its unusual railway-arch setting. The curved corrugated ceiling stretches the full length of the pub, creating a surprisingly spacious interior beneath the station above. A long wooden bar runs through the centre, while large tables, booths and smaller seating areas provide plenty of places to settle in. The walls are covered with pump clips, brewery signs and beer-related memorabilia, giving the pub lots of personality and making there something interesting to spot wherever you look. Outside, picnic benches sit beneath the arches, creating a popular spot to enjoy a drink in the open air.
A super great warm welcome in here. A very impressive beer selection, featuring lots of keg and cask lines, a brilliant selection of ciders and even more choice available in bottles and cans. I went for The Ale House – House Bitter by Leigh On Sea Brewery, a traditional bitter with balanced malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
Thirst Drinks Syndicate
Last up in Chelmsford was to Thirst Drinks Syndicate. Thirst Drinks Syndicate is one of the newest additions to Chelmsford’s railway arch scene. Opened in 2024 beneath the arches at Chelmsford station, it was created as an all-day venue serving everything from morning coffee through to evening drinks. Rather than focusing solely on beer, the idea was to create a social space that changes throughout the day, welcoming commuters, locals and visitors alike. Its location places it alongside several other independent venues that have helped breathe new life into the historic railway arches. Despite being a recent arrival, it has quickly become part of Chelmsford’s growing food and drink scene.
Inside makes full use of its distinctive railway-arch setting. The curved corrugated ceiling creates an immediate sense of character, while soft lighting along the walls helps give the space a warm and welcoming feel. Seating ranges from long banquettes and café-style tables to comfortable lounge areas with sofas and armchairs, offering plenty of choice depending on the occasion. Large front windows bring in lots of natural light during the day, while plants, colourful furnishings and artwork soften the industrial structure. The compact bar sits at the heart of the arch, creating a relaxed and sociable space that feels both modern and comfortable.
A great warm welcome from Matt and a single cask ale alongside a variety of keg options are available on the bar. I went for Kazbek by Redemption Brewing Co. & Taproom, a pale ale with bright lemon and citrus hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 