Great Waltham: The Compasses, Littley Green

The Compasses is one of those rare, wonderful and timeless pubs in the countryside. Once the nearest Ridley’s pub to the former Hartford End Brewery, it is now owned by a member of the Ridley family and not part of the Greene King chain who took over the Essex family firm in 2005. As its website says, “After a while under a tenant, and then a manager, Greene King lost interest and put the historic Inn up for sale. They tried to get permission to sell it as a private house but finally sold it together with its license to the current owner - Jocelyn Ridley - who is indeed a direct relative of the original Ridley brewing family.” A tiled floor, beer served straight from the barrel, and huffers –large triangular rolls – available makes this one of my favourite pubs. It’s just a shame that Ridley’s IPA and ESX are no longer brewed just down the road.

‘Essex pubs’ lists the former licensees of the pub: http://pubcensus.co.uk/essexpubs/FordEnd/compasses.aspx

Visit its website: http://www.compasseslittleygreen.co.uk/
… and for a history of the pub and family click here: http://www.compasseslittleygreen.co.uk/history.htm
Beer In The Evening reviews: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/28/28281/Compasses/Littley_Green