10 Essex pubs featured in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2027

Produced by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the 2027 guide highlights top pubs, breweries, and cask beers across the UK.

CAMRA has used the launch to renew calls for a formal competition investigation into global brewers dominating the UK beer market.

Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of CAMRA, said: "The Good Beer Guide is fiercely independent, just like the brewers making the best beer.

"It is the result of the time and effort of our volunteers across the UK to find the pubs serving the best kept cask beer."

10 Essex pubs which made the book

Here are some of the pubs across the county which made the list. These are just some of those which were named:

1. The Station, Wivenhoe

The Station, Wivenhoe (Image: GSV)

The Station sits opposite Wivenhoe railway station and dates back to 1863, the same year the railway arrived in the town.

Originally called The Station Hotel, it was later known as The Railway Hotel before eventually becoming The Station.

Its location has historically made it popular with travellers as well as workers from Wivenhoe's shipyard and port.

2. Ye Olde Albion, Rowhedge

Ye Olde Albion is a traditional pub beside the River Colne, with outdoor seating overlooking the river.

The pub has developed an impressive reputation for real ale and was named Rural Pub of the Year for 2026 by Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA.

Landlords Dawn and Simon Taylor-Williams have been at the pub for more than 20 years.

3. The Ale House, Colchester

Essex pubs included in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2027 (Image: GSV)

The Ale House in Butt Road was previously known as The Dragoon before undergoing a major refurbishment and reopening under its current name in November 2011.

It has since become one of Colchester's best-known real ale pubs and was named Colchester and North East Essex CAMRA's Overall Pub of the Year in 2026, following wins in 2024 and 2025.

4. The Alma Inn, Harwich

The Alma Inn occupies a historic building thought to date back to around 1464, while its use as an alehouse is believed to have begun in 1859.

The property's history also has a connection to Christopher Jones, the master of the Mayflower. Today the Alma combines a traditional pub with dining and accommodation, with seafood among its specialities.

5. Leigh on Sea Brewery Tap

Leigh on Sea Brewery was established in 2017 and produces a mixture of traditional ales and craft beers.

Its on-site taproom allows visitors to drink beer at the brewery itself and features in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide. The taproom has ten keg lines and two cask beers available at a time, as well as occasional guest beers, and also hosts brewery tours and tastings.

6. The Red Lion, Manningtree

The Red Lion, Manningtree (Image: GSV)

The Red Lion is a historic Manningtree freehouse which CAMRA dates back to 1603. The pub specialises in guest ales and ciders, including beers from local breweries, and has an open fire and courtyard garden.

It does not operate a conventional food service, instead allowing customers to bring in takeaway food, with plates and cutlery provided.

7. Black Box Tap/The Hangar, Southend

The Hangar is the taproom of Black Box Brewery on Southend Airport Business Park. The aviation connection is reflected in its memorabilia and the names of beers produced on site.

Between four and eight of its real ales are served on gravity alongside occasional guest beers, while the venue also hosts bands, quizzes and beer festivals.

8. Mile and a Third, Westcliff-on-Sea

Mile and a Third, Westcliff (Image: GSV)

Mile and a Third is a craft beer, real ale and cider bar which takes its unusual name from the length of Southend Pier.

It opened on Hamlet Court Road in March 2019 and is run by two brothers with a passion for real ale and craft beer. The venue focuses on independent breweries and was South East Essex CAMRA's local Pub of the Year each year from 2020 to 2025.

9. The Rising Sun, Stanford-le-Hope

The Rising Sun is a traditional two-bar pub in Church Hill, Stanford-le-Hope. It has a strong real-ale focus, serving five changing guest beers, primarily from independent breweries, alongside ciders and perries.

The pub holds beer festivals three times a year and hosts regular live music, while its large rear garden is used for its summer festival.

10. Crafty Casks, Rayleigh

Crafty Casks, Rayleigh (Image: GSV)

Crafty Casks on Eastwood Road describes itself as Rayleigh's first micropub and focuses on a constantly changing selection of independent drinks.

CAMRA says the venue has up to 25 taps, including five changing real ales and as many as eight ciders. It also hosts events including live music and comedy nights.

Sir Ian Rankin, writing in the foreword of the Guide, said: “What makes the perfect pub? Ask fifty people and you might get fifty different answers…

"My preferences might not be yours, but there are a few things we can probably agree on. We want the beer to be good and the welcome to be friendly.

"We want to see signs that the bar represents the best of its community or neighbourhood. We want to feel like we fit in.”