Brits have lots of bad opinions, but few are as bad as the 1 in 10 people who believe that bacon is not an essential ingredient to a Full English.
God has deserted us
There have been a lot of instances in recent years in which the public have made their feelings known on a variety of topics. Whether it’s been elections across the world, or even Brexit, people across the world are making their opinions known, for better or worse.
Nothing, though, could have prepared us for this. In 2017, YouGov conducted a poll asking the British public what they believe to be an essential ingredient in a Full English.
We have plenty of great pubs in Essex but what about if you fancy going a little bit further out for your pint?
There are some fantastic pubs just outside of the county, which are well worth travelling that bit further for.
From beautiful country inns serving delicious food to pretty places by the water, there are some real hidden gems to discover if you’re happy to venture a few miles out for a trip with the family.
Don’t worry though, these aren’t too far away. You could still get a bus or train home in good time.
According to the latest coronavirus lockdown rules, up to six individuals are allowed to meet while following social distancing measures.
Each pub will have adapted their layouts and venues to adhere to the rules, so be sure to visit their website beforehand to check what the changes are.
The Dog and Duck
63 High Street, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4HS
What’s it like? What an attractive little pub. The Dog and Duck is set in an old inn, painted white with a traditional, thatched roof. It’s lovely in the summer and equally stunning in the winter – if it snows, it’s like a quintessential English village pub. It’s known for its homemade, fresh, local food and it stocks a good range of craft beers and real ales.
What do the reviews say? “What a great little gastro pub. I enjoyed the scallops and home make chicken and leek pie, all washed down with two different glasses of white wine. This place is a little gem.”
How far is it from Essex? 35 minutes from Great Dunmow.
At the moment, the pub is operating with gazebos, beach huts and tables in the car park and garden and advise visitors to book before they arrive.
Jodie Kidd has experienced first hand how tough it has been for pubs to survive the pandemic
THERE was no better feeling at the end of lockdown than being able to sup a cold pint of freshly pulled beer.
After months of enforced isolation we all deserved a drink.
But for many of the nation’s pubs it has not been economically viable to reopen their doors since restrictions ended for them on July 4.
Around a third of English boozers say that social distancing, even when it is just a metre, means they will either lose money or just break even.
Many cherished inns remain closed.
It is a dilemma I have been wrestling with over the summer as I try to figure out the best way to keep our country pub afloat in the age of coronavirus.
While the Half Moon pub in West Sussex, that I co-own, provided a food and wine delivery service during lockdown, we have not yet unlocked the doors to let in customers.
It is heartbreaking to go into this beautiful pub on my weekly check to find it silent, devoid of the laughter, conversations and the celebrations that normally fill its beamed rooms.
The Half Moon pub is normally packed with punters all year round
Seeing the grass grow where people should be raising a glass and gleefully saying “cheers” is unbearable.
There is no doubt, though, that we are going to welcome back our loyal locals very soon.
We can’t allow this virus to kill off our pubs, which are at the heart of so many communities.
This is a war for survival, the gloves are off and we must do everything in our power to keep our locals alive while also keeping the nation safe.
The news that the Government is going to restrict social gathering to just six people following a rise in infections will naturally concern a lot of drinkers and licensees.
But the rule of only having six in a group already applied to pubs and restaurants when booking tables so it is not a significant change.
Tax means beer alone is not profitable enough for pubs – so innovation is neededCredit: Getty Images – Getty
There is also clear evidence that landlords and landladies have been doing a great job when it comes to maintaining a record of which customers have visited.
The health of customers is going to be at the forefront of their minds and no one wants to be responsible for a Covid-19 outbreak.
The six restriction means that for the time being, pubs and restaurants won’t be the venues for the massive parties celebrating birthdays and other key events.
But people can still carry on with that great British tradition of saying: “I’m just popping into the pub for a pint.”
When we go out to do an errand, work or head to the shops, there is no better way of relaxing afterwards than with a freshly pulled pint or a glass of wine.
Just stopping by for a drink and a packet of crisps will help your local to pay the bills.
Licensees are very aware that the Government is not going to be able to provide extensive financial support too much longer.
Both the furlough and Eat Out To Help Out schemes have been a lifeline.
But by keeping those businesses going, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has had something in return.
Research shows that Eat Out To Help Out meant 200,000 staff in the pub and hospitality sector didn’t have to be furloughed, saving the Exchequer £250million.
Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme gave pubs a much-needed boostCredit: AFP or licensors
BRITS have been enjoying a pint in the pub with friends and family after they were able to reopen last weekend.
As temperatures also begin to increase, pubs are expected to get even busier, especially during the summer holidays
Thankfully, many establishments have pub gardens which punters can make the most of.
Out of 47,000 pubs in the UK there are 27,000 with gardens, according to The British Beer & Pub Association – great news for people trying to maintain social distancing.
Even better, are pubs which have beaches for their pub gardens, with views of the sea from the bar.
Here are the best coastal pubs to make the most of this summer while sinking your feet into the sand.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent
The Old Neptune is a favourite of locals and tourists alike thanks to its seats on the pebble beach Credit: Alamy
The Victorian pub is a favourite with locals, with its ‘pub garden’ being the pebble beach.
Due to its proximity to the sea, it has been damaged a lot over the years – and in 1897 was completely washed away.
However the current pub has been restored using pieces of the previous building, and now rests further up the shore.
Thankfully, many establishments have pub gardens which punters can make the most of.
Out of 47,000 pubs in the UK there are 27,000 with gardens, according to The British Beer & Pub Association – great news for people trying to maintain social distancing.
Even better, are pubs which have beaches for their pub gardens, with views of the sea from the bar.
Here are the best coastal pubs to make the most of this summer while sinking your feet into the sand.
Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent
Zetland Arms is one of the few buildings on the stretch of beach in Kent Credit: Handout
Also in Kent is the Zetland Arms, whose walled front garden is placed on the top of the beach.
It has unobstructed views of the sea, and is perfect for a socially distanced drink.
It might not be around forever, with Kingsdown being badly affected by flooding due to global warming.
