Essex Days Out

The Fleece Hotel is a 16th-Century coaching inn nestled snugly in the centre of Boxford, a few miles south of Sudbury and several miles north of Colchester. It’s was empty for a while, but has been refurbished and reopened in 2011 by the people behind the excellent White Horse Inn at Edwardstone [link], and the Mill Green Brewery.

Food isn’t yet on the menu, as the kitchens are being worked on, but we were impressed by the quality of the work done in the pub so far. The public bar is bare timber and wooden tables, but The Corden Room is amazing – a real throwback, with dark panelling, William Morris wallpaper, and a lovely fire.

Beer-wise they can’t really go wrong, as they have the Mill Green range to draw from [link]. When we arrived the Mad Old John old ale had just finished, and as I was (as ever) in the mood for a dark ale, I opted for the Dark Star Brewing Company’s ‘Espresso’ [link] – a stout with a hint of coffee, which was extremely drinkable.

Definitely a pub we’ll be checking up on again in the not-too distant future. We’re planning a Sunday cycle ride that takes in both The Fleece and The White Horse! More about The Fleece at their website.

More articles like this: | pubs, real ale