Hurdlemakers Arms

A pub since 1837, this 400-year-old listed building in the sleepy village of Woodham Mortimer used to be two cottages. The beamed interior still retains its open log fire and many original features, and real ale lovers will be delighted by the wide range of real ales including Crouch Vale and Wibblers. Home-made specials might include salmon en croûte; roasted duck breast à l'orange; and liver and bacon. There are weekend summer barbecues in the large garden, and a beer festival takes place on the last weekend of June.