For the Pub of the Year (PotY) competition, pubs are judged by members of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, which also champions real cider (made from apples) and perry (made from pears). This cosy, three room community pub is about 20 minutes’ walk along Springfield Road from Chelmsford City centre and two miles from the bus station on the C8 route.

Naomi Hammett, affectionately known as Nomes, has been at the helm of the Endeavour since November 2021, helped by boyfriend Ben and her family, Team Hammett. A friendly welcome awaits customers whether regulars or strangers, with an interesting changing range of real ales, ciders and perries.

Beer on offer will always include something dark such as mild, porter or stout; brown or amber and golden pale ales with Locale from Essex breweries featured along with beer from around the UK. The monthly special known as “Loopy Juice“ is an extraordinary brew and often with a high alcohol content to be enjoyed responsibly.

In addition to Tap Takeovers by different breweries, a variety of fun is provided by mini beer festivals, the Sunday crochet club and charity events such as quizzes, race nights and live music. Fresh home cooked food is available Thursday to Saturday, see whatpub.com for more details.

CAMRA PUB JUDGING CATEGORIES

1. Quality and condition of real ale/cider/perry
2. Promotion and knowledge of the product
3. Cleanliness and staff hygiene
4. Community focus and atmosphere
5. Service, welcome and offering
6. Style, décor and furnishing
7. Sympathy with CAMRA aims, such as prices and opening times clearly displayed, top up offered without asking once beer has settled
8. Overall impression and value

During 2023, The Endeavour was awarded the Chelmsford & Mid-Essex CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year in February, Runner Up Branch Cider PotY in April and the CAMRA Essex County PotY in July. To crown those awards, it is has now been announced as the winner in the East Anglia Pub of the Year competition, which qualifies it for entry into the national competition for overall British Pub of the Year.

Norman Robinson, Chelmsford & Mid-Essex CAMRA Branch Chair said “I am absolutely delighted that Naomi’s has won not just one award but four in just the space of seven months. This is a fantastic achievement by her, her team and those who visit the pub”.

Naomi Hammett, landlady of the Endeavour said “I’m absolutely blown away by everyone’s support. A huge massive super Thank You to all of my staff, my family, Ben, [Chelmsford & Mid-Essex] CAMRA and every human and dog that comes in my little pub. You are all so so fantastic.”

The presentation by Andrea Briers, Regional Director for the East Anglia region of 27 CAMRA branches, is to be arranged. This will be announced on the Chelmsford & Mid-Essex branch website and Facebook page in due course.

Chelmsford & Mid Essex CAMRA
August 2023