The Leather Bottle is quite proud to announce that they’re in The Michelin Good Pub Food Guide, The Good Beer Guide, and was a final of the Best Gastro Pub in Essex 2010. So much so, that they’ve erected publicities on a pole outside in the green. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it, right? While I can’t speak to the food, I can wholeheartedly report that the staff is smiley and friendly, the Doom Bar real ale is refreshing after a five mile jaunt through the countryside*, and the back garden is sun-drenched and filled with laughing children on a Sunday afternoon. This seems like quite the weekend social hub of Blackmore — not that there’s much in the way of competition. Although I’d just had a reasonably filling sandwich for lunch on the green outside, I began to salivate uncontrollably upon seeing(and smelling) the fish and chips brought to a table near us. That’s in contrast to the burger on a dowdy-looking bun that her dining companion had. I won’t lie, I considered shanking the other diner for a bite, but she was Asian too, and probably hungrier than I was. She might have bitten my ear off or worse. Instead, I just ogled from afar. Whether you’re seeking a comely cosy bar scene, a fine dining experience, or a lovely afternoon sit in the sun, The Leather Bottle’s likely to do you just fine. You just have to be willing to make the trek from Ingatestone — but a worthwhile sojourn it is! —- * And quite reasonably priced, considering we had a pint and a half of real ale for barely over £4.
Thefre
Rating des Ortes: 4 Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
A nice pub with a large beer garden(no children playground. Food is very good and is british classic, fresh and well presented. Burgers are tasty and price at £ 5.95. Not crowded but can be busy at times as very popular.(Owner is dad of Kat in Eastenders if you are lucky you ll see her there sometimes).