The Ale House — Restaurant in Chelmsford

The Ale house has always been our workplace choice, to celebrate a colleagues birthday or wish them well when moving on. However, our last experience was spoilt by a member of staff that seemed incessant on harassing members of our party for their identification. I completely understand licensing laws regarding under age drinking in licensed establishments, but all our previous visits to the Ale house, the need for customers to have ID was never an issue. There was also a complete lack of consistency from their staff... The team behind the bar were more than happy to serve all members of our party regardless of their age (probably due to them knowing who we are from previous visits and that a member of their team, in fact used to work with us!). I was attending with my 25 year old daughter, whom was not drinking alcohol and clearly looks over 25 (no reason to be challenged under the challenge 25 policy), and yet she was constantly harassed by a member of the team being asked to leave due to not having ID... The biggest joke, was the young man looked barely old enough to drink himself!! As a result many of us left all at once due to this harassment, which spoilt the evening of a much loved work colleague's leaving drinks! There are a wealth of alternative places in Chelmsford to celebrate our events in the future, which we will do so from now on... Very disappointed with...

If I could leave zero reviews I would. Many months ago a filthy (toothless) man abused me … he SPAT in my face (all recorded on camera) the police were involved and helped me. They saw the footage. Being a nice person and not wanting any extra bother or stress I dropped the charges. So today after approx 8/9 months later I took an old friend here for a drink and the girl (short woman with piercings) publicly embarrassed me and victim shamed me and said ‘you won’t be served /can’t be in here because of the police situation’ … my friend said this woman was clearly on a ‘power trip’ and an utterly nasty piece of work. Lots of friends / neighbours drop in here as on our ‘doorstep’ but I’m going to complain for this is abusive and disgusting behaviour! Shame on you ! You’ve lost a lot of customers...

One of my favourite places in Chelmsford. Super convenient right by the bus/train station this place obviously serves a huge variety of both draught and bottle beers. Non-ale drinkers have nothing to fear though as plenty of choice for everyone.

By far and away though it's the knowledgeable staff/range of her that make this place for me. My order in this place is usually along the lines of "I normally drink " or "I'm in the mood for ". Nine times out of ten the first beer they give me to try is spot on, but the other time it's usually the second one!

On last visit a friend of mine couldn't decide, yet staff were quite happy for him to try 4 or 5 different beers until he found one he liked. All done with genuine smile and desire to...