The Hop Beer Shop — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Been before under previous owner really enjoyed his knowledge.

Came back when it was closed and went in a few days ago.

Not much interaction with the young lad behind the bar took a while to pour my beer after being told the pale ale on the board was not on.

Tried to make small talk with the one customer in the shops about London blank and was ignored

Totally understand if people don't want to talk it's their progoative.

Went back to the black horse down the road which is a much more inviting place to go with a knowledgeable bar man.

Shame as I was looking forward to going back but not what it once was

Update

I have since learned that the place has only just reopened so I think a transition period should be taken in to account whilst the new owners put their plans in...

Called in here today (8th September) to buy some bottles for this month's beer tasting with the chaps. The sign read 'OPEN' from the street, and the door was open so I went in. I'd been here before and found the staff helpful and friendly so imagine my surprise when the 'welcome' I got was seriously inhospitable, verging on hostile. I was told in no uncertain terms that I couldn't buy any beer until 12 and I wasn't welcome in the shop. It was 11.57. The inhospitable 'welcome' continued with a farcical discussion about which side of the sign was visible from where, and what it meant. The 'Closed' side was visible once inside the premises and apparently I should have taken note of that, NOT the 'Open' side that was visible from the outside. I left, never to return....

This bijou bar situated on Moulsham Street is a refreshing change from the average pubs in the area...a fine selection of cask ales straight from the barrel, a great selection of bottled beers from Belgium, Germany and the UK amongst others plus proper cider! Most importantly is the warm welcome you receive from the owner John and his sons...a place where conversation reigns with no other distractions...a place where you are made welcome and everyone strikes up a joke or two...there's not many establishments left like the Hop Beer Shop so enjoy the ambience and...