Compasses in Telegraph Top 150

So The Compasses, Littley Green has been listed in The Telegraph's Top 500 pubs in England and is placed 142 - we we make that Top 150!!  When you think there are 45000 pubs in Great Britain that is quite a placing. (Though obviously it's our favourite!).

Nelion's brother Joss Ridley who took on the Ridleys brewery tap - The Compasses - in 2008 continues to do an amazing job and this historic pub has bucket loads of charm and draws from quite a radius.  We have customers in the shop here enjoy our beer on draught at the Compasses and many travel a long distance to do so - such is the pull of this beautiful gem in the Chelmer Valley.

Joss has always been our most supportive customer and at a time when pubs are threatened with closure and are struggling to get through the traditional ales on the bar, Joss's orders are on the up.  He took 14 firkins from us last week and this at a time when typically ale sales drop off in favour of the cold fizzy stuff.  Testament to how he handles the beer and looks after it.  He really serves a fantastic pint.

His beer festivals and family events are hearty occasions with a superb range of beers available and great live music.  A fantastic unpretentious food offering is complemented by a 'Huffer' menu never ceases to amuse our kids who are working their way through the list of fillings to find their favourite.

The staff are always friendly and attentive - Eileen and Peter as much part of the furniture as Joss who has kept the Ridley tradition alive and absolutely kicking in Hartford End.

We congratulate Joss, his managers Steve and Phil and the team for a job well done.  We thank them for continuing to support Bishop Nick and we wish them every success in the future as they crush the theory that the era of the Great British Pub is facing last orders!

This is the blurb from the Telegraph listing today 4 July (Joss's birthday!!!)

"Former brewery tap that focuses on traditional Essex beer and food

Once the brewery tap for the late lamented Ridley's, which gave up the ghost in 2005, this remains a showcase for Essex's traditional pub culture. That's thanks to landlord Joss Ridley, of the brewing family, who took the pub in on 2008: a handsome green Ridley's sign still adorns the front of the pub, and inside you'll find local beers, Huffers (triangular baps with a variety of fillings) and dark-wood heavy decor that evokes an earlier time. Beers from Bishop Nick, a small brewery run by his brother Nelion, are regulars on the bar. It's a lovely place to spend a few hours."