HOW about starting the New Year with a fun local pub-related challenge?

Following the success of the inaugural Maldon and Dengie Camra Ale Trail last year, when hundreds of people travelled all over east Essex to visit pubs and collect stamps for prizes at the Maldon Beer and Cider Festival, we’re running it all again over the next four months.

The 2020 MAD Ale Trail is designed to encourage real ale and cider drinkers to explore pubs in east Essex that they haven’t visited before, as well as reacquainting themselves with pubs they might not have been to for some time.

There are 30 pubs taking part in this year’s Ale Trail, with seventeen of them new to the trail.

You’ll be able to sample the delights of cosy village inns such as the Prince of Wales in Stow Maries, the Bell in Purleigh, the Eagle in Galleywood and the Old Crown in Messing.

You could try some great local beers and ciders in the brewery tap rooms of Crouch Vale, Maldon Brewing, Mighty Oak and Wibblers.

Or, you could visit welcoming community locals such as the Queen Victoria in Maldon, the Cricketers in Bradwell, the Station Arms in Southminster or the King’s Head in Tollesbury.

How do you take part in the MAD Ale Trail?

All you have to do is visit one of the 30 participating pubs and pick up one of the Ale Trail cards.

For every pint of real ale or real cider you purchase at one of these pubs, you collect a sticker.

We promote responsible drinking, so if you choose someone to be a designated driver when visiting those out of the way pubs, they can get a sticker for a non-alcoholic drink instead.

Collect stickers from at least 20 pubs on the trail, and you will win a prize at the Maldon Beer and Cider Festival, which is being held at the Plume Academy in Fambridge Road, Maldon, from April 15-18.

Collect stickers from all 30 pubs for an even bigger prize!

Each pub has its own specially designed sticker, making collecting them even more fun.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get out there and start exploring the superb pubs along this year’s MAD Ale Trail.

Chris Harvey

Camra Chairman