Since Ridleys died an unlamented death in 2005 Essex has lacked a big-name brewery.  It’s surprising, as Essex lads and lasses certainly like a pint or two.

The Ridley’s Brewery in Hartford End was home to one of the largest Essex ale producers for over 160 years.  Unfortunately, the beer was not well loved, earning the nickname “Ridleys Piddle”.  And the family that ran the firm lacked the skills and ambition to expand beyond their Essex base.  As both breweries and pub chains became larger and larger it became clear Ridleys could not survive, and in 2005 it was sold to the ever-expanding Greene King, from our neighbouring county Suffolk.

Ridleys was founded by mill owner Thomas Ridley in 1842, and so lasted 163 years.  Since its demise micro breweries and nano breweries have popped up like mushrooms, and often last about as long.  Lots of keen beer enthusiasts want to live the dream of running a brewery.  Not all of them have the brewing skills required, and even less have the business skills.

There’s an exhaustive list here but we are only going to talk about the best. It’s the Mighty Oak brewery in Maldon.  They have been brewing since 1996, so are clearly going to stick around.  They have won lots of awards, including 2011 Supreme Beer of the Year for their Oscar Wild Mild.  Get out there and give them a go!

Of course, our research is continuing.