Welcome

Welcome to the awarding winning Compasses Inn at Littley Green.

COVID-19 Update – Wednesday 21st October 2020

I was informed last night that one of our part-time staff has tested positive for COVID-19.

We have not been contacted by NHS Track & Trace to date, but I have informed the rest of the staff and advised them to isolate and get a test if they start to show symptoms. We are following Government advice to the letter, and if anything changes we will advise you all immediately.

As you know, we have been practising extremely high standards of COVID-19 safety since we reopened in July. All public facing members of staff wear visors at all times and wash their hands regularly, to protect both our customers and our team. All surfaces in the pub are cleaned with anti-viral cleaners regularly and the kitchen is deep cleaned after every service.

If you would like any further information or clarification, please contact me directly.

Joss Ridley (Owner)

CURRENT COVID 19 RULES AT THE COMPASSES (16/10/2020)

As I’m sure you’re aware, Essex is going into Tier 2 lockdown from Saturday 17th October. So what does this mean about coming to the pub?
The following rules have not changed:
1. Rule of six
2. Wearing a face covering (if you are able to) whilst moving around the pub
3. Social distancing (1 metre plus)
4. Signing in using the NHS app or giving your name to a member of staff
5. Table Service only
6. Pub shuts at 10pm
Tier 2 brings in one new important rule:
You are only allowed to sit with people inside the pub or marquee who are from your own household or who are part of your support bubble (for single people or single parents). You are allowed to meet up in groups from multiple households (up to 6 people) outside however. The marquee currently counts as inside space.
We have removed the sides of the marquee to make it an official outside space. It means you will be able to meet up with friends in there, but obviously it will be a little colder than it is currently.
Given that our trade is likely to suffer as a result of this new rule, we have reluctantly decided to add a small amount to our food prices which will also cover the additional costs involved with offering table service.
We have some very challenging months ahead in the pub, and we appreciate hugely how much you have all supported us through these recent changes. We are naturally worried about the future viability of the pub and the jobs of the people who work here, but we know that with your continued support and loyalty we will manage to ride out the storm.

TABLE SERVICE AT THE COMPASSES

From Thursday 24th September, we will be required by law to offer only table service at the pub.

So what does this mean for you coming to the pub? The following apply to both drinkers and diners – we have never prioritised one group over another and nothing will change now – you are just as welcome to sit at a table drinking as you are dining.

  1. No more queuing or service at the bar.
  2. Please enter the pub at the front of the building and wait to be allocated a table by a member of staff. Please be patient, there will be a few teething issues as we all get used to the new way of working.
  3. Food and drink menus will be left on the tables (laminated so that they can be sanitised between uses). Our current real ales and ciders, and food specials will be on our website, social media and will also be known to the member of staff serving you – so please avoid walking up to the chalkboards.
  4. You will be given a tab and asked to pay in one go when you leave. We prefer card payments but will also take cash. Please make a member of staff aware when you wish to pay rather than coming up to the bar.

As I’m sure you can appreciate, this is a new way of working for us, so it may take a little time to iron out all the wrinkles. Please remain patient and respectful to staff and other customers at all times – we will get to you!

BEER & CIDER MENUS

Last updated 13/10/2020

Breakast at The Compasses!

Starting 1st August 2020!

As a result of the improved back of house services, we have decided to alter our opening hours and food times, and to offer breakfast at the weekends between 08.30 & 11.00.

Monday 12.00-15.00 & 17.00-23.30 (Food 12.00-14.30 & 18.00-21.00)

Tuesday 12.00-15.00 & 17.00-23.30 (Food 12.00-14.30 & 18.00-21.00)

Wednesday 12.00-15.00 & 17.00-23.30 (Food 12.00-14.30 & 18.00-21.00)

Thursday 12.00-23.30 (Food 12.00-14.30 & 18.00-21.00)

Friday 12.00-23.30 (Food 12.00-14.30 & 17.30-21.00)

Saturday 08.30-23.30 (Food 08.30-11.00 & 12.00-21.00)

Sunday 08.30-23.30 (Food 08.30-11.00 & 12.00-20.30)

 

Friends of The Compasses Charity Takeaway Service

 

The Charity Takeaway Service has now finished. We raised an incredible £9,000 over 8 weekends for the following charities:

  • Essex Young Farmers – our hosts
  • Cancer Research UK – Joss
  • Prostate Cancer UK – Paul
  • St Elizabeth Centre – Lizzy
  • The Trussell Trust – Audrey
  • Motor Neurone Disease Association – Courtney
  • Celia Hammond Animal Trust – Sue
  • Braintree Youth Project Charity – Gus

Thank you everyone for your support, it was a very special thing to be part of. We will continue to do takeaways from the pub when we reopen on Friday 24th July.

Joss and The Friends of The Compasses Voluntary Group

 

 

 

COMPASSES’ NOMINATED CHARITY 2020

The Compasses’ nominated charity for 2020 is Cancer Research UK.  Joss Ridley, the landlord, has chosen Cancer Research UK as one of his best friends (Dan) has been living with Stage IV bowel cancer for the last two years.  There will be numerous events at the pub, including a weekly quiz night on Thursday evenings whilst we’re at The Whitbreads Barn, to help reach our target of £10,000.  Joss is also racing the Transcontinental Bikepacking Race in July in order to help raise awareness.  We would be very grateful if you are able to support us in any way, and if you would like to sponsor Joss on his big bike ride and read about Dan’s journey, please click on the link below:

Cancer Research UK Sponsorship Page

If you would like to know more about the Transcontinental Race, please click on the link below:

Transcontinental Race

If you would like to read about some of Joss’s adventures in the last couple of years, please click on the link below:

Orange Socks Blog

 

REAL ALE

Being members of the sixth generation of the Ridley brewing family we pride ourselves on the quality of our real ale.

There are always two classic Essex bitters available – usually Bishop Nick Ridley’s Rite and Crouch Vale Essex Boys Best – a dark ale, a golden ale and one other guest ale. See the blackboard below for our latest offerings.

 

Last updated: 20/03/2020

The Compasses, also known as The Huffer Pub

There are sandwiches - and there are Huffers! What's a Huffer? Well, let me tell you. Traditionally a Huffer used to be half a loaf of bread that the men working on the fields would take each day, stuffed with a selection of fillings.

Out and about
Out and about

See the historic pillboxes, remnants of World War II, amongst the wild garlic in the nearby woodlands and enjoy walking through the fields of linseed and wheat. The local countryside is perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding. If you are interested, the The Compasses' unique cycling shirts are available from the bar. For all those winter walkers there is a welcoming open log fire and a good pint of real ale to help you on your way.

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What We do

Cycle

To take advantage of the stunning local country lanes, The Huffers & Puffers Cycle Group leave for a cake run every Saturday at 9.00am

Food

In this age of ‘bistro pubs’ we are proud to operate as an independent public house offering proper pub food, with ingredients sourced from local suppliers

Horse Racing

Only a few furlongs away is Chelmsford City Racecourse – the first one to open in the UK since 1927. Are you feeling lucky?

Beer Festival

We run beer festivals throughout the year, but our main event is the Hopstock Beer & Music Festival, running from 9th-11th August 2019