Under the railway arches · Chelmsford

The Ale House

One of the widest ranges of continuously changing beers in Essex — poured under two railway arches beside the station, since long before craft was a buzzword.

24–26 Viaduct Road, CM1 1TS Open 7 days 01245 260535

On the boards

The line-up turns over constantly — there is no fixed list, and that is the point. Here is what you will always find waiting when you come down the steps.

9

Cask ales

Nine hand-pulled ales on at any time, always including something dark and something stronger, from local Essex breweries and further afield.

6

Real ciders

Six real ciders on rotation for the cider drinkers, kept and served properly alongside the beer.

15+

Craft keg

At least fifteen craft keg lines, plus imported lagers on tap for when you fancy something cold and continental.

100+

Bottled beers from around the world

A shelf of well over a hundred bottled beers, gathered from local brewers and breweries across the globe. Ask behind the bar and someone will happily point you to something you have never had.

The range changes week to week, so the beers on when you visit are a surprise worth making the trip for. Call the bar on 01245 260535 if you want to know what is pouring today.

Two arches, beside the station

The Ale House sits in two of the railway arches under Chelmsford station on Viaduct Road, looking out across the bus station. It is the kind of place you find on purpose — low-key from the street, warm and busy once you are in.

It has grown a name as one of the best-stocked independent beer houses in Essex, with a wide, forever-changing range and a proper community around it.

  • Bring your own food. Fancy a takeaway with your pint? Bring it in — plates and cutlery are provided.
  • Quiz nights. A pub quiz on the first and third Sunday of every month.
  • Beer festivals. Regular festivals through the year celebrating cask, keg and cider.
  • CAMRA members receive a discount per pint at the bar.
Rows of wooden cask ale barrels being racked at a brewery

Find us & opening hours

The Ale House
24–26 Viaduct Road (The Arches)
Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TS
01245 260535

Call the bar Get directions
Monday12:00 – 23:00
Tuesday12:00 – 23:00
Wednesday12:00 – 23:00
Thursday12:00 – 23:00
Friday11:00 – midnight
Saturday11:00 – midnight
Sunday11:00 – 23:00