When in doubt I tend to go for Adnams if it's there.. Greene King is ok, but since it's what we have round my way all the time, so I'd as soon have something more novel to my palate. (If it's Greene King, the Best is better then the Abbott I reckon. But thousands would differ.)

An Essex beer I don't get to drink that often is Ridleys, and that can be great, but I'm nkt sure itbtravels too well.

And there's Ruddles from up in Rutland, and that might be a really good choice.

I'm getting thirsty...