I really want one of those traffic cone outfits. They make my hat look desperately inadequate!
Yes, the new Mighty Oak micropub in Maldon was indeed suggested on Facebook. I also suggested the Blackwater Rail Trail 
Mighty Oak Taproom well before 9 [I can do that if I leave Dunmow before 7]...then another venue? Carpenter's Arms last time we visited the Farmer's Yard on that sort of schedule.
Maldon's newest micropub has a website. Since they shut as 9pm another venue would be good, the Carpenters is a good shout.
I have a Maldon pubs ROUTE which the Witham peloton used back in February 2013. It could easily incorporate the BRT on the way back But if anyone has a better idea I'm happy to suck a wheel.
I notice your route is 20 miles to Maldon High Street, so you'd need to be setting off somewhat earlier than 7:30 (or cracking on up North Hill at Alex Dowsett pace) to get there significantly before they close at 9.
ETA: You could cut out the Cock Clarks, Pureigh section, and hang a left on The Ridge onto Runsell Lane, picking up the Old London Road approach to Maldon to cut out some mileage. (Probably only saves 4 miles though, so ~1hr 10 at typical MEMWNS pace, with arrival outside the pub around 8:40 - so still quite tight with faff time etc.)
