ECHO reporter Michael Robinson took a trip along the A127 to test out the food at Rayleigh’s Lodge after it re-opened on Friday following a three-week closure.

The pub is a historical fixture of the town, standing close to Grove Wood, land which was acquired by King Henry VIII as he romanced then paramour Anne Boleyn.

When first entering the Lodge, I noticed the beautiful colour scheme and impressive artwork of the Tudor king, as well as various landmarks such as Hadleigh Castle and the Rayleigh Windmill.

Tucking in - Our reporter prepares to get stuck inTucking in - Our reporter prepares to get stuck in (Image: Michael Robinson)

I was tasked with finding the best item on the menu at the establishment by my editor, and when presented with the menu I was confronted with a very difficult but undoubtedly delicious dilemma.

The venue was already filled with plenty of patrons enjoying their pints and a good meal, and after consulting with general manager, Tom Dixon, I decided to join them by ordering his favourite – the tikka chicken skewer.

Staff were very friendly and attentive as I ordered my meal, bringing it along with chips and a glass of Coca Cola to my table.

Appetising - The meal tasted as good as it lookedAppetising - The meal tasted as good as it looked (Image: Michael Robinson)

The food was very appetisingly presented and with movements possibly too quick for a man my size, I dived into the dish.

The meal was refreshing, spicy from the chillies, and very enjoyable – certainly a dish I would recommend to anyone looking to try the Lodge’s menu.

After I had both confronted and conquered my challenge, I was quickly attended to by staff who asked me how the meal was and collected my plate.

Great view - Our reporter thoroughly enjoyed his mealGreat view - Our reporter thoroughly enjoyed his meal (Image: Michael Robinson)


I would say the dish was very good, and for anyone looking to try it, you can for £11.79 - a very reasonable price considering how much you can pay for a pub lunch these days. 

Rayleigh Lodge has a TripAdvisor rating of 3.5 and a Google review score of four stars and it is easy to see why.

Thanks to the refurb, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that rise in weeks to come as residents flock back to the business after the three-week closure. 

I will certainly be returning and would recommend a trip to anyone in the area as well. Good, affordable food mixed with friendly service will surely be a recipe for success.