Whether you’re after the freshest fish or the most imaginative vegan places, great food for families or a friendly welcome for four-legged friends, you’ve spoken (or, rather, voted) regarding your favourite restaurants in the county.
Read on for the results of Essex Life's Food and Drink Awards 2024.
Winner: Galvin Green Man, Great Waltham, Chelmsford
Historic 14th-century building, beautifully refurbished, with a lovely riverside garden to enjoy in summer and a cosy fireplace in winter - tick. Food – from Sunday roasts to a 3-course menu so good that it’s earned the place a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand – tick. And most importantly of all, despite its size, a friendly, personal welcome from staff plus a sense of community - events throughout the year include pub quizzes, live music and Bank Holiday celebrations. Little wonder the Galvin Green Man has proved your winner!
'We are over the moon to be recognised by Essex Life Magazine as the Best Pub & Best Use of Local Produce in Essex. We are so honoured to receive such awards and praise our hard-working team for their on-going team effort. We must also recognise our amazing local suppliers who we continue to work with providing us with only the finest in seasonal produce. We never take these awards for granted and are always so grateful, thank you to our amazing guests who allow us to keep doing what we love.'
Katie Longhurst, Operations Manager, Galvin Green Man
Highly Commended: The Hoop at Stock
Another lovely pub that understandably got the thumbs up from you – a white-weatherboarded haven where you can really relax over a good pint and tuck into a really imaginative menu (think homemade pie of the day plus East-End pie and mash, fish and chips , as well as everything from steaks cooked on the Japanese Kasai grill to imaginative vegan options). Pizza nights, wine nights, live music – they’ve got it all going on – and there’s a play area outside to keep children busy, too.
Highly Commended: The Three Horseshoes, Fordham.
Another village pub that’s a winner as far as EL readers are concerned – gorgeous setting, Bib gourmand-winning food coupled with an imaginative wine list, a private dining space for special celebrations - and who wouldn’t want to snuggle up close to that welcoming open fire come autumn? Moira Edwards and her friendly family team have created something really special here.
Winner: Channels Brasserie, Little Waltham, Chelmsford
What’s made Channels your winning choice in this category? Masses of space for families for a start, with a wealth of outdoor seating. And then there’s the sheer range of choices here and throughout the day –from a full English breakfast from 9am Friday to Sunday, to a special children’s menu including crowd-pleasing mini burgers, pasta and sausage and mash, through to a traditional Sunday lunch. An all-age Thursday two-for-one offer makes this a great option, too, for those on a budget.
Highly Commended: Olio at The General Arms, Little Baddow, Chelmsford
Voters clearly appreciate the relaxed Italian vibe with food to match, at this light, bright and friendly restaurant, totally at home within a popular local pub. Along with food favourites including pan-fried calamari with nduja and saltimbocca plus simpler pasta dishes such as lasagne and spaghetti Bolognese, there’s a weekend barbecue in the summer and a park area for kids to let off steam in.
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Winner: Acanteen Chelmsford
Acanteen has impressed voters with its friendly, free-spirited atmosphere - a great venue for get-togethers, with regular DJs keeping things buzzing. Bottomless brunch here allows you 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco or larger with a dish from the extensive menu- buttermilk pancakes with yoghurt and fruit compote – with vegan and dairy-free variations available, too, for instance. On colder days, the chorizo hash with fried eggs is tempting, while vegetarians might prefer the crushed avocado with sriracha mayo. Whatever, your votes suggest you can expect a great start time here.
Highly commended: Fete Chelmsford
Founders Tobias Godfrey and Laura Gray have come a long way since they treats from their Renault van back in 2019. Today, Fete makes the most of its lovely rustic space in Grays Yard, with Tobias’ menu winning plaudits from EL readers and his brunch especially warmly welcomed. The imaginative, beautifully presented plates here (available from 9am and throughout the day) include The Full Fete, featuring merguez sausages, smoked bacon harissa duck fat potatoes, fried egg, flat bread and a vegan equivalent, staring confit rainbow chard and spiced roast squash. Sweet offerings of a chai-spiced porridge and blueberry waffles sound unmissable.
Highly Commended: The Farm Café, Heybridge
This lovely laidback, rural venue has certainly proved popular, with Brunch served 9-2pm Thursday to Sunday. And the friendly welcome extends not only to adults and children but to animals too – summer has seen a pop-up ‘Bark & Brunch’ event that proved a huge success. If you’re after a classic you’d can’t do better than a smoke Lambton and Jackson kipper, but you’ll find mushrooms on toast eggs ‘benny’ and ‘florrie’ (that’s benedict and Florentine – with hollandaise and spinach respectively, of course)
BEST FOR AFTERNOON TEA
Winner: Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Leigh-on-Sea
Thought there were only so many ways to offer afternoon tea? Think again, say our voters – and the only real way to respond to what’s on offer here is with the word: wow! Yes, think vintage china, scones, tea and sandwiches – but think, too, of visits with a theme, with recent ones including Under the Sea (no real sand in those sandwiches, though…), where you’re joined by mermaids and underwater creatures for a magical afternoon’s feasting. Takes experiential eating to a whole new level!
Highly Commended: Mrs Salisbury’s, Maldon
This traditional tea-room in the heart of Maldon wins fans with its reliably delicious sweet and savoury treats. Menus change with the seasons, though, so you can look forward Loch Fyne salmon sandwiches, chive cream cheese and sun-blushed tomato blins, scones and a lemon pavlova, depending on when you visit. Regular fans (and there are many of you) can take advantage of a Cuppa Club loyalty card.
Highly Commended: Tiptree Tea Rooms, Tiptree
You’ve explored the visitor centre, taken the farm tour – now tuck into the tea featuring the world-famous locally-produced jams . Afternoon tea, brought to your table and with a choice of sandwiches and homemade scones plus Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and (of course) Tiptree preserves and makes a timeless choice for traditionalists. More of a savoury fan? Voters appreciate the chance to tuck into a cheese-scone tea, served with Tiptree onion relish.
Winner: Magic Monkey Leigh-on-Sea
Voters clearly love the fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean influences here that gives Magic Monkey its vibrant summery vibe, at any time of year. It’s glamorous with a food and drink menu to match – and an evening small plates menu (plus brunch earlier in the day) mean plenty of chances to experiment with what’s on offer. From saganaki (breaded feta, served with hot honey and plum jam) to Jerk pork and salmon or blackened cod, plus vegan and gluten-free Monkey Bowls packed with rice and peas, jerk lentils, sauteed green and mango salsa, there are delights here for all. Wash it down with a cocktail and let the good times keep coming.
Highly Commended: The Lion Inn, Boreham, Chelmsford
Your votes suggest that the atmosphere here’s a roaring success – a light, spacious interior cleverly designed to fuse the best of old and new; like the food here, it’s classic with a contemporary twist. Voters appreciate spaces to suit their moods – the bar combines antique and salvaged furniture, the courtyard is a lovely suntrap on a summer’s day – there’s even room complete with its own fireplace for private dining.
Highly Commended: Luigi’s Al Fresco, Maldon
Italian food done well is hard to beat, and that’s what you get – with an atmosphere to match - at this much-loved family trattoria, where owners Giovanni, Enzo and Emily serve up recipes cooked using generations-old family methods. Pasta and pizza are freshly made each day, while the restaurant’s garden provides ingredients such as basil and cherry tomatoes. A little piece of Italy right here in Essex.
Winners: Pig & Whistle Restaurant, Chelmsford
‘Romantic’ and ‘intimate’ are just two of the words used to describe your winning choice of fine dining restaurant. The lovely team at Pig & Whistle Restaurant succeed in paying their guests every bit as much attention as they pay to creating their food. Ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible (pork comes from Great Garnetts farm near Barnston, for instance); a la carte, set menus and a seven-course tasting experience are all on offer and the ambience is linen, crystal and candlelight – decidedly adult, but all without any stuffiness. Marvellous.
‘To be voted the best restaurant for fine dining against great competition, is a tribute to our hard-working team. who have proudly created a cosy intimate destination restaurant serving fresh food and drink to Essex.’
Pig & Whistle Restaurant co-owners Justin Mullender & Brendan Mullender-Curran
Highly Commended: Le Bouchon, Maldon
Little wonder Le Bouchon gets your vote – its Grade II listed Georgian setting is the perfect back drop to elegant period features and furnishings, setting the tone from the moment you arrive. Expect top-quality food with wines to match (and gorgeous accommodation if you want to make a stay of it) – all impeccably presented and served.
Highly Commended: Talbooth, Dedham
Nestled next to the River Stour, Milsom’s Talbooth has long been a firm favourite with Essex Life readers, with its combination of location (plenty of space for waterside dining in summer), modern British cuisine and expert service proving irresistible. The menu keeps things local ,with Mersea crab tartlet and fillet of dry-aged Dedham Vale beef and short rib just two of the gems regularly delighting diners here – just make sure you leave space for the blueberry souffle...
Winner: The Peterboat, Leigh-on-Sea
Great to know that this historic pub and restaurant – first mentioned in records in 1757 – is as welcoming to those with four legs as it is to those with two – dogs are welcome in both the bar and on the patio, and if yours could do with a bowl of water while you enjoy a pint, all you have to do is ask. This accommodating attitude makes it a sure-fire winner with our dog-owning voters.
Highly Commended: The Anchor, Danbury
At busy times you’ll need to book your pooch in in advance, but – outside main dining areas – dogs are welcome here, and of course there’s a lovely garden from them to enjoy, too.
Highly Commended: Channels Brasserie, Chelmsford
Yet another reason to rate Channels! Dogs on leads are welcome - just select ‘dog-friendly dining’ when booking online to reserve your table, with pooches welcome not only outside but in allocated areas of the brasserie.
Winner: Galvin Green Man, Great Waltham, Chelmsford
Another win for the ever-popular Green Man – this time you’ve singled them out for their fantastic use of Essex’s finest ingredients, right across the board – with the classic Brut from Purleigh’s New Hall Vineyard kick-starting the drinks menu, through to Colne Valley lamb and Essex veg whenever its at its seasonal best (spring asparagus was a highlight earlier in the year). The message from voters is, if you want to support the county’s finest food suppliers, this is a great place to come.
Highly commended: Food, Leigh-on-Sea
Feel-good food in the true sense of the word and with a mention in both the Michelin and Good Food guides, the menu at food has its focus firmly on ‘health, wellbeing, creativity and flavour’ . As forward-thinking supporters of sustainability, not only do the team here source ingredients (organic veg, grass-fed beef) sourced small farms within a short distance of the restaurant so it’s as fresh as possible and completely traceable, but to cut down on those food miles, too. Integrity never tasted so good.
Highly Commended: Church Street Tavern, Colchester
Votes for a seasonal menu that capitalises on the great local farms, day-caught fish and produce that as far as possible comes from within a 30-mile radius of this stylish, laid-back restaurant.
BEST FOR VEGGIES/VEGANS
Winner: Banana Tree, Chelmsford
It’s the innovative vegan and veggie menus here that have helped this pan-Asian restaurant in Chelmsford scoop your votes in this category. You can eat all the sorts of dishes you’d expect from this part of the world, only meat-free. Try the Malaysian Kajang Satay Sticks served with peanut sauce, for instance, or how about a melt-in-the-mouth roasted half aubergine, served with aromatic caramel sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and crispy shallots with Asian dry slaw on the side. There’s a separate kids’ menu, plus 2-FOR-1 cocktails and mocktails for non-drinkers. Something different that caters for all preferences.
Highly Commended: Oaktree Vegan Restaurant, Leigh-on-Sea
For over then years Samantha and Jim Anderson’s bistro has been doing what it does best: serving an entirely plant-based menu, from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner – and you love them for it! Delicious cakes and pastries, too – what you notice here is great food first and foremost – the fact that it’s animal-produce free is almost secondary.
Highly Commended: The Olive Branch, Wivenhoe
Voters appreciate something deliciously different – dips, salads and flatbreads with both veggie and vegan variations available – we especially like the sound of the smoked aubergine wrap with fresh salad, pickles and pomegranate molasses – and who could resist a venue that even offers vegan baklava? Not Essex Life readers, for a start!
Winner: Salero Lounge, Maldon
Breathing much-needed new life into what was once Maldon’s post office, Salero Loungeopened its doors at the end of 2023, the newest kid on the popular Lounge group’s block. The highest of ceilings and sense of space are certainly impressive, but guests appreciate a relaxed, informal atmosphere – the perfect setting for wide-ranging, affordable food. Flatbreads, salad bowls burgers and souvlaki are all on the menu, so there really is something for everyone. Children and dogs welcome – so this really is somewhere for everybody!
Highly Commended: The Dog House, Epping
Having only reopened with a new name and new owners this spring, The Dog House has obviously been quick to make a very positive impression on our readers! Friendly, good value and a well-thought-out menu that includes everything from classics like sausage and mash to Thai curries and a recommended Sunday lunch. Child portions available too. Family fundays, barbecues and music nights – the pub is fast becoming an invaluable part of its local community, too.
Highly Commended: Picante, Leigh-on-Sea
Something of a Destination Restaurant, we gather – a place to see and be seen, while enjoying great food and a lively atmosphere. Weekend breakfast proves a winner, but so too do mains including beef sliders, calamari and salmon. On warmer evenings, head to the tables outside for a pre-dinner cocktail. Co-owner Hamid Oukili is a man who knows exactly what he’s doing (he also runs the Brunch Co in Leigh) and with his business partner Daniel Mead he’s succeeded in little over a year in putting this, their latest venue, firmly on the map.
Winner: The Company Shed, West Mersea
Yes, this family-run business is so good it’s even worth checking the tide times before you set off for lunch here. In fact, doing so is a necessity if you don’t actually live on Mersea Island, and such is this place’s reputation that many of those who voted for it don’t. What makes the planned journey oh-so worthwhile? The freshest of specialities including dressed crab, grilled garlic-stuffed mussels, King Scallops, the team’s own smoked salmon – all served in a the most laid-back of atmosphere.
Highly commended:
Smith’s of Ongar.
Your votes suggest it’s easy to see why Smith’s has been going strong since 1958. Winning your loyalty an a la carte menu that might include lobster thermidor, tempura Cornish monkfish escalopes or Cornish monkfish, king prawns and spinach, topped with a parmesan and parsley crumb..
Highly commended: Maldon Smokehouse, Maldon
Little wonder Maldon Smokehouse has proved a vote-winner – there’s a real sense of culinary discovery to this gem tucked down a little lane close to the river Chelmer. Readers enjoy filling their boots with the finest local seafood – from crevettes to anchovies and roll mops or the Seafood Overboard, a large platter packed with, of course, all things smoked: prawns, salmon, mackerel and smoked salmon pate plus peeled prawns and crayfish. The extensive wine list adds to the appeal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel