Find the best pubs in Essex
Essex sits just northeast of London but feels a world away with its pretty villages, centuries-old market towns and long stretch of classic English coastline. From the wild beauty of Epping Forest to the colourful beach huts in Walton-on-the-Naze, this is an eclectic county that offers something for every kind of weekend wanderer.
Whether you’re an Essex local or exploring the county over a long weekend, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Stroll through market towns, get your steps in and go deer spotting in Epping Forest, or head to the seaside for salty air and invigorating sea views.
And when you’re ready to relax? Well, if a historic British pub is your cup of tea, there are plenty of Chef & Brewer pubs in Essex that tick all the boxes — a friendly welcome, well-poured pints and traditional British dishes cooked to perfection. Ready to find your new favourite?
Find a pub in Essex
The best pubs in Essex
Looking for a picturesque spot to settle in for a Sunday roast? Fancy a crisp pint somewhere with a view? From cosy firesides to sun-soaked beer gardens, here are a few of the best pubs in Essex:
Grange, Boreham
Just four miles outside of Chelmsford, the Grange is an ideal place to stop for a bite after a jaunt around the city. The Grade II-listed pub is bursting with rural appeal, no matter if you opt for a cosy corner inside or head outside in the lush garden for a sun-soaked alfresco lunch.
Pop into the Grange for a quick pint or visit with a group of friends for a hearty meal. The pub’s menu is packed with wholesome British pub fare, from rich and flavourful pies to crispy battered fish and chips. Paired with a choice of cask ales, what more could you wish for?
Bull, Hockley
This historic pub in Essex is a local favourite – and for very good reason. As well as its enviable location on the edge of the stunning Hockley Woods (the perfect place for a pre-pint ramble), the Bull is packed with fantastic amenities including free Wi-Fi, a spacious car park and a dedicated menu for young guests.
Inside, you’ll find 16th-century features still standing strong, while outside there’s a vast beer garden that’s perfect for sunny afternoons. When you’re ready to order, you’ll have a whole host of delicious dishes to choose from, whether you fancy a hearty roast, juicy steak or a sumptuous vegan or vegetarian alternative. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to browse the dessert section of the menu for something decadent and delicious.
Horse & Groom, Writtle
For a true countryside pub in Essex that welcomes all the family to dine, you can’t go wrong with the Horse & Groom. It sits surrounded by greenery just beyond the outskirts of Writtle, a postcard-worthy village known for its eye-catching cottages and Norman-era church.
Order your favourite tipple at the well-stocked bar, then make your way to the scenic beer garden. With sweeping views across open fields, this is the kind of place where one drink can easily turn into two.
Yew Tree, Great Horkesley
This charming Grade II listed pub in Great Horkesley village really does look like something out of a storybook thanks to its wonderfully preserved period features – including a lovely thatched roof. Step inside and you’ll also discover a stunning interior bursting with rustic wooden beams and exposed brickwork.
The Yew Tree’s wonderful ambience and friendly service make it an unbeatable option for a family meal. It’s also one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Essex, with treats always waiting for your pooch and a lovely beer garden where they can slumber in the sunshine.
Boars Head, Herongate
Just outside Brentwood, the Boars Head is a brilliant pick for a relaxed drink or a memorable meal. With Herongate’s charming cottages and rolling countryside right on the doorstep, this Essex pub feels like a proper escape.
Whether you’re craving a refreshing cider after exploring nearby Thorndon Country Park or searching for a country pub in Essex for a Sunday Roast with the family, the Boars Head won’t disappoint. Prepare to treat your tastebuds with delicious dishes featuring seasonal ingredients and plenty of flavour.
More about Essex
Historic estates, breathtaking beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and picturesque wineries. Essex is full of places that are well worth a wander. Many of its towns and cities have pasts stretching back centuries, including Colchester with its Roman ruins and bucolic Thaxted, one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval villages.
If a stroll around a stately home sounds like your cup of tea, Essex won’t disappoint. The county is studded with captivating heritage sites like the grand Jacobean Audley End House and Gardens and the impressive Layer Marney Tower, where Henry VIII himself snoozed for a night back in 1522.
It’s not just man made marvels you’ll encounter either. Essex is also inundated with extraordinary scenery, from sweeping golden sand beaches and meandering rivers to lush parklands like Wivenhoe, which inspired several of John Constable’s iconic landscape paintings during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Exploring this vast region can be thirsty work, and a welcoming pub, tasty food and a refreshing pint in hand are just the thing. You’ll find a number of Chef & Brewer pubs in Essex dotted across the county, each one ready to serve up seasonal dishes and genuine hospitality. Why not make your next outing in Essex a pub day?