Essex


<p>Finally locked in a date with the girls? With that much effort, you deserve somewhere extra special. A top cocktail offering, a menu full of treats, and of course the right aesthetic for you to get snap happy. This doesn&#8217;t happen often – you need to capture those memories, right? Here&#8217;s a round up of a few of the most instagrammable Essex restaurants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-taru-buckhurst-hill">The Taru, Buckhurst Hill</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/2537Taru-RestaurantDesignedbyCreativePrototypingUnit_Page_1-copy.jpg" alt="The Taru Buckhurst Hill" class="wp-image-26641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/2537Taru-RestaurantDesignedbyCreativePrototypingUnit_Page_1-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/2537Taru-RestaurantDesignedbyCreativePrototypingUnit_Page_1-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/2537Taru-RestaurantDesignedbyCreativePrototypingUnit_Page_1-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/2537Taru-RestaurantDesignedbyCreativePrototypingUnit_Page_1-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sup>© Creative Prototyping Unit</sup></figcaption></figure>



<p>The Taru at Buckhurst Hill has recently opened its doors, and we predict it&#8217;s going to be the place to be seen. Why? Top location, covetable interior and delicious modern British menu, that&#8217;s why. We&#8217;ve already spotted braised featherblade, and sides of truffled pomme purée and brie mac &amp; cheese on the menu. Add this to the top of your hit list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inn-at-belfairs-leigh-on-sea"><a href="https://theinnatbelfairs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Inn at Belfairs</a>, Leigh-on-Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy.jpg" alt="The Inn at Belfairs" class="wp-image-27388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/image-gallery-three_-_28de80_-_f5f66e50dd4c6aeb7b1de619b2f0de688495d159-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Instantly instagrammable all year round with a foliage-filled ceiling which literally surrounds you. The afternoon tea is also worth adding to your stories, as is the epic Sunday lunch. There&#8217;s a doggy menu too should you want your pooch to get in on the selfie action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roslin-beach-hotel-thorpe-bay"><a href="https://www.roslinhotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roslin Beach Hotel</a>, Thorpe Bay</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/roslin.jpg" alt="The Roslin Hotel dining room" class="wp-image-27389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/roslin.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/roslin-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/roslin-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/roslin-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;ve been to Roslin Hotel before you&#8217;ll know that on top of the exquisite decor, they also go all out with the seasonal themes, each year out doing the last. If you&#8217;ve not been before, what are you waiting for? It was was winner of the <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Hotel at our 2025 Muddy Awards</a> and the stunning seaside views (plus the prettiest afternoon tea) are just waiting to be posted on your feed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pavilion-colchester"><a href="https://pavilion-restaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pavilion</a>, Colchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Pavillion-1.jpg" alt="Pavilion, Colchester" class="wp-image-26589" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Pavillion-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Pavillion-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Pavillion-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Pavillion-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This vast restaurant with it&#8217;s open-plan style and buzzy atmosphere makes it a winner for large parties (no need to worry about whispering quietly here). The blossom trees make the perfect backdrop for selfies with the girls, as does the rest of the colourful decor. Expect Pan Pacific flavours on the menu, plus the prettiest signature cocktails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-felix-warley"><a href="https://www.felixrestaurants.co.uk/felix-warley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Felix</a>, Warley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Felix-Warley-copy.jpg" alt="Felix, Warley" class="wp-image-26590" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Felix-Warley-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Felix-Warley-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Felix-Warley-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Felix-Warley-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Felix at Warley is impressive before you&#8217;ve even walked in –&nbsp;the glass-fronted double-height atrium oozes style. The building is home to a fabulous oval-shaped cocktail bar, and the restaurant with its decorative screens and walls is filled with dining pockets for an intimate feel. It&#8217;s the brass-netted round seating booths that really catch the eye for us and the luxe decorating scheme.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marley-s-brasserie-hornchurch"><a href="https://marleysbrasserie.co.uk/hornchurch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marley&#8217;s Brasserie</a>, Hornchurch</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1015" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Hornchurch1.jpg" alt="Marley's, Hornchurch" class="wp-image-26591" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Hornchurch1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Hornchurch1-800x541.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Hornchurch1-1000x677.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Hornchurch1-768x520.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In the heart of Hornchurch, this is an easy meeting spot. Well known for its brunch, Marley&#8217;s welcomes walk-ins – there might be a queue, but that&#8217;s a sign of how coveted this spot is. The pancakes and waffles are piled high here (as you would expect for an insta-worthy shot), and there&#8217;s a wide choice of cooked breakfasts and eggs – the Evil Eggs with garlicky yogurt and warm spicy butter are top of the list for us. The cocktail menu is well worth a browse too. Further East? There&#8217;s a Marley&#8217;s in Benfleet too which is just as stunning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-eight-bells-saffron-walden"><a href="https://www.theeightbellssaffronwalden.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eight Bells</a>, Saffron Walden</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/the-eight-bells.jpg" alt="The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden" class="wp-image-26639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/the-eight-bells.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/the-eight-bells-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/the-eight-bells-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/the-eight-bells-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Olde-worlde more your thing? Then The Eight Bells has it bags – timber beams, antlers, fireplaces and a magnificent-looking barn to dine in. Settle in for a cosy night of good company and good food – the menu is select but on point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dog-amp-pickle-moreton"><a href="https://www.dogandpickle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dog &amp; Pickle</a>, Moreton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/The-dog-Pickle.jpg" alt="The Dig &amp; Pickle, Moreton" class="wp-image-26593" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/The-dog-Pickle.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/The-dog-Pickle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/The-dog-Pickle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/The-dog-Pickle-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Enjoy a bit of celeb spotting? This is the place to do it – there&#8217;s been a few celebs spotted here and we hear Denise Van Outen and Rod Stewart are fans. It&#8217;s not surprising given the luxury menu – on the A La Carte menu you&#8217;ll find dishes such as truffle burger with fig jam. Feeling extra indulgent? How about the Australian wagyu ribeye for two, with duck fat roasties and all the trimmings? Now that&#8217;s definitely worth posting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/east-anglias-top-6-gastropubs-to-bookmark-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Anglia’s top 6 Gastropubs to bookmark in 2026</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/6-fun-things-to-do-in-essex-to-get-your-dopamine-fix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 fun things to do in Essex to get your dopamine fix</a></li>



<li></li>
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Best dressed: The most instagrammable restaurants in Essex

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