Essex


<p>Plate piled high with crispy roasties, large red, nice walk after (or a nap for the less energetic). Is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? The only thing that could possibly make it better is someone else doing the hard work for you, that&#8217;s why we&#8217;ve found some of the best places in Essex to enjoy a top notch roast. You&#8217;re so welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dukes-head-billericay"><a href="https://www.dukesheadlittleburstead.co.uk/#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dukes Head</a>, Billericay</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1008" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Dukes-Head-Little-Burstead.png" alt="The Dukes Head Billericay" class="wp-image-26034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Dukes-Head-Little-Burstead.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Dukes-Head-Little-Burstead-794x800.png 794w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Dukes-Head-Little-Burstead-992x1000.png 992w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Dukes-Head-Little-Burstead-768x774.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This recently-renovated country pub had us at bottomless gravy –&nbsp;is there anything worse than not having enough of the good stuff? As well as a decent amount of gravy, all the lunches come with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, roasted root veg and Yorkshire pudding. As well as the usuals (British half roast chicken, 21-day aged sirloin of beef, slow-cooked pork belly or sweet potato, butternut &amp; chestnut roast), at The Duke&#8217;s Head you can also go for the Trio (beef, pork belly and chicken, £24.75), or the epic Sharing Roast Experience for Two (£53.95) –&nbsp;sirloin of beef, half rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked pork belly, crackling, chestnut &amp; pork stuffing, cauliflower cheese, horseradish cream, bread sauce and apple ketchup. We&#8217;re sold! If you&#8217;ve room for extra sides, there&#8217;s also dauphinoise potatoes and Tenderstem broccoli with green beans and samphire. We&#8217;ll be finishing ours off with a helping of the sticky toffee &amp; rum pudding, with crystalised ginger ice cream! Little ones have the choice of chicken, beef or the sweet potato roast, from £9.50.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-jobber-s-rest-upminster"><a href="https://jobbersrestupminster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jobber&#8217;s Rest</a>, Upminster</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/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy.jpg" alt="The Jobber's Rest Hornchurch" class="wp-image-26040" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Jobbers-rest-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not only does this characterful pub have bottomless gravy (we&#8217;re not obsessed, honest), it also has bottomless Yorkshires and roasties! Yes you heard us right! Here you can choose from half roast chicken, 21-day matured British beef rump, British pork loin (with cracking and apple &amp; pear chutney), or roast cauliflower steak with truffle cauliflower purée and spiced corn and seed crumble. There&#8217;s cauliflower cheese, roast seasonal veg and savoy cabbage to enjoy alongside too. You can also enjoy a starter and/or dessert for £6 each when you order a roast, so it would be rude not to indulge – after all&nbsp;the pistachio soufflé sounds super light. Children can also get in on the roast action with smaller portions of beef and chicken served for half the price.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chin-chin-leigh-on-sea"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chinchinlos/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chin Chin</a>, Leigh-on-Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1559" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin.jpg" alt="Chin Chin Leigh on Sea" class="wp-image-26042" style="aspect-ratio:0.6414368184733804;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin-513x800.jpg 513w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin-641x1000.jpg 641w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin-768x1197.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Chin-Chin-985x1536.jpg 985w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not the usual spot you would expect to find a hearty roast, Chin Chin, on Leigh-on-Sea&#8217;s buzzy Leigh Road, is better know for its pan-Asian cuisine, yet it turns out they do a pretty stunning roast too, and it&#8217;s back from this month. Tables get booked fast, and we can see why –&nbsp;glossy roasted parsnips and shallots, crisped-to-perfection roast potatoes, blushing roast beef and absolutely ginormous Yorkshires – this is one good looking dinner. This one is less family get-together, and more lunch with the girls (sipping their delicious cocktails/mocktails alongside is a must), and any photos taken will definitely deserve a spot on the gram.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-leather-bottle-blackmore"><a href="https://www.leatherbottle.pub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Leather Bottle</a>, Blackmore</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1003" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle.jpg" alt="The Leather Bottle Blackmore" class="wp-image-26035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle-798x800.jpg 798w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle-997x1000.jpg 997w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Leather-Bottle-768x770.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This picturesque pub is nestled in the historic village of Blackmore, where you can walk off your pub lunch after. On Sundays you can take advantage of the 2 courses for £31 or 3 courses £40 menu, which includes the roasts! Choose from turkey (with pig in blanket and apricot &amp; sausage stuffing), honey &amp; mustard glazed gammon, slow roast sirloin, roast pork or a mixed nut roast. They don&#8217;t serve plain roasties here, oh no, these bad boys are sprinkled with thyme and rosemary before roasting, and are also served with seasonal veg, carrot &amp; swede purée, Yorkshire pud and lashing of rich gravy. Kids can choose from turkey, beef or pork, for £13.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cricketers-clavering"><a href="https://www.thecricketers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers</a>, Clavering</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy.jpg" alt="The Cricketers Clavering" class="wp-image-26036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/The-Cricketers-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stone&#8217;s throw from the historic town of Saffron Walden and situated in a top spot for walks, cycle routes and views of idyllic thatched cottages, this destination is ideal after a morning exploring the local area. And dogs are not only allowed here, they are welcomed, with their own special dog menu filled with hand-baked, natural treats. The plates here are piled with the crispest potatoes, fluffiest Yorkshires and the most buttery of veg! You can enjoy 2 courses for £30, or 3 courses for a very reasonable £35. Menus change depending on the season but you could choose from beef, pork loin or spiced squash, all with roasties, carrot &amp; squash purée, seasonal greens, a Yorkshire, and of course gravy (add cauliflower cheese too). For dessert the choice is tough, but if it&#8217;s on the menu, the orchard fruit cobbler with cinnamon ice cream sounds delightful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-windmill-chatham-green"><a href="https://thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Windmill</a>, Chatham Green</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/22/2025/10/WindmillFebruary-41-1.jpg" alt="The Windmill Chatham Green" class="wp-image-26138" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/WindmillFebruary-41-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/WindmillFebruary-41-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/WindmillFebruary-41-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/WindmillFebruary-41-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Another good one for re-fuelling after a day of walking, The Windmill is just off The Essex Way – a long-distance path (a mere 81 miles) stretching from Epping to Harwich (don&#8217;t worry, we don&#8217;t expect you to walk the whole thing before lunch!). If you did fancy a shorter stroll though the scenery is superb, and the well-deserved Sunday roast here is just as good, championing local produce, seasonality and sustainability. There&#8217;s aged sirloin of Dedham Vale beef, leg of lamb or roast chicken breast, with honey glazed turnips &amp; carrots, cauliflower cheese and cabbage &amp; peas, as well as the usual roasties, Yorkshire and a red wine gravy. They also very helpfully recommend a selection of wines to accompany your meal! Cin cin!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-le-bouchon-maldon"><a href="http://www.lebouchon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Bouchon</a>, Maldon</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/22/2025/10/Le-Bouchon.jpg" alt="Le Bouchon Maldon" class="wp-image-26141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Le-Bouchon.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Le-Bouchon-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Le-Bouchon-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/Le-Bouchon-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Le Bouchon definitely feels like a bit of treat, one to add to your special occasions wish-list. The expertly cooked dishes are perfection! Choose from roast pork, chicken or beef, with all the trimmings (or the trio, for an extra £5, if you can&#8217;t decide). Veggies can go for the roasted cauliflower steak with wild rice, sweet and sour aubergines and romesco sauce. Choose 2 courses for £32, or 3 for £38, with additional extras available. Each meat comes with a wine serving suggestion, which is available by the glass (handy if you&#8217;ve all chosen different meals). If you get in there quick you can also book one of the brasseries&#8217;s post-lunch or pre-dinner boat excursions where you can take in the canal&#8217;s scenery (although these will stop running on 31 Oct for the winter, starting again in April 2026). The trip runs to either the Heybridge Basin or the Beeleigh Weir and back, exclusively for hotel and brasserie guests, for the price of £15.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chequers-matching-green"><a href="https://thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chequers</a>, Matching Green</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/22/2025/10/the-chequers.jpg" alt="The Chequers Matching Green" class="wp-image-26047" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/the-chequers.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/the-chequers-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/the-chequers-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/the-chequers-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/10/the-chequers-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Wagyu beef dripping potatoes! Do we need to say more? Count us in for the Sunday roast at The Chequers. Alongside the roasties you can also feast on the roast beef, turkey breast or roast of the day (prices from £22), while vegetarians and vegans can indulge in the squash, mushroom and spinach wellington (with vegan roasties). Kids have the choice of beef or chicken for £12.50. This is a vibrant pub with a friendly atmosphere, a good choice for a lively family gathering!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galvin-green-man-chelmsford"><a href="https://galvinrestaurants.com/pub-restaurant-chelmsford-essex-galvin-green-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galvin Green Man</a>, Chelmsford</h2>



<p>Expect to be wowed by the Sunday roast at Galvin Green Man (it is an award winning, Bib Gourmand pub after all). Another of Essex&#8217;s pubs that boasts panoramic views and all the history – the building dates back to 1341. What about the menu? It&#8217;s just as impressive –&nbsp;aged sirloin of Dedham Vale beef, supreme of Suffolk chicken, and slow cooked belly of Great Garnetts pork, all served with duck fat roast potatoes, honey glazed carrots, Hispi cabbage and Yorkshire pudding. While there are extras you can add, the set menu is 2 courses for £44, or 3 courses for £48 (children&#8217;s roast dinner is £7.50). Expert advice when it comes to wine matching is always gratefully accepted, and this menu is another one with helpful suggestions that can be bought by the glass.</p>



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



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Gravy at the ready: Where to find the best Sunday roasts in Essex

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