Essex


<p>Ok, so hearts and flowers aren’t for everyone but gourmet grub will go down a treat with just about anyone (hint hint, hubby). Whether you’re dining with a new flame, the old ball and chain, or your favourite Galentine, you can’t go wrong with these stylish restaurants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.felixrestaurants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Felix (opens in a new tab)">Felix</a>, Warley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/felix-warley.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6569" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/felix-warley.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/felix-warley-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/felix-warley-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/felix-warley-789x525.jpeg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ultra-modern and sleek, Felix is a little bit fancy. So fancy, it’s even been known to attract the odd celeb or two – perfect if you like a side of people-watching with your pan-seared scallops. Book one of the cosy booths for a more intimate affair (and a more discreet viewing point).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://smithsrestaurants.com/smiths-ongar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Smith’s (opens in a new tab)">Smith’s</a>, Ongar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/smiths-ongar.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/smiths-ongar.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/smiths-ongar-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/smiths-ongar-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/smiths-ongar-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An oldie but a goodie with some of the finest seafood around. Whet your appetite with a cocktail in the chic upstairs bar (the staff learnt their tricks from award-winning mixologist, Alex Turner) before heading downstairs to the white tablecloth-clad dining room, complete with crackling fireplace and twinkling candles. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that, right?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Pig &amp; Whistle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk/" target="_blank">Pig &amp; Whistle Restaurant</a>, Chignal Smealey</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/pig-whistle.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/pig-whistle.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/pig-whistle-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/pig-whistle-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/pig-whistle-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The cat (or pig, should we say) is out of the bag. Previously, a bit of a hidden gem, this rural restaurant has recently been announced as a finalist for the Taste of East England Award. Ooooh. The nosh will definitely impress your date – the trio of pork is ridiculously good FYI – but so will the scrummy cocktails and cosy, candlelit corners. Definitely one for the (gin) lovers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thewinecellarchelmsford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Wine Cellar (opens in a new tab)">The Wine Cellar</a>, Chelmsford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-wine-cellar-pudding.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6575" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-wine-cellar-pudding.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-wine-cellar-pudding-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-wine-cellar-pudding-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-wine-cellar-pudding-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked downstairs off Duke Street, this festoon-lit bar and bistro looks as cute on the inside as it does on the outside. We’re talking exposed brickwork, candlelit tables, cool cocktails and hideaway nooks – perfect if you fancy a little cuddle. Nor. Great for good food, wine and (hopefully) company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thenewlondon.co.uk/menus-220121/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The New London (opens in a new tab)">The New London</a>, Chelmsford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/new-london.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6571" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/new-london.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/new-london-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/new-london-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/new-london-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stylish little number in the city (Chelmsford that is, not London). If you’re after a bit of understated (no TOWIE vibes here) Essex glamour, then this is the joint for you. Think sleek, moody décor with subtle floral wallpaper and gold-tone trimmings. Plus, the food is fab and award-winning. Dating a vegan? Their plant-based menu is brilliant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://alecsrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Alec’s (opens in a new tab)">Alec’s</a>, Navestock</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/alecs2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/alecs2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/alecs2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/alecs2-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/alecs2-789x525.jpeg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another fab fish restaurant – just down the road from Smith’s – but with a slightly more contemporary feel. Think bold artwork (hello, giant lobster!) and turquoise suede seating. For Valentine’s, there’s a bespoke 4-course menu on offer, which includes champagne and canapés. I’ve got my eye on the whole thermidor lobster (sorry, Lobby).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thecricketers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Cricketers (opens in a new tab)">The Cricketers</a>, Clavering</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/cricketers.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6567" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/cricketers.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/cricketers-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/cricketers-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/cricketers-789x525.jpeg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If it’s a restaurant with rooms you’re after then you can’t get much better than The Cricketers. Set in the seriously cute village of Clavering in North Essex, this 16th century inn serves up award-winning seasonal dishes in super-chic surroundings. Think beams, brickwork and inviting leather banquettes. The best part about kipping over? A cracking, full English the next day. *Undoes button on trousers*</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.downhall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Down Hall (opens in a new tab)">Down Hall</a>, Hatfield Heath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="676" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/down-hall.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6568" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/down-hall.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/down-hall-300x203.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/down-hall-768x519.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/down-hall-777x525.jpeg 777w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>How about dinner and… a helicopter ride? Yes, that’s right. If you’re feeling flush, you can treat your someone special to Down Hall’s Helicopter Escape Package, which includes a stay in the opulent Master Suite, a delicious dinner, breakfast and a private chopper to show you the sights of London or rural Cambridgeshire. Or, if you’re looking for a slightly more down-to-earth option then the five-course Valentine’s meal (accompanied by live pianist) might be more your thing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.flitchofbacon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Flitch of Bacon (opens in a new tab)">Flitch of Bacon</a>, Little Dunmow</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/flitch-of-bacon.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/flitch-of-bacon.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/flitch-of-bacon-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/flitch-of-bacon-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/flitch-of-bacon-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One for the foodies. Nestled in the yale of the River Chelmer, in the chocolate-box village of Little Dunmow, this pretty former pub serves up some of the best local grub going. Choose from the mouth-watering Valentine’s menu or push the boat out and book in for the tasting menu (both featuring local ingredients and homemade condiments) – you won’t be disappointed. Had one too many glasses of fizz? Book one of the three boutique bedrooms tucked away upstairs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.cuckooradleygreen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Cuckoo (opens in a new tab)">The Cuckoo</a>, Radley Green</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="672" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-cuckoo.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-cuckoo.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-cuckoo-300x202.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-cuckoo-768x516.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/02/the-cuckoo-781x525.jpeg 781w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ok, so I know we’re not meant to play favourites but this really is one of my favourite places to eat. Hidden amongst the hedgerows at the end of a gravel driveaway, this little local gem was made for date nights. What’s on the menu? An eclectic blend of local (cue on-site herb garden and free-range chickens) ingredients and world cuisine – inspired by the owners’ travels.</p>


10 romantic restaurants in Essex for Valentine’s Day

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