If you're looking for a good pub, it doesn't get much better than this…read more Lovingly called simply "The Axe" by locals, this pub is in a different league to most other rural pubs. I'll explain why and try to be concise. The cuisine is exceptional. There's a good selection of quality drinks. The service is excellent. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming -- the sort of place where complete strangers tend to strike-up conversation. The location is perfect, overlooking the Village Green, with a big beer garden behind, and a vast playing field behind that. It's a lovely village, nestled in the gently-undulating farming landscape of rural north-east Herts -- no wonder Braughing was recently awarded the prestigious "Village of the Year" accolade. The pub's menu always includes the best of local produce, from locally-reared beef to local pork sausages, alongside popular country pub dishes. (Braughing village is famous for, among other things, the delicious local sausages, and this is a good place to sample them.) Did I mention the pies? A different pie every day it seems, and you won't find better pies than these. I don't make a statement like that lightly.

Good service good food good portions clean and decorated very well nothing more to addread more

Where do I start? The pub is on the main through road of Gosfield so can't be missed easily. Plenty…read moreof parking space, if one of you is driving. Unlike many pubs today, which thrive to survive using the the restaurant side, this pub has two bars as well as the restaurant. So, if you want just a pint then there is plenty of seating room. Wood beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace, nice for those colder nights in winter. We were there to celebrate a 30th birthday and on arriving, early, we were welcomed by the bar staff with warm cheery smiles (a pleasant surprise these days). A table for the eight of us was already laid and we decorated it a little. Then down to a few drinks while awaiting the other guests. Nice selection of real ales and, I noticed, a fantastic selection of worldwide whiskies (although my favourite, Laphroaig, was absent). Once seated we perused the fantastic menu. I guarantee that there would be something on it that anyone would choose, even veggies. My problem was that there was so much choice and I wanted to try everything. I started with Cromer crab and avocado with lime dressing. Aberdeen Angus rump steak with a homemade peppercorn dressing (none of the usual bottled sauce), Portabello mushroom and really CHUNKY chips Wow delicious, both courses. Finally, cheese and biscuits. Three unusual local cheeses, with loads of crackers, celery, apple wedges, butter and a pot of home made chutney. A meal in itself. Going on the sounds from our friends and the empty plates around the table I can only assume that the other meals were as delicious as mine. Nice touch for a pub. Cream teas in the afternoon, unusual. Anyway, thanks to all you guys and gals behind the bar and in the kitchen for a wonderful evening. You all have done the English pub/restaurant trade PROUD. We will see you again.

Great gastro pub. Fab food, atmosphere and really friendly service. Strongly recommended.read more

The Bear has become a good quality gastro pub recently with a nice atmosphere and a good menu and…read moresome great specials. The ambiance is relaxed country pub and the staff are very helpful. There is a reasonable ca park as it gets quite hard to park in the summer. I have visited for lunch and dinner and both were very nicely presented and well cooked. The skate is very tasty and the scampi and Jenga chips are good. The costs can be a little bit higher for lunch but the menu is very similar and therefore for dinner, I thought it was quite reasonable. Peter who used to be at another Billericay restaurant is the restaurant manager and as normal makes sure we get well looked after.

A warm and welcoming, family friendly pub. Serving good food at reasonable prices. Closed mondays…read moreexcept bank holidays. Special offers available every thursday ( 2 for £12 ) on selected meals.

This pub is friendly and welcoming. The food is great and all home made…read more The chef came out and had a laugh and joke with us too. It was busy but we were made to feel special. Highly recommended.

A lunchtime visit. Great food, fresh and sensible serving sizes. The staff are excellent; attentive…read moreand entertaining. An absolute 'must go back'.

Excellent food and service, friendly atmosphere, good selection of beers and lager. Will deffently…read morereturn.