A great, but really quaint, old English pub in the middle of nowhere. Great service and extremely…read moregood food. Very nice in the summer as the gardens are vast and overlook the countryside. Lao, if you are in the area in November, they have a fantastic firework display (arrive early, it gets packed)

What an amazing traditional pub. Views to die for, massive garden space, ample parking and the…read moremost amazing pub brimming with character. The staff are always friendly, professional and helpful. The food is always amazing quality from rolls at lunch to the best chicken pie in the evening. We turned up without a booking just wanting a summer time drink but when we asked if we could possibly have a table they managed to fit us in. During lockdown we visited several times. Everything was really professional. We felt extremely safe but none of the enjoyable experience was compromised.

The Leather Bottle is quite proud to announce that they're in The Michelin Good Pub Food Guide, The…read moreGood Beer Guide, and was a final of the Best Gastro Pub in Essex 2010. So much so, that they've erected publicities on a pole outside in the green. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it, right? While I can't speak to the food, I can wholeheartedly report that the staff is smiley and friendly, the Doom Bar real ale is refreshing after a five mile jaunt through the countryside*, and the back garden is sun-drenched and filled with laughing children on a Sunday afternoon. This seems like quite the weekend social hub of Blackmore - not that there's much in the way of competition. Although I'd just had a reasonably filling sandwich for lunch on the green outside, I began to salivate uncontrollably upon seeing (and smelling) the fish and chips brought to a table near us. That's in contrast to the burger on a dowdy-looking bun that her dining companion had. I won't lie, I considered shanking the other diner for a bite, but she was Asian too, and probably hungrier than I was. She might have bitten my ear off or worse. Instead, I just ogled from afar. Whether you're seeking a comely cosy bar scene, a fine dining experience, or a lovely afternoon sit in the sun, The Leather Bottle's likely to do you just fine. You just have to be willing to make the trek from Ingatestone - but a worthwhile sojourn it is! ---- * And quite reasonably priced, considering we had a pint and a half of real ale for barely over £4.

Lovely little location, great menu and the food was even better, shall definitely returnread more

Love this pub! so cosy and friendly lovely to sit outside in the summer if only all pubs were like…read morethis... full of character, charm and good food & drink.

The Shepherd is located just off the A128 at Kelvedon Hatch. It is a charming old world pub…read more Excellent selection of beers and lagers. Great welcome from the staff and also many of the locals which was nice. Food is served at one end of the bar. All freshly cooked and very large portions at reasonable prices. Good selection of dishes. Recommended.

Visited this place with 3 frinds for Saturday lunch. Great…read moreambiance, very good menu, very helpful staff especially Nina. Families welcome. Food was very well prepared and very tasty, especially the gammom that I had. Be careful with the highback chairs as they do have a tendancy to flip backwards if you, for example, put you coat behind, but really not a big issue. Our orders were taken very efficiently on a tablet and food came within a good time. Reasonably priced too. Not the most extensive wine list but covered all that most would want. Would recommend this place to everyone

We've dined here a few times before and have always found this to be a good place to come to of an…read moreevening. Drinks reasonably priced and the food is abundant, today I had the battered pollock as a main, king prawns and avocado as starter, the meal deal being £10.49 for 2 course...a good deal. They have moved things a around a little since we last came, a gaming machine next to the open fire instead of comfy chairs, but no biggie.

Meals are great value for money large selection on Menu, staff are really friendly well doneread more

If you are looking for a real country pub experience The Alma Arms has been doing it right for many…read moreyears. It hard to find so you may need a Sat Nav as it's tucked away in the pretty part of Navestock surrounded by farmland and near to South Weald and Stapleford Abbotts. Theres a very large car park so you will always get a spot. What appeals to me is the bars are older worldey, packed with friendly regulars that they've acquired over the years and the food and ale are all real - No pub chain same ole here, as it's privately owned and they cook on the premises 7 days.Also it's very reasonably priced. The staff are smiley and efficient and also enjoy spending time chatting with the locals making you feel at home . They always remember what I drink and I've only been using this place a few months. You must try the Steak pie , you won't be disappointed and the portions are massive.

very happy nice car staff and helpfulread more

Great staff and the food is exceptional - had the fish and chips and colleagues ate the steak pie -…read morea proper pie. Outdoor seating and good value for your £.

Situated on the A128 between Ongar and Brentwood this pub serves really good 'pub grub'…read more Traditional English food freshly cooked on the premises - I had the Steak and Ale pie which was delicious. They do a 2 courses for £10 evening menu which is excellent value. Nice separate restaurant to the rear of the bar area. Service was attentive and very friendly. Highly recommended.

We love going to the plough.the food is spot on also the service is first class .look forward to go…read morethere very soon Best regards bradley's & Nicky

The Plough is an amazing restaurant, a beautiful place to eat. The food is amazing also. Definitely…read morerecommend!