Harden's survey result
Summary
In a village a short drive outside Chelmsford, this converted sixteenth-century pub has fine countryside views and provides a traditionally comfortable destination, complete with linen tablecloths, candles and cut glass. It wins good all-round feedback (if not a huge volume of reviews) and its modern brasserie fare (with steak, beef Wellington and cote de boeuf to share a highlight) helps it regularly feature in Essex food awards. (Owners Brendan Curran & Justin Mullender are also known for the quality of their put-downs on Tripadvisor!)
Summary
“The welcoming team of hosts Brendan and Justin” adds to the appeal of this swishly decorated restaurant and events venue “in the Essex countryside”, which is decorated “with candles, cut glass and antiques”. On the food front, it’s modern brasserie fare with a Chateaubriand as the top option.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Pig & Whistle Restaurant?
Chignal Road, Chignal Smealy, Chelmsford, CM1 4SZ
Restaurant details
Pig & Whistle Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"This is our second meal here. Starter of chicken liver parfait - jammy dodger, turned out to be parfait sandwiched between what tasted like sweet shortbread. This was very crumbly and too sweet. Prawn cocktail very generous and roast turkey dinner moist and generous. This was from the set menu. As on the previous occasion, the atmosphere was spoilt by rather surly service and the refusal of the waiter to split the cost between two."
"Second meal here. Starter of chicken liver parfait jammy dodger ~ was parfait sandwiched between 2 rounds of crumbly too sweet sweetbread. Prawn cocktail generous portion and turkey dinner moist and generous portion. As on previous occasion, the atmosphere was spoilt by surly service and refusal of the waiter to split the bill in two…. resulting in not giving anything for service!"
"First time visiting and were impressed with the service, food and personal attention of the owners. Only slight criticism (and it's very much a personal thing) - a little cluttered with brique-a-braque - must take an age to dust and keep clean."
Chignal Road, Chignal Smealy, Chelmsford, CM1 4SZ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑6 pm |
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