The 30 Best Pub in Brentwood

“Living close to the merchant we are regular visitors. All the team are super welcoming and friendly especially Lily & Morgan. Bouncers are always polite. Our favourite local”

“Stopped here on a Saturday lunchtime while in the area seeing friends. Even though we arrived about 30mins earlier than our booking they got us to our table fine. Team serving us were great, polite and friendly. We both really enjoyed the food. I had the fish and chips and my wife had the veg pie. Loads of parking around the back. Id advise to book in advance. Wouldn't hesitate to come again or recommend.”

“We turned up with no booking on Father’s Day. We were seated promptly and our drinks order was taken. My son has an allergy and upon taking our order they asked lots of questions and made sure I read through the ingredients list before the order was put through. When then ordered to breakfasts with some alternatives and a porridge bowl with fruit. My son’s order turned up first with a green flag to show he had the allergy. Then porridge was so tasty and the breakfast came up hot, and hot plates just to their order. Our meal was lovely, the waitress were kind, and happy. They meal checked us and plates were taken swiftly when we had finished. Well worth a visit, we would right recommend.”

“Absolutely loved our stay here. Every staff member could not have done more to make us feel welcome, from the reception staff to the restaurant, bar and spa staff. Room was lovely and we were allowed to change to a 4 person room (as opposed to 3) at no extra cost. We ate dinner here both nights and both times food was great and good value. Would thoroughly recommend - thank you”

“Lovely gastro pub. They do some good mid week offers, but one main meal, get another free. Two cocktails for £16. Had the chicken skewers starter , very nice. And rump steak main, again nice. And chocolate bomb dessert. Wished we had ordered onion rings, as they looked fab. Our server, dark haired lad, was great, very friendly and great service.”

“Went for the fireworks. Great display! Very busy but to be expected when the display is free and such good quality.”

“Really lovely pub. Good food. Great atmosphere. Large out door seating area. Children play area. Had a set menu due to family having a christening after party. I was informed this pub is going through a refurbishment as from 31st July 2023 So keep a eye out for the date of completed refurb. I'm sure I won't be disappointed on my next visit.”

“This is a great pub. Wonderful selection of real ales. As I could see very family friendly, welcoming to people of all ages. We had great fun playing the shuffle table in the middle. A challenging pub game that our party of four enjoyed while sinking a few pints. I recommend”

“The front of house chap is so friendly and welcoming - a real asset to the team! Our waiter was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed whilst also being accommodating to our slight dish changes, he was also friendly and warm. Food was stunning - as always! Thank you to the whole team at Alec’s for always being consistently good and keeping me coming back for more!”

“Only went in for a couple before visiting other pubs and I was pleasantly surprised. I'd never been here before so didn't really know what to expect, and this place was great! Lovely staff, good atmosphere and a decent pint of Guinness. The locals were friendly too. I'd recommend giving this place a go.”

“A rare thing indeed these days... A real pub”

“We came for Sunday lunch and had the pie and the roast, both absolutely excellent! It's clear a lot of care goes into both the food and service, can't recommend enough! Will definitely be coming back”

“We made an order for a Christmas Fish and Chip Supper for our Carer team at Home Instead for delivery. The food arrived piping hot, on time and the fish and chips were excellent. Thanks to Mehmet and his team for helping to make it a great night”

“Lovely characterful pub with choice of real ales all very reasonably priced. Plus cosy garden which is sun trap in the summer and outside heaters for cooler evenings. Sports TVs in all areas.”

“Iav lived in Brentwood all my life and drunk in spread eagle over the year's Tonight myself and wife came with friends had the best food and atmosphere we have had for a long time!! Well done Stuart”

“Really friendly little pub packed with history so nice to finally be in a pub that's still traditional, the staff were really nice and very helpful, would love to revisit for sure.”

“What a gem of a pub / restaurant, the staff are so friendly, the restaurant area is beautiful with a great atmosphere and the food is delicious. We were here for a lovely three course Christmas dinner just a few days before Christmas and it was definitely the best pub Xmas dinner we have had this year. Thank you.”

“Roast cooked to perfection! Plate was absolutely filled to the brim with all the trimmings and a beautiful portion of beef definitely my new Sunday spot for a lovely roast served by lovely staff such a good atmosphere all round… the pub dogs are a bonus and my children absolutely love them!”

“If I could give more than 5 stars I would! We went for lunch here on Sunday and we called 20 mins before, our mistake, but the waiter was very accommodating and reserved a table for us! Now, when we arrived we were greeted and shown our seats and instantly made to feel at home. The waiter then came over to take our order and we of course had to go with the roast! But my mum doesn’t eat too much and so she (the waiter) recommended to go with the kids portion as it’s more than plentiful. The food arrived quickly and even with an extra serving of potatoes (which I’ll get onto) from the kitchen! The meal was served with lots of laughter and good vibes thanks to the cosy atmosphere of the Pub. The roast itself was amazing; I had the gammon, it was thinly cut which wasn’t usually how I have it but was definitely delicious. The sides of shaved parsnips and stuffing as well as veg medley partnered with the food perfectly. Now the potatoes, the star of the show, I don’t know how they made these but they were super crispy and crunchy on the outside and super super soft on the inside. The best potatoes I’ve had hands down and they definitely knew it as well! From the start to the end of the meal, everything was perfect! Thanks again! Will definitely recommend going with family, friends or even by yourself! (No shame)”

“Absolutely beautiful pub! From the stunning wooden beamed exterior, to the quaint delightful interior, the Blackhorse, is exactly how a pub ought be. The menu options are fantastic, with options for kids and adults alike. So something for everyone - even fussy kids! I love visiting the Blackhorse, with my partner and teenage kids, and we always have a wonderful time, and have created some amazing memories there over the years. I look forward to creating many more memorable moments at the Blackhorse.”

“A great little friendly pub, as legend goes apparently Dick Turpin the highway robber used to hide in the chimney, has lots of history and a quaint little pub, when we are in the area staying with friends we always go there for a drink or few, they also have a great selection of beers and drinks.”

“Now called The Chestnut, friendly staff, called in at lunchtime for a swift half, not over busy and prices reasonable. Good to find a dog friendly pup with a special doggy venue.”

“Found this lovely little country pub while going for a drive. The staff were very attentive and the atmosphere was relaxing. We only had a starter and some sides, but there was a lot to choose from on the menu. We didn't have to wait to long for our food and it was served hot, on clean plates and the cutlery was clean as well, and it was really lovely food. I will definitely come back for another visit.”

“I had a great time at Eagle Public House on Sunday! The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was cozy. I highly recommend trying the sunday roast. I’ll definitely be back!”

“Like the Black Horse, this is a pub that's more of a food place than a pub, but there's a proper bar area if you're just in there for drinks. Food is good and they often have deals on. They often have entertainment on, although this is usually just a solo singer with backing tracks. The pub quiz is once a month on the first Monday of the month (although is moving to twice a month in 2026); it's a good quiz with 8 rounds of questions on a variation of subjects. Overall a decent place for the locals of Pilgrims Hatch!”

“Had a really nice lunch here. Very good service and food was great. Would recommend”

“Lovely evening at the Swan in the shuffleboard room. All the staff are so lovely and welcoming”

“Good food . Nice atmosphere and service. Highly recommend!!”

“Steak Night at The Thatchers Arms – A Perfect 5-Star Experience We had the pleasure of enjoying steak night at The Thatchers Arms, and it was truly exceptional. The 5-star chef, service, and ambience made the evening unforgettable. Our meals were simply sublime. The steaks were perfectly cooked, with mine being rare/blue, and my husbands medium rare, they were bursting with flavour, and undoubtedly the best we’ve ever had anywhere. Compliments to the chef and the fantastic team for delivering such a high-quality dining experience. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy an impeccable steak dinner,then you must visit The Thatchers Arms on a Wednesday for steak night. Thank you again to the fantastic team.”

“Such a fun place - hidden round the back streets of the High Road. I didn’t know it existed until a friend took me there. Lovely bar staff and great DJ playing great tunes. Can’t wait to go back!!”