There is something special about having a traditional Sunday roast in a pub, and as more pubs improve their kitchens and menus there are many more options around Essex now available. Here we provide some of our favourites, we encourage you to write in with your own suggestions and reviews.
The Windmill Tavern, East Hanningfield

Not to be confused with the larger Old Windmill in South Hanningfield (which is also good) the Windmill Tavern in East Hanningfield is a small pub that has only recently started to focus on food, and a good thing too as their food is excellent. It sits on the village green at the heart of the village and has ample parking. The beers are also very good, with Crouch Vale Brewer’s Gold and Green King IPA regulars, plus a guest bitter.
On Sundays they offer a full menu, plus Sunday roasts (beef, pork, lamn and turkey). They also have a fish menu. For those with a larger appetite the Super Sunday Roast is recommended (I had it, it was excellent) – it comes with all 4 meats. The normal Sunday roast is a also large meal – don’t make the mistake of thinking it is a small. Served with well prepared and cooked vegetables, everything tastes fresh. Beef cooked to perfection. Service friendly and quick, and everything is clean and tidy.
- The Tye, East Hanningfield, CM3 8AA
- 01245 400 315
- www.thewindmilltavern.co.uk
Fowlers Farm, Braintree
The Fowlers Farm’s seasonally inspired pub-food dishes are served with a generous helping of rustic charm. On Sundays they server beef, turkey, sweet-cured pork and carrot and nut roasts. Sunday dinners are served until 5pm, but sometimes run out sooner.
- Cressing Road, Braintree, CM77 8DH
- 01376 551560
Pontlands Park, Great Baddow
Pontlands Park do a great Sunday carvery. They always have 3 meats on offer, usually beef, pork and turkey, plus some very well prepared and served vegetables. Set in the luxury of the Pontlands Park Hotel it makes a special Sunday roast. They also have a cold buffet. Best to book in advance.
- Pontlands Park
- West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 8HR
- Tel: +44 (0) 1245 476444
- www.pontlandsparkhotel.co.uk
The Bull, Great Totham
The Bull is a 16th century coaching inn that has a contemporary feel. It is considered a Gastro Pub, and serves up great Sunday lunches. They also have excellent accommodation.
- 2 Maldon Road, Great Totham, CM9 8NH
- 01621 893385
- http://www.thebullatgreattotham.co.uk/
The Old Siege House, Colchester
The Old Siege House is a French / European restaurant. They have a resident pianist to provide a classic atmosphere. Sunday opening hours 12 noon until 10pm. Choices of beef, turkey, pork belly, fishcakes and risotto.
- 75 East Street, CO1 2TS, England
- 01206 792333
- Sunday menu: http://www.theoldsiegehouse.co.uk/set_sunday.html
The Robin Hood in Clacton-on-Sea
Country pub dining in Clacton-on-Sea! They serve up a classic Sunday carvery. You can book online too.
- 211 London Road, Clacton On Sea, CO15 4ED
- 01255 476785
- http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/therobinhoodclactononsea/offer/sundayroasts/
The Blue Strawberry, Hatfield Peveral
Sunday lunch is served from 12.00 noon, last booking is 3.30 pm. You need to book. The Blue Strawberry is one of the best restaurants in Essex and serves up great Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. A fine wine list too.,
- The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Essex, CM3 2DW
- 01245 381333
- Sunday lunch menu: www.bluestrawberrybistrot.co.uk/SundayLunch.asp
The Lion Inn, Boreham
The Lion Inn serves up great meals all week and is also a great venue for a Sunday roast. Lunch is served until 8pm. It is owned by Clive Thomson who also owns The Blue Strawberry in Hatfield Peveral.
- The Lion Inn, Main Road, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3JA,
- 01245 394900
- Sunday Lunch menu: www.lioninnhotel.co.uk/sundaylunchmenu.asp
The Royal Oak, South Ockendon
The roasts at the Royal Oak have had some great reviews. They are always served up with a large Yorkshire pudding, ample vegetables and a generous cut of beef, lamb, pork or turkey. The vegetables are cooked to perfection and served in side bowls and their gravy is very good.
- The Green, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 6SD
- Telephone: 01708 853363
The Two Brewers, Springfield Road, Chelmsford

The Two Brewers is run by Mike and Tina Collins, who were previously landlords of the Riverside Inn for 10 years (which was another excellent place for Sunday lunch). Their son Mark as head chef, producing some fine meals. The Two Brewers is a real family pub, and in town too. In addition to fine Sunday roasts they do traditional pub food throughout the week.
- Sunday lunch is served from 12pm to 6pm.
- 80 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford, CM2 6JY
- Tel: 01245 261185
The Westcliff Hotel, Westcliff-on-Sea
The Westcliff Hotel is a grand sea-front hotel in Westcliff-on-Sea. Sunday lunches are served in the Lamplights Brasserie which overlooks Thames Estuary.
- 8 – 20 Westciff Parade, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7QW
- 01702 345 247