Essex is set to see a week of sunshine, with cloudy skies and rain seemingly a thing of the past. Many Essex residents are heading to the pub to enjoy a drink in the sunshine - so beer gardens are set to have their time in the limelight!
Beer gardens are a great place to soak up some sun and spend time with loved ones, and luckily, our county has some amazing ones. From a riverside pub to village local, there are plenty of spots to love across Essex.
Muddy Stilettos has recently released its list of the best beer gardens in Essex. They all have something to love - with amazing views and great drinks being a staple!
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Here is the list of the top 11 beer gardens to visit this summer according to Muddy Stilettos.
Epping Roof Garden, Epping
A "hidden gem" of Essex is described as being "Instagrammable perfection", and operates from a rooftop in the southern part of the county. The Epping Roof Garden is located in Cottis Lane in the town and boasts plenty of rave reviews from customers.
The venue acts as a bar, pub and night venue, with DJs and open mic nights taking place regularly. But it's the decor that grabs your attention from the get-go, boasting pink-flowered trees, table decorations and soft pink lighting throughout.
Muddy Stilettos says of the venue: "It’s a cocktail bar if you want to get all pedantic, but look how pretty Epping Roof Garden is! As well as being able to sit among the beautiful surroundings (and no doubt beautiful people to boot) there’s comedy nights, 2-4-1 cocktails, drag bingo, open mic events and more."
The Three Horseshoes, Fordham
Winner of Best Destination Pub in the Muddy Stilettos 2024 Essex Awards, The Three Horseshoes offers amazing food and drinks – plus an outside space to enjoy it all. You’ve a choice of menus, from pub classics to à la carte , kids’ options plus Sunday lunches.
The pub, on Church Road in Fordham, is just a short drive from the A12 and so within easy access for people living across Essex. The team at The Three Horseshoes are no stranger to awards having been included in Estrella Damn's list of ones to watch and being given a recognisable 'Bib' in The Michelin Guide.
The Peterboat, Leigh on Sea
The Peterboat is a charming, family-run seafood restaurant, pub and bar. Renowned for its delectable fish dishes and captivating coastal surroundings.
Its diverse menu features freshly caught seafood, classic British dishes, and satisfying vegetarian and vegan choices. Muddy Stilletos says of the pub: Situated in the heart of Old Leigh’s cobbled lanes and with views across the estuary, it’s no surprise that The Peterboat is on our best Essex beer gardens line-up.
"Famed for the freshest fish dishes since 1695, bag a spot on the seafront patio and order their signature cockle chowder."
The Chequers, Matching Green
The Chequers Matching Green is a restaurant and bar located in the village of Matching Green. It is known for its fresh, locally sourced food, stylish atmosphere, and convenient location near Harlow, Bishop's Stortford, and the M11.
Muddy Stilettos says: "If you’re after a trendy spot to sip an Aperol, The Chequers is the place. Hiding behind the pub’s picture-perfect exterior is a colourful terrace with orange leather banquettes, tropical-print cushions and popping palm tree mural. Close your eyes and you could be in Ibiza (well, almost)."
The Anchor, Hullbridge
An award-winning Essex pub in Hullbridge has been described as one of Essex’s hidden gems. Overlooking the River Crouch, The Anchor Pub and Restaurant definitely has the ‘wow-factor’, as guests can enjoy a top notch plate of fine dining, while taking in the spectacular views across Essex’s very own Riviera.
With tables indoors, that look out across the water through floor to ceiling windows, and a large garden and decking area, you cannot miss the flowing waters pitted against the stunning, undulating Essex countryside. You can actually sit and watch the ships go by, as three yacht clubs nearby sail along the river.
Muddy Stilettos says of the pub: "Also on our best Essex beer gardens is The Anchor, boasting River Crouch views. With sailboats bobbing, it’s not hard to see why it’s dubbed The Essex Riviera. Grab a table on the decking and enjoy top-notch pub grub. Their Brunch and Bottomless Bubbles at £35 a head is one to consider."
The Cricketers, Clavering
The Cricketers pub is a 16th-century structure in Wicken Road that Jamie Oliver's parents Trevor and Sally brought in 1976 and raised Jamie and his sister Anne Marie. The interior design of the pub maintains its 16th-century theme as the bricks and beams are complemented by wood panelling and a palette of soft colours and textures.
Visitors can enjoy breakfast, dinner, or a Sunday roast with a variety of menu options. Muddy Stilettos says of the pub: "Once owned by Jamie Oliver’s folks, The Cricketers Clavering is another pub to head to for a good Essex beer garden while the sun carries on playing ball.
"The menus are varied – and all dishes are as mouth-watering as they sound. It’s dog-friendly, too, with fur babies enjoying high protein snacks, nibbles and sausages from the kitchen."
The Fox on the Green, Finchingfield
It's said to be the most photographed village in England - and a stunning pub's gorgeous beer garden offers some of the best views. Finchingfield has won scores of awards for its traditional picturesque setting.
If you want to take in the lovely setting for yourself while enjoying some refreshments, one place to head is the The Fox on the Green pub, near the village duck pond. One of three pubs in the village, bosses of the 16th century former coaching inn point to its "unique location", saying you can admire the view from the front terrace and even watch the ducks and their ducklings waddling past.
Muddy Stilettos says: "Overlooking ‘the prettiest village in Essex,’ The Fox on the Green is everything you expect a country pub to be. Nab a spot at the front and watch ducks glide across the pond, or head to the beer garden out back. All that and tasty local produce, plus ales, spirits and wines."
Galvin Green Man, Great Waltham
Found in Great Waltham, this pub is commended for its first-class delivery of food, drink, service and all-round pub experience. It is set in 1.5 acres of Essex countryside, with the River Chelmer running through the beer garden.
Muddy Stilettos says: "Galvin Green Man dates to 1341, making it one of the oldest pubs in the UK. As well as its enormous beer garden there’s also a huge play area for kids, with plenty of space to dine. Run by award-winning chefs the Galvin brothers, its Bib Gourmand credentials ticks all the boxes for stress-free drinking and eating."
The Lion Inn, Boreham
The Lion Inn was originally a 'traditional pub' in the heart of Boreham, Chelmsford, but after a refurbishment, it has been transformed into a contemporary bistro and bar. Bosses at the lavish restaurant say the menu is "based on traditional pub food with a modern contemporary twist" - perfect for celebrities and locals alike.
Muddy Stilettos says: "Offering stylish courtyard dining for light bites and drinks, Boreham’s The Lion Inn is great for a long lunch with friends. The bar is pure French theatre, with an eclectic mix of antiques and salvaged finds. Outside, drink in piazza-style views while perusing the menu, which delivers fresh plates of quality pub classics."
The King’s Head, Ongar
Established in 1679 as a coaching inn, The King's Head in Chipping Ongar is the oldest brick-fronted building on Chipping Ongar High Street. Named after King James II, who is believed to have stayed here during his reign, this Grade II listed building is home to a traditional lounge area with open fire, comfortable bar, function room, and a 100-seat restaurant, complete with full-length open kitchen.
Muddy Stilettos says: "Laced with outdoor lighting, swanky lounging sets and modern bistro furniture, The King’s Head courtyard is a smart choice for chic swillers. Nab a cushioned sofa, order a bottle of something bubbly and people watch while you tuck into one of the pub’s signature wood-fired pizzas. See you there."
The Swan Inn, Chappel
The Swan, based in Chappel, is keen on the tradition of the great British pub, but is also keen to modernise where it can. Their food is all homemade, and brings the classics like fish along with pies, but also modernises the food and drink offerings.
Muddy Stilettos says of the pub: "Dating to 1350, The Swan Inn‘s interior is seriously jaw-dropping. Serving seasonal menus, cocktails, ales and fine wines, it’s bang next to Chappel’s viaduct. Head outside to enjoy the gorgeous beer garden with a glass of something chilled, plus dishes hand-sourced locally."
