At the Axe and Compasses customers will be reacquainted with old favourites to be enjoyed whilst gazing over unspoilt views of the English countryside. More substantial offerings will consist of items such as New Season Rack of Lamb with Spring Vegetables and Minted Jersey Royals followed by Treacle and Pecan Tart served with Homemade Brown Bread Ice Cream.

David, a self taught chef, cooks with passion and consummate skill, qualities which have been instrumental in the success of previous ventures. The couple’s professional past has seen them gain entries and reviews in publications such as the AA Guide, Michelin Pub Guide and the Guardian.

The Red Lion Inn in Finchingfield is a traditional English Inn that serves home-cooked food and real ales.

The pub is an interesting blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, and provides an interesting countryside visit.

Dish own two chic retro venues located in Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden.

Dish provide modern eclectic menus prepeared by award winning chef Spencer Hewitt. Dish can hold 50 people in the main restaurant and 12 in the private dining room.

Dish are also proud of resident artist Jerry Hewitt who provides the restaurant with a visual theme through his original artwork.

Reeve's is located in an oak-beamed cottage that was built around 1590.

Reeve's serves contemporary cuisine using local produce. AA rosette accredited.

 

The Larkswoods Restaurant in Thaxted Hall offers fine cuisine in a smoke free environment.

Thaxted Hall also has facilities for conferences, weddings, banqueting and has accommodation.

The newly-refurbished Green Man in Great Easton offers continental cuisine in a wonderfully-decorated modern setting.

With a non smoking policy throughout, disabled access, large terrace area, child friendly environment and large car park, The Green Man is the place for great food, great service and a great atmosphere.

The Mistley Thorn offers high quality food in a casual environment with an emphasis on freshness and locally sourced produce.  The menu has an emphasis on fresh seafood.
 
The Mistley Thorn Hotel and public house was completely refurbished in early 2004 and re-opened for food and drink trade in March and for accommodation in June.  Owner, Sherri Singleton, has a long established reputation as a chef and proprietor of the Mistley Kitchen cookery school.
 
The Mistley Thorn offers high quality food in a casual environment with an emphasis on freshness and locally sourced produce.   The menu also has an emphasis on fresh seafood. It is the first eating establishment in Essex to be awarded the Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand which identifies restaurants that provide good food at moderate prices.
 
The Mistley Thorn is the first completely non-smoking pub in Essex. The accommodation consists of five large and well-appointed rooms, some with panoramic views down the Stour Estuary. The Mistley Thorn is located in the centre of the historic village of Mistley and is minutes walk from Mistley station, which has direct services to Colchester, Harwich and London Liverpool Street.
 
Mistley is famous for being the scene of a planned 18th Century salt-water spa development by Paymaster General Richard Rigby who enlisted Robert Adam for some of the designs.   All that remains of the scheme are the Adam designed twin Mistley Towers of Mistley Church and the Swan Basin located opposite The Thorn.
 
The Mistley Thorn predates these monuments having been built in 1723. It stands on the site of an older pub in which Matthew Hopkins, the notorious Witchfinder General, tried and condemned to death dozens of local women during the English Civil War.

 

The Starr 500 year old timber framed hostelry overlooking the market place was opened in 1980.

Terry and Louise George have managed The Starr for many years. but took over in November 2003. The Starr is a family run restaurant which has gained a reputation for excellent food and fine wines, served in a friendly yet professional atmosphere.

Luncheon is served seven days a week and dinner every evening (except Sunday) in the main dining room or in the elegant conservatory. The Starr is situated only eight miles from the M11, Junction 8 and London Stansted Airport where there is a 40-minute express rail link to London Liverpool Street.

Overlooking the courtyard the old stable block has been converted to accommodate eight luxury bedrooms, each with there own en suite facilities. The oak bedroom with a four-poster bed even has a Victorian bath in the room. All bedrooms are non-smoking as is the main dining area. It makes for a delightful stay, with attractions nearby such as Audley End House, near the picturesque towns of Thaxted and Saffron Walden.

Jalsa Ghar literally means "house of entertainment" in Bengali.
 
The Jalsa Ghar restaurant first opened its doors in October 1998 and aims to combine traditional Indian and Bangladeshi dishes with many other dishes never before served in Indian restaurants in Essex.
 
All their food is cooked with natural herbs and spices and we use only low cholesterol sunflower oil in our dishes.The Jalsa Ghar take great pride in the dishes they serve and have won various awards including the 2004 Good Eating Guide Online and the 2004 Quality Cuisine Guide.

Formerly known as The Railway Tavern, the Kicking Dickey is run by Lawrence & Diane who take a genuine hands-on interest in seeing that their customers really enjoy themselves, in this unchanging old style pub.

Dining is very civilised which makes it ideal for special occasions. Its very popular during peak times and it is sensible to book if you wish to dine in the main conservatory-restaurant.

Overnight accommodation is available with en-suite facilities. Each room is equipped with colour TV and Tea/ Coffee making equipment and a fridge. The pub is situated just a short drive from Stansted Airport. Single rooms are £45.00 per night and a double room £60.00 per night.