DOESN'T DESERVE ANY STARS BUT HAVE TO ENTER SOMETHING. FOOD NAFF. DAVID THE OWNER'S ATTITUDE STINKS MORE THAN HIS CHEESE. DESSERTS LOOKED LIJE A CAR CRASH AT THE MR.KIPLING FACTORY. ARRIVED AT 8 AND GOT MY MAIN COURSE AT 11. FABULOUS CHARCOALED MINUTE PIECE OF STEAK. SILLY ME...THOUGHT I'D ORDERED THE MEDIUM RARE FILLET. RATHER THAN BEING WORRIED ABOUT OUR MEAL, THE OWNER WAS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS EMPTY CHAMPAGNE BOTTLES OUTSIDE THE DOOR THAT HAD FALLEN OVER. IF YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL BASIL FAWLTY EXPERIENCE, PLEASE MEET DAVID, THE OWNER - THE MOST UNPROFESSIONAL RESTAURANTEUR YOU'LL FIND. YET, YOU'LL PAY HEAVILY FOR THE EXPERIENCE. AND LIKE US, DEFINITELY WON'T RETURN.

Fantastic Sunday Lunch, David mine host made us feel so welcom cannot wait to retun Tony AppletonTown Crier

One of the best places I have been to in a long time. I loved the personal touch. you are made to feel quite special

A sunday lunch that left the party thoroughly satisfied,

just the right level of service, attentive without "dripping" all over you, friendly and helpful.The food was cooked just right and enough to need some belt loosening at the end.All at a price that didn`t hurt the pocket.A gem that will certainly get a revisit.

Such a surprise to find this wonderful restaurant tucked away in the countryside. The evening started in as we walked in the front door. The charming owner offered cocktails, olives, home made crisps and fresh peas in their pods as we sat in the bar to review the menu. What a feast - it is rare to find so many dishes that whet your appetite - poached asparagus, figs with dolchelatte wrapped in parma ham, fresh crab, and rather retro deep fried brie. Main courses of lobster, steak, dover sole, belly pork all looked delicous. The dessert trolley with a giant OTT pavlova, roulade, cheesecake and banoffee pie were fantastic. With a set three course menu for £45 make it great value. The passion of the owner for wine is what makes this place extra special (he also owns Luckins wine shop in Great Dunmow). Rather than hand you a wine list he drags you (not unwillingly) into the most fantastically stocked cellar surrounded by rare and thankfully more affordable tasty wines and champagnes for you to choose from (with help if needed). The Punch Bowl slightly retro interior, beams, personal photos, comfortable chairs and staff with their bow ties and smiles makes this place a real find. We loved it. May 2010.