As we finally start to accept winter is on its way, thoughts turn to roaring fires, home comforts and hearty food. So when my partner Mark and I stepped inside the Butchers Arms in North End, we were glad of the cosy welcome.
With the log burner fired up, dimmed lighting and candles adorning every nook, I found myself happy it was a chilly night outside.
The 600-year-old pub was taken over by passionate foodie and former City trader Rob Gray just a few months ago. But, already it is becoming known for its monthly themes (we dined on Italian night), local produce and homemade delights. Not to mention its three ghosts and links to Oliver Cromwell!
We were offered the choice of the autumn menu, specials board or Taste of Italy menu. Each offered the most tempting and intriguing dishes – from roasted partridge to swordfish, from buttered trout to sardines and South African springbok steak - but not too many to overwhelm.
For starters, I opted for the deep fried whitebait (autumn menu) which came with a salad and tartar sauce, while Mark chose the three cheese stuffed mushroom (specials board) with “perfect” garlic bread. We were both pleased with our choices and looking forward to tucking into our mains.
The friendly staff were keen to know we were happy, while chef/owner Rob regularly popped out of the kitchen to make conversation with the regulars, which was nice to see.
Rob is so passionate about food, he proudly told us he had caught and butchered some of the contents of my main course that day! It doesn’t get fresher than that. And so I felt it my duty to thoroughly savour every mouthful of the venison, wild boar and wild mushroom pie (a bargain at £11.95) put in front of me. And I wasn’t disappointed. Large chunks of meat and a variety of mushrooms were only complimented further by the flavoursome side vegetables and tasty mash.
As for Mark, he declared his steak and ale pie was literally the best he’d ever tasted, oozing with flavour. After that statement, I had to have a taster and was pleasantly surprised at the rich taste of the Adnams (a favourite at the Greene King freehouse) and the large chunks of meat.
Knowing the thought, care and attention which had gone into sourcing and creating our dishes, it didn’t seem right leaving anything on the plate. But, with the thought of a menu full of homemade desserts teasing me, I had to leave space to give them a good try!
And the apple and berry scrumble didn’t disappoint. Not a twist on the week’s smartphone catastrophe, but a clever mix of the classic scone and crumble. You could easily forget you are in a quiet corner of Essex countryside with dishes like this on the menu. And at just £3.75 each pudding, the Butchers Arms is a real find.
Mark and his huge sweet tooth devoured the chocolate mousse cake before confirming we would soon be back…

www.kellylouiseclark.co.uk