The Kings Head in Braintree

Booked a table 7pm for 3 of us. Very very slow service, only saw 2 people serving meals. Took ½hr to order a drink & didn't like being called 'guys' several times by the female server. Nothing outstanding on the menu, we had a main each. My lasagne came with garlic bread but the side salad never arrived! Had to ask for the dessert menu & get our dirty plates removed. 2 plates were removed & dessert menu was given. Very 'cakey' offerings, polenta, brownie, cake & rice pudding. No other drinks service was offered, but the server came back as another table had asked for the dessert menu & she needed to show them. We didn't bother with a sweet as it'd taken 2hrs of sitting there already! Went to the bar to pay as we'd no idea how much longer we'd be seated waiting to pay the bill. Obviously no tip was left as the menu was uninspiring & just mediocre, expensive & the lack of serving staff means we won't be returning or recommending the place to other people.

Absolutely terrible experience - twice in 1 week so shame on me. Usually come in every other Monday or Tuesday with a friend, and the food is good. This week the food was dire. Luke warm, mediocre lasagne. The crappiest salad. Looked like a dogs dinner on the plate. Was told new chef early in the week now, and that combined with the menu change was disappointing. However I came again on Sunday with family. As we’d never actually had a roast here. Although sometimes stop for drinks on Sunday dog walk. And it was terrible. Expensive, and small portions (great roasties though) but it was the service that really let it down. We had drinks in bar first, which is just as well as we had to chase for them when sitting down. Table was dirty, had residue from the occupants before. Glasses were so abysmal that we changed our mind on wine. Service was the slowest I’ve ever experienced. Female member of staff stunk of drink as well. Won’t be back that’s for sure

We went for Sunday lunch yesterday - service was extremely slow had to go and find someone to take our drinks order as we had been waiting 20 mins and no one came to see us, food took ages to come over 1 hour wait for a roast dinner and when the food came very small portion half a carrot and a little parsnip , small amount of cabbage tiny piece of stuffing which looked like a aunt Bessie frozen stuffing ball, Yorkshire pudding was under cooked and tasted like raw batter! Hardly any gravy! Was very expensive for the amount and quality of food and the service we receievd. We witnessed another table walk out as they got fed up of waiting! Such a shame as it used to be a lovely pub before it was taken over with great food and at a great price ! I hope they sort out there issues but we won’t be returning any time soon!!

Really nice atmosphere. Quite cosy with log fire. Stopped by for a roast dinner, beef was real nice, sadly let down by stale Yorkshire puddings and hardly any vegetables, also service was not up there in my opinion.

Had a lovely time there, with friendly staff members, would recommend to all who visit.

I understand this pub has been taken over by new people and we had a very nice experience. At first we ordered our drinks and were disappointed that there was a lipstick mark on one of the glasses but that was changed quickly. Our meals were all perfect. Gammon egg and chips - the gammon was lovely and tender, twice or thrice cooked chips were perfect and two perfectly cooked eggs. Ribeye steak - Medium steak, again lovely. It was perfectly rested, no blood on the plate and tender as can be. Came with chips, tomatoes and egg. Fish and chips - Batter as light as a feather, cod was moist and flaky. Came with chips and garden peas. It wasn't the cheapest admittedly but they did deduct money off for the lipstick on the glass. Would 100% eat there again when I am in the area.

Lovely quiet meal with good friends. Food was excellent and service was memorable - a few laughs, too! Looking forward to returning in the New Year for a repeat fixture! Thank you to all staff - front of house and kitchen, too! Of particular note, the Lobster Bisque was absolutely first rate and the Fish and Chips were superb!

We held a wake here, we were really impressed with the service and lovely food. It has recently changed hands again, but all the guests said how good the food was selection of sandwiches, hot food (stayed hot) and fresh cakes. Would definitely go back for a meal. Hopefully we won’t have to go back for a wake any time soon but anyone considering here I would recommend for small numbers (20-40). Close private area of the pub, access to the bar and close enough to speak to everyone. Thanks to the team for having us.

We visted on Sunday for some food after shopping locally in freeport, amazing food and customer service ,would recommend the roast beef and the crayfish cocktail. The drinks not expensive recommend a visit with your family.

We had a meal this week with friends and we all thought the food was good. I had a rib eye steak and chips which was delicious . The staff were friendly and attentive and we enjoyed the quiet cosy atmosphere.

Unfortunately we don’t really have anything good to say about our experience today. Service was poor, not attentive, very slow. Cutlery not particularly clean, glasses grim. Fish batter soggy, everything under seasoned and not particularly warm. Restaurant was a little colder than we’d like. Expect a lot more for these kind of prices. Second time we’ve visited. First time just for drinks, and even then bar staff kept disappearing for a natter down the other end and was waiting to order just a few drinks. We’re not ones for complaining. But with things as slow as they were, felt if we did we would have ben there forever. So best just to pay and pop off home.

Service was a little tardy, portions a little small. Not much of a section on the menu. Overall nice place for Sunday lunch if you are in group.

Had a nice meal many weeks ago, but on the slide since. Came for Sunday lunch and it was an absolute madhouse. Front of house from management down seem to do nothing but flap. Place was a mess and staff full of excuses. And to be honest, as a Paying customer I’m not interested in we are under staffed, over booked, the booking system is playing up, oh there was a miscommunication etc. Unfortunately this was also the case on a Sunday 2 weeks prior, and we decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. But we won’t again. The roast potatoes were absolutely excellent- but I spent £170 on 4 roasts and some desserts plus drinks, and it was a throughly un enjoyable experience. Been in the village 25 years and it’s disappointing to see this place slide.

We recently visited on a week night for a meal for four. The positives most definitely out weighted the negative! The only negative is the time the food took to come out especially when it was not busy. The upside you know they are actually making it! The food when received was delicious, not a single complaint on the table and empty plates. The burgers are especially delicious and they could definitely do with expanding the burger menu 😁 they were so tasty! The pub/restaurant also has a lovely feel throughout, sadly the fire was not lit but it still felt like a homely vibe. If you like a village pub with good food I would visit here and give them some support as recently under new management.

Service very slow and then when you order meal slow to come out. Food luke warm haven't been for a while and would not go back very limited menu on a Sunday

Lovely pub and nice food which we visited at lunchtime. Sadly we waited 45 minutes for our food. Our neighbouring table also complained about the wait.

Went tonight on a girls birthday get together on a Tuesday evening. Great food, served promptly, friendly staff, also dog friendly. Definitely returning to try some more delicious food off the menu.

Alright atmosphere and good space, meet some staff are lively and well aware of my partner disable and autism as give good chose for space and quiet, I know it may take longer but respect them as few staff working. Food are beautiful smell as I can't resist but can be bit lot grease for burger but that normal. Price bit over but can't complain of taste and timer just perfect, normal drink and meal just under £20 but if you wanna starter and dessert included that will be over £20. Car park can be awkward but there have over flow space by follow sign around. My final thought that you all should go there with family or mate! Cheer K.

My experience here was..... the food was excellent and the service was fantastic, one of the best meals we have had in a while a very enjoyable meal and evening 😋

Good food in a nice environment, excellent service.

First and last . Food overcooked and overpriced for quality and quantity . For all four people in the party to say the same.

Good beer and nice food. The prices are very reasonable. All the staff were nice and we were made to feel welcome. The doggo was allowed in and got a reel fuss made of her. Nice decor and the fireplaces made lovely features. Could do with a few more GF choices, but it cater. I had the burger which was delicious. A nice treat. Thanks

New to the area. A lovely, friendly pub under new management. With luck they’ll expand the menu. We’ll be back.

We visited the Kings Head yesterday evening for my birthday. Unfortunately, as it was the new teams first Sunday they had run out of Sunday roast, which was disappointing for our table of 8. We understood it’s very hard to plan for the number of people coming in, when it’s so new to you. However the team worked really hard to ensure we had something and cooked chicken for us along with the roasts and veg so we could still have our planned roast dinner. The veg and roasts were cooked really well, there was barely anything left at the end of the meal. We also had a vegetarian meal, which my step daughter said was delicious! We will definitely be back as the team worked really hard to make sure we were happy with our meals and we like the fact that for an old building it is accessible with plenty of space for wheelchair users.

Under New Management - We went in for a lazy evening to save cooking dinner. The new management had only been in for 4 days. They were clearly finding their feet but were really friendly and helpful, couldn't do enough to make sure we got some food as their Chef had jumped ship and left them in the lurch! Seemed very passionate about making something out of the Kings Head which is good to see. It's a sign of a good team when faced with adversity they find a way to make it work, best of luck to them!

Had avoided this place for a while, despite being the only pub for miles. However was tempted after hearing under new management. Thankfully the kitchen is now turning out fresh and delicious food. As the food had had become dire over the last couple of years. Best rib eye I have had in years. Rest of the party had seabass. All washed down with a nice wine menu and the best brownie we have ever had. Lovely staff, and a nice spruce up as had become grubby. I’d highly recommend heading down and trying out what the new owners are doing with the place.

Sadly went on closing down day (23.08.2024) to say my goodbyes but apparently due to open again but under new management, so watch this space and will be checking it out, once it reopens!

I’m generally cynical about pub Sunday roasts, expecting poorer quality than what you could do yourself but I was sold on the Kings Head roast beef by the ‘12 hour slow cooked brisket’ description. It was excellent, generous thick slices of tasty beef which melted in your mouth with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and a nice selection of vegetables all for £15. Fantastic value and quality. They do great deals in the week as well do the next time we are heading that way we will definitely call in.

First visit to meet friends had a lovely meal,light and cosy atmosphere,will visit again.

Not bad considering the area you're in. The staff is extremely friendly. Forgot my bag and retrieved it. Only open from 4pm though, so...bit lazy. All in all though, decent, not bad, just about better than average.

Great Sunday lunch for family of five. With very good service. Great value for money would recommend to family and friends.

Food was well cooked and service was excellent but the menu was very limited unfortunately, especially for vegetarian or vegan customers. No specials available.

Lovely lunch with my brother who travelled from Reading for lunch. I had gammon and pancakes. both were very good. My brother had scampi then banoffpie again both good. Staff great.

Lovely place for a meal with friends .Lovely food friendly staff the best roast beef I've tasted for a long time.lots of choice and nice desserts

We were made to feel very welcome as soon as we arrived. Great food and atmosphere, thanks 😊

Oh my goodness! Never been here before. A friend suggested dining here. Spectacular Sunday Roast ( with all the trimmings) The meat was cooked to perfection. Melt in the mouth! Heavy to die for. Loved everything about this place. And I am extremely FUSSY when it comes to roast dinner. Highly recommend

Nice and friendly atmosphere, good choice of food, plus special set menu and reasonable prices. Visited a few times now, most recently for a Sunday lunch, food was very good, we had brisket beef, turkey and lamb roast with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and creamy mash, selection of vegetables and gravy. All three meals were delicious, the meat was moist and full of flavour. Definitely recommend. Has always been busy when we have gone and you should book ahead.

We have visited several times recently because our kitchen is being rebuilt. It has been very good but last night's meal was 'a bit average'

Really lovely pub. Tasty food. Great service.

Lovely food and full plates but could not cope with my gluten intolerance. Don't mind having meals without items containing gluten, but so much better if you offer me alternatives or a discount. My wife who has no allergies had a full plate of well cooked tasty food and was very pleased. I was quite disappointed.

Lovely friendly staff and great food.

Very good food and very friendly and welcoming staff

We made our first visit to The Kings Head based upon previous reviews on Trip Advisor and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch which we thought was exceedingly good value! We each had a 2 course lunch choosing dishes from the Luncheon Club Menu. The roast lamb was delicious - thick slices of tender lamb in a lovely gravy with roast potatoes, yorkshire pudding and mint sauce. This was accompanied by a a sharing dish of mixed fresh vegetables. Desert was a chocolate torte and a key lime pie, both were good sized portions and served with whipped cream - perfect. We finished this lovely meal with a tea and a coffee - it was everything we had hoped for - and for £10 each - plus drinks - remarkable! The service was great too - this pub and staff really know how to satisfy their customers - thank you.

Lovely food,lovely staff great atmosphere.

Beautiful pub, with very tasty food and wonderful staff. Very easy to book online and a reminder text the day before

Very good food great service will visit again the food was very tasty lots of flavour and very quick and excellent service warm and cosy pub 😊

A group just under 20 of us went there for our work Christmas meal on a Thursday night. Not everyone arrived on time because there is another pub with exactly the same name, so make sure you go to the right pub! The staff were accommodating by waiting until we were all ready to eat. The pub on the eating side is nicely decorated and spacious. I did not see the other side of the pub. I enjoyed my main meal, sea bass followed by Baily's Creme Brulee - they were very liberated with the alcohol topping 😀. For me, over all a very good evening.

Had the lunchtime special, 3 courses and coffee for £12 what a bargain! It was really nice. Good wine as well & staff were lovely. Will be returning.

Good food friendly helpful staff, good range of cask ales, lager, lovely pint of Guinness as well as cider.

Good food good atmosphere and always nice to go to a dog friendly pub

Amazing quality service and food!! In the top ten things I've eaten all year I had the belly of pork that was falling off the folk tender and well seasoned Good choice of guest ales Loads of parking available Fairly wheelchair friendly Dogs allowed and welcomed with treats Will be back again ! Thank you 😊 💓

had the 2 course special for £10 delicious home made soup with warm bread to start followed by roast beef with all trimmings, huge portion of beef, was cooked to perfection excellent service highly recommend

Visited with a group of friends. We all opted for the lunch club. My wife and I had the roast beef. It was incredible! Huge piece of tender beef, Yorkshire pudding, selection of vegetables. Alternative main offered was bangers and mash. For desert I enjoyed apple tart with ice cream. My wife went for pancakes and ice cream. Coffee was included - all for £10 each! Fantastic value. I wish we lived closer I would be a regular!

Oh my, what a treat that was! Decided to pop to the King's Head on my work lunch break with my partner for a quick bite to eat; wasn't expecting such an epic 3 course meal for such a bargain price! And the apple tart and ice cream.. To DIE FOR! The staff were verh friendly, and the dining area itself was very nice. Will 100% return.

Always great and dog friendly.. just need a dog sausage on the menu to be even more perfect! 🐾🐾🐾🐾😉

Honestly disappointed, we went for a meal (not from the area) we asked for sometime before ordering and then were ignored for a while. All finished our drinks and some live music started to play. The live music was great however really really loud, loud to the point where the table shook and you couldn’t keep a conversation. Paying a £20 deposit to not be able to have a conversation or order food. Can’t rate the food as we never ordered and left paying £25 to have a wine and ears blown off.

After looking online for somewhere to have a spot of lunch, and as the web page said Lunch Club, we decided on the Kings Head in Gosfield. There were 2 options, 2 courses and coffee for a tenner, or 3 courses and a coffee for £12. The choices were limited, as you would expect on a lunch offer, but the food was delicious ! Home made soup seemed bottomless, the pate was lovely and our choice of bangers and mash was spot on ! Lovely and hot, plenty to eat and a quality coffee to finish. The service was super friendly and we will definitely be back. Great prices, great food...

A great family friendly place with very attentive staff but without feeling rushed or hassled. A great afternoon with plenty of food and drink. Well worth a visit 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Nicely decorated and clean . Staff were friendly and helpful . Food was nice and tasty . On certain days and times there are offers , we chose the two courses for two for £20 which included a roast dinner , good value ! This is a popular site so it’s best too book in advance . Small car park but there is an overflow car park just up the road . Worthy of a visit

Great wine, amazing food, pet friendly and a favorite of the locals. Burger of the week was a chicken carberry and brie beauty, which I scoffed before I could take a picture. Staff are quick, professional, and friendly. Cant recommend enough.

Very high quality Sunday lunch. Excellent service, very efficient and friendly. Highly recommend.

The nicest place I've been for Sunday roast. Food was outstanding 😋.staff were brilliant. Can't really say much more! Great experience would definitely recommend this place 😃😃 xx

Had a wedding breakfast here, the food was very good, even serving in big numbers. Highly recommend 👍

What can we say about this little gem of a pub. We have been going on the odd occasions for sunday lunch and dinner. The staff are so friendly and service is excellent but the food is just amazing. We decided to ask if we could have a small wedding reception there for 34 guests. Kings heads were very happy to help but not did they just help they outdid themselves. We were treated to the most delicious 3 course roast dinner meal and the staff were absolutely brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble from start to finish. Helped decorate the room for us and sorted out all that we needed for our special day. Thank you Claire and gang for making it a really great wedding reception for us. Our guests will be back for more, as we will of cousre.

Dined here a few times for Sunday lunch and have just had our wedding reception here. The food was as usual absolutely fantastic! And the service was out of this world! Every member of staff from the kitchen to waiting staff to bar staff were professional and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble. I cannot praise this pub and team enough. If your ever in the area don't miss out on a great dining experience.

The pub messed us around with a booking. Had to go elsewhere.

Haven't been here for many years, came for a birthday lunch today, food was excellent, great roast dinner, great service, friendly staff, lovely atmosphere and decor. Such good value. Will definitely be returning soon. Thank you 😊

Great for gluten free options was able to have a Cheese ploughman's instead of something I didn't really didn't fancy to eat Very generous portions of good quality food and gluten free rolls were very soft and not tasteless like a lot of them are.

We visited for lunch whilst staying at the nearby campsite and enjoyed it so much we went back twice more during our trip. Wonderful service, family friendly and delicious food including a fantastic Sunday roast! Highly recommend

A great atmosphere, very quick service, value for money. You wasn't made to feel you had out stayed your welcome. Highly recommend.

We visit the Kings Head regularly as the food is amazing quality and such good value. The staff are really friendly so what more can you ask for.

Very good food at a great price.

Just returned from Supper Deal ...Will certainly be returning. Lovely staff too.

Wonderful bar, great beers for a teatime drink

Great semi rural pub, lovely atmosphere and tasty affordable food.

Lovely food and friendly service.

Best steak I have had cooked to perfection lovely relaxing place staff was great good choice of menu

I visited mid afternoon for a Guiness on my way from Saffron Walden to Halstead and back. The staff were really friendly and Guiness was well kept. The pint came with a shamrock on - absolutely loved that!! Also the toilet was immaculately clean.

On my travels out with a friend we came across this lovely welcoming pub/restaurant. The garden was what attracted us to stop. It was a hot day, the garden offered a lot of shade. On entering the restaurant, we were greeted with warmth. I have...

Very nice pub with good food, friendly staff and efficient service. Nice atmosphere too. The 2 courses for £10 at lunchtime is good value even though only a couple of choices of food. Would recommend for a catch up with friends.

Great meal, great atmosphere, will definitely go again

Food is very good served by friendly efficient waiting staff. We chose our luncheon meal off the main menu but there was an opportunity to choose two courses plus coffee for the very reasonable price of £10.

Food was really tasty and good value for money, staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely my new fav place to eat ! Thank you

Fantastic pub with lovely food and staff. We went with family and thoroughly enjoyed our roasts. Good value for money.

Good food and fantastic service as always. Thank you everyone. We will definatley be coming back soon.

Really nice luncheon club 2 courses £10 3courses £12 includes free coffee what's not to like??? Usual lovely staff so packed today but no one made you feel rushed xx well done everyone x

We stopped for lunch with our dog. The lunchtime menu was excellent value and the service was very friendly and efficient. Would definitely recommend.

Popped in for lunch today, we hadn't booked but were greeted with a smile and had choice of tables. We decided when looking at the menu to go for their 2 courses plus coffee for £10, everything was nicely presented and hot. The cheese burger...

Food amazing. Strong recommendation. Friends atmosphere.

Very good, with a pleasant selection on the varied menu. Great service. The beers seem expensive.

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Stopped by the Kings Head on the way home for a swift pint. Great to find a pub catering for the diner and the drinker. Lovely. This could become a habit. Keep up the good work.

Just pub grub. Ok if you like microwaved food. Nothing special . Decent pub though nice staff

We had the lunch special of sausages and mash.Eton mess for dessert plus coffee all for £10. Food is always good here and is excellent value for money.

Fantastic roast dinner and has to be the most tasty we've had in a restaurant for a long while. Ita also reasonably priced. Staff were really helpful and the bonus is it's dog friendly.

Very friendly staff. Food was amazing & very good value for money. Would definately bring my friends & family back here.

What a lovely friendly ,clean &, excellent food at this place. Went for mothers day meal. Food came out really quick even though they were busy. Very good portion of food. Set 2 course or 3 course was very good price. Added a little touch with free glass of bubbles for mums on arrival. Would definately eat there again.

Great food and service. Lovely pub

Great food and service with lovely surroundings. You can now buy a 10% off card which is valid for a whole year. Great value. Only gripe is the car park is not big enough saying that, you can park in the street if you want...

Great food, great service, friendly atmosphere. Friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommended 👌