Many pubs claim to be quintessentially English; this one deserves the claim. Dating from the 1520s, many of its original features, including low beams, leaded windows and an open fire have survived – no wonder scenes in TV’s Lovejoy were filmed here. Locally sourced, freshly made food maintains an ever-changing seasonal menu offering such dishes as steak and kidney pudding; wild boar and apple sausages; and warm sundried tomato, shallot and parmesan tartlet. Essex-brewed beers are in the bar and again in August for the bank holiday beer and cider festival.