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hand picked restaurants

There are some charming things about living in the right sort of town; take Great Dunmow for example, probably best known for the Flitch Trials, which take place there every four years. Couples have to convince a jury they have not argued during the last year and if they succeed, they win a flitch of bacon! Good dining destinations will surely thrive in such an enjoyable setting, and Square 1 is one such restaurant situated in a beautiful listed building in High Street.

You could visit them on days when special events are organised and join the fun, or simply pop in to sample tasty modern British and French dishes, created as far as possible, from local and organic produce. Whether it's the poppy and sesame seed fried goat's cheese, roasted cod fillet wrapped in smoked bacon, or the raspberry, strawberry and marshmallow Eton mess, the kitchen is sure to send out a few amuses as well.

Square 1 also offers a good range of cocktails, wine and champagne to ensure you dine in style.

The Starr, a 500 year old timber framed hostelry overlooking the market place was opened in 1980. Even since Terry and Louise George took over in November 2003, the tag of being a family-run place is appealing and is evident in the all-pervading friendly atmosphere in the restaurant as well as the eight individually designed bedrooms.

The menu is a celebration of modern British cooking and is readily appreciated in dishes such as terrine of Priors Hall farm pork, aged Castle Ballindalloch Farm rib eye of beef and Royal Dornoch lamb 'four ways'. If you've not noticed already, revelling in the joys of seasonal produce is the kitchen's greatest strength. Desserts of Valrhona chocolate and honey roasted almond bombe are spontaneous and are followed by memorable petit fours with coffee.

The Oak Room and the Market Room on the first floor cater for those groups seeking a little privacy at The Starr.