Restaurant-Guide.com
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.

Manna from heaven in an area not exactly over-populated by cuisine of any recognisable sort, Elephant Royale at Cranbrook Road certainly has the bulk to fill the gap. Furthermore the décor is a real lift to the spirits from the surroundings beyond the door and your mood will brighten by just entering the restaurant.

And then there's the food, of course. This is as authentic as the décor and then some - real Thai cooking, well presented and with more than a hint of originality to some of the dishes. Take pattaya Dover sole for example where lightly fried fillets are coated with lemongrass, chillies, herbs, spices and nuts in a tangy sauce, or the customary neua kra prao, thin strips of beef stir-fried with chillies and fresh basil leaves.

It might be tempting to think that the paucity of competition is the reason for success, but many are of the view that Elephant Royale would prosper anywhere.

There are those who believe that this rather attractive old pub depends too much upon its status as the place where the parents of a certain Jamie Oliver taught their son to cook, and who now run the place. This may or may not be true, but their many regulars would certainly dispute it; the English have an aversion to success, particularly of the rapid variety, however, looked at by somebody of independent mind there is an inclination to take the view that here is a delightful 16th century Essex pub doing a good job serving well-kept beer and sound food.

For £27.50 you can have a pleasant meal in the restaurant, or £22.50 for two courses. Start with a warm salad of asparagus with baby plum tomatoes, wild rocket and quails' eggs and a nut oil dressing or pigeon breasts sautéed pink with apple, celeriac and hazelnut dressing, followed by roasted fillet of cod on a white bean and herb purée or medallions of pork topped with strips of ham and tongue on a wholegrain mustard sauce, and finish with their choice of homemade desserts.

Slug and Lettuce has a chain of almost a hundred bars spread across the country sharing a common love of serving down to earth, undemanding food and drink.

The group prides itself on offering dishes prepared using quality ingredients, and you should be attended on by attentive staff in a safe, welcoming and cheerful environment. The Slugs have something for anyone - breakfast for a lively start to the day, lunch for busy people, family meals or even a relaxing glass of wine to bring a tiring day to an end - all in a variety of modern and stylish settings.

The menu features old time English favourites such as Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages in buttered mash or fish pie made with Dartmouth smokehouse haddock, in a Devon cream and leek sauce, although dishes look to Europe and further afield to Asia for inspiration. A good way to start the enjoyment is by sharing platters of Southern fried chicken breast pieces, crispy potato wedges, garlic ciabatta strips, half a rack of BBQ pork ribs, wasabi vegetables with onion rings or some Greek mezze

Hearty steak pies, Thai curry with sticky jasmine rice or butternut squash with goats' cheese lasagne are amongst the more popular main dishes. Sandwiches or wraps - warm tortilla with chicken and Parmesan or aromatic duck in plum sauce - provide for those who prefer something lighter. They also serve burgers as well as tempting salads like salmon, asparagus or tomato and mozzarella. For children they have good old British standby sausage and mash, or pepper pasta and ketchup among other choices, all of which never fail to delight, particularly as some of them seem to have come out of a certain celebrity chef's Book of Forbidden Dishes.

Desserts appear in the form of raspberry biscotti, hot chocolate pudding or a creamy strawberry cheesesake. The wine list is well compiled and substantial. There are not less than seven French, three from Italy and some from Spain, Chile, Australia as well as New Zealand. Slug and Lettuce can cater for events including birthday parties, fashion shows, hen nights, wedding parties or just an enjoyable night out with a few friends.

For over 80 years Harry Ramsden's Restaurants have become synonymous with their famous fish and chips. Almost as well known are their mushy peas, a British favourite. This group offers great food whether in their restaurants or as take aways.

They also have regular, kids' and express menus to suit every palate. There are set meals in various combinations as well as a la carte fare to select from. Some popular dishes are fishy bites, parsley fishcakes, scampi portions and chicken nuggets. They also have sausages, beef and chicken burgers and sandwiches.

The dessert menu includes spotted dick, cheesecakes and pies. They also offer a list of beers white, sparkling and red wines, liqueurs and beverages. Known for their consistent quality, tasty meals and efficient services, Harry Ramsden's is considered one of the world's best known fish and chips restaurant chain.

This restaurant and Latinobar in bustling Southend-on-Sea has carved its own niche in the town's restaurant space with characteristic southern verve. An eclectic spread of Mexican food, live music and entertainment and salsa lessons make this family-run restaurant a vivacious affair for its steadily growing clientele. It is indeed a welcome addition to arterial London Road establishments.

Go for perennial Mexican favourites like chilli con carne, enchiladas a la salsa, tex mex chicken and prawn fajitas. Or try something different like insalata tricolore, a salad of tomato, baby buffalo mozzarella and avocado, espetadinha de camarao, skewered tiger prawns with a sweet chilli dressing, rubalo na grelha, grilled sea bass fillet in a white wine and garlic sauce, or espetada tradicional, tender chunks of rump steak drizzled with garlic butter. A selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and pastas caters to its patrons diverse tastes. Salsa also offers a special tapas selection. Its lunch menu takes care of groups and can be ordered in advance.

Essex is certainly well gifted with charming country inns that dot this county, in addition to many scenic villages, and there's plenty of excitement in the culinary landscape as well. At places like The Leather Bottle Restaurant benefit is gained from the location in the pretty village of Blackmore, and the setting inside includes a roomy conservatory leading out to a sheltered garden.

Begin you meal here in a rustic manner with starters of pan-fried chicken livers with bacon, garlic and parsley drizzled with balsamic syrup, and Cumberland sausages on creamy mashed potatoes, red wine jus and onion chutney following in quick succession.

The time-honoured Sunday lunch tradition is one to look forward to at The Leather Bottle, with choices like smoked salmon gravadlax, roast chicken stuffed with basil and Parmesan, and sticky toffee pudding with hot fudge sauce and vanilla ice cream.