Prince Louis in Braintree

Ah, Prince Louis – it's one of those pubs that you stumble upon in a quiet village like Great Notley and think, 'This could be a regular haunt.' From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, folks really rave about the food; the rotisserie chicken and specials seem to be crowd-pleasers, with generous portions that leave you satisfied. The atmosphere is another winner – imagine snuggling up by an open fire on a chilly evening or soaking up the sun in their spacious garden, which is ideal for families or even bringing along your furry friend. It's got that classic British pub charm mixed with a contemporary touch, and being part of the McMullen family means they've got a decent lineup of local beers and cocktails to keep things interesting. But, let's be honest, it's not all perfect; some have mentioned service dragging on, especially when the place isn't even packed, and there are tales of food not quite hitting the mark, like a dry chicken or a bland starter that didn't live up to expectations. Still, with an overall rating hovering around 4.3, it's clear that the good outweighs the bad for most. If you're popping in, I'd say go for a relaxed meal and keep an eye on the specials – it's a solid choice for a catch-up with mates, just manage your expectations on busier days.