About This Pub
Ah, The Olde Dog Inn – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper slice of Essex countryside, with its historic beams and welcoming fireplaces that make you want to settle in for the evening. I've got to say, the food really steals the show; their seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients are spot on, whether you're tucking into a stellar fish and chips or a beef shin stew that warms you right through. The drinks menu is another winner, packed with a variety of real ales and their own brews that any beer enthusiast would appreciate. On the flip side, though, it's not without its quirks – you might run into a bit of confusion with table bookings or if you're after specific dietary tweaks, it could fall a little short. Still, the staff are an absolute delight, always on hand to make things smoother, and the outdoor area is brilliant when the sun's out, with family-friendly vibes that make it great for all ages. Overall, it's a gem worth visiting, but just keep those little niggles in mind for a smoother trip.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
The food here is absolutely spot on, with seasonal dishes made from local Essex ingredients that really hit the mark – think hearty British classics that leave you wanting more.
-
They've got a fantastic selection of real ales, craft beers, and gins, including their own brews like the Olde Dog IPA, which is perfect for a proper pub experience.
-
The atmosphere is just lovely, with that classic old-school charm from the beamed ceilings and fireplaces, making it feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
-
It's super family-friendly in the beer garden, with live music, a play area, and even an outdoor bar when the weather's nice, ideal for a relaxed afternoon out.
-
The staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, always ready with a smile and quick service that makes you feel right at home.
Cons
-
There might be a bit of a hiccup with bookings or seating arrangements sometimes, like not getting the table you hoped for, which can put a dampener on things.
-
If you've got specific dietary needs, it could be hit or miss – one person mentioned gluten-free options weren't quite up to scratch for a group event.
-
The outdoor bar and some events are only around during the warmer months, so if you're visiting in the depths of winter, you might miss out on that fun.
-
While it's dog-friendly in certain areas, it's limited to just one spot, so if you're with a furry friend, you might feel a tad restricted.
Contact Information
Billericay Rd, Herongate, Ingrave, Tye CM13 3SD
+441277810337
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Thursday (Today) | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 20:00 |
Recent Reviews
Delicious food, friendly staff, great surroundings, I'd definitely visit again
What a great pub. Drinks, food and service was excellent. The Haddock fish and chips was some of the best I’ve ever had. Started with smoked salmon and it was also very good. I would go here every day if I could.
A visit between Christmas and New Year with both families and the food was really good. The service was pretty spot on. It was disappointing that communication prior to the evening meant we were nearly sat in the bar area on a very thin table to eat for 6 of us. A little more flexibility could have been considered in reflection of our specific needs.
Food, however, was delicious.
Nine of us visited for a family pre Christmas get together. One member of our party is gluten free and the venue was chosen specifically with that in mind. The restaurant promotes accommodating different dietary requirements. As the set Christmas menu is only available Mon - Saturday we all decided to go for the next best option - a Sunday roast.
The food quality was satisfactory, mediocre at best and at £20 for just the plated main course, it's not exactly a cheap roast dinner. The presentation was poor and the staff, whilst very friendly, polite and attentive, were slapdash and lacking in knowledge.
The two Gluten Free starter options consisted of either the soup but served without the bread or the pate, again served without the bread (yes just pate!). When asked for the option of crudités for the pate (having explained what crudités are) the answer was no. The Gluten Free main course consisted of the standard roast, minus the Yorkshire and cauliflower cheese but definitely no substitutions or price adjustment. We asked to speak to the chef about the gluten free menu options but was barred from even looking into the kitchen and no one made an effort to come out to speak to us. If removing items containing gluten from the standard menu is accommodating a dietary requirement - it very much speaks for itself.
Desserts fared better. There was a gluten free brownie on the menu and an Eton mess (which is GF by default). The service was fast but the whole meal felt rushed and we were virtually asked to leave at the end to allow for another sitting. The venue was very busy and appeared to be popular so perhaps we were just unlucky. As a family we had a nice time, however will definitely not be returning.
Absolutely superb. Proper old school country pub, plenty of real ales, including a decent selection of local choices. Food was exceptional. I had the Italian Beef Shin stew with Gnocchi, which was everything it promised to be, followed by a selection of ice creams, including an utterly sublime Brandy Ice Cream. It's on our doorstep and we will be returning.
Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl
Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.
Victoria Rd, Basildon SS15 6AW
78/100
3.2mi
Laindon Common Rd, Little Burstead, Billericay CM12 9TA
88/100
3.3mi
Brentwood Rd, Orsett, Grays RM16 3HU
82/100
4.0mi
Langdon Hills, Basildon SS16 6HX
75/100
4.6mi
High Rd, Langdon Hills, Basildon SS16 6HU
92/100
4.6mi