About This Pub
Ah, The Windmill – it's one of those places that just sticks in your mind after a visit, isn't it? Tucked away in the lovely countryside of Essex, it's got this perfect blend of a traditional pub feel with a modern twist on the menu. I love how they focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers, making every dish feel special and sustainable – whether it's a juicy Sunday roast or one of their tasting menus that rivals the best we've tried. The drinks selection is spot on too, with cracking local ales and wines that pair beautifully. And the service? It's genuinely warm and attentive, like chatting with old mates; they make you feel right at home, whether you're popping in for a quick drink on the terrace or celebrating something bigger. But, to be fair, it's not without its quirks – the limited opening days mean you'll need to check ahead, and that rural spot might not suit everyone if you're after something more central. Still, for a proper, heartfelt pub experience with outstanding grub, it's well worth the effort. If you're in the area, give it a go – you won't be disappointed!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely top-notch – fresh, seasonal dishes made with high-quality local ingredients that change regularly to keep things exciting and sustainable.
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The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a cosy pub vibe in a beautiful rural setting near Chelmsford, perfect for a relaxed lunch, dinner, or special occasion.
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Service is spot on; the team, like Nancy, makes everyone feel looked after with friendly, knowledgeable attention that really enhances the experience.
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They've got a great selection of unique drinks, wines, and local real ales, ideal for enjoying with a snack or a full meal on the terrace or inside.
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It's fantastic for events, from intimate dinners to parties, with options like private dining and even rooms for overnight stays.
Cons
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It's only open four days a week, which means you might have to plan your visit around their schedule and miss out if you're spontaneous.
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The rural location could be a bit tricky to get to if you're not local, as it's tucked away in Little Waltham – not the easiest spot for a quick pint after work.
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With the menu changing frequently, you might not find your favourite dish on repeat visits, which could be disappointing if you're set on something specific.
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Operating hours vary and can end relatively early on some days, so it's not ideal for late-night gatherings or if you're hoping for a long evening out.
Contact Information
Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3LE
+441245379545
Pub
Closed today
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 18:30 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday (Today) | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
The only outstanding dinning establishment in 25 mile radius. Thank you to the passionate chef and his team as well as the excellent service in the dining room that makes our lives more joyful each time we visit.
Quite simply the best, the restaurant is delightful, perfectly mixing a relaxed yet calming ambiance with outstanding food. The credit for the ambiance and service goes to Nancy who makes every guest feel cared for and looked after. The food however steals the show, her husband Tom created exquisite dishes at an unbelievably affordable price. Whether it be the two course lunch menus or the 5 course tasting menus, the restaurant is incredible and cannot be recommended enough.
Amazing delicious food! We went with a friend who lives nearby and had heard good things about this gastro pub. We were not disappointed, we really did not know what to expect and were blown away by the quality on offer. Presentation, taste and service were all top notch, a must if you are in the Chelmsford area, highly recommended!
We had our joint 50th birthday party in the Millers room with 24 friends. The 8 course menu was amazing, service was so slick you barely noticed. And we had time to turn up the music when dinner was finished and bring out the party vibes. It really was perfect. Thanks so much to Nancy and Tom for making it such a special evening.
First visit but will not be the last.
My Father and I went for a Sunday roast to celebrate my birthday.
As soon as we stepped inside, you could feel the warm, friendly, and welcoming ambience.
The food was cooked to 95% perfection. We both had lamb, and it was juicy, tender, and still a little pink, just how it should be. My only criticism is that the shell of the potatoes was too hard, not crispy but hard. Even using a steak knife, it was difficult to get inside the shell, but once you did, you were glad that you had persevered as the inside was light fluffy and tasty. The service was quick and efficient without being obtrusive. There was no waiter standing at the end of the table, but one was there as soon as you looked up, perfection! 👌.
I didn't have a sweet and regret it. My Father did, and it looked amazing 👍. The owner knew it was my birthday and made a special birthday platter which made me feel really special (I'm 58 and it made me blush 😊).
As well as excellent food there is a very well stocked bar and even a cocktail menu. A rare but welcome sight these days. I'm already planning our next visit. A perfect place to take a lady (speaking from a mans point of view) for a romantic, impressive good value first date
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