The Olde Dog Inn, Brentwood

Sitting on a bend of the Billericay Road just outside the Essex village of Herongate this former 17th century white weather-boarded coaching inn has great kerb appeal and is very inviting as you approach. And inside the history can be seen from the dark black beams and whitewashed walls. It looks like it was an original small cottage that has been extended over the years and there is now a small lounge section to the right of the main bar room and a much larger dining room stretching away to the left. The bar supports six hand pumps that initially got me excited until I realised that, despite being independently owned and not being owned by them, four came from Greene King. Alongside GK Abbot and Icebreaker there were two house badged ales called Olde Dog IPA and Olde Dog Golden ale, which from the abv’s were clearly GK IPA and Moorlands Golden Hen. Fortunately, the remaining two were from Tring Brewery in the shape of Shear Fright and Ridgeway and we went for these, and they were both well kept. Not many in on my early mid-week evening visit, but it clearly does attract an audience for its food as it benefits from one of the biggest pub car parks I have ever seen.

This pub is traditional and unspoilt and what you would expect from a country pub. There is a bar area at the front as you enter, with dining areas at the back. Real ales are available on hand pump and from behind the bar served straight from the barrel. It is starting to look a bit scruffy in places, and as seems to be the norm for the area, it is expensive.

Official site of The Olde Dog Inn, contains event details - www.theoldedoginn.co.uk

Official site of The Olde Dog Inn, contains event details - www.theoldedoginn.co.uk

This is the best pub food to be found in the brentwood area. none of your microwave megs here. everchanging seasonal menu, had pistachio pate, there once, which the chef had made (different) gets busy at peak times (because its good) good regular and guest ales. friendly and efficient staff.