We reviewed The Vine in Great Bardfield and were pleasantly surprised by what we found
The menu at lunchtime isn’t huge, but it’s varied and I chose to start with the blue cheese soufflé served on a bed of dressed leaves. It was flavoursome and the sprinkle of walnuts and micro herbs on top only added to its appeal. The interior is rather like an Edwardian parlour, with oak floors, rugs, an ornate fireplace, a welcome bar and a pleasing ambiance.
The staff were also very welcoming and immediately brought a bowl of water for my four-legged companion. Caesar salad with plenty of fresh grilled chicken breast, crisp leaves and croutons plus a generous helping of dressing came next. The serving was so large, sadly I was beaten, returning half to the kitchen. However, I guiltily scanned the dessert menu. Olde English fruit pudding with cherries, sultanas and lemon zest sounded splendid, but it was the rather nattily named turtle molten bundt cake which caught my interest. An individual pudding loaded with chocolate, pecans and served with double cream and once you cut into it you’re greeted by a river of hot caramel sauce oozing out from the centre. Another time I’ll bring a driver rather than the dog, so I can fully explore the eno side of their menu. w
Useful to know
The total bill came to £25.05 for three courses with a glass of house wine. This is an independent review, featuring a restaurant selected and experienced by our food and wine editor. The restaurant was not told it was being reviewed.
Table Talk
Table Talk with diner Nicole Lawrence and her friend Sheryl Goddard
What do you do? I work part-time as a teaching assistant in a local primary school.
What did you choose from the menu? Caesar salad.
Why were you at The Vine? It was a lunch with a friend to celebrate my birthday belatedly.
Describe your dining experience in a phrase. I like the cosy atmosphere, it’s not huge and neither is the lunch menu, but there’s something on there to suit all tastes.
How would you rate the value for money? Good value for money.
Worth visiting again? Yes, I’ve been there once before and I’ll certainly be back.
What was the best part of your visit? Spending time catching up with my friend.
Book a table
The Vine
Vine Street, Great Bardfield, Braintree, CM7 4SR, 01371 811822, www.vine-greatbardfield.co.uk
Side Orders
Three more restaurants offering dog-friendly dining
The Sun Inn
High Street, Dedham, C07 6DF, 01206 323351, www.thesuninndedham.com
We say: Dogs and diners are both welcome in this popular destination dining pub.
The Crown
Park Street, Stoke-by-Nayland, CO6 4SE, 01206 262001, www.crowninn.net
We say: There is a bar area which welcomes our four-legged friends.
The Queens Head
The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN, 01621 854112, www.thequeensheadmaldon.co.uk
We say: Located on the quay in Maldon, it’s ideal for a dog walk after lunch.
