FROM the outside it seems an extended Essex inn, but step inside and you'll see this dragon has removed its scales to become an inviting restaurant, writes Stephanie Mackentyre...
FROM the outside it seems an extended Essex inn, but step inside and you'll see this dragon has removed its scales to become an inviting restaurant, writes Stephanie Mackentyre.
The interior has open brickwork, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings and with another two separate function rooms for private dining you can see why it's popular with parties and family gatherings. We were instantly made to feel welcome and glad we'd made the trip by the warmest of welcomes. A note to the wise on navigation, if you avoid going via the Notley villages and drive directly there via the A131 you'll find the Dragon is just a stone's throw from the main routes. The interior has large rustic wooden tables which are nicely spaced and the menu is sectioned by food types and their habitat (for example Birds and Wild Fowl or Sea and Land) so it's easy to pick a dish which suits your fancy. Steak and ale pie was sadly sold out so instead we opted for braised lamb shank served with a red wine and rosemary sauce, sat on top of mash and vegetables and the smoked haddock wrapped in bacon served on a bed of new potatoes. You can order extra vegetables, potatoes and onion rings as a side dish. Our starters arrived and both the devilled whitebait with horseradish dip and the roasted pepper and goat's cheese crostini with a basil pesto were generous portions. My crostini sat on a bed of fresh watercress and could easily have made a light bite meal. My haddock had plenty of bite to it and the added saltiness of the thick cut bacon made it a very tasty dish indeed. With no room left to contemplate dessert we left admiring the modern art and the large central open fireplace, which I hope to see blazing on a future visit.
Useful to knowThe total bill came to �37.70 for two courses, and two drinks. This is an independent review, featuring a restaurant selected and experienced by the food and wine editor. The restaurant was not told it was being reviewed.Book a tableThe Green DragonUpper London Road, Black NotleyYoung's End, Braintree CM778QN01245 361030Table Talk with diners Vinnie and Sandra Baker What do you do? I work for a fitted furniture company, managing the sales. What did you choose from the menu? Whitebait, then rump steak and for dessert I chose the ginger pudding.How did you discover the Green Dragon? We've been there several times in the past 18 months. Describe your dining experience in three words: Not so good Rate their value for money: I was disappointed as my steak was quite tough, however they did cook me another. Would you come again? No, but then I am a very critical personWhat was the best part of your meal? The company and the welcome we received. The staff and the service were very good and the ambiance of the place was lovely too.
