The warm welcome you get at The Willow in Doddinghurst is largely due to the vivacious family team that operates this friendly, village pub. Owned by friends Robert Barr and Martin Broom, the pub is managed by Martin’s sister in law, Sam Emanuel with assistance from Sam’s sister, Viv Broom. Most of the staff are relatives or friends too.

“We’re a small village pub, popular with all ages, from families with young children to older members of the community. We serve freshly cooked, traditional pub food as well as some creative, contemporary specials at weekends.

“Visitors will always find a warm, friendly atmosphere here,” said manager Sam.
The pub offers a varied range of wines, ciders and beers including one from BrentwoodBrewery, Brentwood IPA 3.7% ABV.

Head chef Artur Rodak, a former butcher, butchers best cuts of locally supplied meat for the restaurant and is especially known for his creativity when it comes to inventing the weekend specials menu.

“Artur always comes up with something different. He’s good at experimenting with flavours, particularly ones you wouldn’t necessarily think would go together. But they do. Sam and I are very enthusiastic Guinea Pigs when it comes to taste testing his new specials,” said Viv.

“There’s usually one fish and a lamb dish. Artur has such an artistic flair and the food is always beautifully presented,” added Sam.

During the week, The Willow’s Traditional Pub Fayre menu is very popular. The dishes most in demand are their steak, mushroom and Guinness pie £10.95, pork belly £11.95 and slow braised lamb shank £14.95.

As for desserts, top of the puds are jam sponge with custard £4.95 and chocolate brownie sundae £5.95.

Steaks, fish and pasta dishes as well as curries and burgers are also available. In addition bar snacks like ploughman’s lunch, jacket potatoes and omelettes can be ordered at lunchtime, when you can also get a variety of baguettes and baps.

The junior menu offers two courses, main and dessert, for £5.95.

A pensioners’ special offer, two courses for £6.99, is available on Mondays from noon until 6pm.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays the restaurant closes but the pub is open for liquid refreshment.

A few regular customers, who are currently unable to visit the pub due to ill health, get The Willow five star treatment. Having ordered their choices by phone, three older, local residents get their takeaway meals prepared and cooked, ready for collection or personally delivered to their doorstep – even when the restaurant is closed, all thanks to manager Sam.

The Willow’s large garden is laid to lawn with tables and seating for al fresco dining. For the first time, last year The Willow entered our Brentwood Pubs in Bloom competition, decorating the front of the pub with flower-filled window boxes and planters. Plans are underway to enter the competition again this summer.

Community groups like to meet at The Willow. It is a favoured venue for church group brunch gatherings and local school fundraising committees. Events and quiz nights are often held at The Willow. For details, see the what’s on section of their website. The pub is also available for function hire and can accommodate up to 100 people, seated.

With great beer and a full range of drinks, an extensive menu of freshly cooked, traditional pub food along with their unique specials menu at weekends, the community-spirited Willow truly caters for all ages and tastes.

Beer & Food Match Suggestion

A refreshing pint of Brentwood IPA 3.7% ABV (lightly hopped, pale, session bitter) and The Willow’s traditional beer battered fish and chips served with peas and homemade tartar sauce £10.95. Their tasty batter is made with Brentwood IPA.

Pub Opening Times

Monday – Thursday noon – 11pm Friday & Saturday noon – midnight Sunday noon – 10.30pm

Restaurant Opening Times

Monday noon – 9pm
Tuesday & Wednesday closed Thursday – Saturday noon – 9pm Sunday noon – 6pm.

The Willow, Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0NG [email protected]
01277 824 342
www.thewillowrestaurant.co.uk

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