*This post contains some affiliate links. Feature image taken from pub owner’s Twitter with permission www.twitter.com/EssexPR

When Boris came out and announced the 3rd full lockdown yesterday, no one was surprised. One of the main things I want to say is that if you are struggling with your mental health, please seek out professional help. This lockdown has a little bit more hope attached to it than the other two. For starters, we have a vaccine now. Although people who are young and healthy like myself are at the back of the queue, now that we have started a vaccination programme, we can at least hope the virus doesn’t run as rampant as it has been. Also, it’s winter. A lot of people tend to hibernate in the winter anyway, and having some time off of going into the office isn’t SO BAD if you work the other side of London like me. So that’s the word I want to attach to this lockdown: optimism.

Following along in that vein, I wanted to share with you on my little food blog some great places to eat in Essex once the pandemic is all over.

The Three Colts in Buckhurst Hill

Situated a very convenient three minute walk away from Buckhurst Hill station, The Three Colts on Prince’s Road was recently renovated. The restaurant serves all types of food but it’s the Sunday Roast that always catches my eye when the owner Adam shares pictures on his Twitter feed. They also have a beer garden, so it looks like when the lockdowns are finally all over by the summer you’ll be able to enjoy some sunshine there.

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The Duke’s Head in Little Burstead

I write about the Duke’s Head fairly often because it is one of my favourite places to eat. One of the more pleasant things about the location is that it is located down a small country road away from the hustle and bustle of Brentwood high street. A proper country pub, the duke’s Head is the perfect place to escape when we are allowed out in the real world again. You’ll notice I haven’t mentioned the food yet which is a travesty because it is incredible. I can personally attest to the fact that their Christmas dinner is incredible, which is handy as that will likely be when we are allowed to eat out next.

The King William in Chigwell

This is another one of my firm favourites for, you guessed it, a roast. I promise you, I don’t even eat that many roasts, but when you are going to a cute, rustic pub, what else are you going to eat? The thing like about is that even though it is dead smack in the middle of Chigwell, you feel like you are in a pub in the middle of the countryside when you are in there. I can also strongly recommend the pork belly, which is the best I have ever had in the UK (the best I have ever had anywhere is La Sala in Marbella).

The Beauvoir Arms in Billericay

This one I actually have lockdown to THANK for. We discovered the Beauvoir Arms when we ordered a spag bol and a Penne Arrabiata the other day from here, and it was AMAZING. I’m really fussy with my Spaghetti Bolognese, and to be honest I usually prefer making my own. It just had so much flavour, and I say that who has been disappointed by a bland Bolognese more than once, in more than one continent. I’m looking forward to these guys opening back up again so that we can visit them in real life.

The Bekash in Wickford

The first time I ever went to the Bekash, I ordered a Phal and they came over with a glass of milk. I don’t know why this stayed with me, but I thought it was nice. The Bekash is what I would class as a “posh” Indian. Because sometimes, you just want an Indian with a little bit more pizzazz. I’ve only ever sampled their hotter curries because I like spicy food, but I can assure you, anytime I’ve been with a complete wimp the Korma looks pretty nice too.

Sami Charcoal Grill in Basildon

I love it when I have what I call a “find” with places to eat. I actually started to get a bit of take-away fatigue last year and any time I did decide to order as a treat towards the end of the year I craved something a bit more healthy. We had a new Turkish restaurant open literally at my local parade of shops, and their food is AMAZING. The Chicken Shish comes with both rice and cous cous, in plentiful portions, and the chicken melts in your mouth.

If you are trying to save money and eat healthier while STILL exploring the flavours of the world, this cookbook will help you.