Duke of Wellington in Braintree

Although we live locally, we've avoided The Duke of Wellington for a few years due to previous bad experiences. Last Saturday evening we decided to give it another go and I'm glad we did, it was a very positive experience and we'll definitely go back. We were seated in the conservatory area, and it had a lovely atmosphere, with lots of space around the tables. It's a good menu, full of 'pub classics', with a wide choice for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Service was professional and friendly, our meals arrived quickly and the food was piping hot. We'd ordered different types of pies, and I liked that the gravy was served on the side. We had a slight issue when paying. It wasn't possible to add a tip to the bill when paying by card, which was an inconvenience as based on the food and service, we wanted to tip, so we had to scrabble for loose change. Then, I mistakenly entered the wrong PIN number into the card reader, which I realised immediately. Despite numerous attempts afterwards for me to enter the correct number, neither our server nor his manager were able to get the card reader to work, so I had to go to the bar and pay with another card - it would have been awkward if i didn't have another card with me! I've knocked a star off due to the issues i experienced when paying, but I caveat that based on the food and service we received, which were very good, we will return soon to The Duke of Wellington.

Cosy atmosphere, nice food, good service, Luke served with a smile and was courteous throughout. We were very pleased to see there was a dedicated and extensive vegetarian and vegan menu.

Came for lunch excellent service especially the lovely young lady with the pink hair would recommend to friends definitely will be returning

Just popped in on the off chance breakfast was available. It was 😊 Karl served us and was really friendly and helpful. Food was delicious and quality ingredients were clearly used. Shame we aren't local as would definitely come back if we were.

Was greeted by the wonderful cheri! She went above and beyond when reccomending food and drinks and showing me the best place to sit for a quiet spot of lunch. Will definitely returning soon!

We enjoyed the food. The coffee let the experience down. We ordered a large americano. The coffee that arrived was a small instant coffee. The cup arrived with the spoon sticking out of the cup and coffee granules floating around the top. When we questioned the coffee, we were told that an americano was just a black coffee. £2.20 for a spoon of instant coffee! It wasn’t even a nice coffee, it was weak and tasteless.

I honestly cannot fault the service and food from a visit last night. I rarely come away from this pub with good comments but have not visited for a long time, at least 6 - 9 months, but the team they had on last night were exceptional which resulted in a lovely evening. Thank you to the young lady behind the bar taking our order and young lad serving our food and making sure all was good. We were looked after and praise should go to these two young staff members and know you were appreciated

2nd visit since new management! Absolutely exceptional food! Really impressed with service and continuity of care from arrival through to leaving. Amazingly clean, friendly and great reasonably priced food! Well done you have turned this lovely place around.

We hadn't been to the Duke of Wellington for a while following a couple of experiences of badly cooked food, and terrible service, but we decided to give it another try after reports improved. I'm pleased to say that the food and service were excellent! In fact my wife said that her lamb shank was the best she had had for some time! Keep up the good work - we will be back soon.

Not the best , we went for lunch but it didn't start off well! Ordered Cokes which came in stained glass and half filled. Starters where poor , chorizo and prawn starter was disgusting,beef dumpling was ok but it came with weird grave which both myself and my wife couldn't stomach. To top it all my fork had several angles and looked like it had been jammed into the waste disposal unit. Then we had to ask for napkins which really should be given as standard. We didn't stay for the main!

Went here on the 29th December for my son’s 16th birthday for what we hoped would be a nice evening meal. Table was booked for 7 and we left at 9 as are food still hadn’t arrived even thought we had been told half an hour before it was being plated up. Crap pub don’t ever go here. Other people in pub we’re having same issue.

This was a visit to celebrate 2 adult birthdays, booked at quite short notice. We arrived a little early but were greeted and seated quickly, but without a rush. Having pre-ordered (there were 9 of us, 1 child, 7 adults and one in that age range when child or an adult can appear, depending upon time, conversation, mood [mostly mood] and in who's company he is in), only the drinks order needed to be taken and the drinks were delivered in a timely manner. We were well into getting updated and talking across each other when our meals arrived. These were hot, tasty and sufficient unto the hour. (that is to say, that they hit the spot).There were no complaints beyond, too much, I can't do a pudding. (That didn't stop all of us mind). Then came the bill . . . . . .Hmmmm Nowadays, I travel light. Credit and debit card on my phone, NO change, in fact, no real money at all. I can't remember the last time I used proper folding / jangling type money. "Can I add a tip onto the bill and pay by card, I asked. Sorry, no was the reply. "You can certainly pay the bill," she said, "but we can't add a tip." Really?? In this day and age of fast food and fast money, I can't add a tip to the bill? "How about you add a 10% service charge?" Again; "Sorry, no" was the reply. "You can certainly pay the bill," she said, "but we can't add a service charge." Really?? In this day and age of fast food and fast money, I can't add a service charge to the bill? Is this a regular thing I asked. No, we have done it before the lady said, but, we just can't do it now, the system won't let us. We left somewhat, richer than expected, but, somewhat disgruntled as well. In this day and age, tipping is more the norm than it ever was. We customers like to show our appreciation and a round of applause really won’t cut it in a restaurant. Can I ask that Greene King ensures that we, the food, buying, drink guzzling public can offer your staff our appreciation in a way that helps us all?

Just had a lovely Xmas meal at the Duke of wellington, the roast turkey dinner was one of the best I have ever had. The turkey was beautifully moist and all the veg was cooked to perfection and amazing value for money, will definitely be back again.

Amazing service. A big thank you to Shelby our waitress. Such a lovely friendly young lady. Food was great too.

Gorgeous food and lovely atmosphere! After a bad experience in a nearby pub just before in Terling, we took a chance and managed to get a table in the bar area. We had the ‘sharing homemade nachos’ (gorgeous) starter and then I enjoyed the beef pie with mash and broccoli. My husband had the chicken and ham hock pie. We both couldn’t be happier with our meals (nice and hot too) and the attentive staff. We will 100 percent be back and will see you at the upcoming bottomless brunch in December. So glad we called in and parted with our money with you guys and not the pub before hand! Thank you!

Popped in with my husband to try some of the dishes on the new menu. The beef bourguignon was lovely, proper comfort food. The sticky toffee pudding was delicious! Nice tasting beer too!!

Lovely beer garden. Nothing was too much for the staff. Food was delicious and very quick! Can't wait to come back for their new menu launch!

Lovely pub, good surroundings. Food Good. Excellent service by Kian the bar person today. Served with a smile and great personality.

Surprise Birthday diner organised by my children. Really interesting place with some fascinating pictures on the walls. Lovely venue. Clean and tidy (well it was before my young grandchildren arrived), excellent gardens and children's play area, friendly and really helpful staff, and the food was...

Okish, very tired and grubby in area we sat (bar food rather than restaurant area) yappy dog that seemed to be egged on by young lady behind bar. If we hadn’t been so hungry we wouldn’t have stayed. I had mushroom and ale pie which...

Went with my family,two adults and two teens.Wife had mushroom pie,I had steak pie,kids had burgers,all meals were fantastic,pies were superb,decent menu and reasonable prices,dog friendly and a big beer garden,would definitely recommend.Staff friendly and attentive.

Lovely character pub with lots of space both inside and out. Great beer garden and plenty of parking spaces. Welcoming and friendly staff. Great choice of tasty food and drinks at reasonable prices. Attentive servers, but also left us alone once we'd got our food....

I walked into the pub a couple of months ago, to see if they could host my birthday party. Nothing was an issue, it was a straight up yes, they accommodated the date, time and number of people whilst also putting on a buffet which...

Lovely Gammon and Hunter's Chicken, fab atmosphere, great garden with play area for the kids, Also has a lovely Conservatory with table service.

Highly rate the burgers & Beer garden! Speedy service even though it was really busy in the garden! Plenty of tables to choose from and lots of choice on the menus! Family & Dog friendly!

Fell upon this pub as it was a midway meeting point to meet a friend. Had a lovely meal in the garden and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Up to 24 hours free parking too! Would go there again.

Pub has a great atmosphere. Staff are very friendly and helpful and go that extra mile to ensure everyone has a good time. One waitress in particular was extremely friendly and helpful. Especially in the gin department. We had a family birthday here and will...

Such a lovely pub with very friendly staff, always making you feel comfortable. I usually come in for a cheeky pint. They always have lots to choose from but I like to stick to my regular Moretti. The mango chili chicken thighs are awesome! Lovely...

Popped in today to enjoy the weather in the beer garden! Tried the cheese & Bacon Burger & the signature salmon, both were absolutely delicious! Lovely garden setting, plenty of umbrellas for shade!

Food was awful. Had the gluten free lamb shank. Jacket potato, inedible. Dry and crumbly. Carrots looked old and dry. Lamb shank, warm gravy on it conjealed looking. Only nice veg was the peas. Returned the potato. Was offered mash potato. A bowl arrived with...

Popped into the Duke on our way home on Wednesday evening. Lovely environment, really helpful staff, and absolutely delicious food!! Will be back soon!

Really good experience. Friendly, professional staff, lovley atmosphere with a lovely outdoor space. Food was yummy 😋

My first time to this pub, it has been fairly recently taken over by new people, Jo and Carl. Very welcoming team. Had lunch here with a friend and some cake to support their Macmillan charity day. Food is reasonably priced and really lovely. Has...

Really nice food with wide range of selection and really good table survive in a very lovely area

Very enjoyable evening and meals, our server, Shelby, deserves a special mention for her exceptional work and patience with the chidren and adults! Well done!!

Really good food, brilliant service, welcoming owners, friendly atmosphere. New owners are really making an effort and definitely be back

So sad to see this favourite go down hill. While the staff are friendly, the service is incredibly slow that we have seen people walk out. The original chef I believe walked out and the food hasn’t recovered. Twice this month our family members who...

Had a great meal here tonight, place is lovely and the new owner is very friendly, food was 10/10 will be returning again soon.

My Dad and I like to have our weekly catch-up at The Duke. The atmosphere is chill, the staff are always lovely and the food is delicious. Dad always has a steak there and it never misses. I would recommend the lemon tart from the...

The ambience of the duke was inviting and warming. On arrival we had drinks at the bar. The selection available was impressive. The staff were kind and knowledgeable of the drinks and the service was swift. On seating out our table we were given menus...

We have been to the Duke of Wellington on a Sunday lunch for a few weeks. We drive about 25 miles to this pub as it is lovely and cosy and has a very nice atmosphere. Staff are extremely friendly,chatty and very attentive. New manager...

Went to the Duke of Wellington for dinner with the kids. Kids had a great time outside on the climbing frames. Dinners was great. Caleb was our waiter he made us feel very welcome and provided excellent service. Thanks Caleb. Will be back again soon.

So disappointed. We always visited here and it was always lovely. We decided to go back and we wished we hadn't bothered. The meal was terrible. Didn't realise that there parts of the meal missing. I had chips with batter, as there was no fish....

Our first ever visit, but already know it won’t be our last….! Upon arrival walking through the door we received a warmly welcome, which made us feel comfortable straight away. Only popped in for a quick bite to eat, to break up our drive home,...

Lovely, friendly pub and great food! Kids loved the play area in the garden, dog friendly and a big thank you to the new managers Jo and Karl for the welcoming hospitality.

Had a business meeting here, the staff are so friendly and always ensuring the customers have a good time, didn’t eat here but the food coming out looked lovely and will come here again for dinner.

This is a very friendly pub where new managers provide a welcoming atmosphere. The food was hot & tasty, and good value for money. The pub is comfortable and the service is excellent. Will be coming again soon.

Lovely Pub Very Friendly Welcome With Excellent Food ! Recently Taken Over By New Management, Who Are Making Some Improvements. Would highly Recommend. 🙂

The duke of wellington is great! The owners have recently taken over the pub and I was chatting to them for ages, they’re boss! The atmosphere is superb and we had such a lovely time! Will be going again

Always want to try this place and my boys asked if we could go. Very nice inside and looked good that was u till the disappointing food arrived. In my meal I have chips that were so burnt they looked like they were from last...

The most awful experience from start to finish. Complacent staff- no communication, with a terrible attitude. Ingredients not fresh (chicken was hard but slimey at the same time), chips were drenched in oil and rock hard. Toastie bread used was literally the end of the...

Booked a table for our Mothers Day Dinner! We were greeted by friendly staff and taken to our table which was ready, even though we were early!! We all thought how pretty the decor was and a great atmosphere! We ordered our drinks more or...

We visited on a very cold rainy day following the first snow of the year but soon warmed with the lovely welcome, relaxed atmosphere and wonderful food. The pub has lots of cosy, comfortable areas to sit. Really lovely decor with exposed beams, charming features...

Visited with the family and dog, had a really lovely meal, staff are very friendly, clean toilets and nice decor throughout, also great outside space with seating and large car park.

We visited the duke of Wellington for a Sunday lunch time drink and nibbles. The staff were extremely friendly, very chatty and made us feel very much at home. Lovely atmosphere and food was great. We sat in a corner in comfy armchairs and it...

Husband I both had the lamb shank ,it was lovely, roasted veg was really good too, generous portions. Staff were helpful and friendly,

Ordered two fish and chips, both came out small, and weirdly shaped. Dug inside and found it was 3-1 batter. Send them both back and got another one, same thing happened exactly. Not very happy at all. Will not be coming back again.

We visited again today and have been several times before. Always excellent and friendly service. As a large family with two dogs, it is rare to find somewhere to eat that is suitable for all of us, but The Duke of Wellington is perfect for...

We loved it so much last time, we had to go back. All 4 of us left full and happy. Roast lamb for us was absolutely delicious, fish and chips for in-laws, nice and huge portions (they managed to eat it all). Cheri was perfect,...

possibly the worst sunday lunch i ever had cold and hard veg turkey running in grave not what i wanted and knife and fork dirty

Possibly the worst meal i have had in some time even mc donalds has a better offering Vegan mushroom pie with mash and tender stem broccoli Tbh pie was ok mas I actually had to ask for more as I got given 1 x table...

Came to the quiz night. Found it to be a fun evening! Great idea to raise money for charity. Was quite busy, seems they have regular teams. Had a quick bit to eat, food was pretty good, and served quickly and hot. Staff are friendly...

Watched final here. Had a good chat with a little banter about game. Had a nice steak and a Madri. Food and beer was good. Would definitely come back.

Had a lovely meal here, staff were extremely friendly and the food was excellent and very reasonable. Dog friendly and they even had a menu for dogs!

Wednesday quiz night. No cask beers at all, not particularly busy but poor service, and staff that didn't seem to know how to work the tills. We used to eat here occasionally, but the food service was frequently poor, so we gave up on that,...

Heard bad things about Duke of Wellington but looked so lovely I thought we should stop by. The manager Gill I think her name was, was supporting new staff and a youngster. Some delays but we were looked after. Food was enjoyable. Will be back....

Ate here yesterday & food was embarrassing, I have had better microwave meals to be honest!! Turkey roast was dry & cold, spoon full of gravy & potatoes were rock hard, veg was a watery mess!!! Husband had a burger that was burnt & dry!...

Visited the Duke of Wellington with one of our daughters optimistic for a good meal. I had a mix of seafood, tiny portion of salmon over cooked with cold prawns which would have been better from a local supermarket, absolutely no taste. Fries were supposed...

Been there today for an ‘all day Sunday roast’ Had a table booked at 4 o’clock and when we got there we told no more roasts! By 5 o’clock they were turning people away as they had closed the kitchen!! Reluctantly we ordered from the...

I start this review and I must say this has nothing to do with the STAFF THEY ARE BRILLIANT my issue is with the food I took my disabled father for some lunch I was told the food would be 40 minutes wait minimum as...

Visited the Duke of Wellington on a Friday evening at 5:30 for a meal with friends. Pub very quiet but still took a long time to get anybody's attention despite our advanced booking. Our food arrived in 35 mins and was poor value for what...

Never been in there before but decided to meet up 'half way' with my friends. What a lovely pub. Very professional service from Cheri who couldn't do enough for us. Nothing was a trouble. Enjoyed nice little chat whilst waiting for our drinks. If you...

Ate here as a family of 8 around July time and can only say how impressed we all were , great staff , great food and great value returned on September 1st for dinner and complete contrast , the staff were still attentive and friendly...

We had a party for a wedding here staff were friendly and helpful buffet was varied delicious and good value. Venue was decorated beautifully with plenty of room for dancing.

Had a lovely meal tonight but was even more impressed with the service from all the staff but especially Victoria, thank you. I even won a bottle of beer on pop bingo…..result !

This is a nice pub with lots of tables so can accommodate large amounts of people. Service is friendly but orders have to done at the bar so no table service like my previous visit. Lunch portions were small! Left feel hungry and felt like...

Came in to try the new menu with a friend. Sydney who served me previously greeted us with a smile and looked after us splendidly. The food I must say has got a lot better. Very impressed. Will be back.

Came out on a whim, new to the area. Found the staff to be welcoming and efficient. Good food and beer. Will pop back soon.

2nd time visited since change of management and I must say the atmosphere is fantastic ! Very friendly staff and great food ! Will definitely be coming back more often !

Lovely evening. Both Charlotte and Victoria were warm and welcoming. Had a great evening. Would recommend a visit

Kian was our waiter. We received excellent service from him. Obliging and friendly. Food was delicious. We had a lovely lunch together.

Me, my wife and our son visited the Duke yesterday evening for dinner. We went there last week with family from Spain, the service was great, not all the things were on the menu as they were doing a brand new menu the following day...

Table of 4 visited today. Seated quickly in an empty restaurant but waited an inordinately long time for our order to be taken. We then waited another inordinately long time for the food to be delivered. The waitress had to come back twice to check...

Had visited this pub many years ago with no specific memories but today, I revisited with a friend for lunch and so, so glad that we did!! Being of a “certain age” we decided to embark on the Seniors menu, absolutely amazing, two courses for...

Today (24/5/2022) my friend and I decided to revisit this pub as we heard it had changed hands recently. All I can say is WOW from walking in straight away it looks so much brighter now,I'm loving the new floral touches as well. As you...

Popped in here for lunch, the staff were very welcoming and helpful. All very clean , good choice on menu, highly recommended

Came across this pub/restaurant by chance on a Sunday and asked if we could bring in a dog and have a table for 2 for lunch. Dogs are allowed and they sorted a table for us. Staff were extremely friendly and the Sunday roast was...

Saturday lunchtime visit. Advised on arrival food was 30 minutes wait, which was fine we would rather know in advance. Food was great. Hot tasty and well presented, one choice was not available but lots more to choose from. servers Sydney and Eden were polite...

After a very busy bank holiday Monday the staff were really helpful as we arrived in the evening due to a car breakdown. The menu was much depleted but we were pleased to receive a well cooked meal and a drink. The car was left...

Visited the area for the day and needed somewhere to stop for lunch. Popped in here for a bite to eat and was glad we did. Excellent service from Rachel, looked after us from start to end, the food and drink was lovely and was...

Sydney welcomed us with a smile and was very pleasant and efficient during our visit. 3 out of 4 meals were good and certainly value for money but my Lamb Hotpot was pretty poor. Should have mentioned it but didn't. My fault. Good atmosphere at...

We regularly visit the duke and enjoy our time there. Super friendly team, good choice of food and drink! Happy to recommend! Liam and Ellie

We had a surprise Birthday party with about 30 family and friends joining us.🥳 The setting was really good with direct access to the garden. The food was great value, really tasty and there was plenty of it. Everyone went back for seconds and thirds....

As a family we have met at the Duke of Wellington several times as it is a convenient half way point. After three visits we can no longer give this pub the benefit if the doubt - it is poor. Each time the menu has...

Potential to be a great little pub again. However the service is diabolical. We popped in for a bank holiday lunch. 2 members of staff, neither cracking a smile, indicated one side of the pub to order at the bar, the other for waiter service....

Lovely birthday lunch with friends. The staff are very welcoming and the food was delicious. Lovely pub and garden. We will be visiting again.

The staff were fantastic and polite and very helpful. We were a large party and they coped extremely well. The food was lovely everyone enjoyed it. Thank you to Rachel and her team will definitely return and recommend to friends and family

We booked the Duke of Wellington for a very close friends Funeral wake and would highly recommend the service, care and the food. We were greeted by Rachel who was very professional and couldn’t do enough for us to make a sad occasion such a...

Four of us visited for dinner on a Friday evening, greeted by pleasant staff and picked our table of choice. We were served drinks promptly at the table which was soon followed by our food which was great, well done Chef. Thanks to Rachel and...

Brilliant service. Very dog friendly. The waitresses called Sydney and Rachel made such an effort with us and made us feel very welcome - really appreciated it. :)