Five Bells in Braintree

Returned to our local pub since the disappointing visit in November, unfortunately no improvement. Arrived on a Sunday lunchtime 12.30, pub empty, chef sitting at the counter. we were looking for a pre lunch drink, all 4 real ale beer pumps were off, and they did not even stock any bottles of real ale beer, so we left. Aware of locals who have recently had food at the Bells, they wouldn't recommend. Please Redcat, pay some attention to this delightful village pub, it deserves better.

Tried calling in here a few weeks ago about 1.30pm on a Sunday to be told they'd run out of food, not even chips for the kids. Tried again today, arrived at opening (midday) as have 3 young kids who eat lunch early. Ordered roast dinner, told there wasn't any as they had a lot of bookings that day. We were the first to arrive and order, so goes to show they hadn't allowed for even 1 extra portion (chicken, beef or pork) for 'walk in' customers. Ordered a nacho share bowl for husband and I to share as didn't fancy anything else. Was tasty, and the kids fish fingers and chips was basic but nice. Heard a table order sausage and mash only to be told they'd run out. So they ordered nachos instead...only to be told they'd run out too! We obviously had the 1 and only portion of nachos available that day. I was gobsmacked that they didn't have enough initiative to get sausages out the freezer the day before or pop to one of the MANY local suppliers who were open that morning, and whip up some mash. Equally the nachos were literally just packet nachos, sour cream and salsa from a packet (albeit good quality). We did have pulled chilli on ours too, which was lovely, but how hard is it to have a stash of this in the freezer to simply reheat?! Leaving a little grumpily, the card machine wasn't working so took us 15 minutes at the bar to pay! In summary, it often seems to be woefully lacking on any/some menu options at weekends, and an astounding lack of intuition to be better prepared. Perhaps we've been unlucky, but it makes it very very hard to want to support the pub sadly.

Only popped in for a hot drink on a cold Sunday walk but will definitely be back for a meal. Beautiful traditional pub and restaurant with a good atmosphere. Plenty of seating indoors and out. Log fires and pleasant courteous staff.

I arranged a suprise party for my husband's birthday at Five Bells, Colne Engaine, at the beginning of December 2023. There were nearly 40 of us including kids, we had enough space and freedom to party, food in a buffet form was provided, we could bring our own music and birthday cake with us. Everything was smoothly arraged ahead with a pub manager who was there to help and advise with arrangements. I highly recommend this place for such events. This place provide cosy, family atmosphere! Many thanks, we will cherish our memories of that night celebration.

Decent location, very picturesque. Beers are decent and food can’t be argued about especially at the price points they offer. Good for kids and a general get together with the boys.

Although a Monday and wasn't busy as we seemed to be the first people to be seated one of our party had a longer wait for their meal which was embarrassing for the other members of the party. The meals served weren't as per the menu description and the late meal consisted of dry wrinkled five beans that looked reheated. We were offered free desserts but our first time visit was spoilt especially as it was a birthday lunch. Doubt we will revisit.

Had the worst Sunday roast that I can remember, at the 5 Bells. It was a last minute decision to go there, due to a change of plan, but as I live locally, I thought it would be fine for Sunday dinner. We hadn’t booked, and I was slightly apprehensive that we wouldn’t get a table. I needn’t have worried, as we were the only table, seated in the entire restaurant! That speaks volumes for a once, popular pub. The waitress told us that they were only serving roast dinners (which was fine by us), but when the food arrived, it couldn’t have been much worse. 4 dinners that looked, and tasted, like they’d been cooked about a week before, and had most of the colour cooked out of them. On the other hand however, if you like your dinner dry, tasteless and black and white, then this could be just the place for you. At no time, were we asked if everything was ok, if we wanted to more drinks, or if we wanted desert. I didn’t complain at the time, which might have been a mistake on my part, as I didn’t want to cause any embarrassment to my guests. Later that evening though,I did email the Red Cat pub group, who own the pub, with some of my observations, including, mentioning the carrot peelings that found their way onto the plates. I was polite (honestly), but unsurprisingly didn’t receive a reply. Suffice it to say that I won’t be rushing back there, even if I do have a late change of plan. Perhaps I’ll just stay at home, and tuck in to a can of cat food, which will almost certainly taste and look better, than what’s on offer at the 5 Bells.

Pretty awful all round in my opinion, a real shame. Will not go out of my way to visit here again. Would certainly not recommend.

Visited our local pub on a Sunday lunchtime 12.30, pub empty, what a shame. Upon entering unwelcome greeting, only 1 real ale beer on offer, told that they do not replenish following Friday/Saturday service. Only 2 months ago it was a full welcoming pub, with excellent food. We left and visited pub in Pebmarsh where they had 5 local beers on offer, excellent food, and a warm welcome!!

Nice food good service amd reasonably priced 👍

The best pub I've been to in years Quality food,great prices. Good selection of beers and the service was top class

Having met my partner here 14 years ago, we thought we would revsit this lovely pub which had superb food run by an alder land lady and landlord married couple. How disappointed we were!! We were kept waiting by uninterested one bar staff to show us to our table having waited to order a pre meal drink, which was ok till I tasted the beer which tasted awful and was flat, they changed it with no argument. We ordered our food, and quite frankly it was awful. I asked for my food well done which came out lightly done my partners pie crust was like a cocanut shell and our guests food was awful. I ordered apple crumble which was like wall paper paste with cheap no flavour ice ceam. Oh yes and the so called well done crispy union rings were so uncooked packet ones. When major companies take over a restaurant/pub everything goes down hill. The pub/ restaurant was very empty, where once you could not get in the door!! We will NOT be visiting this once amazing home made lovely pub again!! What a REAL SHAME!!!

5 star pub. Great food, great atmosphere and the staff are lovely. They are looking to do some themed nights soon which we will be attending!

Book a table a day before, only to find out when we turn up that they had a missed delivery so several items on the menu were not available, so we order food and drinks only to find that they had no pinot grigio. Food was ok, then had to wait twenty minute to order desert after we finished main meal, ordered desert and another drink, got our next drink then was told thay did not have the desert we ordered as the chef had gone home without getting the deserts out, my wife had the only thing available, chocolate brownies I asked if I could get dairy free ice cream as it was on the menu and again this was not avaliable either. If they knew how little food they had why were we not contacted before we arrived.

We had a Sunday Roast today only thing on the menu. Food was tasteless flooded in gravy worst meal I have ever had to experience. Told them we were not happy to then be told sorry our chef quite yesterday and this is a temp chef……….and they were in a mess. What they should have done is notified all bookings and not served food and apologise until they had things sorted. Will never be going Back there again under new management.

Hands down one of the best country pubs I've been to in a long, long time. Friendly Staff & Great Food would highly recommend a visit.

Very pleased to come across this lovely pub on a day out. The staff were so friendly and the place had a really nice atmosphere. The food and service could not have been better. Helped make the day out very special, would definitely recommend it for a visit.

Lovely gem of a place! Friendly service, nice atmosphere and really nice home cooked food. Especially enjoyed the chicken wings!

Stopped here for a pint whilst on a walk. Great local pub

We drove for over one hour to meet friends for lunch at 1pm. Gave our order within 20 minutes. 40 minutes later we asked for ETA, 10 minutes. 50 minutes later, no food. Another visit to the bar and was told it’s in its way. 1 hour later, no food and was told 10 minutes. We left and our friends stayed. The food arrived about 1.5 hours after ordering. There were five other covers in the pub at most. There was no excuse till the end when the barmaid said the chef was on his own. If this was the case they should’ve just told visitors that it was just a starter and sharing menu. Having been given the rush for half hour the least they could’ve done was confess the problem, offer complimentary drinks and try to keep us on board with something edible. Such a shame. Nice pub, beautiful location and totally unprofessional staff

Travelled from suffolk to meet up with some friends from London and to have a meal,meet up was great but the meal was really poor,6 roast dinners and all totally bland,no taste whatsoever then ordered 6 deserts which took almost 40 mins for them to turn up,asked the waiter how long they were going to be at one point and were told that the chef was really busy and it was tough....4 of the deserts were Eton mess which when they turned up were a joke,more like ice cream and cream,the waitress did not charge for the deserts which was a help but sadly to say we wont be returning.The manager never even apologised as we walked past him and went to sit in the beer garden.....nice pub but sadly the food lets it down.

It was my first time Five Bells. My friends were hosting the quiz there that evening. We were greeted with a smile and were immediately taken to our table in the area where the quiz was. Few things on the menu aren't available but that didn't matter. We picked fish and chips. This was a good choice, such big portions. Really lovely food and the service was quick and super friendly.

Nice pub with good atmosphere! Food was good and value for money 💵 drinks were a bit more expensive than normal 😕 Pool table was good fun and kept the kids interested 😇

It was my first time to the Five Bells. My friends were hosting the quiz there this evening. Greeted with a smile and was I immediately taken to our table in the area where the quiz was held. A few things weren't available but that didn't matter. We picked 2 x fish and chips. Such big portions! Really lovely food and the service was quick and super friendly.

Have always loved Five Bells, whole family do but went for lunch today and was our first poor experience there. Handed a list of all the food not available, the sandwiches we had were a mess and couldn't hear ourselves over the music blasting out of the kitchen (I think it was techno, possibly rave). The staff could obviously hear it but did nothing about it until we mentioned it at the end of the meal, then it went quiet 😂

We had Sunday lunch the food was awful

Beautiful views lovely pub. Food was great. Brilliant lunch time menu choices. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend .

We used to be regulars to this pub but since being taken over by Red Cat group it has gone down hill. What used to be known for good food with a great atmosphere has unfortunately turned into a place with no atmosphere and mediocre food. Would not recommend and we live in the village

Lovely pub, great food, reasonably priced.

12/08/2023 for 2 we arrived at 6.30pm had a drink and decided to order the 2 sirloin steak one medium rare the other medium ,the food turned up quickly, however my wife's steak was very rare and not medium, my steak was also rare, both steaks were incredibly tough and full of gristle, we continued to eat some of the steak in the hope that it might be more tender as we got into it, obviously not ,some of the chunky chips were hard and not cooked enough. I should have complained earlier ,at the end of the meal I made it clear with the waitress and ask her to pass it on to the relevant people, I only got a response from the waitress when I asked her,she said I'm sorry about your food and the chef will check the steaks before they go out to others. Very disappointed, shame as we are locals and the word will get around . To sum it up they couldn't care less, and if Debbie was there this wouldn't of happened. Fred Staton Show less Date of visit: August 2023

12/08/2023 for 2 we arrived at 6.30pm had a drink and decided to order the 2 sirloin steak one medium rare the other medium ,the food turned up quickly, however my wife's steak was very rare and not medium, my steak was also rare, both steaks were incredibly tough and full of gristle, we continued to eat some of the steak in the hope that it might be more tender as we got into it, obviously not ,some of the chunky chips were hard and not cooked enough. I should have complained earlier ,at the end of the meal I made it clear with the waitress and ask her to pass it on to the relevant people, I only got a response from the waitress when I asked her,she said I'm sorry about your food and the chef will check the steaks before they go out to others. Very disappointed, shame as we are locals and the word will get around . To sum it up they couldn't care less, and if Debbie was there this wouldn't of happened. Fred Staton

We went on a night they had a quiz on, so it was a little noisy. Whilst we didn’t officially take part in the quiz, it added a bit of fun to the evening. This is definitely a locals pub, with several of them plotted up at the end of the bar “holding court” they certainly liked you to know what they were talking about!!

Very disappointing Sunday roast. Who needs 1/2 a chicken? No stuffing. Hard vegetables. Hard potatoes. Weak gravy. What sums up the quality is a menu riddled with spelling mistakes! Never again.

Since the change of ownership this place is up and down like a rollercoaster. At last we had someone running the place who understood what the village wanted, but now she's off as she cannot work as she'd like. Such a shame. This place used to be, and should be, the heart of the village.

Took the family for a meal on our first night of glamping. As a party with 5 children, we know it can get quite loud. Wait staff were brilliant, lovely efficient, and very helpful. The food was delicious, the chicken wing starter and pigs in blanket were a highlight. Main course went down well, but the biggest highlight was dessert. We were grateful for the non dairy option which was definitely enjoyed by my lactose free husband. Will definitely visit again.

Haven’t been since before Covid, was pleasantly surprised! Food was standard pub menu but very well executed! Service outstanding, will definitely be going back 🙃

Really like this place, it's recently changed owners and the new ones have come up revised menu and better prices. Right now it's a bit quiet but I hope if things carry on as they are more people find this great little village pub.

A pub on the edge of the world.

Fathers Day at the Five Bells. The biggest and best value roast dinners that we’ve had for ages and we couldn’t eat it all…which is saying something. Attentive, professional service and great food! Recommended!

Saved my day, after cycling a hundred mlies with fifty still to go,we hadn't spotted anywhere to stop for what seemed like hours then we came across this gem!! Lovely fiishfinger sandwich and chunky chips and a couple of pints. Great service and amazing loos!!😁👍🚴🥪🍻

Extensive menu Staff including chef not knowledgeable about dietary and allergen requirements…ie gluten free food on the menu cooked in a fryer with non gluten free items … and just because you ask customers (which in my case you didn’t) doesn’t make it ok to mark food as GF on the menu….IT ISNT .. Small portions long wait for meal almost an hour… Coffee to finish was awful Wouldn’t recommend or visit again .

Lovely spot for drinks on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Service was great. However, our visit was ruined by the behaviour of people out on the terrace. The worst was a group on a nearby table. Lots of loud swearing (c and f words used A LOT), burping, jeering a neighbour who was doing his garden. I might have had a word myself if I wasn't with my family (Inc 2 kids). We swiftly finished our drinks and left. This pub is advertised as family friendly but for us it sadly wasn't. Will think twice about returning.

Sorry to see that this pub has gone down a bit from several years ago. The waitstaff were friendly although the service was inexplicably slow. Decor and menu are in need of a refresh. Portion sizes varied wildly for the same menu item. I will try to visit another time in the event that this pub was having an off day. I like to support local establishments, but...

Great value. Great atmosphere great staff

Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Lovely food!

The pub phone number has changed to 01787 813140 . Nice place stunning views . Welcome dogs as they is always treats for them . Great staff

Went good friday to this lovely looking pub and was very impressed, the staff were pleasant, polite and did a great job food was nice too

We had booked to go for Mother’s Day. When I booked, there was no menu online but when I checked a few days before, they had uploaded a Mother’s Day menu. It was a set price for 2 or 3 courses. When we arrived, we were taken to our table and someone came to take our order for drinks. We wasn’t given any menus. Eventually we had to ask for a menu and we was then brought one menu between 5 of us. I asked if we could have some more but was told that was the only menu they had. They said that we should have been contacted to preorder before we got to the pub but this never happened. Upon looking at the menu, I noticed it was a different menu to the one that was on their website and the price was considerably higher (£9 dearer for 2 courses than the one on the website). We ordered our food which was 4 adult meals and 1 kids meals. When the meals came out, the kids meal was missing. We asked where it was and was told it will be a few more minutes. My partner asked whether it was forgotten and got told yes, it had been forgotten. The food was exceptional and everyone really enjoyed their meals but it just felt like the place wasn’t very well organised and when you expect to pay so much for a set menu to then get given another for a lot more money, was kind of gutting but ultimately the food was brilliant. I would return as the food was so good and hope the organisation of the place improves. The pub is lovely and cosy so it’s a shame the service was poor.

Very nice, food was lovely and very reasonably priced. Nice relaxing atmosphere. Recommended

Had a fantastic meal this evening, great value for money, friendly staff and lovely setting / atmosphere

Perfect roast. Friendly helpful staff. Definitely do it again.

Fantastic local pub. Got to be one of the best in Essex. I didn't eat there but the food looked and smelled amazing. Lovely feel to it.

Decent grub at a sensible price and a nice range of beer on tap as well.

A beautiful pub set over rolling countryside we were made very welcome by the friendly staff. We came for roast dinner and were very happy. The portions were generous and the food was very good, particular highlights were the perfectly cooked beef, the gravy and the sweetest chantenay carrots. The pub has a carpark to the front and easy access for disabled, however it is on a fair slope and so wheelchair users may struggle but only because of the gradient because access is good. There are very clean and modern toilets tucked away. We are looking forward to returning and enjoying the pub further very soon.

Superb food, superb atmosphere....and warm....highly recommended 👌

The pub has improved tremendously since the new landlady has taken over. The food is excellent and the welcome is warm. So nice to have our village pub back in safe hands, Thank you Debski Day <3

Уютный ПАБ,есть несколько залов,довольно больших,еда вкусная и большие порции (7-13£),рыбные и мясные блюда и многое другое

A lovely, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Simple menu with exceptional food and some great beers on tap.

This pub used to be amazing, good quality with a variety of gourmet meals. Now they’ve turned into a glorified café serving sandwiches and deep fried chicken. Impossible to get hold of, no one answers messages. Such a shame for the community

Staff were excellent . Food for a large table with multiple orders arrived together. It was a good place to be today. ( and it was warm and cosy).

The five bells had always been our go to pub for family meals out on a Sunday, we visited for the first time since it was under new management and was completely shocked. Not a patch on how it used the be the food is...

We have been going to the quiz nights ( which we never win lol) and taken friends there for meals at various times staff have always been polite the food has always been good nice little village pub and these days if you don't use...

Well this pub is a keeper! Fantastic food, great offers! Loads of different drinks to choose from! We are now regular customers. We cannot wait for the Halloween party on Saturday.

i have been meaning to write a review for a while but after seeing one that was put on by a very disturbed member of the community it has prompted me to do one at last. This pub was struggling due to covid in 2020/21...

Great pub. Friendly and welcoming staff. Lots of food options available. Great atmosphere and loved the themed nights. Would highly recommend.

My parents live in the village so is so easy to be able to walk to the pub. Food was yummy & good portions. The staff were friendly and helpfull, guiding us through the menu. Its half term so my youngest had a kids meal...

The new menu is great - lots of choice. We had 2 different burgers - both were delicious. Churros pudding with caramel sauce - so yummy! Staff are so friendly Lovely evening in a great pub

We've visited the Five Bells a few times since it was taken over earlier this year - the staff are absolutely lovely, one member in particular earlier today was very accomodating to our young daughter and interacted with her. The food is delicious and well...

Absolutely fab place to eat and drink bar staff brilliant . We will be back for more . The new manager is trying so hard with the place .

Sadly this pub has gone downhill, from having excellent food to unacceptable. A business colleague and I always came here when he came to visit me from Yorkshire, but never again

I have visited the five bells since under the new management on a few occasions. A drag night twice ! Which was great fun brilliant atmosphere! Once for food which was pleasant and good if you fancy some pub grub ! And a few times...

Lovely country pub. The manager and team were very attentive. Lovely and clean, good range of drinks and the food was amazing. Read some reviews on here that are less than flattering and god knows where they went but is wasn’t here. Well done and will definitely be back. Nice that a pub and restaurant can combine.

Now on 3 occasions we have visited lunchtime to enjoy a drink and a few sharing plates. On each occasion sausages and squid have not been available. On this occasion we ordered flatbread and hummus, the hummus arrived without the flatbread and a few pieces...

So sad to see what was a fantastic pub turn into something that is not ,the new owners have poorly trained staff the barmaid that greeted us with a “on no I’ve just sent all my staff home “ (7.30 on a Saturday night) was...

Visited 8.10.22 8 adults and 3 children. Great choice of menu,something for everyone. Food was delicious and plentiful,if you had any room for dessert, they have a good selection and can recommend the chocolate brownie,it's to die for. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Was my daughters birthday treat. Would we come back again....100% yes

Wow what a lovely pub, the staff were great, the food was amazing. We will definitely be going back.

Use it or lose it. Simon & all of the team have made the pub a great place for both eating a drinking! Well done guys.

My wife and I visited for the Rib Night. Loved it. The food was great. The ribs were great and the portion of chips you got was massive. Not something I'd normally comment on but it was also the best coleslaw I I've ever had....

Lovely food, reasonably priced and great service in a lovely pub.

I visited this pub on Saturday and was very pleased of the outcome great menu to choose from. Fantastic staff members, good selection of beers to choose from and a lovely views from there veranda, please visit this pub if you're in the vacinaty well recommend all who visits.

Lovely place Always welcoming Always friendly

Thought we’d come here for a family lunch and we were rather disappointed. The atmosphere, decor and service were good but the food was very generic and of poor quality. We ordered crackling to start and were confused when a bowl of pork scratchings arrived...

Started with pigs in blankets to share as a starter. Which were very tasty. Followed by Haddock and chips. The fish was amazing. We both agreed the best we have had. Backed up by friendly fast service. Highly recommended.

Ok, so I’ve been coming here on and off for a long time. Was good, then not so good (as the other pubs in the group changed over time), but now very nice again I feel. A lovely range of varied beers, nice atmosphere and...

Just call in here (or phone ahead) and enjoy the beautiful view, lovely warm welcome and delicious food. The variety of drink & cocktails are super too! Well done all. Ps: try out the quiz night 😃

Great Sunday lunch and excellent service would recommend

Lively friendly atmosphere, great staff and great food. The pool table was great fun. Simon, Harry and Frankie were a delight and made my evening for sure.

How do you take the heart out of a village pub? Sell to a pub chain. My partner and I called in this afternoon for some lunch, no issue with the staff, just the food, as it was very disappointing, food wasn't fresh as every thing was reheated, guess that's what happens when a consortium takes over a village pub, they would rather save money by getting pre cook food and reheating it to serve, than cooking fresh on site. My partner had steak and ale pie with mash, the pie was over heated and the pastry was hard/dry and flavourless. The mash was more like smash than mash. I had the burger and chips, the chips had no flavour and tasted more like puffs of air than potato. The burger bun was soft and chewy, not fresh at all. The burger was swimming in so much burger sauce I needed to have a wash afterwards before continuing with the unsatisfying task of eating the "chips". Country pub yes, country food? Not by a long shot, more like a country wetherspoons.

Eat outside on the terrace with views over the countryside. A comprehensive menu with something for everyone. The food came in large portions and was tasty and and good quality. Reasonably priced. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. Like most pubs/restaurants it's working hard to...

Stopped in for dinner as haven't been in since 2019, so glad we did. Simon and his team are great! We were made to feel very welcome we stayed for hours. Food was great, drinks were great (had way too many), Jamie is an assett...

Friendly pub with a couple of ales on tap. Awesome beer garden!

We live in the village and have eaten here a few times since the new landlord has been in place. The food is excellent and reasonably priced, as is the beer. We had stopped coming to the pub under the old landlord due to the...

Great Pub. Simon and the great staff are the Nut's. It's now back to being a great Pub that serves good food a the right price. The great British Pub is back.

Have now been several times, for both food and drinks, also have done the quiz a couple of times now, which have been fun! ..... its great to have this pub, landlord and staff on our doorstep, they are an asset to Colne Engaine, well done guys, carry on with the great work!

Lovely country pub inside and out with a warm welcome! Set in beautiful surroundings, polite staff, (excellent service) good food and wine, highly recommended…

Friendly pub, great new menu, and best of all NOW GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY….. stunning views from a beautiful building. One of the best pubs around.

We visited the Five Bells yesterday afternoon as a family of 11 and a dog. From stepping foot in the door Simon, his family and staff welcomed us with open arms and took care of us for the afternoon. The staff were all courteous and polite and considering the size of our party, they dealt with all our requests with ease. The food was amazing, and no glass was left empty. I highly recommend this quaint village pub whether it be for a drink or a meal. The location is beautiful, it is dog friendly and as previously stated Simon, his family and staff were all absolutely amazing. Thank you once again for making our afternoon enjoyable and we will be back very soon

Good good, service good but slow, 5 Bells seems to have lost it's atmosphere.

Amazing Food Amazing service Lovely village pub would highly recommend!!

Had a brilliant lunch here today both the food and the service were amazing far beyond any normal country pub in the middle of no where, the young waitress was smiling and helpful from the word go. Shame her Dad was a Leeds fan, as a Millwall fan the only downside of this superb place. I will be back for Sunday lunch.