Queens Head in Maldon

We booked a table for 7 people for a birthday celebration on Sunday at The Queens Head, Tolleshunt D’Arcy newly opened carvery … The food was exceptional. There was a superb choice of meats , all cooked to perfection with a wide selection of delicious accompaniments…. Eat as much as you like therefore, exceptional value for money. The staff all made us feel so very welcome and nothing was too much trouble with the added advantage of a fantastic atmosphere. We would highly recommend. Thank you so very much for an enjoyable experience- The Ritchie Family

We had a lovely Sunday carvery. Four choices of meat which were cooked to perfection, plus all the tasty trimmings. Desserts were good too, including homemade ice-cream such as mint choc chip and banofeeee. Friendly staff, felt welcoming and homely. We'll be back next time we stay in the area.

Everything seemed to much trouble and the staff were moody When we arrived and went into the restaurant there was dog poo on the floor we had small children running around so straight away asked for it to be cleared up Then when in the garden that was also full of dog poo not a place where children can play There was a constant flow of dogs going in and out of the garden through the restaurant Won’t be going back

Just called in for a drink not there long enjoyed the drink barman friendly somewhere I would certainly go back to when back in the area

Nice pub, rather under staffed. Food was edible but not delicious. Friendly and nice atmosphere.

We had to park our car in this pub car park due to car breaking down, the owners of the pub were so helpful and did their best to try and help but it was an breakdown recovery job. So it ended up being a very long wait for the recovery truck. Tracy and steve (the owners) are 2 lovely people who have recently taken over the pub. It's a lovely place very homely and the garden has outdoor eating area steve says its his home from Spain which I can see that. A counter bar and bbq area in the garden , it was bbq day when we was there and as we was there for over 4 hours we had food aswell it was soo nice. Everyone so friendly and welcoming I hope they get lots of custom and this pub gets lots more 5 stars. It's an hour away from us but we will definitely be going back there looking forward already to visit for a Sunday roast. Lovely pub, lovely owners lovely staff,lovely food.

Had the misfortune of a car breakdown, but managed to crawl to the car park of the Queen's Head. Steve and Tracy the owners of the pub could not have been more helpful. We ended up waiting for the AA for 4 hours. But they both kept a checking up on us and our dogs making sure we had plenty of water. We were there so long we ended up eating there, food was very tasty and freshly cooked. Everyone in the pub was so friendly and welcoming, we will definitely be going back.

Good traditional pub food, nice atmosphere welcoming staff. What more could you want! Thank you.

We went here for dinner on a weekday evening, the owner of the pub is extremely accommodating and provided an amazing service throughout, as all of the staff did also, he even came over and gave our 3 dogs treats! The food was amazing, when we left my partner and I said we will be coming again for the bbq on Sunday! Thank you so much, I cannot fault😊

I fail to understand the negative reviews here . The Queens Head I visited was friendly with a wonderful landlord Steve and his wife who went out of their way to welcome us and make us feel comfortable. The bar staff also. We enjoyed a lovely pie and our dogs enjoyed some delicious treats too. My husband was offered a couple of brandy’s on the house after he bumped his head on a low beam ( despite the sign !) Here I see a couple working hard to bring a community a friendly pub to visit with good food and a warm welcome. Hospitality is not an easy business to be in and settling into a small community also not easy, so I say- don’t read the negative reviews. Visit on a Sunday for the bbq or midweek for a warm welcome and good meal! Our son lives opposite now so we WILL be back !! Thanks for your kindness and hospitality.

Landlord looked like he just got up at 7- 30 pm no friendly welcome just yeah oh right find a table and order you food , landlady nearly tripped over the dog in kitchen that should have warned us. We wanted a nice meal in our new local pub but will.not return .

Visiting the pub Wednesday evening with a work colleague and family we couldn’t have been more surprised that they were willing and able to cook for us even the kitchen should have been closed… my work colleague was delighted to find out their was also a quiz on that evening which made the evening so much more fun! Thank you so much again for another wonderful experience

Well it's a shame when you have to write something bad about an issue when you visit a place. We had arranged to have drinks with friends as one of our party was celebrating their 60th. We contacted the venue to enquire if this was Ok and that they could hold onto a cake which was purchased for them. The staff member we spoke with was polite and most helpful with our request regarding the cake. Upon arrival everyone was waiting for the main guest who we had brought along. We were not aware the Venus was holding a quiz evening otherwise we may have chosen another venue. Well when we got there not many people seemed to be there for the quiz, but we sat in our group at the back of the venue well away from others at the time. Another party turned up and sat in the same room, but were far enough away in our opinion. The quiz started and things were going swimmingly until the landlord and landlady interacted with us. It seemed obvious that we were not welcome as they starred at our party as they walked by. They made comments to a couple of our group about us being there on this quiz night. One of the party explained it was their birthday, but my wife explained that at no time was she made aware of a quiz taking place. The landlord and lady both made comments in relation to spoiling the quiz by our party, but my wife apologised to the party near us and they said at no time we were loud or spoilt anything in their view. My wife told me the landlord was.rude in the way he spoke to her while retrieving the cake from the fridge outside where it had been placed. My wife explained she was obtaining the cake and all he kept saying was that she should not be behind in this area. It was not secured off and there were no signs expressing the public/customers should not be in this area. The venue is a local to a couple of our party and we have been there previously as it is not too far from where we live. Now none of us will visit the venue as the experience was not pleasant and we were clearly not welcome, but they seemed happy to take our money on a quiet Wednesday evening. The landlady was also heard speaking to a member of staff rudely relating to the cake and I hope they received an apology from her for that. The only reason for the 2 star service was for the other staff as they both deserved one each. This is an additional edit following their response. At no time as mentioned in the post was my wife informed of any quiz. As also mentioned we would have considered changing the venue under those circumstances. You have made no reference to the comments received especially from the landlady who clearly said to one of the party you have spoilt the quiz. You yourself spoke to my wife rudely in that you kept saying the same thing, but as it has been mentioned at no time did anyone offer to get the cake for her and no restriction was in place. We left early instead of staying because of the situation and for an early weekday night our custom I would have thought would have been greatly received.

My wife and I had a roast here today, portions were great and the food was lovely! Went back again to watch the football, great atmosphere, roast potatoes given as snacks and then complementary Thai chicken curry and Chilli at half time was spot on! Very friendly country pub ☺️

Absolutely terrible thought I'd give this pub another chance after it recently reopened the food is poor and overpriced no taste to it cutlery always dirty and stained I would much happily go to the local tobey carvery and get a roast half the price than waste another penny in this pub!

Couldn't ask for a better Pub!!! Food was amazing and fantastic value. We went 2 days on the trot, 2nd day was for a Soul Alldayer!! Wow the BBQ was the best food ever!!! Thank you Steve and wife and all the staff for making it soo special!! You all worked soooo hard. I would 💯 recommend going there, you won't be disappointed!!! Xxx 💓

Disappointed the establishment was dirty, food was poor and unhappy to see their pet dog sitting in the kitchen. Avoid like the plague!!!

Used to go here regularly under a previous management and had great open mic nights here. Sadly this came to an end under the subsequent management, who fortunately quit after just a few months and the pub was then shut for over a year. Taken over by Steve and Tracy in 2024 and they are great hosts who have put a lot of effort into restoring the pub to its former place in the community, As a former butcher Steve takes great pride in the quality of his meats particularly. Also a good bar range including locally brewed Ales and, for the drivers, some low-alcohol beers (including Guinness Zero!). The house red wine is a very nice merlot. I have to confess that we are very spur—of-the-moment people, so when we called in last night on the way back from Maldon we were initially disappointed to find we had missed last food orders, which are 8.00pm on Wednesdays (however meals are available right through from 12.00, unlike in most similar establishments where kitchens close at 2.00 or 2.30 sharp!). No worries though, Tracy proved more than willing to conjure up some “basket” meals for us, for which we chose some scampi and some delicious chicken tenders with fries, which were the equal of what other establishments would serve as a plated main meal. Really, nothing is too much for these superb hosts, who also have various theme nights and their popular Sunday Roasts with choice of five different meats. We wish them every success in restoring the Queens Head to its rightful place as the centre of village life.

Very dog friendly and welcoming

Lovely welcome by the chap behind the bar. Ordered 2 steaks and off we went to sit at a table. Noticed cobwebs nearly everywhere. Then the chef/landlord comes out with 2 steak knives, which were filthy and greasy. When the food arrived, the steaks had no flavour. Tasted like they had been defrosted, which they had. Part were even freezer burnt. The best part was probably the anaemic looking onion rings or the 1980s style side salad. Decent pint, though.

Had a steak meal here with my girlfriend and we were very happy we chose to eat here. It’s got that lovely old cosy English pub feeling and look to it and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The steak was delicious and had no fat and wasn’t chewing at all. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a nice chilled out pub with great food! (Edit) We booked for the following night and they told us about a special tomahawk steak for 2 meal which we thought sounded nice so went for that and when we turned up the next day we ordered a drink and they were already preparing our food which we were excited for! Then out come this HUGE steak with chips, onion rings, salad and garlic mushrooms and it was amazing, we couldn’t believe our eyes! It’s rare to have such good treatment in places nowadays but the staff here are so friendly and make sure you’re having a good time. Will definitely be returning!

Lovely traditional pub. Sunday lunches were very generous and delicious. Dogs were welcomed and we enjoyed our visit

Had an evening meal in the dog friendly section Really friendly pub lovely staff and tasty homecooked food definitely will go back

A perfect country pub! It has great atmosphere that makes you feel warm and welcome with the friendliest staff and incredible food- I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Good place for a Sunday Roast. Support small pubs. The UK will not be the same without them.

Taking over a popular village pub after it has been closed for 8 months would be a challenge for anyone so we went with an open mind. Great evening for our party of 5, having a relaxed meal together. Four of us had the pies which are local, handmade and exceptional. Another had scampi, plentiful and delicious. Chips hit the spot too. Not sure the lemon meringue pie was made in house but quality versus cost was in balance I felt. The landlord and staff were very friendly and chatty. Many thanks for a nice meal, I would recommend and return.

Never give 5 stars as every one can improve

Excellent ribs and chicken, lovely owners and great service highly recommend! :)

Lovely new owners! They’ve introduced cocktails to the pub which are amazing 😍 really lovely atmosphere. Fire is always roaring, conversation flowing, friendly bar staff, and our dog is always made to feel so welcome. Doggy treats included! The owners have a lovely little dog themselves. Really lovely family country pub

Great atmosphere and I enjoyed the food and the mighty oak is quite bitter

Best T bone steak every! Honestly i am working away from home stumbled across this lovely village pub you must not pass it buy !

Stopped off whilst working in the area, heard good reviews and they didn’t disappoint! Taken over by an Ex butcher and it shows, the steak was insane and would return in a heartbeat! Lovely atmosphere and also a cracking Guinness

The fish and chips were very good, there was lots of fish ,not just batter and the lasanga was the best I have eaten in a long time , the barman was very friendly and told us how long the wait was for the food

Under new management and a really friendly place. Humins and us dogs made very welcome. Tasty treats and humins enjoyed free bar snacks. Humins like to hang out for ages here, they love the local real ales and relaxed atmosphere.

Came for lunch as had seen the pub while passing through the village. As soon as we walked in the smell of fat fryer filled the air which wasn’t great and wished we had walked out there and then! We asked about lunch as was given menus and told to sit where we liked. Dinning area nice and clean but very dated. We were asked for drinks order, I asked for a latte and my husband had a coke. The coffee was awful.. the worst I’ve ever had I think. My husband ordered a crispy chicken burger and I had chilli. Chicken burger was definitely frozen and of very cheap quality.. my husband couldn’t eat it all. My chilli was ok but I had to put a lot of seasoning on it. Just very cheap ingredients used and charged a lot for what you get. We both had bad stomachs shortly after too. We would definitely not recommend and will definitely not be returning.

Lovely staff, great atmosphere, amazing food so glad it has opened again.. Good luck it's looking great!! Price are good...

This Gray & Sons pub last opened on 7th July 2023. Now closed for business until further notice.

Just been here for Father's day lunch. All I can say is wow. From The moment we entered the bar the staff were welcoming and friendly. We had booked a table but wanted to stand and a a couple of drinks b4 sitting. We ordered our food and it was excellent. All had different starters and we all enjoyed it. The main meals didn't disappoint either. We were so full we couldn't order dessert infact has to leave some of the chips as the rest was very filling(Rare for hubby to leave food on his plate). Would definitely recommend to all and will be going back soon hopefully.

Lovely atmosphere. Good friendly staff

Good beer, friendly atmosphere, a dart board and within walking distance of home. What more could you ask??? Just been back, the beer is still good:). Just been back again and the chicken and mushroom pie is outstanding

Only stopped for a drink in their lovely beer garden. Had a really nice dining room and bar. Intend to return at sometime to have a meal

Lovely pub lunch! I've alway enjoyed my meal! Great friendly service. Would recommend!

Great friendly little pub. Great time at the karaoke and a very lovely young gentleman who saw to our every need:)

They accommodated us at very short notice on a busy Sunday. The service was excellent and the staff very cheery. The food was pretty good, too with meats piled high on top of the roast potatoes and sides of vegetables. Highly recommended.

A nice village pub with a good, varied menu and a specials board. We enjoyed our meals and have no complaints about the food. The staff are friendly and the service that we had was exceptionally good. My only issue is that they have chairs in the restaurant area that have a wooden strut across the front that hurts the back of your heels, in the achilles tendon area, when you try to shuffle in closer to the table, so be careful. Definitely worth a visit though.

We had our Wedding reception here and just WOW the staff went out of their way to ensure we all had an amazing time. The buffet was delicious, with a great variety of food and options for vegetarians and they accommodated those with dietary needs. From the moment I enquired Dionne was so helpful and went that extra mile to ensure every detail was covered and she, along with her team made the pub look amazing. We really can’t thank them enough for making our day so special.

We had our Wedding reception here and just WOW the staff went out of their way to ensure we all had an amazing time. The buffet was delicious, with a great variety of food and options for vegetarians and they accommodated those with dietary needs. From the moment I enquired Dionne was so helpful and went that extra mile to ensure every detail was covered and she, along with her team made the pub look amazing. We really can’t thank them enough for making our day so special.

Nice pub good atmosphere and friendly people and staff

Went to a wedding here and I was amazed at how nice they decorated the pub the food they served was absolutely amazing the dj and every one working were amazing made the night one to remember if you are looking for a venue give these guys a call you won’t regret it

Throughout the night, we were provided a phenomenal service from all the staff at The Queens Head! We were made to feel very welcome. At the end of the night, the four of us were struggling to get ahold of a cab. Luckily, the landlord offered to drive us all the way to our hotel. We were very grateful, and we will most definitely be going back. 10/10 thank you!

An 80th Birthday Party! Everything was excellent. Thank you.

Great friendly atmosphere, great staff and service. Fantastic food, highly recommend a visit.

Had a lovely welcome and shown to out seat good size meals,good atmosphere the menu had a good selection of food,a hidden gem.

I was visiting my sister and she brought us here for a roast dinner. Never again. Yorkshire Puddings was like a cremated tennis ball. I noticed another table was having similar issues with the food. When my sister complained they deducted 10 pounds from the bill. Very bad customer service and not encouraging anyone to return. Apparently it has changed hands in the past few months. They are unfriendly and I'll be happy never to return.

Again another good roast, will always recomend this pub, as the food is outstanding as well as the staff. Its warm cosy and very welcoming. I will also recomend meals from the specials board as well as the every day menu.

Very friendly and welcoming. Food was tasty and good service. Locals very nice too, no one minded we were wet in our bike gear

We moved to the area a few months ago, and have previously made several enjoyable visits, as food, drink and staff all first class. We returned recently for Sunday lunch and discovered new owners has taken over. Food was barely edible - roast beef was tough, and could have been used to mend football boots, and the burnt Yorkshire pudding, or hard roast potatoes could have been used as the ball. Veg also tasted "stale" as if kept warm for a long time. Table staff, although pleasant. lacked knowledge of the menu, and didn't know the difference between swede and potato. The (presumably) new owner was less than civil when a complaint was raised and reluctant to offer any money off our bill, although he did relent an give a reduction of £10. All in all, an experience we will never repeat. Sad because it was a place we liked visiting, but never again. This might be a one off but there are many other "food pubs" locally with an understanding of acceptable customer service standards.

Great pub, with good food with a friendly landlord and his wife. Well worth a visit to this beautiful historical pub.

Nice pub to stop by when visiting my relatives. Wasn't massively keen on the food but it had a good atmosphere and the beer was good

Nice and atmospheric. I true country pub

Fantastic place. Booked a surprise 65th birthday party for 18 people. Everyone complimented how nice the food was. Even… An 8 year old can only eat gluten free food and they sourced gluten free food especially for what she wanted.

Dionne and her team worked hard to ensure that we had a lovely meal. The food was well cooked and plentiful the atmosphere was comfortable and homely and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. We had a lovely lunch and will be definitely going back Jacqui and Alan anderson

Lovely pub good food friendly staff.what more could you want.

We arrived prior to a visit to potters, was made to feel so welcome the moment we arrived. Owner and staff were so considered to our needs with our food and drinks orders, definitely recommend and will be returning

Cannot say enough about this pub ,it's our local bit since dion and Ian have taken over the food is outstanding the chefs are the same but the food is more tasty

The Queens Head had good reviews so decided to give it a visit. Warm welcome given by the bar person we decided to sit in the large garden as we had the dog with us plenty of benches with sun umbrellas ideal for a warm sunny day. The menu was excellent we decided on Pork tender lion with mash & veg & Steak pie with mash & veg both were cooked to perfection couldn't fault anything. Decided to have desert and chose Blackberry & apple crumble with custard & Lemon meringue pie with ice cream a very good meal & reasonably priced.

Very good beer and food. Staff vary pleasant

Lovely people Lovely service. And the roast dinner was top drawer

Loved it..the food was great..and very friendly

This pub is a great pub ,been taken over by new people. I have to say dion and Ian you are doing a great job,the food is is really good and atmosphere is lovely, a very relaxed pub and welcoming. And this means family's as well.

Lovely quiet pub. Wonderful staff and food with a lovely family beer garden.

Lovely food and friendly staff and locals

Really nice country pub with a beer garden out the back. Lovely welcoming staff, fully recommend I stopped off on a bike ride and it was just what I needed thanks!

Lovely food, nice area for children outside, good drinks on tap and friendly service.

Super little pub fantastic food mid range prices friendly staff..

Love this pub.....its like your own front room

I came in for a few drinks with a mate in late in the evening, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the staff were friendly and they even let us stay an extra 5 minutes after closing time to finish our pints! I highly would recommend this lovely little pub to anyone for a great tasting pint and I’ll definitely be coming back. We almost felt like part of the family!

Recently moved to area and have used it on a few occasions. Meals always excellent and service excellent and always get a friendly welcome. Fish and Chips to die for. Set in lovely village and nice back garden with children obstacles.

Lovely pub staff very helpful food looked amazing but didn't have enough time next time 😍

Lovely pub, friendly staff, really beautiful beer garden and yummy food!! Perfect place for a sunny Sunday after a long dog walk.

Great food, nice garden, pleasant people

Really love this little gem, Have been several times over the last year... and never let down, the staff are friendly, the place is old-world type, but has a lot going for it. Food is good old-fashioned pub grub!

Outstanding food & great service, ate here yesterday & have cancelled our booking at Miller & Carter today so we can go back again today !

Went yesterday and it was so good we have cancelled our booking at miller and carter to go back again today ! I had leek and potato soup, which was delicious, followed by the steak pie which was amazing. Im tempted eat the same thing again today - it was that good!

Bit meh, apparently beer garden was closed, one table outside

Food was great portions are very big even the starter's was enough staff very polite helpful the place itself was really nice child friendly will definitely go back again and again all our family and friends will love it too thanks again you all made our daughter's birthday special 😀

Excellent meal nothing was too much trouble

We came to Tolleshunt D'Arcy for New Year staying in the local campsite and as before we visited your lovely pub and as before were made to feel very welcome, in fact after the first day we were treated like locals. We will definitely visit you again when we next stay in Tolleshunt. Roger, Anne and Millie (our dog)

Nice country pub with friendly staff good food and a nice selection of beers. Well worth a visit when in the area.

Highly recommend, food was fantastic, lovely restaurant . had our wedding anniversary and a birthday meal ,here with our family ,they all said they enjoyed their meals .,owners are very nice ,they to are celebrating 🍾 having the Queens head for a few years now xx

We went there with friends for a meal as years ago we lived in Essex

Good food and a friendly welcome to be had here.

Lovely quiet friendly traditional pub and restaurant. Very family friendly, with good varied menu. Lovely garden area with play area for children

Birthday meal all very nice prompt service happy staff matt Malone's dad

Probably the worst pint of Stella I've ever had.

Always a great meal and service here

I had a Sunday roast here after reading the good reviews but I was a little disappointed. The positives were they had a good range of ciders and ales and the staff were friendly. The service was a little slow but we sat round the back of the restaurant so maybe it's better at more visible tables. The vegetables on the roast dinner were over cooked and the meat seemed low quality. My partner had a veggie burger with chips that looks very basic and the chips were bright yellow (so I am guessing frozen chips) and undercooked.

What a little gem of a country pub this is the. The locals friendly, and the staff were great and warm. The food is outstanding. Hubby had Steak pie (without the Kidney little joke) and I had the sausages in a wonderful onion gravy both...

Arrived late lunch time but was served with a smile and great food

Went there yesterday with my son and we both chose the Cod and chips and were glad we did, it was huge and cooked to perfection as were the chips and garden peas. The staff were very friendly and attentive, I shall definatley be back...