The Brave Nelson in Brentwood

We popped in here after spending some time at the playing fields playground and we were not disappointed! The lady behind the bad was very friendly and welcoming, we felt right at home straight away! Garden area is wonderful and we takes about returning in a warmer weather to spend a day here. Playground kept our kids busy so we could relax and enjoy the time! Wonderful place! Can’t wait to return!

Quite probably the worst burgers in a pub I have ever had the displeasure to eat, well the burger was so bad I had two bltes!!

This is a lovely pub went with the family and grandkids staff were polite, ordered food which when it arrived was in takeout cartons with plastic cutlery? Food was ok but in my opinion overpriced otherwise I would have awarded 5 stars, little play area for the grandkids who thoroughly enjoyed themselves, pub was bustling and bar service was good Would go back just for a drink but not eat

We were very disappointed with our experience at The Brave Nelson today. We booked our table at 12:30pm. To begin with we had to do all our ordering, food and drink,over a new app. There was no personal service. After having to wait till 1:15pm for the app to be open to order meals. By 2:15pm our food finally arrived but in takeaway containers. The manager said the food could not be on plates due to the council COVID restrictions but we have eaten in other restaurants which so do not believe this is correct. He said the other places were breaking the rules.

What a fantastic evening at the Brave Nelson pub garden. The landlord held his hands up and said the app wasn't working so now as of tonight there is a QR code on the table, simply zap, order, pay and wait less than 5 minutes and drinks and food arrives. Just brilliant. I ask just 2 things.... One add a tip option as the staff were cracking tonight, attentive and speedy and secondly if there is any chance of upgrading the polystyrene food containers for recyclable. In general a thoroughly enjoyable pub garden evening. Thank you

Lovely garden, food overpriced and small portions , it’s Our local but won’t be going to eat there again,

Before the lockdown was were regular guest at The Brave Nelson, today we visited the Brave Nelson for the first time after lockdown. After using the user-unfriendly app we managed to order three drinks, one for each of us. When the girl came with the drinks she only brought two drinks, I made her aware that we paid for three drinks and expected three drinks, she suggested that the people in the bar had mixed the lemonade with the Orange Mixer and she asked my wife to task if that was the case (LOL). She went back to the bar and came back and told us that if we wanted a lemonade we had to order another one online, I told that it that was the case then we would rather leave, she suggested that I should ‘talk to someone’ I agreed. The owner came and his opening remark was ‘if you guys are here to abuse the staff then we should leave’ first I thought that this was a taste on the English humour, I’m form Denmark so familiar with sarcasm, however it did turn out that he was dead serious, I explained the situation again and he went to the bar and came back apologising that the bar staff have misread the order. The owner have not spend any time figuring out what had happened, he didn’t even now that we haven’t got the third drinks, very embarrassing for him especially accusing us (me my wife and our 6 year on son) for being abusive. He offered to pay for the drinks or the next round, but we turned down the offer, we did not come for free drinks we came to relax and enjoy the nice afternoon and not to be insulted. So that was our last and final visit at The Brave Nelson, the best of luck. Regards, Claus Petersen

it isn''t afternoon tea at the Ritz or evening drinks at the Corinthia but it is a good little local that people should support. Instagramable garden if you're into that.

Came in here with a mate, greeted by a good looking boy called Tom. We were lucky enough to experience some of his world class bartending and cocktail flaring. 10/10 would come again. The pint tastes better looking at him.

We went to the Brave Nelson today with our children - 6 in total- one under two, and one physically disabled aged 7. The outdoor area was lovely, lots to keep the little ones occupied; bouncy castle and climbing frames. We went to celebrate a friends birthday, but was disappointed to find the kitchen closed at 5pm as we were hoping to order food (other friends had ordered before 5pm and were already eating). We asked the bar staff if we could order food but were told kitchen had closed. Whilst the kids played we continued to buy drinks from the bar; however the children were getting hungry, So we decided to order food and get it delivered to the pub. When it arrived the children happily tucked in. After they had eaten the barmaid came out and abruptly informed us we were not supposed to order food from elsewhere! we were shocked considering that if the pub served food we would have happily bought food from the premises ! Additionally our children who were hungry (including a child with obvious disabilities).So not sure what were we expected to do ?!as there was really was no other option. We understand you are a business but considering we were practically your only customers this afternoon i strongly suggest you review not only your business plan - but your compassion and understanding towards your customers especially the more vulnerable ones !

We have visited here a few times, but after this visit we are never going back! After sitting out on the patio area for 1hr 30 mins we went and ordered our food, as we got back to our seating area we was told that our table was now reserved and that we had to move tables. I complained to the manager how disgusting it was after sitting in the same area for that length of time to be then told to move, after a bit of a discussion with the manager she then said” you know what, sod it stay there! We received our food which the manager was cooking, myself and my partner ordered lamb kofta and chips, well I’d never see anything like it, a dried out pita bed, manky salad and a kofta which was cold, our children’s chicken nuggets were cold and the chips was not cooked properly and still partly raw. Absolutely appalling never going back, clearly customer service is not high on their agenda!

Thank you to all the staff for making our presentation day special. Buffet was excellent and the two of you done well considering the amount of customers you had Thank you

This neighbourhood pub is poor. Details of this pub say it is wheelchair accessible. It blatantly isn’t and I fail to see how they can claim that it is. I am forced to leave my wheelchair outside and seek assistance to get in. I use the pub in the evening so I cannot comment about lunchtime. There is very little atmosphere or ambience. My main gripe is that the ale is not good. Pipes are clearly not regularly cleaned and there is often gremlins at the bottom of the glass. Most people in my group have abandoned the ale and moved to lager. Most of the regulars drink lager and this is perhaps where the problem lies.

I'm new to the area, came to this pub on my own which is always daunting being a female alone and was welcomed in by the staff and regulars. Great selection on food, will be trying the haloumi on next visit. The beer garden is beautiful and has tvs done sports inside. Good value, friendly people. Excellent all rounder as also offer cocktails which a perfect for a night out with the girls.

Love the Brave been coming here for years. Family friendly pub, is fantastic for children as they have a bouncy castle and a separate garden! Food is lovely too, they do a bbq outside when the weather is nice.

I’m a regular at this pub. I love the atmosphere and the stuff are lovely! Will be back for brilliant food and service!

I regularly eat at the brave nelson but The chicken supreme is my favourite! Would highly recommend every one I know to try it!

Visited here on the 8th of August with my two Grandchildren and a few friends, chose it for the children to play in the garden. Ordered a fruit shoot £2.20 extortionate I think, ordered 4 meals waited about 45 mins to arrive. They weren’t worth the wait, my grandsons chicken goujons were raw my gammon was as tough as old boots, meant to get cherry tomatoes and mushroom neither in sight. Catch of the day was ordered, meant to be served with minted mushy peas, these were substituted with garden peas. A burger was ordered and paid for, for us to be told it hadn’t and that it hadn’t been paid for which actually it had. The guy stood and argued with us that it hadn’t been ordered. I most definitely will never go back here, overall experience was awful.

We arranged to meet friends at this pub so that our children could play and we could all enjoy a BBQ lunch. On arrival, it appeared to be a nice little pub and garden but we quickly found chaos in the bar. A long queue, soft drinks pump wasn't working so they were using supermarket bottles of coke and lemonade only - and had run out of coke so it was lemonade or lemonade (didn't even have lime cordial)! We paid for our BBQ food (£6.50 for a burger with cheese - but it doesn't come with salad, onions etc and a further £3 for a portion of chips) The 'Chef' placed pre-cooked burgers on the BBQ to heat them up which simply turned them to charcoal. The children spat them out and refused to eat them. The chips were not so nice either and a very small portion. The tables weren't cleared so as a result we were buzzed by wasps and therefore we gave up and all went home. Needless to say, we won't be returning.

We decided to have a family day out!

We stopped off for a sandwich and drink on a weekday. The car park was quite busy, however, this was down to a local business using the car park not customers. We both ordered prawn sandwiches, which I should have returned, but we were hungry and in a hurry. The bread was thin sliced supermarket, not home made bloomer. The prawns were frozen and had not been properly drained so were very watery and tasteless, the bread broke as we tried to lift the sandwiches, thank goodness for the cutlery for the lettuce and radish side salad as it cam in handy to eat the sandwiches with. At £6.95 expected better. No one came to check if we, the only customers, were happy with our food.

Used to drink in this pub so came to watch the football. Couldn’t get to the bar because of 200 under 18’s ordering drinks what an absolute disgrace. Then no beer on tap except fosters Absolutely shocking and no land lord in sight

My partner and I "dropped in" to this pub, as we were "out and about" in the area.

Risen from the ashes this family pub is now homely, the staff one young lady particular made our visit all the more special,,, warm friendly service and atmosphere and outstanding pub grub ..

In my opinion the best boozer in the 'ole of brentwood or many even Essex! Me and the lads have had many a pucker experience at this lovely place. The food may not be healthy or nutritious but who cares! Im a lad who appreciates a good boozer when I see one and this is sure a brilliant one indeed.

Our extended family had organised a family get together. people had travelled for several hours to get there. A cold buffet had been requested to include catering for children and vegetarians. On arrival a table was reserved for us. They started to bring out the buffet which was a plate of cocktail sausages, mini scotch eggs and some pork pies. Very small plates of food cut into sections to go further. We were surprised that a lot of rice and chicken curry and veggie curry were served as no hot food requested. It appeared that a mistake had been made. The curry was awful a few bits of pepper a watery sauce and a few chunks of hard chicken. We asked for some sandwiches and eventually a plate of cheese sandwiches appeared. Worse food ever. Couldn't care less attitude and this was a special occasion. The bar staff said they were not aware a buffet had been ordered, the manager had taken himself off to Portugal to play golf. Will never go back.a waste of money.

Unfriendly, dirty old pub for small cliquey group of woodman road locals, ignorant management, should of been closed down years ago.

Great place after a run in the park! Went there after the Brentwood Run and stayed for 4 hours! Looking forward to going back already! :)

The food was excellent and very good food and it's only 5 mins away from home I would come here again

Si quieres un pub donde los codos stick en todas las superficies, el personal no les importa cómo los clientes habituales son odiosos (creo que de borracho cantando fuera de tono y cerrando una bandeja de bebidas en su cabeza en 6. 00 en la noche) y cerveza caro, este es el pub para usted!

Mi esposa y yo, nuestro perro, eran huéspedes en la boda de experiencias en revisión. Essexcollieman

Visité como parte de una boda y qué gran lugar. La comida era deliciosa y el personal era amable y no podía hacer lo suficiente. El jardín es estupendo y perros. Ya he planeado volver con amigos y estoy deseando ir.

Mi marido y yo tuvimos nuestra boda y la noche en el valiente Nelson la semana pasada. Fue excelente! La comida era estupenda. Paul y su personal eran excelentes y realmente hicieron que nuestro día. Queríamos tener una boda relajado con la familia, amigos y perros y no podíamos haber elegido mejor. Como el tiempo era amable pudimos disfrutar de la fantástica comida en el jardín espléndido bajo la pérgola que Pablo tenía permitió amablemente para decorar. Él y su personal también añadió los toques finales a la mesa en la mañana de la boda, que era de lo más servicial. Nuestros huéspedes disfrutamos de ellos mismos y el ambiente era genial, justo lo que queríamos. Si quieres organizar un evento, o a visitar para una buena comida y un personal amable que nos recomendaría el valiente de Nelson. Si alguna vez surge la oportunidad para nosotros de tener otra función de este tipo el valiente Nelson será nuestra primera opción de local, pero sin duda volveremos tan a menudo como podemos disfrutar de la buena comida y un ambiente agradable.

Un salto en el lunes para un almuerzo descarado de pescado y patatas fritas. Encantador. Las porciones de tamaño perfecto, no demasiado abrumador.

Mi padre y su novia (ahora esposa) tenía su comida de boda y después fiesta en el valiente Nelson anteriormente en la semana. Nunca había oído hablar de los valientes Nelson antes, pero sin duda recomiendo este pub de amigos míos. Como somos una familia...

We popped into The Brave Nelson Pub for lunch because we heard that they had a new chef and wow the food was excellent and so was the service, after we had our lunch the chef came out to ask us what we thought of the food, which we thought was rather nice, will definitely be going back, everyone was so friendly so that was a bonus, all in all a good time was had by everyone, highly recommend this pub

I was just reading the previous reviews and i am honestly shocked. I have had about 8 meals in this pub and i have had a 40th Birthday party which they catered for and all of it was really good food. Their Sunday roast is particularly good and they have just got a new chef that does the most AMAZING Halumi salad. Menu has changed and there is something for everyone. For my buffet we had your basic sandwiches and sausage rolls but we also had curries and spring rolls and nobody went hungry. In fact, there was a lot of food left over which we shared with the locals that were very friendly and welcoming. The owner is a nice chap and is always very accommodating. The first time i went there, i went for coffee with a friend after a dog walk and they are very dog friendly too even providing water and free dog biscuits!This summer, they have invested in some great Rattan furniture in the garden area and its always busy. Great garden if you have kids as they have a bouncy castle. I would recommend the food in this pub to anyone. I am going there for dinner with friends this Saturday night. Worth a try honest.

£150 PAID TO THE BRAVE NELSON WHICH ENDED UP BEING A DISASTER WITH LOW BUDGET FOOD. PHOTO OF FOOD IN COMMENTS. MUST READ BEFORE YOU CONSIDER HOLDING EVENTS HERE. My mum held my baby shower at the brave nelson, in August of this year. My mum and her friend went into the pub as we decide to have them cater for us on the basis of us using there garden. On arrival to the pub there was a christening being held at the pub which they had also catered for which had loads of choices of sandwiches, picky bits and cupcakes. My mum double checked that all that food plus the cupcakes come in the package that they was about to pay for the owner said all that included of what we was going to pay so my mum decided to go ahead. All was fine leading to the day, however on the day the food that come out looked like it had been brought from a budget supermarket with 25 sandwiches cut into quarters when we was catering for 40 people. There was no sign of any cupcakes? My mum approached the bar staff which then told us we hadn't paid for cakes, we had to ask her to get the menu/catering plan out for her only to see we had paid for cakes. To be honest she found it more funny than anything else, smirking and generally couldn't care less. The chef then half hour later come out with some sliced cake loafs that looked like he'd just jumped in his car and picked up from tescos that was just a mile down the road. Since then my mum had left several messages with the owner who wasn't present on the day to discuss the service and food... Guess what?!? No response. The £150 was paid to the brave nelson by my mums friend as a present to me ... I find it highly humiliating, sad and upset that she paid for this and the food was worth no more than £30 max!!! Whatever you do don't ask this pub to cater for you, daylight robbery. Not to mention this pub is VERY clicky, go to the bar and all heads turn!!!!

The worst Chicken Caesar salad I have ever had.Since when has a Caesar salad been made with Iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise and toast used as croutons?!? The chicken was so over cooked and as tough as old boots!!If you don't have the proper ingredients then take it off the menu!Very, very disappointing from our local pub!

One of the few places in Brentwood which kids my daughter entertained. Great place for families. BBQs in the summer and bouncy castle for the kids is up every weekend. Great play area to. Friendly and fun for everyone.

Nice friendly pub lovely beer garden can't really say much about the food as we only had a ploughman's which was nice. Will visit again.

From the photo's I was expecting a quaint, well turned out little country pub. Not the case. It's basically an "old mans pub" with fruit machines, big "Sky sports" banners , a crappy looking pool table, TV's everywhere on a residential road. The decor is really tired and the inside and outside looks extremely scruffy and run down- nothing like the photographs. As a women I felt really uncomfortable walking in here, even with my boyfriend, men leering at me, pint in hand as they stood in groups around the 3 large TV screens playing sport. It doesn't strike me as a family environment for people to travel too, this is more of a local boozer. After necking a quick soft drink, we drove to Brentwood and went to The Bull instead which was gorgeous and worth the 7 minute drive! I'm sure this place is great for a pint if you're a local but not a destination spot at all. Maybe the food was their secret, but I wasn't willing to stick around and take the risk having seen the environment.

Great pub, although several times we've walked in and after waiting to be served, walked out again. With just once person behind the bar and five to six waiting to be served, we just give up. The owner must be losing money, whilst you are waiting, you're not spending!

Went for lunch one Sunday with my daughter and our 2 dogs we sat in the lovely pub garden , food was lovely , atmosphere was good and we was made very welcome by the locals looking at having my daughters baby shower in the pub garden

Absolute perfect pup kids garden is superb staff are friendly food is excellent and the landlord is a top fella Rob and Faye Southend

Having visited the pub for lunch and enjoyed simple but very good value food, with friendly landlord and staff we booked for a family gathering for 30 just after the New Year, and we had an excellent afternoon. The food was tasty, copious and well presented, with tea and coffee on tap and good bar service. We had plenty of space at one end of the bar, leaving the rest of the pub for regulars. Unlike other pubs we considered, they were very accommodating at hosting our gathering at a time that suited us, and at a very competitive price. It is a quiet local in a quiet street, with plenty of parking, so an excellent venue. Our one disappointment is that there is currently no wheelchair access, so one member of the family was unable to come, but that was also the situation with other pubs we looked at. Overall we thoroughly recommend the Brave Nelson.

I had been searching for a place which would take a booking for 15 persons .The Brave Nelson came up trumps .I have never had such fantastic roast potatoes worth 6*.Although people watching football at other end it was not at all obtrusive

Visited a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday. Food was very very good with choices beyond roasts on a Sunday, although they looked great. Quality food at really good prices. Great garden area and friendly staff including the governor Paul. Surprisingly good all round, will return soon.

We have three children aged 2 to 9 and when looking for somewhere to meet friends with their young children at the weekend the choices are limited. An outdoor space for children to run around in that is secure so they cannot escape is hard to find. The Brave Nelson have invested heavily in their outdoor space and have invested well, it is hands down the best in the area. The pub has a dated but somewhat comforting feel about it, expansion and works are next on their list, Rome wasn't built in a day so looking forward to seeing those improvements next year. The food was good, girls serving very attentive and the owner checked in on us to make sure everything was ok. Sounds simple to provide good customer service but very rare nowadays and personal touch from the owner even though very busy was noted. It's refreshing to see an owner passionate about his work (even though probably exhausted!) and not sitting back expecting his money spent to do all the work for him. The pub offered sports on a couple of tv's too. Next year perhaps an outdoor screen would benefit for big events given the huge outdoor space. As you can tell we had a great day, kids loved it and were perfectly exhausted after our visit and went straight to sleep! The food was good, not gastro food but good pub food none the less.We will be coming back even though the summer (if you can call it that) has passed, kids still play outside so we will just be taking jumpers with us next time! The make it a fair review I have a couple of negative points. The small and dated interior will not be ideal for all. There is not a lot of space were you to take children and keep them inside. The bar is small area so you can only have a few staff working at a time which can cause a small delay when serving drinks and pub is really busy but staff talk to you and apologies were made rather than just leaving you standing there in silence so again, well done.I wish the owner and staff all the luck with what will hopefully be a successful venture. Keep up the good work and thank you for a great day.

We arranged a small get together for my nephews 2nd birthday, having never been in the pub before was unsure if we could be accommodated for... What a lovely welcome we received, the garden was perfect for the 2 children to run about in and the bouncy castle was kindly inflated for them to play on and also the use of two small kiddy cars were made available as-well. The food was great and the hospitality was spot on.Great pub, great people, we will definitely be returning,

Great local Pub with one of the best pub gardens in Essex. A pure sun trap and great facility for both adults and kids in their own section. Good selection of drinks and the food menu has improved greatly recently. Always a friendly welcome and good locals.

food ok service ok beer ok dont think i will rush back The old owner was a misery and new people better but not for me anymore

Very friendly staff. Reasonably priced drinks and food. Large car park which is much appreciated, Taken out the comfy seating to put in more tables, hope to see this seating back again in the winter with the log fire too,

Go to b & q mate, got a good deal on coat hangers! 15 for £3 absolute bargain! Who needs you and coat hanger recycling, when you've not got a clue about anything! So long you meatball!!! ❤️

Been here a few times. It is a bit away from the station andnour place. Ao we go there for a change to our local pubs. A lot of parking nice staff

Although the owner Paul needs a haircut, the pub and the staff are great. I'm a regular visitor, and feel welcome every time I visit. Great customers and a great atmosphere

Popped in for a coffee with a friend after a dog walk and ended up staying for lunch. Owner was very friendly and the pub welcomes four legged guests as well as two legged. Food was very good with a nice menu choice and very reasonably priced. Very large garden area, would definitely go there again. A good all round pub!

Come here on a regular basis and have to say service is great, bar maids are lovely and friendly and landlord is accomadating and roast potatoes are amazing! All in all a lovely pub for families and everyone alike

The new owner looks like a relapsed Paul hannafordPretty good walkers crisps, can't complain about them.

£3.90 for a pint of lemonade with a splash of lime cordial? You have to be joking! I know times are tough, recession and all, but it's not The bleedin' Ritz, pal.

Was looking for a local pub with good atmosphere. There were not enough staff working to cope with service. Food choice poor - not fresh of locally sourced or cooked. Don`t think I will be recommending to friends or families.

Utility interior with tables in close proximity. No welcome from staff member. TV noisy. Although no other diners when ordering it took ages and two reminders to before the meal was served. The meal (steak, peas and chips). Steak unappetising but chips ok. Made a note to miss this place in future.

I went back to the brave nelson for sunday lunch with my family and again found it very pleasant. ...... the roast dinner was superb, the service was excellent and would recommend anyone who fancies eating out to give the brave nelson a try. Friendly locals and a landlord who is very welcoming. Good job The Brave Nelson 5★!!!!

Great choice on the menu and you will not be disappointed with anything that you order from it. Especially the steaks and the fantastic Sunday roast. You will not leave hungry.Great place to meet up with friends or to take the family. The beer garden is first class, adults will enjoy relaxing and the children will find lots to keep them amused.

Great atmosphere, food and service. This pub is really worth a visit and the new owners/landlord have made a huge difference. Well worth a visit.

Popped in to the Brave Nelson in the half term after spending a day with the kids at nearby King George's Playing Field. I wanted something to eat, so popped eateries into the SatNav and up The Brave Nelson popped. Hadn't even realised it was so close previously as it's hidden away a bit. Had a lovely meal for me & the kids - sat in the garden which was lovely. Very much a traditional pub, with welcoming staff and a good, friendly atmosphere. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back again soon.

Very friendly traditional local pub, large garden and seating area, wonderful for families, everyone is welcome. We stopped for a drink lunch time and will be back to sample the lunch menu of tasty pub food well priced. They have various events here and the usual darts, pool table and TV when required. The pub is near to Brentwood and the lovely parks nearby and we will be back.

Sometimes you just need a good honest English pub that offers very reasonably priced honest food, drinks and a warm welcome.This ticks the boxes and is well worth a visit.We visited as a couple, but it is clear the pub is equally as accommodating for families with young children.The weather was warm on our visit, and we spent most of our time in the garden which had plenty of bench seating, parasols, a barbecue area and a play area for the youngsters to wear themselves out while the adults had a relaxing drink.Will be visiting again soon.D&L

My favourite beer (Adnams), fabulous food, friendly atmosphere, super facilities for children. What more could a family ask for?

Good fresh food, value for money, great pub garden and very children friendly. Staff and locals make you feel very welcome.

I was pleasantly surprised after not being to this pub since a year ago. The menu offered a great selection. Food was lovely & served quickly. Huge & well equipped beer garden

Recommended by a friend this traditional pub has a welcoming atmosphere, good food and just a decent all round place

This is a local traditional English pub and the menu which is keenly priced reflects this. We opted for the trio of sausage & mash with onion gravy, Luxury Fish Pie, Steak & Ale pie and our kids both had the scampi & chips. All the food came up pipping hot and plentiful and all plates were empty at the end. The total bill came to £29 for 5 of us, great value.This pub has only recently started doing food again, their website states new landlords and a complete new kitchen refit in the Summer of 2014 and based on the meal we had, long may it continue to do so. Please note at present I understand they are only doing food during the day so make sure to phone and check first.