The Chequers in Epping Forest

A perfect setting for a reunion of old friends. Another top-notch meal. Excellent service delivers high class cuisine. An absolute gem.

What a wonderful afternoon we had. The food was exceptional quality and the staff were well groomed, polite, professional….with that lovely warm cheeky banter edge. The blond lady at the front desk was particularly welcoming, it was my partners first trip out after hospitalisation and they made a real fuss of him. He’s not local and I was SO proud to show him what real Essex hospitality is. I loved watching the families all turning out in their Sunday best, the decor and atmosphere was classy and chilled and we left feeling thoroughly spoilt. The Halloween decor and attention to detail was appreciated and we look forward to returning. Thank you for having us 10/10 x PS the place was spotless too. I couldn’t find fault if I tried.

We had lunch at The Chequers mid week in September and both of us opted for the set lunch. It was fantastic. My partner had a smoked salmon starter and sea bass for the main. I had the spaghetti vengole with clams and confit of duck. Each dish was excellent and we must say one of the best meals we have had out recently. The staff were very friendly ( as usual ) and the setting glorious - we ate on the side terrace. We are locals and feel very fortunate to have The Chequers on our doorstep Wishing the new owners every success Rob and Andy

We have visited this restaurant many times over the years and it never fails to meet expectations. Service and food exemplary as always. You are always looked after and made to feel special.

Beautiful place with such lovely surroundings. I was expecting great things after friends telling me how lovely it is here. We went on a Sunday and ordered the roast beef which was exceptional. Sadly when ordering I asked if the potatoes had garlic on them and was told no. Unfortunately they did and I was put off the rest of the dinner due to this. I was offered new potatoes or extra veg as an alternative but the damage had already been done. I won't be rushing to return due to this and would advise people with severe allergies to be careful. Such a shame. Great atmosphere, tastefully decorated

Sat on the terrace and enjoyed a Birthday la carte lunch. Relaxed ambience with a lovely view of the garden out to the Green. Excellent company, subtle music and perfectly chilled champagne. The service was attentive, there was a lunch special with a good selection, however it was not what we opted for. The food was hot and delicious.

This was our 3rd time visiting the chequers. From the moment we walked in to till the end of our visit was perfection. The food is delicious, service was five star. Shout out to Freya & Henry for making my mums 70th such a success. We will definitely be back again.

Beautifully presented, lovely food with excellent service. I had a burger with a proper mixed salad (not just a few leaves), plus a very pretty brownie. My husband had steak and then crumble. We also had the extra bits that make things special like shortbread with the hot drinks and mints with the bill. Couldn’t fault it!

3 out of 7 dishes returned . £15 starter prawns overcooked & tasteless £38 Fillet ordered medium/rare cooked medium £32 Ribye ordered medium arrived well done . 8 chips as hard as bullets . Pub food with 12.5% service charge overpriced for the quality & quantity. Sitting in a garden area on plastic chairs . Promises but doesn’t deliver

Were invited to this restaurant by friends who live in the area, when we arrived I was taken how lovely this building is and was expecting a good evening. My friends said its just been taken over by new people so they thought they would give them a chance. On arrival the place was fairly empty, whilst we waited to be seated we were ignored by at least 2 members of staff, eventually we were seated at the back, service was slow and we waited to have our drinks taken, when they arrived my lager wasn't very cold, the food was ok but for the price I was expecting better, wine list was ok, we would have stayed for desserts in someone would have asked us. Staff were just not interested. Unfortunately will not be rushing back as better restaurants within a few minutes.

Visited this place a few times over the years, came here with some guests Saturday and have to say I really do not think I will return. The food was very average and for the price def not worth it, the service is what really lacks either staff just lacking in general, slow service, odd music and not very personal. Shame as the venue is lovely

Used to visit a lot when I lived in the area and has always been a nice place for a spot of dinner, (never amazing) visited on a weekday and the place was very quiet. The staff lack customer service skills, I stood at the reception for while and was greeted by a very grumpy member of staff. Sat at the table and the poor service continued, at one point I was trying to get someone's attention only to be ignored. I finished my wine and wasn't asked if I wanted a refill or anything else. One staff member was more interested in his mobile phone than working. Even the ladies wc were very untidy. This place is beautiful but it just doesn't appear to be loved. Which is a real shame, the food was average but the general service was very poor and unfortunately I will not be rushing back, there are far better places nearby.

By far the worst sashimi I’ve ever been served. Very nice location the fillet steak was very good and the staff were very nice! John

Food was great, best roast I've ever had out. The roast potatoes were amazing. The service was excellent. Will definitely be going back

An amazing meal in a lovely venue. I made an error on the dates and the friendly staff were so kind and quick to accommodate me and my friend. A good choice of vegetarian food, the roast potatoes are addictive, and good desserts. Really prompt service from the kitchen and perfect attentiveness from the waiters. We also appreciated being able to sit in the bar for a cup of tea. We don’t often meet so not feeling rushed was appreciated and we will definitely be back. Thank you so much.

We headed to The Chequers, a charming pub adorned in matching green hues, our anticipation for a delightful Bank Holiday lunch was high. However, regrettably, our experience fell far short of expectations. Upon arrival, we eagerly ordered the Italian antipasto as our starter, only to be met with disappointment. The selection appeared aged, lacking vibrancy, and unfortunately tasted stale and inedible. Our main course continued the trend of disappointment. The potatoes seemed to have been cooked days prior, lacking the freshness and flavor one would expect. To add insult to injury, the lamb dish appeared to have been hastily reheated in a microwave, resulting in an unappealing texture and taste. Frustrated by the lackluster quality of the food, we made the decision to send everything back—a disappointing outcome for what should have been a pleasurable dining experience at such a beautiful establishment. In conclusion, while The Chequers may boast a picturesque setting and inviting ambiance, the lack of attention to fresh, quality ingredients and reliance on reheated fare from days prior is a disheartening oversight. It is our hope that the management takes heed of such feedback and endeavors to restore the pub to its former reputation of serving freshly prepared, delicious meals.

Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. We were a table of 7 for Mother’s Day including 3 children. All the food was delicious. The kids loved theirs too. I was especially impressed that the restaurant had 3 choices of vegan ice cream not just sorbet. Two of my children have dairy allergies so to be offered a choice was brilliant. My mum and I also received a gorgeous bunch of tulips at the end of our meal which was a lovely touch,

Faultless service, a good atmosphere and an amazing roast. Lovely location too, particularly in summer. Will definitely return!

Food was average but with above average prices. Venue is lovely. Staff seem a bit distant. Think I’ll keep this place in my beer in the summer file. Not sure why they got west end prices though?

Twelve of us went for a Christmas Eve family meal at 4pm. This is just to say how excellent it was! We had the Christmas Eve three course menu and every single dish was delicious and beautifully cooked and presented. The service was outstanding, with waiters coping with extra orders and changes of order very promptly and cheerfully. We didn’t wait long for any course despite the fact that the place was packed. Top marks for it all!

An amazing night!! We hosted our Ongar Young Farmers Christmas meal here and it was perfect. The service was on point, the food was amazing (steak and chips all round) and the atmosphere was great. We will deformably be coming back soon, and I would recommend to everyone.

Been coming here for few years but only recently returned for a birthday get together. Always delivers great food and service. Nothing was too much for the staff who pulled out the stops to get our lunch spot on. Roast dinner was faultless, the squid was perfection, the atmosphere warm and cozy. . Thank you team and we shall see you soon.

Staff unattentive……..the Eastern European male waiter that asked me very unpolitely of touching/kicking the flamed heater that ran out of gas so the light/heat went out (was next to our table) wobbly chair….def 1st & last time, service charge not worth it….👎

We came here for dinner as we were staying locally for a work event. There was over 20 of us. The pub is decorated really smartly and impressive! Seating was comfy and spacious. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious. Would thoroughly recommend.

I absolutely loved the food, atmosphere and decor of this place. Although somewhat costly, it was an experience with my family that I will remember and definitely want to come back!

Poor food and average service, birthday lunch for 12, food was not good, service was average. We were asked to be quiet when the waiter took our order and our food was not good when it arrived. Three of us ordered the Cauliflower Steak which was under cooked and watery for £18ea I would have expected this to be much better, the veal was over cooked and like rubber !

Always love the setting but the food was very disappointing. Massively over cooked chicken, chips not cooked enough. Very poor I’m afraid. Will not be returning 🥹

Love this pub. We have been coming here for years. Only thing i miss is there signiture chicken club sandwich from years ago. It was fabulous. Shame they dont have this on the menu any longer. Pub is more formal dining space now as opposed to traditional country pub

Good good, nice venue, ok value. No wifi or mobile signal though, none. If I decide to seotch off, I will turn off my phone. I don’t want the restaurant I go to to decide to cut me off from the world for two hours or more! And for what?! For the sake of saving £120 on installing an extra wifi router? Our normal meal for six, being careful with the wine, was £435, so… sorry, not acceptable! Would love to hear the owner’s response!

Great improvement fist time back since 2020 and must say it was excellent food and service was first class will definitely be back again soon

Firstly I cannot fault the waiting staff they are very professional and helpful but clearly let down by the poor standard of the cooking Prior to this visit I last ate here in December 2021 and it was excellent hence why we came back - big mistake!! Three of us ordered Veal Milanese which came with loads of greenery and some tomatoes - so ordered a side of ‘hand cut chips ‘ - £5.50 for 9 chips rip off !! But the veal - overpowered - burnt - and so tough I couldn’t cut it and was handed I steak knife - all three of us sent it back - the waiter asked us to reorder which we did but by the time our food arrived the other people in our group had finished eating!! After dessert the bill arrived - we refused to pay for the ‘hand cut chip’ and the £35 service charge which were deducted - we tipped the waiter in cash This place was half empty on a Friday evening even though we’d been told they were busy when we booked ! Won’t be going back - overpriced - overrated - pretentious Rethink your pricing and get someone who can cook !!

nice restaurant nice staff ect. however meal was awful can't describe it as it was just a load of mush.it was the aubergine dish which i thought sounded nice when the waiter explained it to me the taste was non descriptive and the aubergine was just mushy.this next complaint was our fault really because we all ordered i glass of white each {there was 3 of us) so the waitress suggested having a bottle to which we all agreed but never asked the price when the bill came up it was 32.50.a little expensive for lunchtime.i'm. afraid we won't be rushing back there

Beautiful setting overlooking the cricket pitch at Matching Green on a warm balmy Summer Solstice evening. Felt like they were doing us a favour booking an early evening table on the terrace - there were literally three tables occupied when we arrived! What could possibly...

We have been here before but not for a while as it’s a pricey place but nice all the same so it is a treat for us to go. My husband and I decide to have a treat and go out for dinner. We got...

I have been here often & enjoyed it each time. Yesterday I made a booking for July (3 months + away) I gave card details to secure the booking. Spoke to others in my party, decided it actually isn’t a suitable date & cancelled the...

As a regular patron of this venue I haven’t posted for a while thought a review was over due Our family had Sunday lunch here for both Mothers Day & Easter Sunday both days were as usual 1st class The set menus had an abundance...

Visit to restaurant was nice but pricey. There is absolutely no signal there to phone for cabs . The restaurant offers to call for you , but fails to tell you it may be double the price. I feel this needs to be addressed as...

We were a party of four and visited for dinner on a Thursday evening. The menu was good and varied. The food itself was of an excellent standard. Staff were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was a little low key and reflected the day of...

Visited today for pre Christmas lunch. Every time we go, which is definitely not often enough, I commit to returning soon.... and we shall. Starters of asparagus and parma ham, salt and pepper squid were super, just the right amount and very tasty. Now to...

Went for lunch with friends, my husbands meal,calves liver and bacon was good, I chose the chilli con carne this was Served with the rice was scattered on top of what was supposed to be chilli, there was only one tiny lump of mincemeat, onion...

Family lunch for 10. Lovely venue, been here many times before, nice ambience. However, food was very poor especially considering the premium prices. All fish dishes were over cooked as was the chicken dish. Not planning to return.

Following a couple of negative reviews for this establishment, I worried that we had made the wrong choice for our family celebratory lunch. Happily, my fears were unfounded. Food was delicious, with plenty of choice on the various menus and service was unobtrusively attentive, prompt...

This has been our go to place for years. Many family birthdays etc celebrated here . What has happened ? Went for a family birthday meal . It was •••••. Customer service was appalling . Took ages to get served . The waiter had all...

Lovely food in a fantastic country restaurant, lovely garden dining area with beautiful views over the cricket green. Great friendly service and once the staff had served you they left you to eat, no constant hassle about how your food is, so annoying in restaurants....

I had not been to the Chequers Pub for some years but previously thought it was a good venue with a good reputation. 8 adults 2 children for a children's birthday lunch just after the pub/restaurant opened for the day. The menu was varied and...

Visited her for my friends 40th and was very impressed. The restaurant was set in a lovely location and was a nice setting. Service was very good and the waitress was lovely. Just abit rushed I think as we were last sitting and last ones...

So from start to finish.. we ordered starters and kids had there meal. Absolutely terrible food. Kids chicken overcooked dry. Kids fish was dripping in fat. Fish over cooked . The service was absolutely terrible . Between all Courses .. nothing mentioned about no stark...

Our first time at the Chequers and we had such a lovely evening. The food was sensational, the cocktails delicious and our Waitress couldn’t have done more for us. The ambience and decor was also beautiful. It is a little more expensive than other places...

We just love The Chequers and it's a regular fixture in our family calendar. Setting is just lovely and the staff are friendly and attentive. Food is always great and although not cheap, it is definitely not overpriced. Lobster tails are amazing, and exception value...

£16.00 each for a very poor breakfast. This place is extortionate!! To to cap it all it is served with very miserable looking staff that seem to think they are doing you a favour!! VERY DISSAPOINTED!

Went today with relatives, who visit this place often. Lovely setting, clean with gorgeous decor and very nice food. Service was very prompt, and staff were pleasant and friendly. My husband who is a huge critic found no cause to complain. My only gripe is...

Quite poor the last two times we have been, staff are extremely frosty, you feel like you are getting on their nerves and the food has been poor and bland. Annoying that the menu hasn’t been changed for the last 2-3 years, won’t be rushing...

We have visited The Chequers about a dozen times over the past few years. The food, atmosphere and service has always of a high standard. My wife is immunocompromised and the team ALWAYS make sure we are given a table on the Terrace, well ventilated...

Fantastic restaurant.... Great Food and decor ... staff attentive and polite ... Always recommend to others . Keep up the good work

The Chequers elevates country pub food to an entirely different level. Superb! I also frequently visit for just a pint and small meal outside in the sunshine.The Rib of Beef ciabatta is sensational.

I was very pleased to be able to secure a table for a late Sunday lunch at fairly short notice using the online booking system. On arrival, our table was ready and we were shown straight to it which was great. We were then offered...

Had an excellent lunch sitting outside overlooking the Green. The food is very good and service outstanding. Highly recommended!

Wow what a wonderful meal, we took and daughters and familes for a family meal, first one out all together since Covid started. staff were so polite, and service was great, everything was so fresh. I would highly recommend the Chequers, but book early they...

Staff very helpful and food was excellent,very good atmosphere and lolvey place to be.There was 5 of us and we all had a lolvey time and wiuld come back again.

Excellent food, brilliant staff, good atmosphere would highly recommend eating here if staying at the Down Hall Hotel

We booked for lunch and hadn’t been for some time and what a delight. Food and service awesome really felt like we were looked after and as always the food is sumptuous. A lovely treat can’t wait to go back

We had a meal here last night and all 5 of us had different meals and all were delicious. We had lots of cocktails which were all delicious. The service was exceptional. It is very hard to find good service these days and our waitress...

Well thought out and organised. Staff friendly and attentive. Modules, seafood and steaks all well prepared, lobster tails especially were delicious.

Our first lunch out since lockdown, and it did not disappoint! The service was 1st class and food just incredible. My first try of lobster…it was beautiful! Cocktails were delicious. Thank you for a wonderful visit and we look forward to coming back soon.

This might be my new favourite pub semi-near Bishop’s Stortford! We’ve had two lunches here since lockdown restrictions were eased - the first on a normal Tuesday (on the terrace) and the next on bank holiday Monday (on a garden bench in the marquee). The...

Lovely welcoming staff, good service even when it was busy. The food was really nice. Had a nice evening with my friends. The outdoor heaters and blankets kept us warm but don’t underestimate the cold! Take a warm jacket. Can’t wait to go back.

Went yesterday for a nice lunch with another couple and found the staff really rude . I found them inattentive I felt awkward ordering another drink cause I felt like they didn’t wanna be there. Me and my friend ordered fish and chips and the...

Following 3 months of lockdown we were really looking forward to visiting this restaurant with 2 other couples for Sunday lunch. What a let down! We waited so long for our drinks order that we had to re order. 2 of the Sunday roasts were...

The Chequers has gone to great lengths to reconfigure their dining experience within the current Covid Guidelines and has lost none of its quality and personality in doing so. Lots of nice touches with new decor outside to marry with existing courtyard. Heaters and blankets...

Having eaten at the Chequers a few times over the years, I recently decided to order a Sunday roast for my family of 4 for takeaway. Although nothing can beat eating outside matching green on a summers day watching the cricket and tucking into a...

Four of us went for lunch starter ok but main course was very poor Turkey with roasted hard baked potatoes I think they where cooked the day before and heated up and the veg was poor we complained and they took off the sweet bill...

Disappointed as the Covid safe area we were promised was anything but. We may not have broken the letter of the law eating here, but we certainly broke the spirit of it. Otherwise a nice pub, but if I catch the virus, I will know...

Haven't ben here for several years but what a difference now! Very busy Saturday evening but well organised and felt totally safe. Meal was excellent and service superb. Very gentle reminder about the 10pm rule, tactfully done, but that did not interfere with our enjoyment.

Never disappointed! Lovely in summer and winter. Service is great, food is lovely, and a nice atmosphere. Sunday lunch in classy, relaxed surroundings, with gentle music playing the the background.

High end restaurant, amazing service, and food very reasonably priced. This was our first visit and we will definitely be back.

Great evening yesterday with food cooked perfectly. Staff helped accommodate our sleeping baby and let us take as long as we wanted to order, with good recommendations on wine and food, gutted that I couldn't tip on my card as enjoyed the service so much....

Don’t waste your money or time at this restaurant. We were extremely disappointed with the food and the service was nothing to write home about. The service was acceptable, no warmth, rapport, recommendations etc. The starters were ok except one had yellow/brown wilted salad. We...

Me and my husband went here for dinner in the summer and sat outside , we loved the food the back ground music and the atmosphere ,. Would defiantly recommend this restaurant

One of the best meals we have had. Food was brilliant as were the drinks. Nice atmosphere too. Would definitely recommend.

Visited with family and friends (5of us) for my wife’s birthday. Great meal great service and value for money.

Great food, great service. The team accepted a late booking and made us feel welcome. Superior quality food which is carefully cooked and delivered with care and attention.

First visit to this country pub ,great menu with good size portions,lovely garden marquee great service absolutely delicious food will definitely return .very good set lunch

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary last bank holiday. We sat on the back terrace. It was like being on holiday somewhere in the Mediterranean! Fantastic ambiance, decor, vibe. They have built in heaters which are perfect if needed and very unobtrusive. All staff were amazing and friendly. Great meal, wife happy :) and we will return. After we had finished we joined friends out the front where again there was a good vibe with music being played. Highly recommend it, and it’s the next best thing to actually being on holiday. Ask for the ; “ Back Terrace “

Great restaurant/pub! Love the under cover dining area. Food is delicious with good sized servings and staff are very good. Nice drinks too

Our first meal out since coronavirus arrived and it was perfect. Excellent food in a fabulous outdoor setting with great service. A definite place to visit and enjoy.

From start to finish everything was fantastic. Great service and exceptional food. Will most certainly be going again.

We’ve been to the Chequers in matching green a few times before (just the 2 of us) and always loved the food.But we’d never been as a family, so decided that we’d all go for dinner tonight and in the current coronavirus situation... we’d all feel happier outside, so booked a table in the garden. Was warmly welcomed at front of house and shown to our table in the garden. Staff where friendly and helpful as always, however the real winner was the food! I think it’s possibly the best we’ve had at the chequers, and like I said, it’s always really good.Moules Marinere, Insalata tre colori and chicken parfait to start where all delicious, as where the lobster tail and perfectly cooked fillet steaks, followed by excellent desserts of syrup sponge, brownies and Eton mess. From start to finish it was actually faultless. Will be booking a date night on the terrace soon!!

We’ve had lunch and dinners here a few times prior to lockdown and food was great as usual, staff friendly and attentive. However, this was our first family meal out since lockdown and since the rules on face covering had change. Upon booking we were not warned that the staff would not be wearing face coverings and it wasn’t mentioned on the website. It would’ve been fine if they had kept their distance but in order to clear the tables as they usually would they were leaning over us which made the experience uncomfortable. Some may be ok with this but it should be mentioned upon booking (we shouldn’t have to ask) as many other restaurants are taking these precautions and we would have booked elsewhere

Dinner for four the other night - really rather enjoyable. First off, the service is absolutely brilliant, and they really look after you.Overall, the food was very nice. Everyone really liked the starters, whether that be moules, parfait, or the squid.The mains were on the whole great, but with a couple of misses here and there. I had the surf and turf (rib eye) and had it rare - it definitely was blue rather than rare and possibly underdone, if you can picture that. The same went for the medium-rare rib eye on the table. On balance, they weren't the best cuts I don't think - they had quite a bit of sinew and fat on them. In hindsight, I'd probably choose the sirloin next time! Probably could have done with a few more chips as well, but the side of Mac & Cheese more than made up for that.The ladies of the table enjoyed lobster tails and a pork shoulder, and noted they were very good.I passed on a dessert as the combination of the starter/main left me absolutely stuffed - it was a lot of food.Can't fault the drinks at all - no complaints there. Cocktails looked nice, and it's difficult to mess up draught beer.It is an expensive dinner for sure, but considering how much good food and service there was, I am not one to complain.Overall, a great dinner with a couple of bits that could be improved - I'd definitely come back.

Andrew was helpful with arrangements. I was a bit disappointed that the serving staff weren't wearing visors, and the service was just a little slow, but the team were otherwise top-notch. The food was very good, and the setting on a summer evening is sans pareil. We all left very happy - thank you

Table for 2 booked in the restaurant. Service could not be faulted. Food was pricey but definitely worth it. Highly recommend this place as it was amazing.

This is our 3rd take away since The Chequers have begun offering this amazing service & again it was delicious!! We had ordered the Turkey, Beef and Pork which were all perfectly cooked and presented. Desserts of Cheesecake & Golden syrup sponge pudding finished it off beautifully. Would highly recommend The Chequers take away - from start to finish their service is incredible. Can't wait for you to re-open but this will keep us going until then!

We had the most amazing takeaway dinner from the Chequers yesterday. The food was beautiful and very well presented. Every little detail had been thought about eg: little pot of Parmesan, lemon wedge. The booking system is so easy to use, all paid for in advance and you select your time slot. Great service all round. We are already planning another takeaway for next weekend. Thank you!

Fabulous take away ! Super helpful and well organised ! I arrived at the prescribed time and with in a few moments my ‘take out’ box was ready to go ! Really excellent service !

Had a wonderful takeaway experience last evening. The whole family were pulling together, with the owners son front of house placing delicious food into our car boot. He was supporting a big smile , had cool music playing, and the whole experience was very pleasant . Well done The Chequers, glad you’re back in business !

Eady to use and book take-away. Book your slot, pay et voila! Food was delicious and I had the best sweet potato fries I have ever eaten!! We will be taking away again until you-open.

Excellent takeaway last night. Thank you for the excellent service, easy to use booking site and fantastic food! We will be booking again soon!

Such a pleasant atmosphere with great food and service so highly recommended plenty to choose from the menu and many Italian dishes as well great British favourites 😀

Have visited this restaurant in the past and have had a nice experience but today me and my family were there for a birthday celebration after booking the table for a said time restaurant was very busy when we arrived and the table wasn’t ready for 40 minutes after the time we had booked so had to wait around which isn’t good.After being seated we ordered our food but had to wait some time for the food to arrive and when it did arrive the food that I had was dry and overcooked and also my partners food which was £28 was also overcooked and very dry. You are paying the high prices for the food but not getting the quality it’s a real shame as the surroundings and settings are very nice.

Fantastic family friendly gastro pub. Food is well cooked well presented and so tasty. The staff are professional, well trained and go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable Honestly can’t fault it