The Hoop Free House in Chelmsford

We recently rented The Hoop as the venue for our wedding reception. The food, service and team were all fantastic from start to finish. We were able to design a special menu with the chef based on dishes they've served in the past and present. Many of our group who disliked oysters couldn't stop raving about the amazing oyster and caviar canapé. To sum it up, we were told it was the best wedding food some of our guests have ever had.

6 years of us came here tonight, 4 had been before so this was in their recommendation. It didn’t disappoint in any way, the pub itself is so quaint with the warmest of atmospheres. The food was very delicious with really good English fare. A proper country pup. The portion sizes were huge but the presentation was still excellent. The service was lovely really attentive and friendly. Definitely worth a visit and we will definitely go back,

visited recently and they had a vegan option . Turned up last night and they do not do a vegan option any more , very short sighted , as far as I know vegan eating is becoming more popular not declining .Very disappointing and the waiter didn't seem very apologetic, very off .

An expensive Sunday Lunch that was very disappointing, 2 tough slices of beef and 2 roast potatoes that were very dry, as was the yorkshire pudding. Will not be going back.

Lovely old building in a nice village. We walked in this pub much earlier then our booking time and was rushed to our table would have liked to of had a drink before and took our time. We sat in the upper bit of the pub which was ok but the kitchen door was wide open. Food was a very good quality and tasty, service was also good although there were no check backs to ask if everything was ok. I think this venue is a little overpriced. All in all though a pleasant afternoon

Not impressed at all with our visit, roast dinner was poor, fatty roast beef which was the rarest i have ever had. Lump of soggy stuffing hidding underneath the beef, the 3 potatoes were rock hard and hollow in the middle. I had so little veg I actually assumed it was coming out on separate bowls. To add to this the price was completely over the top for such a poor attempt at roast dinner! £8 for a child’s 120ml ice cream tub to finish it off. Will not be returning

Had a roast beef dinner ,potatoes were cold and rock hard ,half a carrot , god knows what the tiny amount of green stuff was , Beef was okay,service staff were brilliant, we had a table of ten ,four of them children , £8-00 for a small pot of ice cream , Very overpriced and will definitely not go there again 😡😡😡😡, don’t go there for a Sunday roast ,you will be very ,disappointed,cost for our meal £545-00 total waste of money

Wow, didn’t disappoint! Amazing food and service. Not a bad word I can say. Pork with truffle sauce and bolognese are chunk get a particular mention!

one of the best pubs in Essex ! my sister & i really enjoyed our lunch (we’ve been here a few times before). This time I was particularly impressed by my vegan dish - panko bbq mushroom burger! So delicious, and an unexpected option on an essex pub menu. It’s so hard to find vegan options in the area never mind something that doesn’t contain avocado, or houmous or something ultra processed and the burger was fantastic. Would 100% recommend.

We regularly visit the Hoop for food and drinks and its alway top class but went to our friends wedding there yesterday and was blown away with everything! The venue looked incredible, the never ending food was delicious and the ambience was perfect - a huge shout out to the amazing staff who worked so hard all night with smiles on their faces! Absolutely wonderful!

Interesting food, well cooked, nicely presented. Friendly/helpful staff - "proper" pub surroundings. What more can you ask ?

We had a wonderful meal and the staff are lovely. Would recommend the toad in the whole and the pie and mash. Also the scallops were fantastic. Will visit again soon...

Absolutely fabulous, wonderful food , extremely attentive staff, as always , great choice on the menu , looking forward to our next visit.

Seriously impressive dining experience. Staff were extremely attentive (without being overbearing) and catered to our needs throughout. Food was outstanding; particularly the starter - probably one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Quaint and picturesque interior, full of character. Opt for downstairs seating if you want a more lively setting (within the hustle and bustle) or upstairs if you prefer a calmer and more formal dining experience. Slightly pricey admittedly; considering it’s outside of London - but worth it if you’re looking for something more elevated/special in my opinion. Would highly recommend and will definitely be returning.

What a shame. My friend booked a specific table as she is or should I say was, a frequent visitor to the hoop. On arrival the table (Which she went into the restaurant three week’s previous to book) was already taken by a couple.we were shown to another table which was ok but my friend was very disappointed as she wanted me and her friends to have a good experience. We sat down to wait for our other friends to arrive and they didn’t offer a drink whilst we waited call the waiter and ask. Then we were told certain foods were not available so all In all not a good experience. It was also very expensive £70 a head for lunch. Also I asked if they could possibly make me a salad but was told no. I am surprised that they do not offer a healthy option Anyway it was a bad experience all round without even a complimentary drink so will not be visiting again.

Fabulous pub we are so lucky to have on our doorstep..staff are amazing..service incredible..live music on a sunny sunshiny day nothing can top this place..incredible 😍 thank you Hoop x

Sunday lunch ,food disappointing worst roast potatoes, beef fine service excellent,don't think I will be returning.

We enjoyed our time spent here over a bank holiday weekend. The food was very tasty and the service excellent, particularly from Michelle who had a great attitude and was efficient and friendly. It’s a busy pub which is very nice inside and there’s a...

Amazing food and service was great! Went in for my mums birthday and looked after us really well. Will definitely be back

Our daughter and son-in-law booked us and them for Sunday lunch we know of the Hoop but never been in. We where all very pleased with the meals beef bourguignon pie excellent and the pork chop was perfectly cooked and very large daughter had the...

Three of us went in for lunch. We were met straightaway by a waitress who showed us to our table which we had previously booked. Drinks order was taken and we spent some time choosing from the menu. All three of us went straight into...

Visited the hoop with friends for our Christmas lunch out and will 100% be returning! all of our meals were spot on and delicious Especially the apple crumble Service was great staff were friendly and helpful

I’m an Essex boy living in Watford and haven’t been to stock for decades, we were celebrating my brothers birthday so this was a special occasion. This was our first visit to this pub and it was right up my street in regards to food,...

Took friends here a few weeks ago for drinks . I raved about how beautiful it was . I away wrong. Food was lovely . Then we were confused . Staff over talking about a wake . We were rushed to pay and leave ....

Friendly and efficient service. Food was enjoyable but just missed the mark. My husband had the pie special which he really enjoyed. I had the roast pork, which was a very generous portion, but unfortunately my chop was very fatty and it was hard to...

We were staying at Goodwoods Hotel up the road but wanted a nice relaxed 'pub grub' type meal. It's a touch above pub grub but it is friendly, relaxed and the food is amazing. We had lunch one day and then an evening meal the...

A local told me that The Hoop used to be a real drinker's pub. Since been converted to a gastropub, with just a small area for regulars who want a beer only. Can be a shame when this happens - I do miss the old...

Second visit here. The staff are so friendly and attentive. Food is lovely - piping hot and fresh and tasty. Nice atmosphere. Only complaint is that I think the main menu needs updating now - it’s been quite a while with the same menu. But...

We happened to be in the village to another pub . We ate and left and decided to come here for drinks . 3 bottles of wine later we left . Loving the new decor and we were greeted so lovely by a lovely lady...

Took some friends and my mum here for dinner and had a great time. I generally have something from their specials list and it was cod on this occasion which was excellent. Everyone was impressed and we’ll definitely be back. Many thanks to all of...

We had a really nice evening on Friday for the Christmas set menu and bring your own wine night! All staff were really friendly and tentative and the decor in the venue was really lovely and welcoming. Our prawn cocktail starter was delicious very generous...

Disappointing, set Xmas diner for £35 Starter was good (prawn cocktail). Main was tasteless with no proper vegetables ( 1 small piece of parsnip, two roast potatoes, 4 sprouts and a spoonful of mashed carrot. Desert (Xmas pudding) smallest piece of pudding ever but quite...

Service was excellent, friendly but relaxed. Food was so delicious, even great vegetarian options. Norfolk chicken was soft and flavoursome. Husbands vegetarian toad in the hoop was tasty with creamy mash. I went to heaven when I ate the cheese board for desert !

Fantastic pub restaurant. I love this place, the food was amazing…. Toad in the hole 👍🏼 The wine, food, staff and everything about this place is great. Well done

Really disappointed as we had heard such good reviews about The Hoop. I had pre-warned the restaurant of our dairy and soya allergies; however, when we arrived, there was no allergy menu and when we asked the waiter, he didn't seem to have any idea...

I've wanted to go to this restaurant for such a long time. Unfortunately when I finally got to go for my birthday this year I was not impressed. None of my family (4) had starters so we went straight in for the mains, 2 kids...

We live in France and were staying locally for a wedding. In the past, we ate here from time to time as it was a favourite in the area. We had a very nice meal. A starter and a main. We were too full for...

Six of us met for Sunday lunch and all our food was excellent. The service was great too, what a great front of house team. I had the chicken liver parfait to start. It was simply gorgeous. Then I had a roast beef lunch. The...

For our first uk meal in 3 years we went with friends to this traditional pub in the small Essex village of Stock. The village has a few pubs all in a similar style and this one has an enormous beer garden. We booked the...

Visited many times. Always excellent service. Can never decide what to have as there are always so many tempting choices and always a special to throw a spanner in the works once I’ve decided! Nice wine list. Cosy atmosphere and feels like fine dining but...

Went here for dinner with friends recently. Good menu with lots of choice and very tasty. Service was excellent and staff friendly. The pie and liver and bacon were delicious. Good choice of starters too. Lovely beer garden. Definitely a great village pub and worth...

This is our ‘go to’ always ! The experience from start to finish is spot on. Food is always delicious and the service excellent. The staff always take time to chat to you and are knowledgeable about the food they are serving. From dining inside...

We were expecting great things when visiting here as it was highly recommended but we all came away feeling that the restaurant (upstairs) was 'soulless'. When we arrived, the downstairs was buzzing, however the upstairs didn't have the same feel. Our major gripe about the...

Lovely pub, great staff and food. Had a lovely evening…. Drinks in the garden, food in the restaurant upstairs. Friendly atmosphere. Michelle and her team were great hosts.

A great discovery! I am always looking for pubs with excellent food, soI was surprised that I hadn’t discovered The Hoop before. My friends and I were looking for somewhere to meet for lunch before the Christmas party season started. First thing that I noticed...

"The Hoop" has long been on our list of places to have Sunday lunch - we won't leave it so long before we go back. Nice 15th century "pub", very good atmosphere. It's a restaurant really, but I guess that's where the demand is in...

Went on a weekday for my partners birthday. Had lovely table near the fire. The menu was impressive for a pub. We had the scallops, prawn cocktail, ham, eggs chips and I had pie and mash all very tasty and enjoyable. My only one tiny...

We arrived early and were welcomed very warmly to our table. The staff throughout our meal were very helpful, concerned and ready to help but not intrusive. Excellent staff management! The menu was not too large but had meals catering for all tastes. We had...

This wonderful pub pub which used to have a wonderful atmosphere has turned into a gastronomic pub just for food which has ruined it in my opinion. Food great but no where to sit and have a pint

This was our first visit and certainly won't be the last. We arrived on time for our 7:45pm table for 4 and were greeted by friendly staff. Our table was ready so we were immediately shown to our table upstairs. There was not one vacant...

Haven’t been here for sometime and it was great to be back. Pub lovely with 2 lovely fires going, Wonderful food, the linguine was to die for, lovely pub, friendly staff excellent service. Only criticism and it is a very small one I would have...

Just back from a meal with friends and we would thoroughly recommend The Hoops for a night out in a country pub with friendly, attentive staff and lovely food. The Chicken & Leek pie and apple & Rhubarb crumble was first class as was the...

Beautiful little pub , super friendly staff and great service Food was so delicious, Particularly the homemade bread sourdough and prawn linguini was to die for 😋 very good wine list , a lovely warm open fire as you walk in just a wonderful place...

Service was first class and nothing was too much trouble. The staff were friendly and accommodating. We asked to move table and it was not an issue. The food was top notch and very enjoyable. Well worth a visit.

The Hoop is a lovely pub and restaurant nestled into the main road that runs through stock. It has a very friendly warm vibe and an excellent selection of drinks are available if you just want to go and drink. The food menu was very...

We went there for a pre Christmas dinner at the beginning of December - there were only 12 of us, so not a large party. We were placed upstairs on a long table against the wall - seems like they didn't care about one off...

Amazing food and service! Great portions and perfectly cooked food! The deserts are another level! 👌

Disappointing. Was recommended by a friend for its fine food but food was very average with some poor aspects and massively over-priced for the quality of what was served. Prawn cocktail : plentiful prawns but rather dry served with pre-buttered bread (customer should be able...

Very good enjoyed it thoroughly had the toad in the hole which was good quality good service waitresses very sharp on the ball , good relaxing friendly atmosphere, would go again !

Cosy, old village style pub/restaurant. Small from outside yet extremely comfortable in and large in the rear! The food is outstanding. Big, healthy portions. A great selection of British grub, all courses we had were delicious. Would recommend any type of Pie! And all plated...

We ate here mid-week. Despite it being packed, the staff were very efficient and offered a friendly service. We had expected more of the food though. This is simple pub food, nothing special. The fish & chips were a little tasteless, the fish batter very...

Four of us went to the hoop on a Wednesday evening had a couple of drinks on arrival staff were very helpful Three of us had the prawn cocktail starter which was excellent for a change more prawns than lettuce also one of us had...

Family dinner pre funeral of our Mum . We were made very welcome and our waitron Richard was so attentive , professional and just super friendly in looking after us .

Had a quick visit to The Hoop for a weekday dinner. Had the vegetarian toad in the hole which did not disappoint. Lovely food and service - would definitely return.

Enjoyed our Sunday in the sun trap of the garden. Generous portions (in particular for the kids) of appetising dishes. Good selection of ales.

Another fantastic night at the Hoop the food was exquisite and the wine perfect Well done all can’t wait for the next taster evening

Didn't book but was greeted by the friendly staff and seated upstairs as no room on the ground level. Our waitresses was the lovely Chloe who was personable and professional; nothing was too much trouble for her. The food was great and good portions! Staff...

2 roast potatoes on a Sunday lunch is not acceptable. They charge you £18 per Sunday roast and if you ask for more, they say they need to check with the chef to see if he has enough. 2 is not adequate at all. Not...

If you like pub grub but want to go special then this is the place for you! Beautiful food! All the home comforts with a bit of finesse! Prices are slightly higher than normal pub food. But this is not the average pub! Highly recommend!...

The Hoop has lovely food and we had been coming here for years. I would have expected after spending so much time here a hello every now or then! But in terms of the review this is not why I’ve given it 3 stars. Unfortunately...

Booked here for a birthday lunch and they did not disappoint. We all enjoyed some fantastic starters and amazing mains, followed by a cheese plate and chocolate fondant. The staff are very friendly and let my dog join in which was much appreciated. Highly recommend...

Had a lovely lunch time treat at The Hoop, Stock, Essex. Classical food and a classical service in a lovely village setting. The pie and mash was a real treat and the pudding was a delight.

Good food and drink. A bit cramped. Very ‘pleasant’ young ‘novice’ staff, but need training in customer engagement and etiquette. We weren’t made to feel that welcome and unfortunately the diners on the adjacent table were having a family dispute in public; which made us...

Great service and fantastic roasts. Would thoroughly recommend The Hoop, they serve consistently fantastic tasty food.

Great quality food, good portions - lovely location! My wife, toddler, 2 friends, their dog and myself went here for lunch for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We didn’t feel rushed and the starters, mains and drinks arrived in good time. We sat...

Visited The Hoop for Sunday lunch, roast beef. Can’t fault the quality of food but two roast potatoes, two stems of broccoli and half a carrot for the veg - COME ON!!!! And for £18, not particularly cheap. Plenty of other pubs/restaurants in and around...

We are a group of five men that meet once a month for a meal at different venues around Essex . We have at one time or another been in the hospitality business. Although the service was perfect our meal was spoilt by the crab...

Went out last night with another couple for my wife’s birthday. Food was excellent, good quality ingredients, cooked and presented with care and pride. Service equally attentive and efficient. Many thanks, our new destination food venue.

Visited the Hoop for the first time with family(4 pers) for My 60th birthday, we had 3 courses each and every course was lovely, a few beers and wine, it was an excellent experience with good polite staff , I will definitely return

Wife and I ate here on a Thursday lunch time was very impressed with the pub itself all staff smartly dressed and very attentive, Food was fantastic I had the Pie Mash and Liquor something I have never tried and it was great and only...

Went here yesterday, garden table booking, although there was only one vegan option for both starter and main, absolutely superb, best vegan burger we have eaten, I had read a previous review that mentioned they felt rushed, our booking was a two hour slot from...

First time here. Booked in advance (hard to get a table otherwise). Menu online didn't give much away but was pleasantly surprised by the selection on the day. We sat outside in their stunning garden and enjoyed our bank holiday Monday meal. Attentive ans friendly...

I’ve been wanting to try The Hoop for ages due to my love of toad in the hole and it didn’t disappoint. Even better that they offer a vegetarian one - I’ve never been offered this on a menu in 25 years of being veggie....

Very disappointed having booked a table four weeks ago to sit at the table and be told by a very curt waitress that our table was reserved for somebody else after us. In fact we were rushed through three courses - reminded twice more that...

Had dinner with friends in the garden. The fish and chips were excellent. The bottle of Prosecco was a little expensive.

Great food and great service. We sat in the marquee and it was all very well done. We all enjoyed our lunch and the staff were very friendly and attentive. Maureen’s Pie and Mash, Bagel, Soup and the Fish and Chips. Excellent!!!

Absolutely love this pub for food but have to say was very disappointed today. Have always been aware that cannot book for the bar area, however, visited today and was told since the latest announcement from the government on Mon, it was bookings only and...

We love this pub the food is exceptional!! The roasts are lovely, mid week menu great you must have the toad in the hole! The only down side is it’s so popular it’s very hard to get a table. Specially in summer as there always...

Great service, attentive but not over the top. Sat upstairs which was lovely. Loved the Duck Liver Parfait and Roast Pork. Can’t fault the food or service at all really. Only slight critic was no selection of vodka other than Smirnoff. Just would be nice...

Lovely cooked fresh meals which we thoroughly enjoyed. Our compliments to the chef and all the staff. Made to feel welcome. Will return soon.

Firstly, we love the pub. However, we wanted to have a couple of ‘cosy’ Sunday drinks on a rainy day but unfortunately it wasn’t too cosy. I completely understand that a door has to be open to abide to the new restrictions, but it was freezing inside. You have two lovely open fires, why not use them? On another note, you had one person working after 5, he was very helpful but unfair work load for one person?

Having visited before, and had some great food, we visited on 25th September and came away very disappointed. We ordered a pizza to share but it came out burnt. We told the waitress, who kindly took it back to the kitchen.. when she returned from the kitchen, she explained all pizzas were cooked at 350 degrees (this seems obvious - it’s a pizza oven) so a new pizza would be the same and be ‘charred’. Now we could of accepted this as some kind of ‘authentic’ cooking except unluckily for the chef, the table next to us were also eating pizzas - well cooked and not ‘charred’.Not particularly bothered about the bad food, easily sorted.. but a word of advice to the chef, own the mistake and make it right - don’t excuse yourself and don’t make your wait staff cover up your failure.

This is my second visit to the Hoop in a month. I went back, just to make sure it was as good as it was in August.I brought along a friend of mine, who was looking for a recommendation for lunch.As always, the staff were on their A game, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable of the menu. They did not disappoint ,neither did the food.Just a great place to come to, a couple of firm favourites with my friends and family- Chickpea parcels, liver and bacon and the locally sourced meat, burger all complimented by Southwold’s finest alesDo not miss out

Deserved reputation for good food at acceptable prices AND very (very) impressive attention to Covid protection.1) Sanitizer on each table2) All staff in restaurant area with masks or visors 3) One way system through building 4) Cutlery given out in serviette wrapped sets.5) Tables inside and out appropriately distanced OR separated by perspex screens 6) Serving and paying at tables and not at the bar Well done!! So many other places have not thought this through as well as you have (and many only manage to keep part of the procedures in place for only some of the staff)Excellent!!!

Visited one sunday in august for lunch. Arrived early which was just as well as the pub garden soon filled up. As others have said, the lay out and social distancing is all very well thought out, even the toilets have a mechanism so you dont have to use your hands! The food was delicious, had a roast which was very filling, tasty homecooked food. Would definitely visit again, and the village of stock is very pretty

Visited for the first time during Eat out to help out . We hadn’t booked so arrived early and found a table luckily My daughter had the vegetarian pie which was the perfect size pie and served with tasty fresh vegI had seafood linguini the prawns were a good size but the pasta lacked flavour it was a dried pasta so a bit disappointing Home made chips were delicious Friendly staff good surroundings

Had a cancelled holiday, so looking for somewhere different to go and eat out, knew of The Hoop, so decided to try it.Nice welcome and reception, was good that the garden was open and it was a nice day, Nice choice of menu and easily ordered from the outside bar.Food was fairly quick in being served, great value with the eat out to help out offer, which we didn't know they were even doing, even had a dessert.Would we return yes, it was good.

We’ve been once a week to the garden for lunch and every week the food has been brilliant! Staff are friendly and smiley - it’s a favourite of all the family

Excellent lunch on a sunny afternoon such a lovely place to have a delicious lunch safely highly recommend my tastebuds are still tingling!!

I met a friend for our first post Covid catch up. The Hoop has implemented a well thought out Covid precautions procedure. You book in at the front door and if you want food go through to the garden and find a table. It is a good idea to arrive early since tables go quickly. There is hand sanitizer as you enter. Food and drink is ordered from the outside counter and delivered to your table. You can set up a tab. Our food was delivered promptly. I had the salmon and cream cheese bagel which was delicious. The icing on the cake was that due to Dishy Rishis discount it was half price. I would certainly return.