The White Horse in Chelmsford

Good value meal and drinks with friends, very friendly staff especially bar man Billy!

My dad and I visited the White Horse on a Tuesday lunchtime and Dan and Sian served us. We felt instantly at ease and greeted with smiles.Our food arrived promptly and was absolutely lush! To top it all off they had a cake sale in aid of cancer research and as my mum passed from cancer, and it was her bday, it all seemed like fate. Well done for doing something a bit different guys. Full bellies and a bumper bag of sweet treats. 5 stars!!!

If you’re looking for a cosy, welcoming spot to unwind, The White Horse is a must-visit. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of comfort and charm. The staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home, offering excellent service with a genuine smile. The food is truly a highlight. Every dish I’ve tried has been delicious, prepared with care and full of flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a lighter bite, the menu has something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. Overall, The White Horse is a gem—perfect for a relaxed evening out, and the quality of food and service will definitely keep me coming back. Highly recommend it!

Amazing pub! Food is lovely, stuff is great. And it’s so friendly atmosphere here as well.

My husband and I visited on Valentine’s Day and thought the service was great. Elle was our host and was really friendly and the service was great. The food was lovely. They had a singer booked and she was great made the evening really special. Will definitely return to their future events.

Terrible food. Terrible service. Staff and management do not care enough. Nothing in stock. Bad management.

Took over an hour for food to be served. It was busy at all. Even the drinks took over half an hour to be served. But only were served when I chased the order at the bar.

First time visiting and won't be the last. Staff were great, food was lovely and service was five star. My dog loved the dog bar with treats.

horrible service, it took 2 and a half hours for food to come and we was not even told about the wait before ordering. don’t come here if you don’t have a day to wait for food.

I recently visited The White Horse and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a night out with friends or a casual dinner. The food, prepared by Chef Luke, was absolutely delicious. Every dish we ordered was cooked to perfection, with fresh ingredients and creative flavors. The Rump surf and turf was a standout, and you could really taste the care and skill that went into preparing it. Chef Luke clearly knows their craft and brings a unique touch to the menu. Our server, Billy, was outstanding as well. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. It’s rare to find such excellent service, and Billy really made the experience even more enjoyable. His recommendations for drinks and pairings were spot on, adding a nice touch to the meal. I would highly recommend The White Horse for anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a relaxed atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back soon!

Excellent menu - a great variety of food available. Sadly my initial choice had sold out, but there were plenty of other options. Mini desserts with a coffee are a great choice, and too few places offer that.

Great food and service, billy took care of us the whole time

Great - children’s play area and friendly staff Bad - very limited gluten free vegetarian options

AWFUL- Two cars in the car park, assuming quiet meant good. ! Ummmm don't think so. Ordered Gammon, it was dry, tomato green, and peas GREY! Days old they appeared! Ordered pineapple to go with it,came with egg! Then response no pineapple! It's quiet so assuming couldn't be bothered! Not to mention the two tables with plates, left over food and glasses that weren't cleared in the whole time we were there, guests left hours ago! Judging by the left food! I thought if it was quiet might put more effort in! Absolutely not! Shocking

Great food and service. Staff were polite and friendly. And best of all your furry friends are welcome. This was my first visit ,I will definetlwty be returning.

I returned 3 pints of lager all different brands because they smelt and tasted horrendous. I wasn’t the only one complaining. The pipes haven’t been cleaned. The general cleanliness has seriously gone down hill. Will not be drinking there again!!!

I asked for a quiet table as my friend is having chemo. We were seated in a very busy section of the restaurant. A lot of the dishes were unavailable, we were not told this before being seated. We were told the kitchen closed in 5 mins, rushed to order . Three trips to the bar ordering things that were unavailable , finally placed order. Then found out kitchen was not closing early!! Table and cutlery not clean. My food was ok and hot, my friends meal was cold and had to send it back and order something else! On the whole …not great!!

Was here on Christmas Eve - service super quick staff great. Come here often and never disappoints. Food is good value too

Servers really inviting, not left waiting for food and was good prices. Would come again

Can hear for a meal with the wife had rump steak and wife had haddock and chips Well the rump was cook amazing could not fault it and my wife love the fish would like to say hats off to the team in the restaurant it was Dan and lady that ran the food had lovely smile be back for valentine’s Day for that steak deal thank you

Me and the misses come out and we give the white horse ago had a lovely steak and my Misses had fish was amazing Service was amazing and very helpful staff as well We have also book in for valentine’s Day for the steak deal would like to thank the chef for amazing meal

Been to the White Horse many times, each and every time we have experienced great food, fantastic service and a warm, friendly cosy environment. The food is served hot and tastes fresh, the bar staff are attentive to all your needs, the fires are cosy and it just feels like home. Great experience, definitely recommend 👌

I was in the pub for a family meal on Wednesday night. We were served by a lovely girl, Jessie. She made our experience very enjoyable and always had a smile on her face. The food has really turned itself around recently and we are definitely going back routinely to enjoy it more. The atmosphere in the pub was delightful and I can’t rave more about how friendly the staff was

Really enjoyed our lunch visit here yesterday, food was enjoyable and the atmosphere was relaxing with great staff, thank you!

Amzing place, great hospitality, food was divine

I just love this pub! Everything about it is amazing, such good food, always good service. The pub is going up and up. So excited to come back!

Very slow service and a long wait for food when I went. Was very disappointed

Good roast dinner but only one staff at the bar who was also acting as the waiter. Very long wait for food

Came here with my partner before entering the city and it was amazing food and quick service

Great local pub for a beer and good value pub grub

Good food, great service and cosy atmosphere. Such a big improvement under the new management team compared to previous. Will be back again soon.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by staff, who were attentive and friendly. The food and drink were really good. Both my partner and I were extremely satisfied. The ambiance is also worth mentioning – cozy, inviting, and with a great atmosphere that made the meal even more enjoyable. We enjoyed a lovely meal by the fire place. Overall, our visit exceeded our expectations in every way. Exceptional food, excellent service, and a delightful atmosphere – I highly recommend it. I will definitely be returning soon!

I booked a Christmas lunch for our team of 15. The food and service were perfect and I will be back throughout the year.

Went for lunch during the Christmas period pub was fairly busy ordered the mixed grill food came out fairly quickly and was great and well presented was a lovely atmosphere even with my 4 year old Lovely little area to keep him busy A worth while visit even with the kids Look forward to our next visit 🥂

Great pub, I really enjoyed our visit

Great service really good especially compared to last year ,and food was really nice too

Can't believe the pub is closing at 11pm on Christmas Eve on one of the busiest nights of the Eve how crazy the Blue lion will be happy, what is this pub doing!

Don’t waste your time booking for a function. We booked and payed a deposit for our Christmas Eve dinner 2 months ago. Only to be called the night before to say they are cancelling our booking. This is not the first time we have been let down by them. A lesson learnt. We have no time to rebook- and we have all our family who travelled to be with us for the dinner with nowhere to go.

Never have a good experience at this place. Came in for the Christmas carols which were amazing and good fun as always. Ordered a burger, and for me I just ordered two starters, nachos and chicken wings. We were told it was a hours wait as under staffed. Which was fine. After an hour I got the nachos (asked for it all together mind 🙄) never received the rest of it! Asked at 10pm after ordering at 7.30. They said kitchen never got the ticket??? Yet we had received the nachos??? So clearly they had!! The excuse was short staffed. But they would have known it was gonna be a busy night. No free drink offered. Nothing. Honestly you really need to get you act together. This used to be such a lovely pub. The nachos were poor, no sour cream, covered it guacamole, the cheese sauce was disgusting, used to have grated cheese. If you can’t get crisps right to the menu, maybe we were lucky we didn’t get the rest!

When to the white Horse today for Sunday lunch We had tomato soup To start with went it was served it was delicious and hot Main Course was roast Sirloin of Beef with roast potatoes and vegetables Yorkshire pudding and gravy beef Mail it in your mouth food was lovely and hot Dessert We had Belgian chocolate brownies with ice cream delicious Thank you Everyone at the white horse For a lovely meals

The staff are so friendly and helpful. The food is amazing. There is the occasional wait on food but it is really worth the wait.The Sunday roast is brilliant and would recommend the ultimate burger.

We went for Breakfast with Santa this morning. Ordered food at 10am which came out at 11:30am, we were the second table served food. Waitress didn’t seem to know the food was included in the booking, so I paid for the full cost at the bar and then had to ask for a refund. Food came out cold and wrong after 90mins. Then waited 15 more minutes to be corrected. We left at midday and the person who ordered after me was still waiting and left. I too would have left but our 7/3 year olds were starving. The waitress was giving the excuse that everyone ordered at once, which given everyone had pre-paid £10.99 for the same meal (only one was available) and so they knew exactly how many people would be there and at what time is laughable! Plus blaming me for ordering my food at the time you asked me too is very poor. I will not be going back to this pub again

Went here today for breakfast with Santa. Had a great time, kids absolutely loved it. Food was lovely and great portions served! Food took a little longer than expected but that just let us chill and have a good catchup before we ate. All in all can not fault it especially for the price! Highly recommend.

Christmas meal, blade of beef better than expected. Service awful, half the main were eaten before the other half came out.

Really lovely helpful team. Great food

Great pub grub with friendly staff and great service. Highly recommend!

Lovely pub with a great atmosphere

Great local with friendly staff and great service. Locals are friendly and they allow dog in too. We always stop off in here when we can

Lovely pub, nice atmosphere! Great beer, great food and great staff!

Very belated review! Shoutout to manager Dan. A few weeks ago, I had booked a table online. He made the effort to call afterwards and left a message, asking if we were doing the quiz and if we were alright with being sat in the bar area. I really appreciated this, a lot of people/places wouldn't bother and I found it to be very considerate and showed he really cares about customer satisfaction. The service here isn't always fantastic and the food can be inconsistent, but he was great and there are a couple of other bar staff who are always friendly, and at it's best, the food is amazing. The Chicken Schitznel is one of the best meals I've ever had eating out.

The food here is amazing!! The chef Luke did a great job!! Supervisor Sian gave a lovely service and was always smiling!!!

Fantastic service by Elle!!! Lovely food!! We will definitely be back for more!! Wonderful atmosphere and people here

Very good service from the bar staff made me feel very comfortable, food was equally as good

Beer and food always good. Pleasant pub.

Came in on Friday for a drink with a few friends, it was quite busy with only 1 staff member on the bar!! I believe her name is Kristy, she absolutely smashed it on her own with the ammount of people in this place, never a long wait for our drinks despite being on her own. Great place to go for a bottle of Prosecco for £14 on fizz weekend. Absolutely amazing!

Came in for some dinner with my partner, I was served quickly at the bar and the bar maid was friendly. I had the ultimate burger which was delicious and my partner had the mixed grill which he loved! Will definitely be back again soon!

Absolutely loved the food here , improves each time we go , staff are very friendly , great menu choice , definitely recommend

Lovely pub. We had a Sunday roast which was lovely. Only downside was that most of their Ales were not available

Terrible experience on a Saturday afternoon. Looked quite nice at first until we saw all the empty drinks glasses on the tables and multiple stains on the chair seats. This should have been a red flag! Anyhow, thought we would give it a try so ordered food and drinks by scanning the code on the table and ordering digitally. After 30 minutes we still had no drinks so went to the bar and was told were on their way. Cold drinks came and were nice (half a star). 15 minutes later I was brought the weakest luke warm latte that I have ever had. Another 20 minutes later we still had no food so went to the bar again and was told was on its way. We were then presented with a stone cold tomato soup (did taste nice) and cold button mushrooms by a lady who looked really fed up. Went back to complain and was then told that ingredients were missing for the chicken, bacon and avocado wrap we had ordered and we couldn’t have that. So basically it took over an hour to get cold food and then be told they couldn’t make part of our order anyway. Ended up asking for a full refund which they didn’t dispute at all. I don’t know if there’s a problem with morale or they were short staffed but it really seemed as tho nobody cared , were disinterested and took no pride in the place. Ember Inns should be embarrassed! Needless to say we will not be doing a return visit.

I don’t write negative reviews very often if at all, but I feel really compelled to write one this time because this was a very poor experience. Drinks were out after us waiting about 25 minutes and again we had to come up to the bar to ask if we could take them to the table. The waiter brought out the hot drinks shortly afterwards. The food took 45 minutes to be ready. The only reason it was ready was my husband asked where it was. After waiting 45 minutes the staff announced (only whilst inquiring when the food would be ready) that one of the meals was not available - no one let us know this until that point When my food came out after 45-50 minutes it was stone cold. - the soup was so cold I could put my finger in it, and my mushrooms had clearly been left on the side for some time after cooking them. We decided to leave at this point, asked for a refund and left because we would have had to start the whole process from scratch so we could all eat together, and it wasn’t worth it. I understand if the pub was busy or they had to deal with big tables, but this wasn’t the case. I completely understand mistakes happen, we are all human, but this really smacked of no care at all, which is a real shame and we got no explanation for the poor level of service, not notifying us that they hadn’t got part of the meal or a real apology. The fact you gave us a refund without asking why we wanted one speaks volumes. .Thank you for the full refund, we appreciate that you did that, but we sadly won’t be returning.

I don’t write negative reviews very often if at all, but I feel really compelled to write one this time because this was a very poor experience. Drinks were out after us waiting about 25 minutes and again we had to come up to the bar to ask if we could take them to the table. The waiter brought out the hot drinks shortly afterwards. The food took 45 minutes to be ready. The only reason it was ready was my husband asked where it was. After waiting 45 minutes the staff announced (only whilst inquiring when the food would be ready) that one of the meals was not available - no one let us know this until that point. When my food came out after 45-50 minutes it was stone cold. - the soup was so cold I could put my finger in it, and my mushrooms had clearly been left on the side for some time after cooking them. We decided to leave at this point, asked for a refund and left because we would have had to start the whole process from scratch so we could all eat together, and it wasn’t worth it. I understand if the pub was busy or they had to deal with big tables, but this wasn’t the case. I completely understand mistakes happen, we are all human, but this really smacked of no care at all, which is a real shame and we got no explanation for the poor level of service, not notifying us that they hadn’t got part of the meal or a real apology. The fact you gave us a refund without asking why we wanted one speaks volumes. .Thank you for the full refund, we appreciate that you did that, but we sadly won’t be returning.

Great pub to drink and food is really lovely. Didn’t get a chance to take any pics as was hungry and wolfed it down! The staff are also a great team and make you feel very welcome.

Possibly the worst service I’ve ever had. Hardly anyone in to serve and generally a bunch of early twenty year olds trying to ensure one of their colleagues deals rather than them. Food is average and reflects the lack of investment in decent staff. Communication is poor between the staff. Oddly, I liked the atmosphere as once you do secure a drink and food, the relief is welcome! Locals are good fun.

A good value for money pub. Beer very good and usually somewhere to sit. I had a burger which was good

Wonderful food and the service was brilliant.

Well it’s not often I write a review. I know the white horse like many pubs are struggling with staff shortages and can cause many issues for Managers and staff and most of all customers. Tonight I decided to have a meal. To my delight and to really honest as a regular who has witnessed problems they are getting there act together. I was really impressed to point of this review. Well done to all staff and keep it up . 29/09/22

Great night out with friends. Service was quick and friendly. Prices are reasonable. We love going here. Dan is the guy to turn this pub around

My wife and myself went to "The Horse" with 2 other couples to celebrate a birthday. We picked a table upstairs and sat by the windows where the door was open and allowed a nice draught to come through on a really hot day.We all had starters and mains and a good few drinks.We had a smashing afternoon.Food was spot on and service was really good and friendly. On our way out i asked to speak to the shift manager (Dan) i think just to say thanks.He told me that he and his team are working hard to make The White Horse the social hub for Great Baddow. All i can say is "Go For it" They will definitely be seeing us again.

Stopped by to visit family and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. staff were friendly and welcoming. Nice pub, popular with the regulars it would seem. Food was good, delivered quickly and with no complaints. Would recommend the Mixed Grill and my husband had the ultimate burger which he really enjoyed also. would definitely come back!!

The place was easy to locate, the staff were very welcoming, accommodating and friendly.

Nice car park, big oldy-worldly pub, very clean, food reasonable, lots of potential. Sadly, the service and waiting times let the pub down big-time.

Hunters schzhitsnel (my favourite Hunters chicken) was lovely, great service and kids meals went down well and great prices too. Will be back again, hopefully for the quiz night!

Good food and very friendly staff. Food is good price for what you’re getting.

Dropped in for a catch up with family, the bar was well tended and a really friendly team too! Will be back again to try the food menu next time. Thank you for a welcoming and enjoyable experience.

Okay corporate local. Not a destination pub....

Went to the White Horse Saturday night with friends we sat outside, lovely weather. Then the karaoke started, and we couldn't hear each other speak. Tone deaf singers talk about kill the evening, overpriced drinks for a local pub, a short and a mixer £6.15. No wonder the pub was empty inside! We won't be going back.

Absolutely disgusting service ordered 3 roast beef dinners waited 1hr 30 mins still no food went to find out where it was and hadn’t even started cooking it and nobody could care less no apology or anything. As a regular for the past 5 years every weekend spending about £70 to £100 every weekend it’s disgusting should be ashamed of yourselfs. ( Thankyou to Dan and all the staff for rectifying the misunderstanding excellent response and service from you all

In the true aspirations of the The White Horse concept. Beer is pretty wholesome and affordable too.

The food was outstanding and the service was very good even when they was short staff. We well be back for a meal just two of us next.

Wonderful, atmospheric and clean pub with friendly staff and amazing atmosphere! Food was delicious and served in a timely fashion. Great selection of drafts and other drinks. Would recommend to everyone!

Nice place and atmosphere., nice fire... food is getting better... New chef? My mixed grill last night was nice. Also fun quiz on a Thursday

Great pub, when they have food in, which is not often. The food is good though and the service is great. Very good value menu as well.

Love this place. New management have been great allowing dogs in, where as before could only sit in certain areas. Come here more now allowed with my dogs!! great food and great staff and good tunes on a Friday night.

Brilliant local pub! I have been coming here for years but the new management are great. Lovely meal tonight and I can bring my dog! I have been coming every Friday night with my dog. She LOVES THE WHITE HORE ❤️

Customers at the bar were their priority and waiting tables seemed like a chore they didn't want to be doing. We visited on a weekday evening at 7pm for food. On arrival you have to wait at the bar with all the regulars to find out your table number instead of being greeted and treated pleasantly. What was it they say about first impressions? 2 hours 15 minutes for scampi and chips and a dessert. On the 3 occasions I had to go to the bar to chase our food I was treated with contempt. A catchup with a friend I hadn't seen in a year was ruined. The 'cheesecake' was presented in such a way that the sauce had literally been slopped on the plate, my friends vegan lasagne was burnt to a cinder in one corner. From our table we could smell the disabled toilet and the cigarette smoke. I could go on.....

I live locally and last night was definitely the last time I hope to ever go in this pub! I don’t think I’ve ever had a great experience here. It seems the owners have decided that one of the most common drinks in an a pub is no longer available! I thought gin and tonic was big business but it seems Ember Inns think otherwise they now offer a hideous flavoured flat tonic water from the pump. I had to drink gin and soda awful the staff where very apologetic and said they were fed up with explaining to customers that a pub in England cannot serve tonic water. Well done Embers Inns your so clever thank goodness for the Blue Lion down the road. I’m not sure where any of these reviews come from because I don’t know anybody who thinks the food the drinks the toilets the sticky tables and floor in this pub are good!

Just on the off chance we popped in for little lunch. One does this time of year ! Pleasantly surprised with the new menu, with lots that I fancy. Andrea and Kristy were very polite and fulfilled my small personal requests. After a very satisfying visit and feeling a little tipsy we ventured on. Recommend the steak sandwich and a side of fiery wings..

Quiet as expected at Tuesday lunch time....Great food and happy helpful staff. Now booked a place at quiz night!

Prompt service and very good food served in a timely manner and hot. Compliments to the chef

Has a great day celebrating with family (4 in total). Had lunch, dinner and did the quiz. Kristy went over and above with her knowledge and patience when ordering from the bar.

Great food ,just one complaint, my 93 year old mum who is on a wheelchair had to be lifted up about 5 steps by kind people drinking in the pub and back down again after our meal. Only 1 low table on lower ground which was occupied by an elderly couple, the rest were high tables with stools ,the barmaid who though polite asked if my mum could get on the stools, hardly as in a wheelchair and 93. It was her birthday so we thought we'd wait then couple of strong men offered to lift her and the wheelchair up the steps. Perhaps it's a good idea to move a couple of higher tables up the steps and bring a couple of lower ones down on the lower level to cater for disabled people.

Had a lovely steak for lunch cooked to perfection and a nice chat with the manager. Food came out quickly and service was great.

When we arrived we were surprised how empty it was including no staff to welcome us to the bar. When she did arrive she was not helpful, gave the impression she didn’t care. There was no coffee syrup to make espresso martini. We couldn’t have a tab even though we wanted to eat - because I only brought my mobile. We had to order at the bar when we were ready to order food - there was no one there again. I waited over 5 minutes. We left after we had the drinks we ordered - which was not our first choice as mentioned above. Unwelcoming, uncaring, the most useless customer service and one of the worst experiences of visiting a pub for lunch I have ever had. We will not be going again. We would have spent at least £60-80 depending on how it went. We regretted having a drink and paying £18 for it in preparation for lunch. So bad it was embarrassing. I have already laughed about the experience with my friends. We live in Great Baddow - it wasn’t this bad before. I remember having a nice brunch there - and drinks on another occasion recently. We went to the Blue Lion which was different class even though it was expensive. So good we will be returning regularly and spending £80 like we did on Sunday - it was my birthday. I regretted not going straight to the Blue Lion. If it continues the way it is it will remain empty on a Sunday lunchtime and eventually lose money and close. Sorry.

Lovely little pub, food was great value for money, I had the carbonara while my partner had the steak, steak was cooked to perfection. bar staff were really attentive, friently and chatty. will definitely come again

Lovely little pub, food was great value for money, I had the steak while my partner had the carbonara, steak was cooked exactly to my taste and catered for my allergy with such professionalism. bar staff were really attentive and customer orientated.

Came down for a few drinks on thursday for quiz night. the atmosphere was so lively and the quiz itself was great fun even if we did come last! staff were really friendly and bubbly

Great pub with loads of atmosphere . Sian was very helpful and made us feel at home.

Went to the white horse last night , food was amazing , the atmosphere has definitely improved and the quality of the food was great , can’t wait to go back ,

We had an event at the White Horse last week for our daughter's Christening. The staff were really great; the pub opened at 11am but the manager, Lexi, was on site for us to drop off some balloons and a cake at 9.30am, and let us park in the car park whilst we were at the service. She liaised with us about the buffet and made sure we had everything we needed during the event, including having our cake cut into enough pieces to make sure there was enough for everyone present. We had the Gold Buffet plus tea and coffee, and were really pleased with the food and service. When we booked, the team were also great as they recommended booking the buffet for less people than were attending, and there was plenty of food for everyone, with minimal wastage. Always a lovely pub to come to, we had 3 of the areas booked out for our event. We had a really lovely time, and our guests were very happy. Thank you Lexi and the team!

The food was just about passable All of the fish options were unavailable The food took nearly an hour and a half to come The staff were uninterested in the fact our 3 kids had nothing to eat and were bored out of their minds!