RestaurantsEssexDedhamCO7

survey result

Summary

£98
 ££££
2
Average
3
Good
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“The delightful setting in Constable Country” makes this famous landmark – opened in 1925 – ideal for “special occasions and memorable meals”, and the beamed interiors are almost a match for the dreamy Dedham Vale location. But the pricey food has too often been judged “average” over many years – critics feel it “doesn’t live up to its reputation or ideal surroundings”.

Summary

£91
 ££££
2
Average
3
Good
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This “beautiful location in the heart of Constable country” (indeed it was painted by the great man) with a terrace next to the River Stour, has hosted a restaurant for 70 years, with “food that has returned to form after a few years of not quite living up to the hype”. There’s a minority view, however, that they still need to “up the food quality” to match the location and prices.

Summary

£90
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

The “stunning riverside setting makes for a very picturesque venue” beside the River Stour, in a half-timbered building with a terrace that can be seen in paintings by Constable. “The food is pretty damn good as well”, which makes it “ideal for a special occasion”. The restaurant celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and its cooking is traditional – even “a little staid” to certain tastes. But sometimes that’s just what is required: “sitting by the river on a sunny day after lockdown eating fresh local asparagus and then lobster was absolutely wonderful!”.

Summary

£84
 ££££
3
Good
3
Good
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

The “superb setting” – a picturesque, half-timbered building by the River Stour complete with riverside terrace, which features in paintings by Constable – helps maintain the allure of this classic, famously romantic destination. However, its large loyal following from Essex and beyond also award its updated traditional cuisine consistently high ratings.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

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Restaurant details

Highchair,Menu,Portions
Yes
34
No dress code
90
Yes

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£18.00 £40.00 £11.50
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £28.50
Filter Coffee £5.00
Extras  
Service 10.00%
Gun Hill, Dedham, CO7 6HP
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Friday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm
Sunday12 pm‑4 pm

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