Harden's says
One of the oldest pubs in Essex, The Green Man, by the river Chelmer, has been lovingly restored by local lads Chris and Jeff Galvin. The menu focuses on classic pub dishes made with local ingredients. Craft ales are also a feature.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The Galvins’ rural outpost” – on home turf for the Essex-born-and-bred chef brothers – is much commented-on: a “great gastropub deep in the countryside”, where it’s “an oasis in an area with very little in the way of good eating”. The “smartly decorated” fourteenth-century venue is “well worth the trip” for its “consistently excellent food”, “special atmosphere” and “lovely views over an extensive garden”.
Summary
“Highly recommend for a slice of London in the heart of Essex” – the Galvin brothers’ “large gastropub” (dating from the 14th century) “in a lovely Essex village” is one of the most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll. And it draws fans from across the county as well as from ‘The Smoke’ for a run-out. One “splendid lunch” included “torched mackerel fillet, a top burger, lovely wood-roasted skate wing in beurre noisette, lemon posset”, typifying the kind of superior “everyday” food that secures its fanbase, and staff who are “always friendly and helpful” is another recurring theme. Top Tip – for parents, there’s a big garden with a play area.
Summary
Acclaimed in September 2021 as the best pub in the UK by the National Pub & Bar Awards, the Galvin brothers’ converted fourteenth-century pub “in the middle of the Essex countryside” inspired nothing but enthusiastic feedback this year. Unlike at some pubs run by top chefs, “there is something for everyone on the menu here” – “delicious food, well above the usual standard you would expect for what is essentially a country pub”; and “staff are very kind and thoughtful”. “The restaurant area is bright, airy and well decorated” (a bit “brash” for the odd reporter), “and the bar area is cosy. There is also a lovely big garden outside with a play area for kids”.
Summary
The Galvin brothers’ “very busy” fourteenth-century pub out in rural Essex – with glazed dining area attached – is particularly “good if the weather’s nice and you can sit outside” but inside can become “too noisy due to the lack of sound-deadening furnishings”. All reports, though, agree the cooking is “superb”. “There is always something going on, and one of their excellent regular events is a monthly food book club, featuring guest chefs”.
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).
Have you eaten at Galvin Green Man?
Howe St, Great Waltham, CM3 1BG
Restaurant details
Galvin Green Man Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We visited last week for lunch and it was delicious. The Monkfish was excellent and the service as always was very good indeed.At the end of the meal we opened the envelope we had been given when we visited in December and we received 25% off our food bill as we had dined in January,which was good.We would have gone anyway as the industry needs support in the quieter months."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £9.00 | £20.30 | £8.75 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.25 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Howe St, Great Waltham, CM3 1BG
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑8 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑5 pm |
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