In a delightfully picturesque location in the rural Essex village of Little Dunmow, The Flitch of Bacon has been given a new lease of life by Chef Daniel Clifford, who has been honoured by many awards including two Michelin stars at his lovely Midsummer House restaurant in Cambridge. In January 2018 Tim Allen came onboard as chef-partner of the pub having previously worked with with Clifford at the two-Michelin-star Midsummer House in Cambridge.

The pub is named after a festival dating back to at least the fourteenth century, where married couples must prove to a jury that they have lived together for a year and a day and not regretted it. The winning couple receives a flitch of bacon, which is half a pig.

The derelict whitewashed 16th century Grade II listed building has undergone a sympathetic refurbishment, and the interiors have been completely renovated, whilst retaining where possible the original structures and features. Drinkers congregate around the bar with comfy leather armchairs and a cosy wood burning stove, while diners head for the dining room decked out in a vibrant fuchsia pink. The best seats in the house are towards the left of the pass called the Kitchen's Table, offering two diners the opportunity of interacting with the chefs as they work.

The kitchen sends out an inventive menu using the abundance of seasonal produce from local farmers and producers. Expect dishes along the lines of ballotine of organic salmon, crème fraiche, chives and cucumber or parfait of chicken and duck liver served with orange and onion marmalade and toasted brioche. Main courses move into the realms of a classic French cassoulet, pork, Morteau and Toulouse sauce and white bean or for fish fans there's roast sea bream, brande of salt cold, mussels and wilted lettuce. To finish, the kitchen sends out desserts in the shape of Yorkshire rhubarb posset and stem ginger crumble or coconut cheesecake, passionfruit and mango.

The wine list offers a good selection from all the premier wine-growing regions and for the connoisseur there's a choice of around twenty-five extra special wines. There's also hand pulled cask conditioned beers from Greene King, guest ales from local breweries, draught lagers and Guinness, as well as some unusual spirits. The Flitch of Bacon received a prestigious Michelin star in the 2019 edition of the Restaurant Guide.

The Flitch of Bacon is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens

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Gastro pub / Modern British

Tim Allen

Lunch: 12.00 - 1.30pm Thu-Sat (12.00 - 3.30pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.00pm Wed-Sat

Visa, Master Card

• Alfresco dining
• 35 covers
• Family Friendly

Accomodation is available, (3 rooms)

Private parking is possible at a location nearby