Review: Old Essex Barn in Kelvedon offers 'best roast dinner in Essex'

A roast on a Sunday is a core part of my week, so I was excited to try out a new restaurant which promised me “the best roast dinner in Essex” when I contacted them to book a table.

Old Essex Barn opened in Kelvedon earlier this year and makes bold claims about the quality of its grub.

A friend and I grabbed a table at the restaurant in Cranes Lane on a Sunday afternoon and were excited to see what all the fuss was about.

Cosy - Old Essex Barn has a stunning interior (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

We were instantly made to feel welcome by the restaurant’s extremely friendly staff. As we sat down, we caught a glimpse of another table’s order which only made us more excited for what was to come.

The Sunday menu boasted some delicious options across the board which were delivered to our table quickly.

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After sharing some tasty chicken wings, we moved on to the main event – the roast.

Diners have a choice of four options – a striploin of beef, pork belly, roast chicken, or a medley if you’re indecisive like me.

Delicious - I loved my roast dinner (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

The food was beautifully presented and tasted even better than I imagined. Nothing beats a homecooked roast in my opinion, but as far as restaurant offerings go I think I agree this was the best I’d ever had.

The potatoes struck the perfect balance of crispness and fluffiness, the Yorkshire puddings were perfect, and the selection of vegetables was perfect.

At £27 for the medley, it’s not a cheap dinner. But the restaurant is nestled away in cosy, picturesque grounds and the quality is top-tier, so it’s definitely worth it as a treat.

Dessert was equally delicious, too. I picked a chocolate brownie sundae and my friend went for a sticky toffee pudding, both of which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Sweet - I ordered a chocolate brownie sundae and my friend opted for a sticky toffee pudding (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

So did the roast dinner at Old Essex Barn live up to its claim of being the best in Essex?

Honestly, I think so. I’ve had some very disappointing roast dinners out and about in my time, but this hidden gem was worlds apart.

It’s a pricey choice, but I’ll definitely be back.