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Hours
Sun
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Mon
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Tue
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Wed
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Fri
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sat
9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Gastropub, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
About
Modern village pub with an excellent restaurant serving fresh homemade food 5 days a week between 9-9 wed-saturday, 9-6.30pm on Sundays. These delicious dishes are created by our team of talented young chefs led by Steve Bass. We serve a selection of real ales, lagers and ciders. Delicious wines, cocktails, champagne, copious spirits and non alcoholic beverages. Set in the picturesque, historic village of Blackmore. We are in the heart of the Essex countryside between Brentwood, Ongar and Chelmsford. Very popular area with walkers, dog lovers and cyclists. Open all day for fresh, cooked to order Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Our comprehensive menus are available for preorder takeaways 7 days a week. Phone and book a table in our walled garden, indoors in the restaurant or a delicious takeaway. We have gift vouchers for friends/family. Heated, undercover outdoor dining areas that are prebookable for parties, unlimited Prosecco, wedding breakfasts, wakes etc. Call to enquire.
CUISINES
Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
5.0
249 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
24
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Steve C
Borough of Brentwood2 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Recently visited this fine establishment for a Sunday afternoon roast.
Our booking was for 6 adults and 2 dogs and after a 6 mile dog walk we were looking forward to some good food and hospitality, The Leather Bottle did not disappoint. We were shown to our table (the banquette overlooking the green) and had plenty of room. Although we were part of the pub we felt the area gave us some privacy to chat.
The drinks order was quickly taken and cheerfully delivered with pleasant and attentive staff.. After some hesitation on my part we all plumped for the turkey roast as I did not wish to have food envy with my fellow diners.
What a delightful meal and thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. The food arrived swiftly and was well presented.
Everything was cooked just right with moist meat, crispy roast potato's plenty of seasonal vegetables..... just the way a roast should be. Extra gravy and cranberry sauce was supplied with a cheerful smile and again credit to the waiting staff as nothing was too much trouble. Overall very impressed with our experience at the leather Bottle and would thoroughly recommend it
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Many thanks for your ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. We really appreciate your feedback. Our staff work really hard to maintain our reputation of great food and welcoming hospitality.
Written September 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AMJB2010
Blackmore18 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
My wife and I frequently visit the Leather Bottle in Blackmore and have had many pleasant lunches and in the past drink with friends however Sunday lunch this week was exceptional. We booked in for 3 O'clock and observed the current legal requirements as we entered an took our seats in the glorious garden room which is the perfect spot to have lunch or to book a family get together, our waitress was polite and very 'on the ball', checking us every ten minutes or so to see if we needed further drinks or anything else. We both ordered the dressed crab for starters and I can honestly say this was the best dressed crab I have ever tried, no comparison whatsoever, definitely will be having that again. We then had the Bottle burger and the Harissa chicken burger, which were promptly served, we were both extremely satisfied and after our meal sat and had a further couple of drinks in this lovely environment. 5 stars for our lovely Sunday afternoon, great service, good food and a very comfortable and safe environment, well done LB.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaJDT
Thank you so much. We are really happy that you had a great time. It really means a lot to us to read such encouraging comments.
Written September 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah
Essex5 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Went for Sunday roast with our two young children. Had a lovely meal, the food was lovely. It was busy (but service still very good) and quite noisy (purely from being so busy) but that suited us perfectly as any noise our children made didn’t seem out of place. Great for family get together or meals. Food was lovely, only minor point was the roast chicken had pepper on which I found lovely but my (albeit fussy) five year old did not like.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaJDT
Thank you for your review Sarah. We are fully booked most sundays and that gives the whole pub a warm buzz. Hannah and her staff team work hard to ensure everyone has a delicious meal and maintain a consistent, efficient service. Please mention in future any dietary changes you might need as you place your order. Dean, the head chef cooks everything from scratch and can usually accommodate most fussy eaters and dietary changes to his comprehensive menus. Looking forward to serving you again and achieving the fifth star from you.
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lighty83
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
My fiance and I thought to try this restaurant as heard lots of good thing so we booked a table for 4pm on a Sunday and looked forward to our visit.
Restaurant was easy to find and parking was no problem.
As soon as we walked into the restaurant area we were met by a member of staff. My fiance gave the booking name and the staff member pointed to our table but asked us "would you mind ordering quickly please as the kitchen shuts soon". Unfortunately from that moment we felt quite rushed from then on. The staff were friendly enough but we did feel a bit like we were putting them out a bit and so it spoilt the experience unfortunately.
If the kitchen closes at 5pm and you're still accepting bookings up until near that time then I don't think it's wise to ask customers to hurry up ordering. It can come across a little rude and unwelcoming. Like us, it placed a negative on our visit despite the food being amazing. Unfortunately we won't be returning and feel the restaurant should work on this.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyK805
We are so sorry you had a bad experience at our restaurant and will look into it. I am quite shocked that you felt that our staff were less than welcoming and encouraging you to rush. As this is your first ever review on Trip Adviser, I wonder if you are used to eating out. Our staff have never been accused of being a little rude before. In fact quite the opposite. Iit is such a shame that you will not be returning, as you found the food amazing. Thank you for that comment.
Written January 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam W
4 contributions
Dec 2020 • family
We had a really lovely meal for my Father in law’s 75th birthday. The food was delicious, portions generous and reasonably priced. No one had any complaints at all. My restrictive dietary requirements meant I had to preorder my food and the pub was helpful and more than accommodating. They bought specific ingredients for me and made the whole process pain free. Our waitress was called Kelly who was friendly, knowledgeable and made a tier 2 experience enjoyable for everyone.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lin
Thank you Sam. We really appreciate your positive feedback. Looking forward to serving you again soon.
Written December 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katy B
London12 contributions
May 2020 • none
Had the most beautiful Roast Beef Sunday lunch take-away from the Leather Bottle last weekend. I've been dying for a roast, I live alone so can never be bothered to cook a roast just for myself! The beef was so beautiful it literally melted in my mouth, crispy roast potatoes and lovely fresh veg. Also came with a cute little pot of horseradish sauce and a huge pot of gravy on the side. VERY IMPRESSED and will be ordering a lovely take-away Sunday lunch again this week
Written May 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaJDT
Thank you Katy. Your positive comments are really appreciated by all of the staff at the Leather Bottle.
Written July 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ru213
Essex16 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Delicious pan cooked haddock and perfectly poached eggs. Chef was pleased to tailor the food on his menu to suit our diet, the waitress was jolly and looked smart.
Excellent food and speedy service, perfect for a quick lunch.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaJDT
Thank you so much for 5 stars and your positive comments. It is so encouraging for all the staff to hear such nice things. We look forward to serving you again soon. Perhaps for breakfast?
Written October 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucym1978
Shrewsbury10 contributions
May 2021 • friends
Enjoyed an absolutely faultless meal here this evening.
We all opted for starters as frankly they were too good to turn down, opting for the calamari, potted crab and the ribs. The fish dishes were light, fresh, and seasoned to perfection, and the ribs fell off the bone.
Moving onto mains the steak was cooked to perfection, no steak knife was needed as it was melt in the mouth. The salmon was equally delicious, we swapped the new potatoes for the triple cooked chips which were as good as they sound! The jerk chicken burger was incredibly fresh and non greasy.
We weren’t sure if we had took for desserts but could resist sharing the trip of desserts platter which really topped off the meal beautifully.
Added to the above the staff were incredibly attentive and really made the atmosphere special.
This is a great relaxed venue that would be perfect for a drink but equally the food is some of the best I’ve had locally. Couldn’t fault it at all and can’t wait to return.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Thank you for your five star review. Your feedback is really appreciated by the team. We have a fabulous team led by Hannah who work hard to make everyone’s dining experience as enjoyable as possible. The chef team, led by Steve Bass are dedicated and this shows in their amazing dishes. I recommend trying a Friday or Saturday night... the specials are so delicious. We are looking forward to serving you again soon.
Written May 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Twonetti123
London85 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
On the evening of Halloween my partner and I took my son out for a meal to compensate for the lack of Halloween parties, not that my son was at all bothered about attending such a party… The same could not be said for myself!
I have always enjoyed Halloween, probably due to a combination of my fascination with the horror genre and my love of fantasy and fancy dress. The meal was an excuse for me to wear some devil horns and let my hair down for a couple of hours, after a weekend of trying to engage my son in seasonal arts, crafts and baking (with varying degrees of success).
I wanted to try somewhere new and my partner is good at finding above-par eateries, so I left it to him. As always, he did not disappoint!
The exterior of the pub is quaint, with a small outdoor seating area (it was cold and dark by the time we arrived, so I did not go hunting for an outdoor area at the back).
The inside has some lovely rustic decoration, with an air of humour; interspersed among the many antler/stag-themed items, was a metallic pig’s bottom mounted on the wall.
The restaurant/pub is cozy, and the atmosphere felt apt for a dark autumn evening.
They were very busy, yet still we were served in good time.
We ordered a nice bottle of red wine (my partner selected it, I forget the name) and a starter of dipping bread. I only sampled a small piece of the bread, as I didn’t want to ruin my main course, but my partner and son soon polished it off.
I had the mushroom tortellini, and was relieved that I hardly touched our shared starter; the portion was incredibly generous. What I couldn’t finish at the restaurant was thoroughly enjoyed as a snack before bed!
My son had the beer-battered haddock. When I asked him if he enjoyed it all I got in response was a nod, but as he ate all of the fish and most of the chips and mushy peas I can safely say it was good meal (he often leaves chips, potatoes, etc. to save room for dessert or anticipated sweet treats at home).
My partner had a roast meat and vegetable dish, which he cleared with gusto!
The service was excellent; staff were attentive and friendly and took the time to chat with us once we finished our meal.
Overall this was a lovely meal in a lovely location that is perfect for cozy autumn and winter evenings. With an interesting, rustic decor, good food and great service, it comes highly recommended!
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Thank you for your review. We’re so pleased you enjoyed your dining experience with us. We do have a large marquee in our walled garden at the rear which is heated and welcoming… wrap up warm! The Christmas Decorations are up, fire lit and we’re ready for the seasonal menu and Christmas tables starting next week. Looking forward to serving your family again.,, we pride ourselves on our excellent food and great customer service.
Written November 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bridgeman918
Romford19 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Since lockdown ended we have been going out for lunch most weeks, we went into the Leather Bottle which was not busy and waited almost an hour to be served our meals. I ordered the pie and mash and was served with a mince meat pie in a bowl with gravy with no veg, my wife had a korean chicken burger which was so dry. Try the pub across the road when they get a chef.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Thank you for taking the trouble to leave us a measly 2 star review. Your pie, mash and liquor was a traditional pie, served in a traditional way and made by Maureens of Poplar… a traditional pie n mash establishment in London. The Korean burger is a breast of chicken in a brioche bun, freshly cooked to order but without a dressing , had you asked for more sauce when your server asked how your meals were we would happily have obliged and sorted any of these issues for you. Due to staff shortages we may not appear to be fully booked but we are at full capacity… I’m sure you understand the difference. We are very busy in the garden as people are still wary of Covid and we have lovely outdoor seating arrangements. We pride ourselves on our excellent food and warm hospitality as our genuine reviews show.
Written August 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lex2006
56 contributions
May 2022 • friends
We hired the garden room for a birthday and were able to decorate it and keep a cake in the kitchen to be sent out later.
The area is at the back of the pub garden and provides different seating areas and allows for your party to socialise and mingle. We were able to connect to the Bluetooth and played our music and it felt like we weren’t disturbing the other customers in the garden and vice versa.
Julie our waitress was very attentive and helpful and the buffet food was very tasty.
I’d highly recommend this area for an event and being covered, you’re protected from the British rain!
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Thompson
Thank you for your review. We try our utmost to ensure every guest celebrating with us has the best experience we can provide. Looking forward to hosting your next events.
Written March 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Char
Chipping Ongar173 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
The pub is very nice looking in the bar area, and young guy behind bar was very friendly. We went to our restaurant table and waited about 20 minutes to order. A good choice on the menu, however we waited about 40 minutes for our starters to arrive. A bit of a wait for our mains too. Food was very tasty, waiter was over enthusiastic about everything he brought us . Fair prices for food. Would visit again for the food but service way too slow on a Monday night.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
We appreciate your feedback. Really pleased you like our pub and our tasty food. As soon as we are fully staffed again soon our service will be back to our usual attentive, efficient standard. We were unexpectedly busy for a Monday evening with lots of walk-in customers we couldn’t have planned for. We shall aim for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️next visit.
Written August 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rahmaslin
Ipswich12 contributions
Apr 2021 • friends
I visited today for a bite to eat with a friend. We hadn’t booked and took the gamble there’d be somewhere available. Luckily we were able to sit in a sunny spot of the garden. We were greeted by a friendly member of staff who promptly took our drinks order and came back for our meal choices. I was pleasantly surprised at the wide range of meals available to cater for all. Lots of light bites as well as mains.
The food was cooked quickly and came out piping hot and fresh. I’ve never had onion rings like it!
I’ll definitely be returning without a car to sample the extensive gins on offer!
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Thank you for your kind review. We are really pleased your visit with us was so enjoyable. Our legendary onion rings are such a popular choice. Looking forward to welcoming you to a gin experience....The cocktails are worth trying too.
Written April 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
judybiggie321
Brisley21 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Our son got married to his beautiful Alex last Friday. The Leather Bottle was just perfect in every way, from the moment we arrived to the end of the evening. Nothing was too much trouble, the staff were attentive throughout the whole day, attending to every request no matter how small. The food was stunning from the nibbles, sharing boards, pie and mash (delicious) and wonderful desserts to the drinks being served throughout, a glass was never empty for long. It was decorated beautifully and cleared up discreetly throughout the day. Can't wait to return for a meal very, very soon. Thank you team for helping make our two families come together in a beautiful and perfect way x
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
Thank you Judy for your glowing review. It was our pleasure to host your family’s wedding at the LB We are looking forward to seeing the photos of the beautiful couple.
Written July 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AMJB2010
Blackmore18 contributions
May 2021 • none
Our daughter stayed with us this weekend and we booked a table for dinner in the LB for Friday night. We were warmly greeted on arrival by the same lady who looked after us all night, Kelly. She showed us to our table and took drinks orders straight away. We ordered starters and mains, we had two garlic bread starters and a buffalo cauliflower, all of which were excellent followed by the largest piece of Haddock I have even seen, it covered half the plate. Our daughter had the Cajun chicken burger and my wife had the Salmon. The food came up quickly, steaming hot and was 5 star quality. Kelly checked on us several times to make sure we had everything we needed, it's refreshing to have such great service on top of quality food. Highly recommended, I also hope the chef and his team get to read this is they deserve the highest of praise as well.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linniessex
We are really pleased to read that you enjoyed your dining experience with us. Our chefs and front of house team work really hard to offer delicious, high quality meals with attentive service. The team read our reviews and are pleased to have a personal mention from our customers. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Written May 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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