Casual fine dining restaurant with bar on the ground floor. Cosy oyster and cocktail bar is perfect way to start your evening with us. Attentive service, warm welcome
We are the oldest alehouse in the town and is said to have been an Ongar landmark since 1580. The earliest written evidence we have found is from 1766 when it was purchased from Richard Bennett. The deed of sale lists several buildings and outhouses, including a brewhouse as alehouses often did their own brewing at that time. In 1863, the Post Office Directory shows ownership had passed to Francis Starkey.
C S Gray & Sons took over the lease in 1872, enlarged and improved the building, and agreed to purchase the property for £600 on Francis Starkey's death in 1884. The appearance of the building suggests that it dates from the 19th Century but this could of course conceal an earlier building. We are delighted to be working alongside Gray & Sons. Established in 1828, this family business owns 50 public houses across the County of Essex.
Jack Bell trained as a chef in Cornwall and, after moving to Ongar to work at Smiths Restaurant, fell in love with the town. After managing Alec’s Restaurant for over eight years, he is delighted to be back in Ongar. However, Jack’s family's history with food started over 5 generations ago with ownership of wet & cured fish shops and a delivery service by horse and cart throughout the Yorkshire Dales. The business was already well established by 1890, centred in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Pictures of the Bell family can been seen around the restaurant - keeping a watchful eye on him.
Our dynamic team aim to bring together the true pub values of great beer and entertainment alongside a modern dining experience. You will find West End style food and British pub classics next to each other on our seasonal menu.
We are passionate about using locally-sourced ingredients that have travelled only a few miles. These include locally reared, rare breed, pork & chicken, cheeses, honey, wine & vegetables.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
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