The Best Pubs
View of Braintree

The Best Pubs
in
Braintree

From historic inns to lively beer gardens, a warm welcome waits for every mood.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Pubs in Braintree

Braintree’s pub scene is a rich tapestry of experiences, from historic inns with real ales and live music to modern sports bars and dog friendly locals. Whether you’re after a hearty Sunday roast, a craft cocktail, or a sunny afternoon in a beer garden with your four legged friend, there’s a welcoming spot for every mood. As a vibrant market town with deep roots in Essex history, Braintree offers a pub culture that blends tradition with a lively, community driven spirit. Come discover why locals and visitors alike keep returning to the best pubs in Braintree.

Filter:
The Bell Inn in Braintree

1. The Bell Inn

37 Kynaston Rd, Panfield, Braintree CM7 5AQ, UK

9.17🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

If you’re after a cracking pub that nails the classic British experience without breaking the bank, The Bell Inn is an absolute gem! From sizzling live music nights to cheering on the match with a pint in hand, there’s always something buzzing—plus the dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it perfect for a sunny session. The menu is packed with hearty, home-cooked portions that are shockingly good value, especially with their senior lunch deals, and the bar stocks everything from a crisp wine list to top-notch cocktails and even alcohol-free gin. Whether you’re gathering a big group for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings or just popping in for a pint after a kickabout on the nearby field, this spot delivers delicious food, friendly service, and a genuinely welcoming vibe every single time.

Photo by Hamish Griffin — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The King William Ⅳ in Braintree

2. The King William Ⅳ

114 London Rd, Braintree CM77 7PU, UK

9.16🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Tucked away with a welcoming, traditional feel, The King William IV is a fantastic spot for a relaxed pint without breaking the bank. With a terrific rotation of local ales, ciders, and a fine selection of wines, there’s something for every taste, all served by genuinely friendly staff. The spacious outdoor seating and dog friendly policy make it a brilliant choice for groups and four legged friends alike, while the live music adds a lively touch to this cozy local gem.

Photo by Robert Edwards — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Welsh Princess in Braintree

3. The Welsh Princess

21 The St, Rayne, Braintree CM77 6RW, UK

9.12🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

For a proper night out that’s got everything from cracking live bands to a roaring sports screen, The Welsh Princess is an absolute find! This friendly local serves up a brilliant range of beers, wines, and cocktails, all at fair prices, and the welcoming buzz makes it just as perfect for a big group catch up as it is for bringing the dog along. The outdoor seating is a real bonus on a sunny evening, and the hearty, homemade food—like a proper lasagne or a gourmet burger—keeps folks coming back again and again. It’s a gem that’s quickly earning its reputation as one of the best pubs around, with a happy, upbeat crowd and a landlord who clearly knows how to get things spot on.

Photo by Trevor Wright — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Retreat in Braintree

4. The Retreat

42 Church St, Bocking, Braintree CM7 5JY, UK

9.12🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Step into a true gem where the spirit of the blues comes alive, a traditional family run pub that feels like a home away from home. With a fantastic selection of cask ales, crisp wines, and hearty roast dinners, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a countryside stroll with your four legged friend. The outdoor seating is ideal for sunny afternoons, while the live music and buzzing quiz nights create a wonderfully social buzz for groups of all sizes. This is a welcoming, dog friendly haven where the food is delicious, the service is warm, and every visit leaves you planning your next one.

Photo by Robert Edwards — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Nags Head in Braintree

5. The Nags Head

8 Market Pl, Braintree CM7 3HG, UK

8.91🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

A proper local boozer that's been given a fresh lease of life, The Nags Head is the kind of place where you can settle in for a decent pint and end up having a brilliant night. The welcoming crowd and friendly team make everyone feel right at home, whether you're here for the live music, to catch the game with mates, or just to enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor patio. It’s a dog friendly haven that works just as well for a big group gathering as it does for a quiet solo visit, with a solid selection of beers and wines to keep the good times rolling.

Photo by Jim Osley — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Fowler's Farm in Braintree

6. The Fowler's Farm

Cressing Rd, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8DH, UK

8.8🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Craving a proper pub meal that hits the spot every time? The Fowler's Farm is a brilliant find for anyone who loves top notch food, from a legendary signature burger to a cracking Sunday roast, all served by a wonderfully welcoming team. With a solid selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a cosy fire for chilly days and plenty of outdoor seating for sunnier ones, it’s a dog friendly haven that’s just as perfect for a big group celebration as it is for a quiet solo lunch. This is the kind of place where the chef's care and the staff's genuine warmth turn a simple meal into something truly special, making it impossible not to plan your next visit.

Photo by Peter Stack — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Swan Public House in Braintree

7. The Swan Public House

1 The St, Rayne, Braintree CM77 6RQ, UK

8.77🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Live music, a huge beer garden, and a friendly welcome for your four legged friend make The Swan Public House an absolute treasure! Whether you’re catching the big game with a pint of beer or a glass of wine in hand, the outdoor seating is perfect for sunny sessions. The food is fantastic value, and the whole team goes above and beyond to ensure every visit feels special, from a relaxed lunch to a private family gathering.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Pub in Braintree

8. The Pub

2 East St, Braintree CM7 3JJ, UK

8.76🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

This is the pub that lives up to its bold name, a proper little boozer where the welcome is as warm as the selection of ales, wines, and cocktails is impressive. With live music, plenty of outdoor seating, and a big screen for the big game, it’s an absolute gem for a group of mates or a laid back afternoon with your four legged friend. The friendly staff and inviting space make every visit feel like a celebration, all at a price that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Bell in Braintree

9. The Bell

Mountbatten Rd, Braintree CM7 9UL, UK

8.72🌿 Outdoor seating

Fresh off a brilliant takeover, The Bell is already buzzing with the kind of energy that makes a great local truly special. The beer is crisp and perfectly poured, the whole place is spotless and inviting, and there’s a genuine warmth that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. With a fantastic function room for big gatherings, plenty of outdoor seating, and a lineup of events that promises plenty of fun, this is the perfect spot to gather a group and enjoy a proper pint. You won’t find a more accommodating or well stocked pub anywhere, and it’s clear this place is only going to get better.

Boars Head in Braintree

10. Boars Head

85-87 High St, Braintree CM7 1JS, UK

8.58🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Head straight to The Boars Head for a brilliant mix of live music, cold pints, and a lively crowd that knows how to have a good time! Whether you're cheering on the big match, sipping a slushy cocktail in the outdoor seating area, or dancing the night away to fantastic bands, this friendly local delivers every single time. It's a dog friendly haven that's perfect for groups, with a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails that keeps everyone happy from lunchtime right through to the late hours.

Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons