Nestled in the tranquil Essex countryside lies a quiet village with a gastropub that’s become a magnet for celebrities. Moreton, located in Epping Forest between Harlow and Chipping Ongar, is a close-knit community boasting a church, a well-regarded school, and a village hall.
The village is home to two pubs, The White Hart and The Dog and Pickle. The latter, a 16th-century establishment previously known as the Nags Head and the Moreton Massey, has earned a reputation for attracting a star-studded clientele, including Dani Dyer, Jarrod Bowen, and even Sir Rod Stewart.
Restaurant guide Harden’s, which bases its recommendations on diner reviews, rates The Dog and Pickle as ‘good’. It describes the pub’s fare as “Off-the-chart pub food” ranging from standard classics and “excellent roasts” to “fantastic, restaurant-style” European dishes making this 500-year-old Essex village boozer an appealing option for both locals and visitors.
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In September 2022, West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and his partner, former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, were seen enjoying a meal at the pub. The couple praised the establishment for its food, with Dani captioning her Instagram post of their visit with “Sundays” and two heart emojis. Dani and Jarrod are not the only famous faces to have graced the pub.
TV presenter and actress Denise van Outen is a regular patron, while Frankie Essex, sister of Joey Essex, is also fond of the Ongar pub The venue has also welcomed legendary musician Rod Stewart who stopped by and posed with staff in a photo that made its way onto the pub’s Instagram. Adding to its allure for gatherings, The Dog and Pickle has also held events hosted by football manager legend Harry Redknapp.
Praising their experience, one customer said: “Service was great, food wasn’t cheap but what we had was great. Possibly too big the portions as I struggled to tuck it all away! I just kept enough room to polish it off with rhubarb and custard though. Would I recommend The Dog and Pickle… absolutely.”
Another satisfied diner wrote: “Absolutely incredible. The best meal out I’ve had in years. Every single detail was spot on – the staff and customer service are as outstanding as the food and the drinks. I highly recommend you visit. Want to go back already.” Another happy customer shared: “Fantastic food and lovely staff all very friendly and made for a special meal.