Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Essex
  4. Braintree
  5. Braintree
The House by Hilly Gant, Braintree, Essex

The House by Hilly Gant

4.7
4.7
1193 Reviews
£41 and over
British

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 5 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
We've been serving the people of Braintree and beyond since 2015 and in that time have humbly become ‘one of Essex’s best restaurants.’ We have received recognition from the AA, having been awarded an AA Rosette for ‘culinary excellence’ for five consecutive years, and then in 2023 we received our second rosette, putting the restaurant amongst the top 10 restaurants in Essex. Our food is of course one of our main focuses, but we don’t just stop there. Attentive, relaxed and friendly service is as important as the food and our objective is to make your visit an enjoyably memorable one. Our exceptional wine supplier, Peter Watts Wines (based up the road in Coggeshall) allows us to offer you delicious wines of an exceptional quality. Then add some cocktails, jazz, personality, creativity, a few hidden quirks and we like to think this all culminates to create a truly wonderful experience. Life is about memories; we want to be part of your best ones.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–4:45 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 5:45 pm–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
    01376 345615
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Sam McGee
  • Neighbourhood
    Braintree
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wine

What 1,193 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Essex

    Best Ambience

  • Essex

    Great for brunch

  • Essex

    Innovative

  • Essex

    Healthy

  • Essex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Essex

    Great for fine wines

  • Essex

    Romantic

  • Essex

    Vegetarian-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The House by Hilly Gant is a charming gem in Braintree, known for its "excellent food," "skillfully cooked" dishes, and "attentive" service. Diners praise the "lovely ambience" and "welcoming staff," with standout vegetarian options. While a few service hiccups were noted, the overall experience remains highly recommended for special occasions.

1,193 Reviews
  1. Sally

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a wonderful dinner yesterday at this restaurant. The food was outstanding and so were the staff. We’ll definitely be back. Thanks

    Is this helpful?

  2. Steven

    Essex

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The House by Hilly Gant in Braintree is one of our favourite spots. Harry, Sam, Lee, and the entire team there really go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Every time we visit, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is just right—relaxed but with a special feel. We’ve been there several times now, and every experience has been spot-on. If you’re looking for a place where the food, service, and vibe all hit the mark, this is it. Highly recommend! We’ll see you soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Ian

    London

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent meal last night-everything was absolutely delicious! Loving the new decor and the new menus and of course the lovely staff - led last night by Louise for front of house and Sam, Head Chef, but even though Harry and little Sam were on leave they both ended up popping in too as they can't stay away!! Shows how much they love their work! lan had the Confit Lobster with Crumpet, Radish and Frisée to start, followed by the Pan-Roasted Spiced Duck Breast, Potato Rosti, Glazed Chicory, Artichoke Puree, Fig Jam, Artichoke Crisp and the Burnt Honey & Sea Salt Panna Cotta, Vanilla & Apple Puree, with Honeycomb Tuille for dessert. I had the delicious Caramelised Red Onion Tart, Goats Cheese Mousse and Beetroot, Feta & Harissa Spanakopita, Butternut Squash, Spinach, Spiced Yoghurt, Rocket with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for main and Chocolate Fondant, Pistachio Ice-Cream with Blackberries for dessert. The Pistacio Ice cream was absolutely delicious and the Fondant a perfect texture and not over sweet. Definitely still up there as one of our absolute favourite restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  4. JamieF

    Essex

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great evening and meal at The House. Service excellent as always making us feel valued and welcome as ever. Food on new Autumn menu is varied and superb . The confit lobster and pig cheeks were lovely .

    Is this helpful?

  5. Sarah

    Essex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always such amazing food here, no matter what I’ve chosen I am never disappointed. The setting itself is beautiful and quaint with such friendly staff, nothing is too much trouble and they are always smiling. If I am ever going out for a treat or to celebrate this restaurant is my first choice always.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Krina

    London

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The food up until the dessert was great. We asked the waitress what the dipping sauce was with the pre starter bread to which she responded ‘I don’t know, lots of things chopped up! Dessert we had the spiced apple crumble and custard. Instead we recieved a pot of crunchy apples and packed on powdery topping. When we fed back we were told the apples had been poached. If poached they should be soft to eat. Overall it was a nice place. But I can’t understand how the waitress didn’t know what she was serving. Another table asked what they had been served and she said some green leaves!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Glenn

    Essex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another fabulous meal at The House by Hilly Gant!!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joanne

    Essex

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    We've visited this restaurant several times, for special occasions, so felt confident the food would be of good quality and we weren't disappointed. We like the decor and feel of the place, and the background music was perfect. Unfortunately, we were a little disappointed with the service. There were only 2 staff on duty. The young man seemed inexperienced and avoided any eye contact or converation. The young lady did an adequate job but could have been more attentive. We were left without drinks for some considerable time and had to go to ask for them. We also had to ask for the aperatif glasses and tonic bottles to be removed from the table to make room. A little more attention to detail (and up sellling) would have resulted in more drinks being sold and, perhaps, desserts being ordered.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Barry

    Essex

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been several times this year. The food is good and fresh ingredients. The staff are friendly and welcoming and it has a good atmosphere. I shall continue to go there.
    The House by Hilly GantResponded on November 6, 2024
    Thank you for the review Barry - always nice to see both you & Alison! Take care, Harry.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Miles

    Essex

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this restaurant and now it’s also had a little makeover. We think the paint job inside is great and the new tablecloths and little lights add to the ambience. Not sure about the external paint colour, but as they say ‘it’s what’s inside that counts’ and it certainly does. Some nice additions to the autumn menu and some interesting specials too. Nice pace of service and great to be recognised on previous drink selections too. Lovely food, great service and nice environment for a Thursday night out - well done
    The House by Hilly GantResponded on November 6, 2024
    Thank you Miles, I'm glad you & Maurine had a lovely time with us as usual! Look forward to seeing you again soon, Harry.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The House by Hilly Gant is rated 4.7 stars by 1193 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 5 times today
Google Map for The House by Hilly Gant

34 New Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 1ES

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Braintree
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–4:45 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 5:45 pm–9:15 pm
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Sam McGee
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo