The Galvin Green Man is A Hidden Gem in Idyllic Essex

When you imagine the quintessential British town or village outside of London, several staples potentially come to mind. A close knit community, a village shop and school, and possibly the most common conceptualisation – a pub. For many, the local pub is a hub of community, the pulse that keeps the population going. For others, it is a welcome escape from the bustle of city life and the search for a local spot that adheres to the very essence of British pub culture is a necessity. Luckily, only a 30 minute train journey from London Liverpool Street resides the exact embodiment of a classic pub. Nestled comfortably at the edge of a picturesque suburb in Great Waltham, moments outside of Chelmsford, sits the Galvin Green Man, one of three restaurants owned by the Michelin starred Galvin brothers, Chris and Jeff. 

Homecoming and community building are at the heart of the Galvin Green Man’s story. Born and raised in Essex, the Galvin brothers left their home county in pursuit of culinary excellence, gaining their Michelin stars at Orrery and L’Escargot respectively. Building a repertoire of Mediterranean and French bourgeois cuisine, the duo’s homecoming has meant a return to the classics of British pub dining with their own unique flair. Upon their return, they set their eyes on channeling their experiences into the Green Man pub that resided just 12 miles away from where they grew up. Built in 1341, The Green Man acted as a halfway rest stop for the local community to recuperate during their busy days and travels. In its current form, it is easy to call this history to mind as the essence of the building with its exposed beams and the two red-brick fireplaces are central to the restaurant. 

As it artfully balances modernity and history so it combines the airy open space of the restaurant with the coziness of the pub. The restaurant is flooded with light through the skylight windows and bright open space with a doorway to the expansive gardens outside. In contrast, the pub features closely set tables and a dimmer, intimate environment, encouraging communal conversation and comfort. Yet, this duality is an expression of harmony rather than division between both sections, making the building itself an iteration of the Galvin brother’s mission. Right outside is a large garden, perfect for young children to run around or for guests to sit and watch the late summer sun set in the unobscured horizon. 

Sat at the cusp of the countryside, it’s no wonder that the restaurant’s menu flows with the passage of the seasons. Hearty and comforting in the winter and light and vibrant in the summer, the Galvin Green Man boasts thoughtfully crafted dishes throughout the year. Contemporaneously with the heat of this summer, the restaurant offers their annual Taste of Summer menu featuring seasonal ingredients generously priced at £19.50 for two courses and £23.50 for three. Their A La Carte and Bib Gourmand menus also boast seasonal freshness while prioritising locality and affordability in their ingredients. Communal familiarity is invoked in each part of the dining experience, contributing to the familial atmosphere that the restaurant works hard to maintain. Their consciousness of seasonal dining is yet another example of their understanding of the community’s history, sourcing their ingredients locally and cooking in tune with nature as they would have when the pub was first built. 

Communal connection between staff members and guests are as much a part of the atmosphere as the history of the Green Man. Guests are ensured a welcoming and friendly

service across the board, with attentive waiters that hold extensive knowledge of the menu and the stories behind the restaurant. This is unsurprising considering the longstanding relationships that are fundamental to the Galvin journey. General Manager Steven Drewery mentioned the over two decade long professional friendship with the brothers that had brought him to Essex. 

As with any pub, their Sunday roast is the pride and joy of the Galvin Green Man. Our visit was on a quiet weekday, just before the rush of dinner service, yet there were whispers that we had to come back on a Sunday for the fullest experience. Stories of the pub being full of laughter and conversation between patrons and staff make it clear that this is the highlight of the week. Despite not being there, after such an impressive experience, it is easy to imagine the joys of the Galvin Green Man at its fullest capacity. After experiencing the hospitality of mid-week dining in the restaurant, we recommend seeing if the rumours about the Sunday roast are true too. So, if you love classic British pub and beautiful restaurant hybrid at an affordable price the Galvin Green Man is definitely at the top of the list. And if you do decide to visit, stop to visit the free community library and borrow a book.