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La Fête du ChampagneCode: PEARL
Modern British Gastro Pub
← Collection
Ongar, United Kingdom

The Dog and Pickle

Dress CodeSmart Casual
ServiceUpscale Casual
NoiseConversational
CapacityMedium

Owned and led by head chef David Smith, known as Chef Dave, who runs the kitchen alongside his team, the gastro pub has earned two AA Rosettes, with the kitchen recognised for maintaining that standard through consistency and attention to detail. Seafood plays a prominent role on the menu, with oysters served natural, baked Rockefeller or in tempura, alongside dishes such as Scottish scallops with parsnip purée and chicken butter sauce, and miso glazed tiger prawns with toasted sesame and lime. Mains balance polished pub classics with more premium plates, ranging from Cumberland sausage and mash and beer battered fish and chips to Brixham Dover sole, Scottish lobster bouillabaisse and dry aged beef cuts cooked to order. Grill and wood fire-led cooking brings depth and richness across the menu. Desserts are handled with equal care, including sticky toffee pudding, pear tarte tatin with gorgonzola ice cream, and a house affogato. It is a pub that combines comfort with technical assurance, delivering food of real substance and consistency.

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Address
The Dog & Pickle, Church Rd, Moreton, Ongar CM5 0LF
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The Dog and Pickle restaurant in Ongar, United Kingdom
About

Owned and led by head chef David Smith, known as Chef Dave, who runs the kitchen alongside his team, the gastro pub has earned two AA Rosettes, with the kitchen recognised for maintaining that standard through consistency and attention to detail. Seafood plays a prominent role on the menu, with oysters served natural, baked Rockefeller or in tempura, alongside dishes such as Scottish scallops with parsnip purée and chicken butter sauce, and miso glazed tiger prawns with toasted sesame and lime. Mains balance polished pub classics with more premium plates, ranging from Cumberland sausage and mash and beer battered fish and chips to Brixham Dover sole, Scottish lobster bouillabaisse and dry aged beef cuts cooked to order.

Grill and wood fire-led cooking brings depth and richness across the menu. Desserts are handled with equal care, including sticky toffee pudding, pear tarte tatin with gorgonzola ice cream, and a house affogato. It is a pub that combines comfort with technical assurance, delivering food of real substance and consistency.

Signature Dishes
  • Beer battered haddock bites
  • Fish & chips
  • Wild seabass
  • Braised lamb shoulder
  • Scottish scallops
  • Half lobster & champagne
The record

Recognition history

Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.

  1. Top 50 Gastropubs 2026 Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs #92

    Top 50 Gastropubs

At a Glance
Vibe
  • Cozy
  • Classic
  • Rustic
  • Sophisticated
Best For
  • Family
  • Group Dining
  • Casual Hangout
  • Special Occasion
  • Date Night
Experience
  • Garden
  • Standalone
Drink Program
  • Beer Program
  • Extensive Wine List
Sourcing
  • Local Sourcing
Views
  • Garden
Dress CodeSmart Casual
Noise LevelConversational
CapacityMedium
Service StyleUpscale Casual
Meal PacingStandard

Award-winning gastro pub atmosphere with a relaxed family feel and fine-dining seasonal food; the venue also offers garden benches and a pergola for outdoor service on weekends.