Tucked away in the rural Essex countryside not far from Chelmsford, The Windmill in Chatham Green is a charming Michelin guide restaurant with an exquisite modern British menu and a cosy and relaxed pub atmosphere. It’s a short but refined menu of hearty but refined dishes, which changes to reflect the seasons and make use of the highest quality ingredients. Whether it’s a special celebration with family, a romantic dinner, or a simple trip to the bar, The Windmill can make an impact every time.
Set within a windmill site that dates back to 1829, the dining room occupies the adjacent cottage. The characterful interiors feature a blend of contemporary and traditional design elements with exposed beams and brickwork, antique tables and a warm colour palette. It’s the kind of environment conducive to big flavours. At the helm of the kitchen is Tom Clarke, whose Michelin star-studded career spans restaurants in England and France from Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons to L’Ortolan. His cookery, always beautifully presented, is known for its creativity and commitment to quality.
Starters have included a whipped goat cheese mousse with heritage tomatoes, steak tartare with kimchi, and sesame-crusted tuna with fennel and coriander wasabi. For the main course, the a la carte menu has included an expertly cooked roast pork loin with peach and chorizo, cod fillets with pak choi and Thai nage, and courgette flowers with ricotta.
Just be sure to save space for desserts like a dark chocolate cremeux with cherry and rose. You’ll also find a five-course tasting menu available for pre-booking, served at both lunch and dinner, along with a set lunch menu with all the house favourites and seasonal specials. The drinks menu is similarly impressive, showcasing a diverse selection of wines and unique cocktails that incorporate local ingredients.