About Us
Robert Ely
“one of the top restaurants in Essex”
“The moment you step into our restaurant, we want you to feel part of something special. We want you to experience and embrace what we are. We want you to be surprised at the riches this little unassuming restaurant has to offer.
Life is about memories; we want to be part of your best ones.”
-- Co-Owner
Antoine Dixon–Bellot
“Our commitment”
“Every dish we serve is a reflection of our passion, culture, and commitment to creating moments that people remember long after the meal is over.”
-- Co-Owner
About Us
We are a quaint restaurant situated unassumingly on New Street, adjacent to Hilly Gant (a small passageway linking New Street & St Michaels Lane).
We have 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 received their second rosette, putting the restaurant amongst the top 10 restaurants in Essex.
We do not claim to be anything more than a good independent restaurant, committed to sourcing quality produce and always looking to support our local economy.
Our food is of course one of our main focuses, but we don’t just stop there. The 18th Century grade ll listed building provides us with a wonderful space and an interesting setting for you to come and dine. 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.
2 AA Rosette
In the United Kingdom, a 2-star rosette restaurant refers to a dining establishment that has been awarded two AA Rosettes by the Automobile Association (AA), one of the country’s most respected hospitality rating bodies. The AA Rosette scheme is separate from the Michelin star system and is specifically focused on the quality of food served in restaurants and hotels across the UK.
What does a 2 AA Rosette rating mean?
A 2-rosette award indicates that the restaurant is achieving high standards of cooking and demonstrates greater precision, consistency, and flair than those with a single rosette. According to the AA’s own description:
“Two Rosettes: Excellent restaurants that aim for and achieve higher standards and better consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there is evident attention to the selection and treatment of quality ingredients.”
Key characteristics of a 2 AA Rosette restaurant:
Well-executed dishes with clear technical competence
Consistency across the menu, indicating that the kitchen can deliver at a solid level throughout service
Considered presentation, though it may not be highly artistic
Often a step above gastropubs or casual dining venues, but not quite at the level of fine dining establishments that earn three or more rosettes
Seasonal and local produce tends to be well-utilised, showcasing thoughtful ingredient sourcing
Only about 40% of the restaurants reviewed by the AA achieve two rosettes or higher, so it is seen as a mark of distinction that reflects both reliability and quality.
Would you like to know how this compares to Michelin stars or higher Rosette levels?
SAM McGEE
Head Chef
GRACE
Chef De Partie
GRACE
Chef De Partie
Grace joined the restaurant in 2020 as a Commis Chef. Grace showed immediate promise with her willingness to learn and attention to detail. Grace was then promoted to CDP, and has become a key figure in the kitchen and instrumental in supporting us achieve our second rosette.
JORDANE
Events Co-ordinator
JJ
Restaurant Manager
About Us
We are a quaint restaurant situated unassumingly on New Street, adjacent to Hilly Gant (a small passageway linking New Street & St Michaels Lane).
We have 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 received their second rosette, putting the restaurant amongst the top 10 restaurants in Essex.
We do not claim to be anything more than a good independent restaurant, committed to sourcing quality produce and always looking to support our local economy.
Our food is of course one of our main focuses, but we don’t just stop there. The 18th Century grade ll listed building provides us with a wonderful space and an interesting setting for you to come and dine. 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.
34 New Street
Braintree
CM7 1ES
The art of Excellence
Staff Wanted
At The House by Hilly Gant we are continually looking for good staff, both Front of House and Kitchen. If you feel you have what it takes to join an ambitious, highly motivated team please get in touch.
