Village pub & restaurant in Great Bentley, Essex
On the greensince 1825.
Built in the fourteenth century and a pub for two hundred years, The Plough sits on the edge of Great Bentley’s famous green. Proper British food, real ales and a warm welcome, every day of the week.
Live music, quiz and bingo nights in Great Bentley
What’s on at the Plough
Every month there’s live music, quiz nights and regular karaoke, plus tribute acts with a themed menu. Book ahead for the big nights.
Latest news on FacebookFri23Oct
Mediterranean menu with a Whitney Houston tribute
Sat31Oct
Kids' Halloween party with DJ Lee Lyrix
Sat31Oct
Adults’ Halloween night with DJ Lee Lyrix
Tue3Nov
Bingo night
Sun8Nov
Remembrance Sunday breakfast
Mon9Nov
Quiz night
A historic village pub on Great Bentley green
Two hundred years at the Plough
The building went up in the fourteenth century. Edmund Almond opened it as a pub in 1825, and through many owners and landlords since, it has stayed at the centre of the village.
Dee’s Group took it on in November 2018 and refurbished it straight away. Since then the walls, beams and doors have been painted green, the garden rebuilt with decking and a water feature, and a covered extension added at the back.
Read our story- Opened as a pub by Edmund Almond
- 1825
- Opened as a pub by Edmund Almond
- Best Pub in Essex, Essex Eats Awards
- 2024 & 2025
- Best Pub in Essex, Essex Eats Awards
- From 245 reviews on Tripadvisor
- 4.2 of 5
- From 245 reviews on Tripadvisor
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice
- 2026
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice
What guests say about the Plough
“We found this place completely by chance and it has very quickly became one of our favourites. The staff are genuinely lovely and welcoming, and the food is consistently amazing.”
“The best Sunday roast I’ve had in years. Great quality hot food and plenty of it.”
“Had a fabulous meal today. Food excellent and Joel our waiter absolutely great.”
“Visited this pub twice while on holiday in East Anglia. The food on both occasions was first class. The pub has a charming old world feel.”
Opening hours and directions, Plough Road, Great Bentley
A warm welcome, seven days a week.
Bar
- Sunday to Thursday
- 12 noon – 10pm
- Friday and Saturday
- 12 noon – midnight
Food
- Monday to Thursday
- 12 noon – 8pm
- Friday and Saturday
- 12 noon – 9.30pm
- Sunday
- 9am – 8pm
Bank holiday Mondays: food 12 noon – 6pm, closing at 8pm.
Book a table
Call the bar or send an email and the team will get back to you.
PlaceholderOnline table booking goes here once we know which booking system the pub uses.
Find us
Plough RoadGreat BentleyColchester, EssexCO7 8LAOpen in Google Maps- By train: Great Bentley station is about 150 metres away.
- By bus: routes 77, 77A and 78 stop about 150 metres away.
- By car: free off-street parking.
- Dogs: very welcome.
- Outside: a front patio on the green, and a rear garden with a covered extension.