The Running Mare

This was my second visit to the Running Mare, with family for a cheeky Monday dinner. The pub-​cum-​restaurant is beautifully decorated with tartans, houndstooths, big wooden tables and mis-​matched chairs. It could have a really homely feel, but sadly is slightly tainted by the unmistakable sterility of a chain pub.
That said, it’s certainly a very pleasant place in which to spend your evening. The food is fairly average — I started with melted Brie, which was nice but not exceptional. My main course of battered Halloumi was delicious and an enormous portion, although it seemed very greasy towards the end. The dessert portions are enormous — my grandparents had the Eton mess and the crumble, and the portions could have served two people. I shared the peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake with my mum and can thoroughly recommend it if you have a sweet tooth. The waitress did tell us (far too late!) that they do smaller portions of some desserts.
Service wasn’t bad, although it took a while to get our bill at the end of our meal. I’m sure we will return at some point — it’s a favourite of my grandparents. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I’m not giving the Running Mare more stars, but it’s probably worth a visit if you enjoy faux country gastropubs.

The Running Mare is along Galleywood Road, a busy residential street just outside of Chelmsford. Look carefully on your first visit as its on a corner and if you go too fast you could miss then entrance. It has a good number of parking spaces which fill up quickly. There are small outside areas at the front and at the side.
This is a popular chain pub which has been recently refurbished. It has a comfortable seating area for people wishing to just drink as well as a large number of different sized tables for food. It does not take bookings which is good for last minute special ocassions such as Mothers’ Day but you need to get there earlier to get a table.
The menu changes throughout the year although old favourites remain. There are sandwiches, snacks, starters, side and main dishes available at reasonable prices. My one negative is the puddings which seem very expensive. Special coffees, fruit juices, a range of wines (some in casks) and a couple of real ales are available. Staff are hit and miss, especially behind the bar. The general serving staff, although young have always been pleasent.