FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PIG & WHISTLE RESTAURANT WINS ESSEX LIFE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME

Chelmsford restaurant celebrates an extraordinary double victory after also winning the Outstanding Service Award

CHELMSFORD, 2 SEPTEMBER 2026: Pig & Whistle Restaurant has been named Restaurant of the Year at the Essex Life Food & Drink Awards 2026, winning the prestigious title for the first time.

The independent restaurant, located in Chignal Smealy on the outskirts of Chelmsford, also received the Outstanding Service Award at today’s awards reception, completing an exceptional double victory.

Restaurant of the Year is the award the team had long hoped to win. Pig & Whistle Restaurant was shortlisted alongside two other Essex venues before being announced as the 2026 winner.

Justin Mullender said:

“Restaurant of the Year is an award we have wanted for a very long time, but had never won before with Essex Life. Hearing the name of our little restaurant in the Essex countryside announced was a moment I will never forget.

“To then also win the Outstanding Service Award was extraordinary. Service is at the heart of everything we do, particularly because so many guests trust us with the important moments in their lives. Both awards belong to our entire team, who put an enormous amount of care into every service.”

The winners were decided by a public vote, making the achievement particularly meaningful for the team. The result reflects the support of Pig & Whistle Restaurant’s customers and the many people who voted for the restaurant in both categories.

The award is the latest recognition for Pig & Whistle Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes and was also named Best Restaurant in Essex at the Muddy Stilettos Awards earlier this year.

Justin added:

“We are an independent countryside restaurant with a relatively small team, so recognition like this means an enormous amount. We are incredibly grateful to our customers, many of whom return to us year after year, celebrate special occasions with us and recommend us to others.

“We can finally say it, Pig & Whistle Restaurant is Essex Life Restaurant of the Year.”

Pig & Whistle Restaurant is situated in a characterful 16th century building in Chignal Smealy, near Chelmsford. Its menus change with the seasons and include à la carte dining, seasonal set menus, Sunday lunch and special tasting menu events.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Pig & Whistle Restaurant
Chignal Road, Chignal Smealy, Chelmsford, Essex
www.pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk

Awards and recognition:

• Essex Life Food & Drink Awards 2026, Restaurant of the Year
• Essex Life Food & Drink Awards 2026, Outstanding Service Award
• Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, Best Restaurant in Essex
• Two AA Rosettes

Interview requests, photographs and further information:

Justin Mullender
Pig & Whistle Restaurant
07771701155
pigwhistlemarketing@gmail.com