Pig & Whistle Restaurant is delighted to share that we have been nominated across six categories in this year’s Essex Life Food & Drink Awards 2026 — a moment that feels both humbling and incredibly special for our whole team.
The nominations recognise the heart of what we do every day: exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that feels both refined and deeply personal. We are honoured to be shortlisted for:
Restaurant of the Year
Chef of the Year – Matthew Walker
Outstanding Service of the Year
Seafood Restaurant of the Year
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
Best Use of Local Produce
For a small, independent restaurant tucked away on Chignal Road, being recognised across so many categories is a testament to the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers.
“We are incredibly proud and genuinely overwhelmed to be nominated in six categories this year,” says owner Justin Mullender.
“Every nomination reflects the passion of our team. From the kitchen to the front of house and the support of the customers who return to us time and time again. Pig & Whistle Restaurant has always been about exceptional food, thoughtful service and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. To see that recognised in this way means the world to us.”
Celebrating the people behind the nominations
At the heart of these nominations is the Pig & Whistle Restaurant team — the chefs crafting seasonal dishes with care, the front‑of‑house team delivering warm, attentive service, and the people behind the scenes who make every detail feel effortless. Their commitment to creating a dining experience that feels both special and deeply personal is what has brought us to this moment.
Among the nominations is a proud recognition for Head Chef Matthew Walker, whose creativity and passion for local, seasonal produce have shaped the menus that so many of our guests return for. His nomination for Chef of the Year highlights his talent for balancing refined flavours with the warmth and generosity that define Pig & Whistle Restaurant’s dining experience.
Our nomination for Best Use of Local Produce reflects the team’s dedication to championing Essex suppliers — from Great Garnetts free‑range pork to New Hall Vineyard wines and Essex Spirit Co. spirits. These partnerships allow us to showcase the very best of the region across our à la carte, fixed‑price and tasting menus.
The nods for Outstanding Service, Fine Dining, Seafood Restaurant of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year celebrate the full experience: the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the sense of occasion that our team creates for every guest who walks through our doors.
A heartfelt thank you
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Pig & Whistle Restaurant — whether you’ve joined us for a romantic dinner, celebrated a special occasion, or simply enjoyed a relaxed evening with friends. Your votes, your reviews, and your continued support have helped us reach this moment.
Voting is now open, and every vote truly means so much to our team.
Thank you for being part of our journey.