Essex Life Food and Drink Awards 2025
Best Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
Outstanding Service of the Year
Chef of the Year - John Saward
Best use of Local Produce
We are proud to announce that we have won four awards in this year’s Essex Life Food and Drink Awards 2025. Thank you to all of our customers who voted for us and helped make it happen. We won Outstanding Service of the Year, Best Fine Dining Experience, Chef of the Year and Best use of local produce.
“We are overwhelmed to have been recognised with four different awards in the Essex Life Food and Drink Awards. 12 years ago we purchased a quiet 16th Century house and elevated the food and dining experience into what we have now” - Brendan Mullender - Curran, Owner
“It has been an incredible journey and one that wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing Pig & Whistle Restaurant team who consistently deliver exceptional food and customer service.” Justin Mullender, Owner
Best fine dining experience
“Really lovely meal with great service and atmosphere.”
Jenny, 2025, TripAdvisor
Overlooking farmland and we have a lovely view over rolling hills. We have a choice of indoor or outdoor dining. Our new outdoor dining room is positioned on the edge of our restaurant boundary, with an elevated platform providing a unique view across the fields. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy our traditional service outside during the British summertime.
Outstanding service of the year
“It’s always welcoming & consistently delivers on both food & service.”
Jimbo, 2025, TripAdvisor
We are unique, quirky, eccentric, enchanting - something that shows in the treasures and trinkets on display throughout the restaurant. Complimenting our cosy and relaxed ambiance is our team who are welcoming and committed to providing exceptional service.
Chef of the year
“Every dish was outstanding”
Penny, 2025, TripAdvisor
John joined Pig & Whistle Restaurant in 2022 and has helped us develop seasonal menus that are an exquisite blend of flavours and local produce. His signature dishes include his Beef Wellington, Great Garnetts Pork Trio and Banana bavarois.
Best use of local produce
“A huge thank you to everyone who voted”
Brendan Mullender - Curran & Justin Mullender.
Annually, we hold a Taste of Essex event, which is a tasting menu of all of the local produce we use on our menus. This sell out event is loved by customers and staff alike. Featuring, the best of local produce and Essex ingredients feature highly - Great Garnetts free range pork, Marriage flour, New Hall Vineyard wine, Essex Spirit Co spirits.