THE NAGS HEAD, BRENTWOOD

It's to no surprise that I had high hopes for the grand re-opening of The Nags Head in Brentwood. Having visited previously (as paying customers), a few months before, we enjoyed the food there and so wondered how they would be improving the menu.

The Nags Head is a prestigious pub, restaurant and bar based in Brentwood, Essex. With a wide range of pub classics and more premium restaurant meals and plenty of drinks to offer punters, it's to no wonder that The Nags Head attracts many locals and passing by visitors. The team kindly invited my family and I along to the launch party to explore and taste the new menu - aswell as the exotic drinks menu (gin, lots of gin!) and kick back and relax in the new refurbed areas of the bar and restaurant.

We had a table booked in the evening and upon arrival, was greeted by Paige who I had been corresponding with over emails. She explained that we would receive some canapies to try out first in the bar area and then we could ask to be seated at our table whenever we was ready.

As soon as I walked in, I could tell the whole place had has a serious refurb. It looked much more inviting, cosy and appealing to spend an evening in. I remember it being quite open plan before and the seating areas not being very well laid out. However, the bar area now has a more than generous size seating area with tub chairs and cushions for comfort in one area and higher studded bar stools with tables on another side.

Whilst waiting for the canapies, we each ordered a drink from the menu. As I am pregnant, it was a passion fruit mocktail for me which tasted delicious. Just judging by how good a mocktail from the menu was, I already can't wait to go back when I can drink alcohol and explore the extensive cocktail menu!

After sampling some canapies, it was time to get seated at our table and choose our three courses to try out. It was 8pm on a Friday night after a long week at work, so the 4 of us were starving.

We were taken to the back of the restaurant and seated at a comfortable table in the corner. It gave us enough space and privacy to enjoy our meal. The interior is quite industrial and earthy, with shelves of succulent plants and there's even coat hooks on the wall.

I was pleased to see they offer a NEW vegan menu and Sunday roasts on the weekend. It can be so difficult to find local places that offer a good roast dinner, so I am sure we will be taking full advantage of that soon!

I was pleased to see that some of my favourite dishes remained on the menu and was also excited to see some brand new additions. Next it was time to get choosing!

Ricky went for his infamous Salt and Szechuan Pepper Squid (£6.95) with airlo mayonnaise for dipping. The perfect tease for what was yet to come.

My sister, brother in law and I all went for the Crispy Karrage Chicken (unsure on the price and it's not online), which I have had before at numerous different sister restaurants and it never disappoints.

As mentioned in previous posts, this more-than-satisfying starter features ribbons of fresh cucumber, mouli, kale & cauliflower salad; with a pot of hot katsu curry sauce to pour or dip into - or both! I 100% recommend this to anyone.

Onto mains and of course Ricky was feeling famished enough to order the Dirty Burger (£15.95), with an added side of house cooked fries. Another new addition to the menu and it's proven to be delicious, but mighty. If fat burgers with crispy bacon, lashings of cheese and beef dripping are your thang', then you might want to go for this bad boy.

There was always going to be a steak on our order and that's exactly what my brother in law did. A succulent and premium cut of steak can range from £18.95 - £25.95, depending on what type of steak you like and how hungry you are. This meaty beast came with triple cooked chunky chips, a roasted confit tomato, onion rings and a sauce to relish it all up.

Bump and I wanted the Chicken, Leek and Cream Fraiche Pie (£15.25), which was so scrumptious that we have since bought one in the supermarket and it's also inspired me to try and make my own one. A new addition to the menu and one that should always be there for when I plan to return to this Essex gem.

A golden shortcrust pie with a flaky and crumbly ham hock top, served with thick and buttery mash and a side of green beans and gravy. DELICIOUS.

My sister went for the slow roasted butternut squash and sweet potato tart, which she thoroughly enjoyed and was served up as a generous portion. As the is also a new addition to the menu, it's not yet online so I am unsure on the price, however was more than affordable.

Feeling just a bit more than stuffed, it was time to push away our demolished plates and wait for our desserts to arrive and wow, they were worth the wait.

With my brother in law going for the cream brûlée, this was presented in an adorable vintage looking teacup and saucer, with sliced strawberries to decorate.

When I am feeling pretty stuffed and don't want anything too sickly, I always go for a cheesecake. This New York Style baked vanilla cheesecake is again something I have had before and will probably order another 101 times in the future. It's fluffy, creamy and just so damn naughty, but nice.

Ricky ordered the hot chocolate brownie. Shock. However, Louise also went for this and was not disappointed. It's exactly what you expect - gooey, sickly but you're left wanting it again on your next visit.

There we have it - our positive experience dining at The Nags Head. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough and we are already planning to go back very soon. It was THAT good!

Disclaimer: A complimentary service was offered in exchange for an honest review on my blog. All words, opinions and photographs are my own.