I'll write a proper review then, shall I?!
The Moorhen is a large country pub tucked out of the way just off of the A414 as you approach Harlow. It is signposted, but only just, so unless you know it is there it's easy to miss. In light of that, the fact that this place is always pretty busy (especially on Sundays) is perplexing.
It's in the mold of a chain pub, although I don't think it is. The only saving grace is how child-friendly it is. Downstairs they have a large 'play-barn' type area, with padded climbers and ball pits etc., along with some arcade machines for the older kids and a few TVs for the adults. There is also a small bar down there but only serving soft drinks, beer is upstairs (from memory).
Upstairs there is a main bar, and then a very large restaurant, split over two levels. It's a nice enough environment - a bit on the grubby side in places but on the whole it's OK. The food though, leaves a LOT to be desired. It is frequently cold or luke-warm, and is patently reheated. Potatoes are hard, veg isn't cooked properly, and it all seems a bit low-quality. On the three separate occasions we have been (not our choice!) the food has been pretty diabolical.
Drinks-wise, there are the normal range of beers and soft drinks, nothing unusual there.
On nice days you can also go outside where there is a lot of seating and outdoor climbing frames for the kids. The view is quiet nice, situated right on top of the River Stort, but it hardly serves to save this pub from mediocre-ville. read more
