The Astronomer in Great Notley is a lively Hungry Horse pub that’s built for easy, good value meals with family friendly facilities, a big menu that covers breakfast through to dinner, and regular daily deals that make it popular for groups.

If you’re looking for a relaxed place to eat near Braintree that doesn’t need loads of planning, The Astronomer is a strong option. It sits in Skyline 120 in Great Notley and has the classic Hungry Horse format: a spacious pub setting, plenty of seating for bigger tables, and a menu designed to suit mixed appetites. It’s very much aimed at everyday visits, a quick lunch, a midweek dinner that won’t feel over the top, or a weekend stop where the kids can burn off some energy while the adults catch up.

The overall feel is lively but practical. Facilities listed include disabled access, WiFi, family friendly seating, and an outdoor play area, plus onsite parking. There’s also a pool table (cashless), which adds to that “stay a bit longer” pub vibe, especially if you’re visiting with friends rather than just popping in for food. Another handy detail is the option to use an order and pay app in the venue, which can make things simpler when you’ve got a busy table or you’re out with kids and don’t want to queue at the bar.

Food at The Astronomer follows the Hungry Horse style: a wide range of pub classics, big plates, sharers, burgers, grills, curries, and desserts, with breakfast available at weekends. It’s the sort of menu where everyone can pick something familiar, but there are also a few more modern options if you want something with bolder flavours. Portion sizes and “value” are clearly part of the appeal, and the daily deals are a big reason locals use it as a regular meet-up spot.

When it comes to what to order, the easiest way is to think in categories. If you’re visiting around lunchtime on weekdays, there’s a dedicated lunch window (12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday) that highlights toasted sub-style sandwiches and bigger midday options. Two of the most talked-about lunch picks are the Philly Steak Sub, with rump steak, peppers, onions and melted cheese, and the Nacho Cheese Chicken Sub, which pairs crispy chicken with bacon, lettuce, mayo and nacho cheese sauce. If you want something meat-free but still “proper lunch”, the Impossible BBQ Sub uses plant-based nuggets with coleslaw and a Texan-style BBQ sauce. These subs are served with chips, and some come with onion rings as well, so they’re firmly in comfort food territory rather than a light bite.

If you’re visiting later in the day, the main menu themes are classic pub favourites and bigger plated meals. The Astronomer is known for the kind of dishes people expect from a Hungry Horse: fish and chips, steak and ale pie, chicken wings, burgers, and grills. If you like a burger order, you’ll see options that lean into smoky flavours and loaded toppings, plus deal-led burger days that make it easy to go with “whatever’s on offer”. For grill fans, the mixed grill options are a big draw, including a Full Monty-style mixed grill that’s built for anyone who wants a proper feast.

If you’re in the mood for something with spice, the menu highlights point to curry and katsu-style options. There’s a Curry Wednesday deal that bundles a curry with a drink for under £10, and the broader menu includes bigger shareable curry platters as well. You’ll also spot dishes like chicken tikka masala served with the classic extras, plus richer, comfort-style plates such as chicken parmigiana. For groups who all want different things, this is where Hungry Horse works well: one person can go for a curry, another for a burger, and someone else can keep it simple with a pub classic, without it feeling like anyone is compromising.

Desserts are worth leaving space for, especially if you’re visiting with family. The menu highlights include classic pub puds like lemon meringue pie, plus larger sharers and big “challenge-style” sundaes. There are also indulgent options like a caramel profiterole sharer and a warm chocolate fudge cake served with ice cream. In other words, it’s very easy to turn this into a one-stop meal where dessert is part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Dietary options are available, but it’s best to be sensible about how you approach them. Hungry Horse notes that there are vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, and there’s also a “No Gluten Containing Ingredients” menu. However, it also states that food is prepared in kitchens where allergens like gluten and nuts are present, and it cannot guarantee any dish is completely free from traces due to cross contamination. If you’re avoiding gluten by preference, the NGC menu is helpful. If you have a serious allergy, the safest approach is to speak to the team before ordering and make sure they know what you need.

Location-wise, The Astronomer is in Avenue East, Skyline 120, Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7AH. It’s well placed if you’re coming from Braintree, Great Notley, or nearby areas, and the onsite parking takes away the usual “where do we leave the car” stress that comes with town-centre eating. The surrounding area is also handy for making a proper outing of it, Great Notley Country Park is nearby, so it’s a natural stop after a walk, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

It’s best for families, groups, and anyone who likes a relaxed pub meal with plenty of choice. The outdoor play area makes it particularly useful for family lunches, and the mix of seating and pub atmosphere suits everything from casual birthdays to low-key midweek dinners. It’s also a good shout for mates catching up, especially if you want somewhere that can handle bigger tables without feeling cramped, and if you like the idea of pairing food with a game of pool.

For the practical details, booking is available. Parking is onsite. Customer toilets are listed as available. Payment methods listed include cash, credit or debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Takeaway or delivery is not stated. Opening times on the venue listing are 11:00am to 11:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 11:00pm Saturday and Sunday, which lines up nicely with weekend breakfast visits and later dinners.

Overall, The Astronomer does what a good local Hungry Horse should do: it makes eating out feel easy. The menu is broad enough to suit fussy eaters and big appetites, the lunch subs and daily deals give you an obvious “safe choice” if you don’t want to overthink it, and the family friendly facilities make it a reliable option when you’re feeding a group. If you want a straightforward pub meal in Great Notley with parking, space, and plenty on the menu, it’s a dependable pick.

Food Types: Gastro Pub; Pub Food

Dining Type: Dine In

Area: Braintree, Great Notley