Number 92 is an independent bar right in Braintree High Street, best known for a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere and a diary that can fill up quickly, so it suits planned catch-ups just as well as a spontaneous drink in town.

Tucked into the centre of Braintree, Number 92 feels like the kind of place you go when you want your evening to slow down a bit. It’s not positioned as a loud late-night venue. Instead, it leans into an ambient, sit-down style bar experience, the sort where you can actually hear the people you’re with, settle into a table, and make a proper evening of it. It’s also clearly proud of what it does, with awards and recognition highlighted on its own site, including being voted Best Bar in Essex 2023 and being selected as one of the Top 5 Bars in England 2023.

One of the nicest things about a venue like this is the flexibility. Some nights you might want to drop in for one drink before heading elsewhere. Other times, it’s ideal for a longer catch-up, dates, small celebrations, or a “let’s go somewhere nicer than the usual” plan without needing anything formal. The fact it actively encourages reservations, and gives you several ways to get in touch, is a good clue that it’s more table-led than stand-at-the-bar-and-shout.

Food and drink are central to the concept, but it’s worth being straight about what’s available in writing right now. The separate drinks menu page was provided, but the full drinks list is not stated in the accessible menu text here. The food menu page also does not list specific dishes. So rather than guessing what’s on, the most accurate approach is to treat Number 92 as a bar where the experience is the point, with food and drinks served, and then check the current menus directly when you book or arrive.

That said, you can still plan your visit well, because the key practical details are very clear.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of the overall experience:

A central location on Braintree High Street, easy to meet friends at without anyone needing directions

A sit-down, ambient feel that suits conversation and slower evenings

A venue that appears to work well for small groups and planned meet-ups, given the emphasis on reservations

A bar-first identity, rather than a full restaurant set-up

If you’re thinking “what should I order”, the honest answer is, Not stated, because the item list is not available in the menu text provided here. The best way to approach it is to decide the style of visit you want, then let the menu guide you on the day. For example:

If you’re popping in briefly, aim for one round and see how the mood feels, then decide whether to stay longer

If you’re meeting someone for a proper catch-up, book ahead so you’re not relying on walk-in space

If it’s a celebration, ask about reservations early, because places like this often book up at peak times

Dietary options are also Not stated in the available menu text. Vegetarian options, Not stated. Vegan options, Not stated. Gluten-free options, Not stated. Allergen information, Not stated. If anyone in your group has allergies or specific dietary requirements, it’s best to message or call ahead before you visit, rather than trying to work it out at the table.

Location-wise, Number 92 is at 92 High Street, Braintree, CM7 1JP. Being on the High Street makes it an easy addition to an evening in town. It’s well placed if you’re already shopping locally, meeting friends after work, or pairing it with another stop nearby. Because it’s central, it also works nicely for people coming in from surrounding villages who want a town-centre venue without needing a big “night out” plan.

In terms of who it’s best for, Number 92 suits:

Couples who want a calmer, more intimate setting than the usual busy pubs

Friends meeting for a proper chat, especially if you want somewhere table-led

Small group celebrations where you want it to feel a bit special, but not formal

Anyone who enjoys a slower pace and a more curated bar atmosphere

If you’re choosing between venues, a simple rule of thumb is this: if you want loud, lively, and spontaneous, you might head to a bigger pub bar. If you want ambient, seated, and a touch more “occasion”, Number 92 fits that brief better.

The practical details are refreshingly straightforward. The opening pattern listed on the venue’s own food menu page is:

Wednesday: 11.30 until 22.00ish

Thursday: 11.30 until 22.00ish

Friday: 11.30 until 23.00ish

Saturday: 11.30 until 23.00ish

Sunday: 14.00 until 18.00, June to August only

Because Sunday hours are seasonal, it’s worth double-checking before you make a special trip on a Sunday outside summer.

Booking and contact options are clearly encouraged. You can reserve by telephone, and they also offer WhatsApp messaging on the same number, 07713 579640. If you prefer social booking, they also mention DM via Facebook or Instagram using @barnumber92. That’s handy, because it gives you a quick way to ask the practical questions people actually have, for example, “Do you have a table for four at 7?”, “Is it walk-in friendly today?”, or “Is Sunday opening running this week?”.

Parking information is Not stated in the available menu text, which is common for town-centre venues. If you’re driving, it’s worth planning to use town parking and walk in. Takeaway and delivery are Not stated. Customer toilets are Not stated. If those details matter for your visit, it’s best to ask when you book.

Overall, Number 92 is a strong Braintree option if you want an independent bar experience that feels calm, social, and a bit more considered than the usual. The awards and recognition suggest it’s a place that takes pride in the experience it offers, and the booking-first approach makes it ideal for planned catch-ups and small celebrations. If you’re building a short list of “nice places for a drink” in Braintree town centre, this is the sort of venue that earns its place simply by making it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening.

Food Types: Bar

Dining Type: Dine In

Area: Braintree, Braintree