The Prince Louis in Great Notley is a modern village pub built for easy, relaxed dining, with open fires indoors, a big patio and garden outside, and a menu that majors on rotisserie chicken plus ice cream sundaes, alongside local beers, cocktails and wine.

Set overlooking Notley Green, The Prince Louis is the sort of pub that suits both planned meals and spontaneous “let’s pop in” visits. It’s part of McMullen’s Chicken & Grill family, and the whole place is geared towards comfort, space and flexibility. Inside you’ll find a welcoming bar and a spacious dining area, with open fires that make it feel especially cosy in winter. When the weather’s good, the outside space becomes a real draw, there’s a large patio and garden with plenty of room to settle in for a longer catch-up.

One of the nicest things about The Prince Louis is that it’s designed with everyday life in mind. It’s described as dog friendly, wheelchair accessible, and family friendly, with the kind of layout that works whether you’re arriving with kids, bringing the grandparents, or meeting friends for a relaxed evening. It’s also in a peaceful spot surrounded by open green land, so it fits brilliantly after a walk around Great Notley, or as a reward stop when you want food and a drink without heading into busier town-centre areas.

Food at The Prince Louis revolves around its “Chicken & Grill” identity, with fresh rotisserie chicken singled out as a specialty. If you like that classic rotisserie style, juicy chicken with that slow-roasted flavour, this is very much the headline. Desserts get their own spotlight too, with soft-serve handmade ice cream sundaes mentioned as another house speciality. That combination makes it a strong choice for mixed groups, because you can keep it simple with a chicken-focused main, then finish with something fun and sweet without needing to go elsewhere.

Because the full food menu is not shown in the information provided here, it’s best to think of “what to order” in terms of the venue’s strengths and how people typically enjoy a Chicken & Grill style pub.

If you’re visiting for a meal, a sensible approach is:

Start by leaning into the rotisserie chicken options, as that’s the main speciality that’s clearly stated

If you’re more of a dessert person, leave room for one of the soft-serve sundaes, as these are also highlighted as a signature

Pair your food with a drink that matches the pub’s strengths, local beers, cocktails, or wine are all noted as part of what they’re known for

Drinks are a big part of the overall experience here, and there’s enough detail to give you a feel for the range. Cocktails feature prominently, with a full drinks list that includes classics like a Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini, Negroni, Mojito, Margarita, Piña Colada, Long Island Iced Tea, and an Aperol Spritz. There are also no and low alcohol options listed, including alcohol-free versions and lower ABV choices, plus soft options like an apple and mint style cooler. If you’re out for a casual drink rather than a full meal, the cocktail list makes The Prince Louis feel more like a proper evening venue, not just a quick pint stop.

Wine is also covered, with sparkling options, prosecco, and a selection of white, red and rosé styles. On the beer side, McMullen’s heritage beers are mentioned, and the drinks menu references a wider bar selection that can vary, which is worth knowing if you like trying what’s currently available rather than ordering the same thing every time.

Dietary options are partially covered, but not in enough detail to make firm promises. A gluten free menu is available, and there is also a separate Sunday gluten free option listed. Beyond that, specific dietary labelling for vegetarian or vegan food is not stated in the accessible information here. If you have dietary requirements, the best approach is to ask the team when you arrive, especially if you need to manage allergies alongside preferences.

Location-wise, The Prince Louis is in Notley Green, Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7US. It’s a great place to build an easy plan around because it’s right in the village setting, and it’s also described as having onsite parking. That’s a genuine advantage, especially if you’re meeting friends, visiting as a family, or coming in from nearby areas and want a straightforward arrival. Great Notley itself is ideal for combining food with a bit of fresh air, and being near open green space makes this pub feel like a natural “end point” after a walk rather than just another place on a busy road.

In terms of who it’s best for, The Prince Louis suits a wide mix:

Families who want a comfortable, spacious pub with a garden area

People meeting in a group, where parking and space make things easier

Anyone who likes chicken-led pub dining, especially rotisserie-style

Those who enjoy cocktails as part of their evening

Dog owners who want a dog friendly local option

Sunday visitors, especially if you’re looking for gluten free choices on that day

If you like places with a bit of atmosphere, the open fires and the indoor layout help it feel welcoming in colder months, while the patio and garden give it a real summer advantage.

For handy practical details, opening times are 11:30am to 11:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 11:30am to 10:30pm on Sunday. Kitchen times are listed separately, with food served 12:00pm to 9:00pm Monday to Thursday, 12:00pm to 9:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 11:30am to 8:00pm on Sunday. Booking is available, and for tables of 9 people or more you’re advised to call. Parking is onsite. Payment methods listed include cash, credit or debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Takeaway and delivery are not stated.

It’s also worth knowing that The Prince Louis highlights a “what’s on” calendar, which suggests it’s more than just a standard dining pub. Regular and seasonal events are mentioned, including a monthly charity quiz night, family-focused activities like a Monday kids craft session, and sport screenings such as the Six Nations. These details can make a big difference to your visit, on quieter days it can feel like a relaxed local, while on event days it can feel busier and more social.

Overall, The Prince Louis is a strong Great Notley option when you want a comfortable pub meal with plenty of space, an easy arrival, and a menu identity that’s clear and crowd-pleasing. Rotisserie chicken and ice cream sundaes give it a simple, reliable food direction, while cocktails, local beer, and a village-green setting make it a great place to settle in for a longer visit.

Food Types: Gastro Pub; Pub Food

Dining Type: Dine In

Area: Braintree, Great Notley