The Bull in Braintree is a lively, historic town centre pub where you can settle in for classic pub food, shareable plates and sport on the screens, with a beer garden and late opening at the weekend.

Right on Market Place, The Bull is one of those pubs you can use in a few different ways depending on the day. Pop in for a quick pint while you’re in town, book a table for food with friends, or make an evening of it with live sport on the TVs and a relaxed, buzzy atmosphere. It’s described as a traditional 16th century pub with original low beams, but it’s not stuck in the past. The set up is very much geared towards modern pub life, with multiple seating areas around a central bar, a beer garden for warmer days, and extras like pool and darts that make it feel sociable rather than formal.

Food wise, this is classic pub comfort with enough variety to suit mixed groups. The Greene King menu style is all about familiar favourites, plus smaller plates you can share if you want a more casual, try a few things approach. A handy detail to know is that food serving hours are listed as 12:00pm to 7:00pm each day, so if you’re planning a later night out, it’s worth eating earlier rather than assuming the kitchen runs right up to closing.

If you like the idea of grazing rather than committing to one big main, their highlighted small plates give you a good feel for what’s on offer. There’s a Japanese inspired crispy chicken option coated in a Korean style BBQ sauce, finished with toppings like sesame and spring onion. There are also crispy smashed new potatoes served with garlic aioli, with different seasoning options depending on what you fancy. If you want something properly pubby, honey and mustard glazed pork chipolatas are on the list too, and for plant based eaters there are plant based nuggets with sauce choices including Texan BBQ, Korean BBQ, or a spicier Nashville style option.

For sharing at the table, nachos are one of the headline “good for a group” picks. They’re described as a generous portion with toppings including cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa and jalapeños, which is exactly the kind of order that works when you’re meeting mates and want something to pick at while you chat.

If you’re visiting at lunchtime, there’s a very clear weekday offer window that can make it feel like an easy, good value stop when you’re in town. Monday to Friday between 12pm and 3pm, the deal includes one selected main and a soft drink. The mains listed for that deal give you a nice snapshot of the pub’s style: a steak sandwich, a cod goujon sandwich, a chicken BLT, a halloumi and chilli jam flatbread wrap, and a grilled cheese toastie. It’s straightforward food that suits shoppers, workers on lunch, and anyone who wants something filling without turning lunch into a big occasion.

Dietary wise, it’s best to keep things factual and practical. The pub says it has vegan and vegetarian options, and also mentions alternative menus for guests with specific dietary requirements, with staff able to help if you ask. That’s useful, but it’s still a pub kitchen, so if you have allergies or need strict controls, it’s always sensible to speak to the team before you order and double check suitability for your specific needs.

The venue itself is a big part of why people choose The Bull, especially if you want atmosphere. It’s set up for live sport, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports listed, so it works well for match days when you want to watch with a bit of a crowd rather than at home. It’s also family friendly and dog friendly, and there’s WiFi if you’re popping in during the day and want to sit for a while. If the weather’s decent, the beer garden gives you that “sunny pint in the centre of town” feeling without needing to go anywhere else.

Because it’s right in the middle of Braintree, it’s easy to build into plans. Meet friends after work, stop in before heading elsewhere, or make it your main venue for the night if there’s something on. Your own listing notes weekend entertainment like live music and club nights with resident DJs, which helps explain why the place can feel more lively at the weekend. If you’re after a quieter catch up, weekday afternoons and early evenings are usually the safer bet.

A few practical bits that are genuinely worth knowing before you go. Parking is not onsite, and the closest parking is noted as Tesco, so it’s best to plan on a short walk. Toilets are available. Payment is flexible, with cash, card, Apple Pay and Google Pay all listed. Phone contact is available via 01376 320551. Email is not stated.

Opening times are slightly different depending on where you look, but the general theme is long hours, especially at the weekend. The directory listing shows midday opening daily, later closing on Saturday, and a late finish on Sunday too. The Greene King site also shows late opening on Friday and Saturday. Either way, it’s a place that stays open late enough to work for an evening out rather than a quick early pint.

Overall, The Bull is a solid choice when you want a proper Braintree pub with character, plenty going on, and food that’s easy to enjoy with friends. You can keep it simple with lunch staples like sandwiches and toasties, go more social with small plates and sharers, and settle in for sport, games, or a lively weekend atmosphere. If you want somewhere central that feels welcoming for different types of visit, it fits the brief nicely.

Food Types: Pub Food; Bar

Dining Type: Dine In

Area: Braintree, Braintree