The family-owned Fat Goose is located just off the A120, midway between Colchester, Harwich and the coastal towns of Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea. This rural, farmhouse-style restaurant, set in beautiful Tendring countryside, is light and spacious, and boasts a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy eating outside in the garden or dining terrace when the sun shines, or relax on the leather Chesterfields by the open fires in cooler months. The comfortable lounge areas provide a lovely setting for a relaxing drink; choose from the range of local beers or the extensive wine list, with more than 20 varieties available by the glass.
Only a few months after opening, The Fat Goose was awarded an AA rosette for culinary excellence, and has maintained this high standard for the last six years. The restaurant operates a regularly changing à la carte menu – which might include pan-roasted haunch of venison with a potato and herb rosti, or roast rump of lamb with mint and rosemary jus – supplemented by daily specials and a popular set menu (from £12.50, available Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner). Children are also most welcome, and all dishes on their dedicated menu are made from scratch to the same high quality. This is the perfect venue for every occasion and pre-orders for large parties are not necessary; all guests can select from the menu on arrival.
This establishment is owned and operated by chef patron Philip Hambrook-Moore, who believes that going out for a meal should be an experience for all the senses: he wants people to walk through the door and smell the food cooking, the bread baking and the freshly ground coffee brewing. His dishes focus predominantly on taste – not only does his food look good enough to photograph, but it sets the tastebuds alight too. Everything served here is seasonal, and Philip firmly believes in anticipating the seasons and looking forward to the arrival of the next crop of local produce – an ethos that is at the heart of The Fat Goose.
