History of the restaurant
Conjugal bliss and a flitch of bacon
This delightful restaurant in the heart of a picturesque Essex village is affectionately named after the prize given at an old folk ritual that dates to 1104.
This is the only pub or restaurant in the whole world with this name. The Dunmow Flitch of Bacon custom was “that if any pair could, after a twelvemonth of matrimony, come forward, and make oath at Dunmow that, during the whole time, they had never had a quarrel, never regretted their marriage, and, if again open to an engagement, would make exactly that they had made, they should be rewarded with a flitch of Bacon.”
The Vision of William concerning Piers the Plowman
Dunmow still holds the Flitch Trials every four years
A ‘flitch’ of bacon is a salted and cured side of pork and the Dunmow Flitch Trials are still held every four years in Great Dunmow. Historically having sworn an oath kneeling on two sharp-pointed stones in the churchyard, the winning couple would then be carried through the village in the Flitch Chair, which can still be seen today in the Little Dunmow Parish Church.
Our restaurant speciality still celebrates the Dunmow tradition of the Flitch
Times have moved on but we still celebrate this tradition. Our restaurant speciality, aptly named the Flitch of Bacon, offers miso glazed Flitch of Bacon salt aged belly, barbecue lobster, ranch dressing and English Sweetcorn.
We offer wedding anniversary discounts to celebrating couples
Although we don’t expect proof of that year-long abstinence of cross words between husband and wife these days, we do offer those celebrating their wedding anniversary a discount to come and mark the occasion at our restaurant. Couples can make it even more special by staying overnight in one of our luxurious rooms and enjoying a full English breakfast the next morning.
Creating our own folklore
Come and visit our historic restaurant with rooms
You can guarantee superb feasts, beautiful rooms and a warm welcome from our team, time after time.