Brasserie Le Benaix

4.3

834 reviews

£26 to £40

French

Top tags:

To book outside between 15th April - 16th May, please call 01245987888.

This is the Sister restaurant to Le Bouchon Brasserie & Hotel, opening early July 2016.
Offering a blend of French and English Cuisine The former Wheatsheaf public house located on the old A130 has been transformed, yet due to its listed status has maintained many of its original period features.
Log burners in original fire places situated in the Brasserie where diners can enjoy a pre dinner drink, dine from the Brasserie menu or relax with an after dinner liqueur.
The main restaurant serves both Mid-Week and A'la Carte menus. Overlooking the private gardens, you can enjoy cocktails in our Orangery bar together with the option of dining and private hire available for that special occasion, with beautiful views across the countryside.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

01245 987888

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
French, English, Contemporary French
Hours of Operation
Bar Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–8:15 pm Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Afternoon Tea Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sunday Lunch Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
Phone number
01245 987888
Website
http://brasseriebenaix.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Catering
Dining at Le Benaix The main restaurant serves our A la Carte menus, overlooking the private gardens. Our Bar & Brasserie area allows you to have a relaxing drink or enjoy a dish from our Bar Menu. You can enjoy our Orangery with the option of dining and private hire available for that special occasion, with beautiful views across the countryside. Together with our food menus, we offer an exciting list of cocktails a wide range of gins with complementary tonics and botanical s and an extensive wine list.
Private party facilities
Please view our Private hire options by clicking the link below: https://brasseriebenaix.com/functions Exclusive Venue Hire for our Orangery No Hire Charge for parties of 35 or more (subject to a set minimum spend per head) Smaller parties will incur a hire charge POA Includes: - Private Entrance & Bar Maximum seated capacity 50. Min. 20 Maximum standing capacity 70 Exclusive Venue Hire for our Tudor Room No Hire Charge for parties of 14 or more (subject to a set minimum spend per head) Maximum seated capacity 16. Smaller parties will incur a hire charge POA Exclusive Total Venue Hire including our Main Restaurant Monday – Sunday - POA Includes: - Main Restaurant, Orangery, Two Bars, Gardens & Car Park, Maximum seated capacity 150
Private party contact
Megan Hill: 01245 987888

Location
The Wheatsheaf Centre, Main Road, Rettendon, Essex CM3 8DY
Area
Chelmsford
Parking Details
We have secure parking for up to 80 cars.
Entertainment
PRE DINNER DRINKS If you would like to to have a Pre-Dinner Drink in our Cocktail Bar please arrive at least 30 Minutes before your Table Reservation. Please also be aware if you are dining with us early evening that your table may have to be made available for a later booking. We allow a minimum of 2 hours between booking times subject to the number of covers, therefore we always endeavor to seat you at the table in time. DRESS CODE Our Dress Code is Smart Casual. Please note no Sportswear, Tailored Shorts Only, and Suitable Smart Footwear to be worn at all times. Please note that Children under the age of 8 are required to be seated before 6:30pm, however there are no restrictions with regard to children on a Sunday.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

What 834 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.1Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

N
Ngaire
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely food, great atmosphere. Particularly liked the magician.
TE
TimE
London
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2021
overall5food5service4ambience4
we visit here several times a year and it is always consistently good. Yesterday was no exception. Pleased to see the magician back - always good fun.
CH
ClareH
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first visit to Le Benaix and we were not disappointed!! Lovely atmosphere, excellent food and service was impeccable. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and eally can’t wait to come back.
DM
DarrenM
London
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 27 November 2021
overall3food4service3ambience4
Slightly slow service spoilt an otherwise a pleasant dining experience
BM
BazM
Dorset
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 25 November 2021
overall4food3service5ambience5
Couldn’t fault the way the meat was cooked, beef and lamb were delicious, but the accompanying sides were a disappointment. Beans with lamb shank didn’t work and for me overwhelmed the dish, chips with cheese on , also was a step too far. It kind of didn’t work for me. Mash or roast potatoes and a green veg would have been a better option.
J
Jaki
Essex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 25 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience2
Can’t fault the food here, always amazing, could do with a bit more atmosphere may be a singer at the weekends.
JM
JuliaM
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience3
Lovely, but just a shame we were the only table there for Saturday lunch, as it lacked atmosphere and was all a bit quick. Lovely food though
D
Dawn
Essex
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 November 2021
overall2food1service2ambience1
There was no on to great us upon arrival. One of the waiters only wore his black mask over his mouth and not his nose. The food was tepid and unattractive.
LS
LesleyS
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food great service. We all t(o roughly enjoyed our experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 14 November 2021
overall2food4service1ambience2
We was told our booking was for two hrs. However we waited quite a long while to go to the table & the drinks were very slow. The food took a extremely long time to arrive once we ordered, which we could have done whilst waiting for the tables. The wait between starter and main was also far too long. The food was very good however once it arrived. However the waiting time was very poor and would put me off returning.
DK
DuncanK
Essex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
An enjoyable meal with good service and pleased staff
RH
RichardH
Dublin
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 7 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fabulous meal at Le Benaix, very friendly and helpful staff, very good food as usual. Overall a great meal out and would recommend without hesitation.
PH
PenH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 6 November 2021
overall4food4service5ambience4
Very enjoyable. But it was rather cold. Would of been nice if the heating was on.
CW
ColinW
Essex
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 5 November 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
Service was great. Food excellent. Drinks Pricey. Most pleasant ambiance. Would recommend.
D
Donnla
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 3 November 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and great service. Had a great meal.
NB
NigelB
Essex
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2021
overall4food5service4ambience3
Lovely food as usual, long wait for first drink and a lack of atmosphere. Would be nice with a bit more background music or better still a cocktail pianist?
l
lisaa
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 30 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my family there for dinner last night for my husbands birthday . The food was memorable! This restaurant is in a lovely quiet area . Definitely will return. We tried everything and it was amazing ! Please try the Ox Mac and Cheese! The waiters were friendly and very attentive. On the drive back to Colchester all we were talking about was the restaurant. Compliments to the chef and team well done ! We will be back !
PC
PhilipC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 29 October 2021
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service was just right for a nice dining experience and the food was a lovely French brasserie style.
SM
SarahM
Essex
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 21 October 2021
overall2food1service2ambience3
Food was tasteless, beef cheek was luke warm, gravy had congealed. Side order of vegetables sittng in water. Informed the waiter, don't think he was that bothered. Altogether not impressed. Won't return and won't recommend. Far too overated
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went for Sunday lunch, lovely atmosphere, staff were warm and welcoming, food was lovely, even had a card magician who was brilliant, would defiantly go back
R
Richard
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simplistically, that is one of those places which you want to visit again and you would recommend to your friends. You will get delicious food served by very good staff. The restaurant is very elegant and pleasant, so you can take your partner for romantic dinner, or family and friends for birthday party.
NR
NicolaR
Essex
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Attentive service, a concise but varied and tasty menu and classic decor.
RD
RonD
Essex
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 13 October 2021
overall3food3service2ambience4
The food was nice and the staff friendly. Unfortunately though for the price I expect more than just nice. I have been to Le Bouchon which I highly recommend. As this is the sister restaurant I was excited to dine at Le Benaix but it was nowhere near as good. The tables were laminated chipwood and the laminate was coming away. We had to ask for cutlery for serving the sides and when the desserts came out. The food was nice but at £25 and £24 per main [without sides] I want more than just nice.
WT
WilliamT
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 9 October 2021
overall2food3service1ambience3
We have been several times before and sometimes the service is not of a high standard. Unfortunately this was one of those occasions. The menu was also a bit disappointing.
RF
RafaelF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Have been dining there since it opened including a big birthday in the Orangery. Always enjoyable; Le Benaix has it all. Excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Essex
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 2 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great evening out.
K
Kimberly
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 1 October 2021
overall5food5service3ambience5
Lovely meal, food very interesting, full marks to the chef. It would be nice if waiters knew what person ordered what. Another small point second bottle of wine was just poured into half full glasses from the first bottle. Overall very good and the waiters mostly got it right. Will be back.
L
Lauren
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2021
overall2food2service2ambience1
Not the usual 5 stars different staff was served warm champagne in iced water ran out of beef Sunday toast. Mint sauce was served in thimble for two to share. Had to refill own glasses. However, Henry new employee shone and will be a credit.
TR
TracyR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2021
overall3food2service3ambience4
Lovely food but came home hungry, quite small portions, especially the sea bass
MF
MattF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely loved our meal at this place. The staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable when it came to the cocktails. The XO in a warm glass was outstanding! Definitely recommend a visit. Was a bit expensive but that wouldn't put me off going back! Well done
RE
RayE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was fantastic the waiter you couldn’t fault him He knew his stuff food absolutely lovely, hundred percent no faults with it I can’t says bad thing about
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 24 September 2021
overall4food2service2ambience2
All the meals were very very salty waiter seemed to disappear after a while. No atmosphere just very average
J
Jobbo27
Essex
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 September 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lovely evening but was made to feel a bit stupid because we arrived at 18.45 as per my booking to be told the reservation was for 19.30. I didn’t have my phone with me to prove otherwise so had to accept it. It wasn’t a problem as we spent the 45 mins having a drink and chatting
RC
RamblerC
Essex
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 September 2021
overall3food4service3ambience2
Not much atmosphere as few diners and a little pretentious. Food ok but nothing special. Staff friendly on surface but waiter somewhat condescending. Asked for coffee and sweet. Coffee delivered well before sweet and when queried we were told we should have asked for coffee with or after sweet. Who serves coffee before sweet?
LB
LindaB
Essex
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 17 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday of a friend.
SK
SamtaK
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Visited for the first time last night. Food, service , atmosphere all top notch. Definitely returning here again soon
DD
DebD
Yorkshire
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 15 September 2021
overall3food3service2ambience4
The quality of the food was very good but portions small and expensive. Service was slow, there appeared to be some staff shortages. I loved the bass and my mango dome was wonderful.
PB
PeterB
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 11 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good experience with first restaurant visit since lockdown. Will definitely return.
AB
AnaB
Essex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 10 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service and food, elegant for a nice meal out or in our case to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Highly recommended.
A
Alecu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 9 September 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice friendly welcome on arrival , opted for drinks before our meal in the lounge , which was prompt snd delivered with a smile , wasn’t rushed to our table , dining area was warm and classy. Lovely table well spread out. Starters were ok but the skate I had for main was outstanding. Side dishes were lovely in flavour macoroni cheese was delicious as were the well seasoned triple cooked chips with cheese Meal experience overall was lovely , great service in a lovely relaxed environment. Look forward to returning again soon

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Brasserie Le Benaix offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 01245 987888.

Brasserie Le Benaix is rated 4.3 stars by 834 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

01245 987888

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Chelmsford
Hours of Operation
Bar Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–8:15 pm Lunch Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Afternoon Tea Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sunday Lunch Sun 12:00 pm–4:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
Cuisines
French, English, Contemporary French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
We have secure parking for up to 80 cars.
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Entertainment
PRE DINNER DRINKS If you would like to to have a Pre-Dinner Drink in our Cocktail Bar please arrive at least 30 Minutes before your Table Reservation. Please also be aware if you are dining with us early evening that your table may have to be made available for a later booking. We allow a minimum of 2 hours between booking times subject to the number of covers, therefore we always endeavor to seat you at the table in time. DRESS CODE Our Dress Code is Smart Casual. Please note no Sportswear, Tailored Shorts Only, and Suitable Smart Footwear to be worn at all times. Please note that Children under the age of 8 are required to be seated before 6:30pm, however there are no restrictions with regard to children on a Sunday.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://brasseriebenaix.com/
Phone number
01245 987888
Catering
Dining at Le Benaix The main restaurant serves our A la Carte menus, overlooking the private gardens. Our Bar & Brasserie area allows you to have a relaxing drink or enjoy a dish from our Bar Menu. You can enjoy our Orangery with the option of dining and private hire available for that special occasion, with beautiful views across the countryside. Together with our food menus, we offer an exciting list of cocktails a wide range of gins with complementary tonics and botanical s and an extensive wine list.
Private party facilities
Please view our Private hire options by clicking the link below: https://brasseriebenaix.com/functions Exclusive Venue Hire for our Orangery No Hire Charge for parties of 35 or more (subject to a set minimum spend per head) Smaller parties will incur a hire charge POA Includes: - Private Entrance & Bar Maximum seated capacity 50. Min. 20 Maximum standing capacity 70 Exclusive Venue Hire for our Tudor Room No Hire Charge for parties of 14 or more (subject to a set minimum spend per head) Maximum seated capacity 16. Smaller parties will incur a hire charge POA Exclusive Total Venue Hire including our Main Restaurant Monday – Sunday - POA Includes: - Main Restaurant, Orangery, Two Bars, Gardens & Car Park, Maximum seated capacity 150
Private party contact
Megan Hill: 01245 987888

Brasserie Le Benaix

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 834 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Brasserie Le Benaix offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Brasserie Le Benaix restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

Dining areas

Additional information