Writtle's Pakwaan joins Britain's top 100 Indian restaurants

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 11:26 · Archive

Pakwaan, an Indian restaurant in Writtle near Chelmsford, has been included in the British Indian Good Food Guide's Top 100 restaurants for 2026. It is the only Essex restaurant to appear in the national selection, which features establishments from across England, Scotland and Wales.

The annual list brings together everything from family-run neighbourhood restaurants to regional specialists and contemporary fine-dining establishments. Pakwaan appears as number 100 on the published list, although the Guide makes clear this does not mean it was ranked 100th in Britain. Restaurants are grouped geographically and the numbering is not a national ranking.

Restaurants were selected following an editorial assessment looking at cooking, flavour, consistency, hospitality and the overall dining experience. The Guide said: 'Indian cuisine is woven into British life. For generations, Indian restaurants have been part of communities across the country, and today that tradition continues to evolve. Our 2026 selection reflects that breadth, from much-loved neighbourhood restaurants and regional specialists to some of Britain's most ambitious modern kitchens.'

Writtle is one of Essex's best-known villages, centred around its attractive village green and duck pond. Despite being close to Chelmsford, the village has retained a distinct identity, with historic buildings and traditional pubs sitting alongside cafés, restaurants and independent businesses. Pakwaan's appearance puts Writtle alongside some much larger destinations represented in the guide.

How it is being reported

• Why the Essex village home to one of the UK's best restaurants is worth a visitWrittle near Chelmsford offers Essex village charm, pubs and independent businesses, while Pakwaan joins Britain’s Top 100 Indian restaurants for 2026.Echo (Basildon) · 15 Nov, 11:00
• Why the Essex village home to one of the UK's best restaurants is worth a visitWrittle near Chelmsford offers Essex village charm, pubs and independent businesses, while Pakwaan joins Britain’s Top 100 Indian restaurants for 2026.Colchester Gazette · 15 Nov, 11:00
• Why the Essex village home to one of the UK's best restaurants is worth a visitWrittle near Chelmsford offers Essex village charm, pubs and independent businesses, while Pakwaan joins Britain’s Top 100 Indian restaurants for 2026.Brentwood Guardian · 15 Nov, 11:00

In this story: Writtle · Chelmsford · Pakwaan · British Indian Good Food Guide · Essex · England · Scotland · Wales

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log