There are some places that just feel like part of local life — somewhere to meet, relax, celebrate, enjoy good food and feel genuinely welcome.
That is exactly why we’re delighted to welcome The Stag, Chipping Ongar as a Gold Member on Anything Ongar.
Set in the heart of the local community, The Stag is a traditional pub with a warm, friendly feel and a menu that gives you plenty of reasons to visit — whether it’s a casual lunch, a midweek meal, a family dinner, drinks with friends, a Sunday roast or a special occasion.
A Proper Local Pub with Something for Everyone
The beauty of The Stag is that it doesn’t try to be complicated. It offers exactly what people love about a good local pub — comforting food, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and choice.
Their menu has been put together with variety in mind, covering everything from light bites and sharers to pub classics, burgers, salads, curries, chow mein, desserts and children’s meals. There are also extra reasons to visit throughout the week, including Traditional East End Pie & Mash every Thursday, Fish Fridays, a specials board and Sunday roasts.
It’s the kind of place where everyone can find something they fancy.
From Quick Bites to Full Plates
Whether you’re popping in for a drink and a snack or sitting down for a proper meal, The Stag has plenty to choose from.
For something casual, the bar bites include favourites such as chicken wings, Cajun chicken bites, pork belly bites, halloumi sticks, garlic mushrooms, salt and pepper squid, veggie spring rolls and devilled whitebait.
If you’re sharing with friends, there are options like cheesy nachos and a meze board — perfect for a relaxed catch-up over drinks.
And for those days when only proper pub food will do, The Stag delivers with comforting classics including fish and chips, scampi and chips, ham, egg and chips, sausage and mash, pasta bolognese and mac ‘n’ cheese.
Burgers, Pub Classics and a Bit of Spice
The burger menu is a strong reason to visit on its own.
The Stag Burger comes with pulled pork, cheese and bacon, while the menu also includes classic beef, grilled chicken, Cajun chicken, buttermilk chicken and vegetarian burgers. All are served in a toasted brioche bun with salad, burger sauce and chips.
But The Stag also goes beyond the usual pub favourites.
Their “Spice It Up” section includes Thai red chicken curry, beef chow mein, prawn chow mein, chicken chow mein, veggie chow mein and Nasi Goreng — giving diners a few extra options when they want something a little different.
That variety is what makes The Stag such an easy choice for groups and families. One person can go for fish and chips, another can choose a curry, someone else can order a burger, and the kids are looked after too.
Family Friendly Food and Sweet Treats
The Stag is also a great option for families.
The children’s menu includes chicken goujons, fish fingers, kids’ burgers, ham, egg and chips, and pasta bolognese, with kids’ desserts available too.
For grown-ups with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu includes fruit crumble, cheesecake, Belgium waffle, Eton Mess, chocolate brownie, mango and passionfruit mess and a chocolate sundae.
It’s the sort of menu that turns a simple meal out into something everyone can enjoy.
Why We’re Proud to Support The Stag
The Stag isn’t just somewhere to visit for lunch or dinner.
They also welcome enquiries for special occasions, including birthdays, baby showers, christenings, anniversaries, wakes and more. With a friendly pub setting and a menu that caters for different tastes, it’s a lovely local option for bringing people together.
At Anything Ongar, we are passionate about championing the businesses that help keep our local area thriving.
Pubs like The Stag are more than places to eat and drink. They are part of the community. They give people somewhere to gather, celebrate, unwind and support local.
So next time you’re thinking about where to go for food, where to meet friends, where to book Sunday lunch, or where to celebrate with family, keep The Stag in mind.
A warm welcome, a varied menu and a proper local pub atmosphere — The Stag is well worth a visit.
Visit The Stag
The Stag, Chipping Ongar
Website: www.stagongar.co.uk
Instagram: @the_stag_pub
Facebook: @thestagongaressex
Please support local and give The Stag a visit.
Author: Kelly Stone
Owner of Site