From the outside, a very traditional, english thatched cottage, inside, a high-class oriental restaurant. An unusual combination certainly, but, we hope, an attractive one.
Our aim is to provide a special dining experience, with good food in a building full of character, having a special 'ambience'.
Thank you for your interest. Please stay a little longer to find out more about our restaurant and cuisine.
We look forward to your visit to The Straw Hat Oriental!
Our Home
The Straw Hat is a 500 year old, Grade II listed, building on the Essex/Hertfordshire border between Harlow and Sawbridgeworth, and is something of a local landmark.
It has been a restaurant for the last 80 or so years, and in 2003 became home to the Straw Hat Oriental.
Inside the Straw Hat you will find a small cosy lounge bar area, complete with log fire in winter. The restaurant has been sympathetically restored, with a contemporary feel, although the oak beams are of course original!
We have a good size garden and a secluded patio area, ideal for those larger parties or perhaps an alfresco cocktail in summer.
But don't just take our word for it, look for yourself with our virtual tour.
Just select an area from the drop-down menu, click the picture below and move around using your mouse.
Our Cuisine
We serve a varied menu on an Oriental theme to suit the most discerning palate, from traditional Chinese fare to Japanese and Thai dishes. All complemented by an extensive wine list.
The Straw Hat Oriental is also one of the few restaurants outside of the major cities to offer freshly prepared Sushi and Sashimi, hand made, and beautifully presented to order, by our own Japanese chef. Whether you love sushi, or are trying it for the first time, we are sure you will enjoy this!
Opening Times
The Straw Hat Oriental is open Monday to Saturday for Lunch from 12pm until 3pm, and for Dinner from 6pm to 11pm.
On Saturday evenings there are two sittings for dinner, one at around 6:30pm and another at 8:45-9:00pm
On Sundays we are open continuously from 12 noon until 10pm.
To make a reservation please call us on 01279 722434
We are pleased to accept all major credit and debit cards.
Where to Find Us
We are on the main A1184 road between Harlow and Sawbridgeworth, just over a mile south of Sawbridgeworth and about two miles north of Harlow, on the right hand side of the road if travelling from Harlow.
There is ample on-site parking behind the restaurant building
Special Events
We always have special menus on festive occasions such as New Year, Chinese New Year, St Valentines Day and Mothering Sunday, and our plans will appear here at the appropriate times.
Please let us know when booking at any time of year if you will be celebrating a birthday, anniversary or engagement and we will do what we can to make it extra special for you.
Functions
The Straw Hat has ample facilities to cater for larger functions too, so please contact us to discuss your plans
Menu