Business Details
Historic 16th-Century Pub Serving Seasonal Cuisine
Established in the early 16th century, The Half Moon Inn has been a cornerstone of Belchamp St Paul village for over four centuries. We pride ourselves on serving freshly prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients and curating an exceptional selection of real ales. Our historic thatched pub, complete with original features like low beams and a log fire, offers a truly authentic English country pub experience. With a seasonal menu changing daily, we ensure our patrons enjoy the best of regional cuisine paired with carefully selected wines and soft drinks.Our commitment to quality extends to hosting events like Moonfest, our annual beer festival, and providing a welcoming environment for both villagers and visitors. The pub has featured in popular culture, notably as a filming location for the television series Lovejoy, and continues to maintain its rich heritage while delivering modern hospitality standards.
Services
Seasonal menus
Real ales
Private hire
Beer festivals
Sunday roasts
Christmas dining
Fine wines
Local produce
Garden seating
Historical tours
Highlights and features
- We maintain original 16th-century architectural features while providing modern hospitality standards
- We prepare all meals from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible
- Our pub has been featured as a filming location for the popular television series Lovejoy
- We host Moonfest annual beer festival with 24 beers and 12 ciders from local and national breweries
- We offer traditional Sunday roasts with seasonal variations in a picturesque village setting
What people say
Amazing Sunday roast
Excellent lunch
Top notch Adnams cider
Lovely setting
Highly recommended
Services
Seasonal menus
Our menu changes daily to showcase the best local produce. From traditional Sunday roasts to gourmet dishes, each meal is prepared from scratch using regional ingredients. The kitchen team expertly crafts both classic pub fare and innovative seasonal specials to suit all tastes.
Real ales
We maintain the highest standards in ale presentation, featuring local and national real ales. Our rotating selection includes cask-conditioned brews from regional microbreweries. Regular beer festivals showcase 24 different beers and 12 ciders across multiple days during peak seasons.
Private hire
Our historic setting accommodates special events and private functions. The restaurant area can be reserved for weddings, celebrations, or corporate events. Christmas dining packages include pre-ordered two or three-course meals with coffee service during December.
Beer festivals
Annual August Bank Holiday beer festival featuring 24 beers and 12 ciders. Complemented by live music performances across four days and a dedicated barbecue serving fresh food from midday until evening hours during the event period.
Historical tours
Explore our 400-year history through curated experiences. The pub retains original 16th-century features including thatched roof and wooden beams. Visitors can learn about our role as a filming location for the Lovejoy television series during the 1980s.
People
Dave
Co-owner
Dave warmly welcomes guests to The Half Moon Inn, ensuring each visitor experiences authentic English hospitality. With deep local knowledge, he maintains the pub's traditions while embracing modern guest expectations.
Katrina
Co-owner
Katrina contributes to the pub's welcoming atmosphere, overseeing front-of-house operations. Her commitment to excellence ensures guests enjoy the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary service standards.
Questions
Does The Half Moon Inn serve food daily?
We offer seasonal menus Wednesday to Saturday 12noon-2.30pm & 6pm-9pm, Sunday 12noon-4pm. Christmas dinners available by pre-booking December 1-24 (excluding Mondays/Tuesdays).
Can I book private events at the pub?
Yes, our restaurant space accommodates special occasions. Christmas dining packages and pre-ordered meals require 10% non-refundable deposit one week before bookings.
Are dogs permitted on the premises?
We welcome dogs in our garden areas at front and rear of the pub. Complimentary water bowls available upon request - dogs not permitted inside restaurant/bar areas.
What are the beer festival details?
Moonfest runs over August Bank Holiday weekend featuring 24 beers, 12 ciders, live music and barbecue serving 12pm-9pm Saturday & Sunday, closing at 4pm on Monday.
Is the pub accessible for wheelchair users?
Our historic building has some access limitations. Ground floor areas available with prior arrangement - please contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements.
