Line drawing of a cheese wheel, cheese slices, wheat stalks, and two wine glasses on a plate.

Rayleigh

We're delighted to have found our new home right on Rayleigh's bustling High Street. Its location, close to the beautiful church on the hill, and the charming sight of the historic Rayleigh Windmill just behind the High Street, has already made us feel very welcome and a part of this lovely and characterful community.

The Cork Yard

If you’ve been peering through the back door lately, the wait is over: The Cork Yard is officially open.

It’s our brand-new garden space at the Rayleigh bar, designed for those who believe a chilled rosé or a crisp white tastes better with a side of fresh air (weather permitting, of course).

Come and join us for a glass alfresco.

  • "We went to The Cork Dork for their bottomless brunch as a group of 6 . It was fabulous. Delicious unlimited wine and cheese! Who needs anything else? Lovely staff, made us very welcome and worked do hard. Live music made the afternoon all the more enjoyable. Catered for dietry requirements well and didn't make me feel like it was a bother, which some places do. Will definitely be going again. Thank you."

    —Marina Marriot

  • "So lucky to have this as our local! The wine and cheese alone are worth a visit, but to top it off the staff are incredibly warm and create such a welcoming atmosphere. We have been for brunches, Friday night wines, Sunday live music sessions and events such as wreath making, and it the atmosphere is always the same. Highly recommend!"

    — Nicola Wilkinson

  • "Always a wonderful experience at the cork dork! The staff are friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable about the wine availabile. It's a lovely atmosphere with lit candles and they even welcome our dog with a water bowl and treats."

    — Mark Priest

  • "Oh my gosh! The staff are beauts. Knowledgeable and warm. Worth waiting for a table (can’t book but didn’t wait long). The temp inside is high so don’t dress up but it makes for a lot of drinking and snugness"

    —Andy Merry

  • "Totally agree with all the 5 Star reviews. Great place day or night. Am a bit of a regular so am slightly biased but my faves the cheese board for sure. My go to every time with a glass or 2 of wine down there. Chilled atmos, fab staff and deffo plenty of bang for your buck. Can't stop going. Thanks for being in Leigh."

    - Rehto Sekwahatm

  • " Such a local hidden gem. Incredibly friendly, bubbly and knowledgeable staff. Most authentic and proper rustic place. Fabulous wines and cheese boards. And dog friendly! Perfect afternoon 🙏"

    - Natalie Cohen

Following the same approach as our Chalkwell location, Rayleigh operates on a no-reservation policy. This decision came after plenty of thought, consideration and experience and has been made to benefit the customer, not ourselves. That said, we very rarely turn people away looking for a table even on our busiest evenings. If there is a wait for a table when you arrive there is a large bar area where you can stand or “pitch” up in while having a glass of wine and even some cheese if you like.