The road into Takeley is a quiet back road - perfectly fine for walking. Just make sure you know where you're going as it's not well sign-posted (deliberately, to stop people from using it as a shortcut).

At the roundabout to the west of the terminal there is one exit that isn't marked. It will take you onto Parsonage Road, which is the road into Takeley. Just follow Parsonage Road until you get to Dunmow Road (which is the old A120)

There is a pub on the corner of Dunmow Road and Parsonage Road, the Four Ashes. I've sat there drinking orange juice while waiting for a friend's flight to land, but have never eaten there.