Reviews in Colchester

I live local to The Barn & have been coming here for 3 years. During this time, the service has always been 50/50 on whether it will be good or bad…. And I hate to say that, but it’s the truthful reflection. On a day where I’ve struck luck, I am served within 5-10 minutes of getting the menu but this has normally occurred when I’ve been an early breakfast booking. However, on several times including yesterday (5 May 2025) we were sat for lunch at 11:50 with menus and we did not have our order taken for 20-25 minutes, and 4 tables were waiting in addition to us. There were 2-3 waitresses that walked passed the tables several times without recognising the menus sat with 5 tables (inc ours) and weren’t exactly “happy”. Once we were then attended to, there was no “I am sorry for the delay” or acknowledgement of the wait… which is just not what you expect. The food is nice, and honestly that’s why I come back & that it’s 50/50 on the service and I have had good service prior it’s just not consistent. I am not sure if they’re over staffed or something.

The food is always delicious especially the breakfasts. Excellent quality food. The staff are very helpful and friendly.

Me and my wife had a lovely meal and Sharon the waitress was absolutely amazing. It was our first time and definitely be going back. The hamburger was to die for and the roast dinners looked lovely.

Greeted with a smile. A lovely lunch with freshly prepared delicious food, in a relaxed atmosphere. The front of house staff are friendly and efficient. We have been here many times.

Had a light breakfast with a friend. Very tasty, well presented and delicious. I eat here regularly and I'm yet to be disappointed. Friendly, helpful staff are attentive and welcoming and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. Delicious assortment of cakes and all reasonably priced.

Had a really enjoyable lunch with a dear friend. Service was very quick, but was not rushed at all through our meal. Would be good to see some slightly cheaper options on the Sunday Lunch menu. All staff very happy and a lovely atmosphere as always.

This was the second time we visited the Barn and the food was very different to what is usually on offer at other establishments. The Staff are very friendly although the service this time was a bit erratic.The surroundings are delightful but unfortunately on this occasion we were disturbed by flies but didnt cause to much of an issue just irritating. We will be back

A lovely lunch at The Barn Cafe Stanway. Food always fresh and well presented. Staff very polite and friendly. Visit often and lovely to sit outside in the shade on hotter days.

Another fabulous meal sitting outside in the sun for breakfast with a friend. Good quality ingredients and very good service.

Beautiful breakfast great surroundings on the terrace on a sunny morning… bought a load of flowers after .. perfect morning

Great location for breakfast , especially on a sunny morning out on the terrace seating. Excellent food and friendly staff

Made a visit on Saturday night having not been for a few years. Certainly weren't disappointed . Delicious food all served beautifully by the most delightful lady who couldn't have been more helpful. The bar lady was also incredibly friendly. We felt very welcome. A beautiful country pub we will certainly be back.

A lovely venue to eat, tasty food and well cooked but The skate x 2 on the specials board was ordered but only 1 was available A monkfish alternative was offered for one of the dishes which was fine but what we got was 2 x mix of monkfish and skate We ordered 1 skate and 1 monkfish so an obvious mix up but ok however not a lot of fish was in either dish so a bit disappointing The open club sandwich was lovely so was the ham egg and chips albeit chops a bit too salty We were not offered a coffee at the end and we had to ask at the counter

A quick visit but loved the duck salad. Tasty and fresh.

We went there for a birthday brunch. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing , my mothers food wasn't cooked properly. We mentioned it to 2 people before the manager came over. Who was helpful and offered us alternatives but this didn't compensate for what we missed.

Booked for 3 of us on the 15th April food was amazing and enjoyed by all Service was also very good.Will definitely be coming again

Great food, great service, lovely setting

booked a table for 2 great choice of options to satisfy us Great service and staff prices were great for the meals 2 satisfied and contented diners with full bellies !!!