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Group of 10 of us were all disspointed with our recent visit. The food was dispointing in taste and portion size. The roast potatoes were hard, the childrens portions didnt come with any extras (stuffing or pigs in blankets) or veg and my pudding had kitchen foil in it!!
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe were celebrating an important birthday midweek, while we were staying nearby. Mandy found the blue Anchor online & I booked, very easy. A good selection of Beer & wine, but the local ale wasn't available, so we had lager, and several of the 2 for 1 offer cocktails, very well made, which Mandy enjoyed immensely. Everything we had was superbly presented, exciting to the eye and nose, and tasted delicious, served quickly, without us feeling we were waiting too long. Starters: Confit pork terrine, & Chicken bonbons starter. The chicken bonbons seemed larger than golf balls, well chosen Caesar dressing, crispy pancetta, decoratively presented. The confit wasn't pate on toast, it was a very tasty terrine, with sage mayo, black pudding crumb, charred spring onion, and brioche toast, again superb. Mains: Pan-fried seabass fillet, chive hasselback potatoes, this looked amazing. I don't do fish, but enjoyed a morsel from my partners' plate. I ordered Asian-style glazed beef short rib, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, charred pak choi, crispy onions. When given a spoon, I expected something soup-like in a bowl. I didn't know what to expect, but I got a slab of of slow cooked beef worthy of a 8-10 oz. steak. served on a mattress of thin flat noodles and spicy chilli with vegetables. The seasoned beef fell apart at the slightest touch of a fork, nostalgically reminding me of German style Kassler, from my youth. Superb. A 2 for 1 offer on desserts led us to have: Italian Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream with a refreshing lemon sorbet served with chunks of very sticky & gooey honeycomb and chocolate soil. This had a suberb quality taste, absolutely no chemically aftertaste, you get from cheap sorbets. The staff kindly put the large profiteroles made with light pastry and proper chocolate with chocolate sauce and honeycomb in a takeaway box for me to enjoy later. Service was quick & attentive, and the young lady server was quick to ask the chefs all my questions about the food & ingredients. A most enjoyable evening, & (when) we plan a break nearby, we will be back.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterTo celebrate our wedding anniversary, my wife and I decided to book a meal at your restaurant. We thought the menu was very interesting and after our selection we thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the ambiance. Staff were very attentive. We certainly will be coming back and we will be recommending your restaurant to family and friends.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterThe group breakfast this time on Friday 11th Oct was not up to your usual standard unfortunately Service was very very slow despite my pre-order, and 4 out of 10 breakfasts were almost completely cold. I bring a group every month and am hoping this was just a one off
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGood service and good food
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGood service and good food
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGreat food venue, booking easy, friendly staff, great food will visit again
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWife and I went for breakfast Sunday 6th for the first time here. The food was was great (loved it) . I thought the service was great . Maybe the breakfast could of been quicker, but they are cooking it to order. ITS NOT OUR RESTAURANT - we will come back again. Many thanks team .
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterMy haddock and chips was perfect. My husband’s roast lamb was not so tasty h said. A simple menu, friendly staff.
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterAnother good visit. We intended only to have coffee and cake but the lunch menu was too tempting. Good sized portions so we brought half home for our evening meal!!! Pleased to see several of the same staff as on our last visit months ago.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterVery pleasant lunch. Food was good.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterArrived at 12midday service was very poor waited long time for hot food, food was very good just disappointed that the waitress took drinks order as soon as we arrived but waited long time for them to take order for hot food. Not sure if the gentleman is manager but he could do with having friendly customer service especially dealing with public.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWe have been customers of the Blue Anchor for a few years, which in itself is highly complementary with regard to the food, the staff and events in our opinion! Nothing is too much trouble, especially when special occasion are involved. We are so pleased we live nearby!
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterAs usual good service. This time one of our table could not eat much from the lunch menu even though they were very busy they made up a lovely cheese and tomato sandwich for her.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLovely as always
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterStaff are lovely and so is the pub, food is presented well and good value. I would only say it was simple! Jacket potato was not oven baked Tuna and onion is just that tuna a lot of mayo with chunky slices of onion. I feel they need to tweak what they are serving and add some flavour. I would go back but wouldn’t rush!
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterAn ideal place for three friends meeting for a mid week catch up and enjoy quality dining in very pleasant surroundings. Attentive friendly staff with a well balanced menu which was cooked to perfection. Have dined there a few times and will continue to do so.
The Blue Anchor – Colchester