Reviews in Colchester

We had breakfast at the Barn on Saturday 11th October 2025. As usual all staff were very welcoming and cheery. Our food as always was amazing! Such great flavours and well presented. There is always plenty to choose from and I think it’s great value for what you get.

One of our favourite places for breakfast, the food is always amazing , staff are friendly and attentive.

Lovely as always! Great staff, nice decor. My Mother-in-law and I had the Swedish Hot Salmon open sandwich and the Harissa chicken with lentils and grains salad. The salad was so good, I am trying to figure out how to replicate it. Only grumble was that the drinks arrived late, and we had already started eating. Food was served quickly. Tiffin was delicious- huge portion.

Fabulous food, always our go to place. Promote friendly service.

I visit The Barn Garden Centre at least twice a week to meet friends, and I'm never disappointed. There is always a warm welcome, friendly, attentive service and excellent quality food. This visit was a breakfast visit and was as pleasant as I'd expected it to be. Good value for money in a relaxing environment, and good choice of food on menus.

Absolutely the best roast I've had in a long time service was really good and a nice garden centre to walk round after the very generous roast and the ultimate cauliflower cheese is a must will definitely recommend too family and friends

Absolutely the best roast I've had in a long time service was really good and a nice garden centre to walk round after the very generous roast and the ultimate cauliflower cheese is a must will definitely recommend too family and friends

Perfect roast very good hardworking staff ultimate cauliflower cheese is a must will be returning

Perfect roast very good hardworking staff ultimate cauliflower cheese is a must will be returning

Booked table for three on Friday. Was very busy but the service was as usual friendly and efficient. We each had different meals and all agreed that the food was of a very high standard, full of flavour and perfectly cooked. Whilst the restaurant was busy it never felt overcrowded and the service was never rushed. All in all an excellent dining experience.

A mixed experience. The staff were friendly. We were in for an early midday lunch so got our food without too long a wait, It did take quite some time for drinks ordered later to arrive but this was understandable as they were pretty full and there didn't seem to be that many waiting staff. ( I feel for them, I had to work short staffed on many occasions at a nearby Garden Centre which has now closed) Also we didn't mind that much as we were happy chatting and having a catch up. The food was good with some interesting choices however we all felt it is very expensive for what you get and it really needs just a couple of simple more affordable choices to make the menu a bit more varied.

"We visited The Barn cafe for breakfast today, and we were absolutely delighted with the experience! After hearing about recent changes in the kitchen, we were keen to see the results, and the new team has clearly hit the ground running! Our breakfast was exceptional. The food was cooked to perfection, fresh, and piping hot, and little touches such as a few chopped chives and pea shoots added to the aesthetics. The coffee is ‘proper coffee’ from a bean to cup and not just the push of a button at most establishments that concentrate on yield rather than quality. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring everything was just right and making us feel very welcome. It’s refreshing to see such a positive transformation. The atmosphere was lovely, and the food truly matched the quality we expect from a great garden centre. We’ll be back, and we’re happy to recommend it to anyone looking for a great breakfast!" Also, I would much rather have a wait for a wonderful breakfast/coffee than everything be instant! 10/10 The Barn.

First class breakfast, nice location and friendly staff.

Quantity and quality of food excellent. Service a little slow but pleasant and welcoming. Some chairs need cushions because they are low

I came for lunch with a friend on the 28th September. The service and food were excellent.

Lovely lunch with friends quick friendly service. Food fresh and tasty as always

Lovely atmosphere and breakfast, which arrived quickly. Drinks did take longer, however it was a busy time. Thank you, will be back.

The quality of the food was fantastic. The toast wasn’t delivered with breakfast, when rectified the incorrect types of bread were provided and the staff member made us feel like it was our fault and a massive inconvenience to them. I have visited several times and every time there seems to be a fundamental issue with how long drinks take. We waited over 25mins for 4 drinks. Previously I have received my food order before my drink order. Please rectify this issue because it would make such a difference.