Reviews in Colchester

I wasn't expectinng great things due to some fairly average Trip Advisor reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was an inventive menu, which was extensive. That's often a bad sign, but apart from a slightly mediocre crab pate with crostini - everything else (mackjerel pate, seabass, fish and chips, chocolate fanache and profiteroles) gets full marks from us. The staff were really obliging, and not in your face way. I asked for a blackcurrant and lemonade. They had run out of blackcurrant but actually went to the loacal shop to get some for me (unprompted by me). Lovely, low-key atmosphere in a beautiful 17th-century (?) inn. Next time we will venture into the garden. My tip would be to avoid sitting to the left of the entrance. We did and so were faced with the unappealing aspect of the Feering Hill traffic coming towards us. But generally a big thumbs up - one fo the best venues I've visted in north Essex

Was a little disappointed yesterday, we were told that the drinks would take a while, however what we hadn't bargained for was the hot breakfast for 1 person coming before drinks and the cakes for the other 2 people coming with the drinks. My friend had to start her breakfast whilst we sat there waiting for our cakes. Saying that as always food was delicious as normal and staff very professional

Great food , great atmosphere , great staff, highly recommend .

I often meet friends for lunch at The Barn cafe. The food is always delicious and very friendly, helpful staff.

Absolutely beautiful meal, fantastic service too

Lovely Father’s Day Sunday lunch. Good food with good portions. They allowed a grandparent who doesn’t eat much to have a child’s portion roast dinner and only charged for a child’s portion which was really appreciated as we hate to waste good food. Service was excellent. We’re never disappointed when we eat here. Thank you again and we look forward to the next event.

I always enjoy meeting my friends at The Barn Garden Centre Cafe for either coffee and a delicious scone, lunch or the best Afternoon Tea ever. The staff are lovely too. We always find time to look around the beautiful shop and the plants, and don’t normally leave empty handed. Thank you!

Visited with a group of friends to kick off my birthday celebrations. Loved the food and we had great service from the very friendly staff. Thank you for my birthday surprise, lovely and unexpected touch.

Had lunch yesterday. 2adults and 2 children. Food was lovely although the contents of the Buddha bowl had changed and the cold cauliflower rice was not very tasty. No edamame as before. Two fish and chips 1 Buddha bowl and a fish cake with very few accompaniments + 2 portions of chips and 4 fruit juices £102. Makes for an expensive lunch so won’t be a regular thing. Lot less busy than usual too. Wonder if it’s overpriced now. Very noisy too.

Again, brilliant food and grear service! Welcomed back to the Blue Anchor having had many meals here before, everytime we have had a wonderful experience and great food.

Not been to the Blue Anchor for a long time. We were a party of 5 adults. The staff very helpful and pleasant . We all ordered different Starters and Mains from the A La Carte Menu. Good sized portions, hot food which was very nicely presented and was very well cooked and delicious. Good value for money.

Great atmosphere and excellent food, we eat there regularly and I've never had a bad meal. Excellent cakes and scones. Not had the set afternoon tea but seen it and it looks wonderful.

Looked forward to the full vegetarian roast as on menu previously, only to see cauliflower was the dish on the specials instead. Enquired if roast pots and Yorkshire etc came with this. Waitress asked chef who said no. Waitress said we could have roasties and Yorkshire but would have to pay extra! We ordered chips to fill out the meal. The cauliflower dish was superb but for £18 on its own when normal meal roasts are just a £1 cheaper seems ridiculous. I emailed The Barn who said if we had asked for Yorkshire and roast pots they would have come with the cauliflower dish no added cost!!!! We had family with us 2 meat eaters which had a wonderful roast and two vegetarian who were disappointed. Praps an idea is to put roast pots and Yorkshire optional inclusive in price. We loved eating at The Barn for many years and look forward to our proper vegetarian roast next time.

Always enjoy the atmosphere and the quality of food and drink. Slow service though - the wait is always too long.

Lovely roast dinners x 3 on Sunday. Followed by 3 wonderful desserts . Only downside ,very slow service and although booked were placed at the end of the restaurant which was freezing cold We did tell the staff but they did not seem Interested..

Lovely place for lunch. Met some friends here and all enjoyed What we ordered Nice atmosphere and friendly attentive staff

Went for my Mum’s 60th birthday lunch and the service was brilliant from start to finish. The food was served quickly, was absolutely delicious and portions generous. Staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Would highly recommend and everyone who attended agreed it was worth going back again for lunch or to try dinner.

Up to its usual high standards with helpful service and excellent food.