Reviews in Colchester

I enjoyed the visit to the Barn café, with some reservations. We had booked a table and were seated immediately. Fairly quickly, our drinks orders were taken but we were told that no food orders could be taken since the kitchen was currently overwhelmed with orders. When a table has been booked for a specific time, I would expect to be able to order food at that time. On my previous visit, similarly, I waited quite some time for both food and drinks. If the number of covers in the restaurant cannot be serviced by the kitchen and staffing, fewer tables should be filled. I feel the inclination to ‘vote with my feet’! (There is a lot of choice in this market sector.) Additionally, my friend ordered the Buddha bowl and commented upon ‘shrinkation’. She has had it before and was quite taken aback by the smaller portion/price for what was served. I think the jury is currently out! Whilst the ambiance is good, there are a couple of concerns.

Food as always good but whole dining experience spoilt by the acoustics of the restaurant - too noisy when busy. Food is overpriced in comparison with similar establishments.

A lovely experience at the Blue Anchor. Welcoming, friendly atmosphere without being noisy. Right level of attention at table; good selection on menu, especially for my friend who's vegetarian and fed up of what seems to be the same old offerings elsewhere. As it was her birthday celebration, we wanted something a bit more special. There was no problem mixing a starter with sides of potato and veg. Ample portions of very tasty food, so I didn't really need a dessert, but was tempted by the sticky toffee pud with stem ginger ice cream. Although I don't often go for ice cream, I could have eaten twice as much ( if the pudding had been smaller). All together a pleasure to visit. Calm and with nothing too much trouble, and no fuss, so letting the food do the talking. Hope to return for another occasion.

My girlfriend and I had a really lovely lunch time experience with you . Thank you so much

Recent visited having reserved a lunch table online - upon arrival, we were not on the list (so were added), we couldn’t have a table as a little early, however people after us with no reservation were seated! Ordered an Open Club Sandwich, which was nice with the exception of the bacon, that was so badly burnt it was charcoal! Have been to the barn many times, service on this occasion was poor.

Visited for lunch with my mother on her birthday. Very busy, as usual, which is why it is advisable to book. We both had one of the sandwiches and coffee - all very tasty and we enjoyed our lunch, but really the price for what we had was too expensive. I think its a bit cheeky to charge £10.50 for a sandwich with sliced bread that you can buy in a supermarket.. at that price I would have expected something more artisan. The service was very slow, because they were so busy. It took a long time even to place our order. The staff were very pleasant, but it always seems to be like this, so perhaps they should consider employing more staff.

I have been to The Blue Anchor quite a few times with my partner and friends and our meal has been satisfactory. We ordered our starters which included Moules Mariniere, it was nice but no spoon was given for the creamy sauce and no water bowls were given to clean our hands afterwards. This is basic stuff. My partner did ask the waiter about the water bowls, he never said anything and just walked off. Regarding the main courses, no grated Parmesan was available for the pasta dish that our friend had but some slices of Parmesan were brought to the table at extra cost??!! Service was very slow and the restaurant seemed reasonably quiet for a Good Friday. It will be a while before we come back.

We had booked a table for Good Friday and although they were very busy the staff were smiley, welcoming and efficient. The food was wonderful. Very impressive.

We were a family party of 8 meeting up for a lunch get together. The food as always was very good with a choice of light lunches as well more hearty meals. The service was very good, the drinks order was taken and delivered promptly as well as the food. We were not rushed at any point. We will definitely be returning in the near future.

Lovely venue, amazing waitstaff, customer service was fantastic. I’m so sorry but the food was absolutely awful. Burnt food. Nothing had any flavour, the terrine was like canned tuna with burnt spring onion. Our babies child pizza was the only thing we really ate. When I first visited 3 years ago the fish was the best I’ve ever had. But honestly nothing from our starters to mains was nice. Just crap mass produced food that had obviously sat in the heat for too long. Sooo disappointed Staff were so lovely and sweet. Even manager and bar staff were professional in the background. Also please sort the toilets out. When you walk in it’s all you can smell

Lovely venue, amazing waitstaff, customer service was fantastic. I’m so sorry but the food was absolutely awful. Burnt food. Nothing had any flavour, the terrine was like canned tuna with burnt spring onion. Our babies child pizza was the only thing we really ate. When I first visited 3 years ago the fish was the best I’ve ever had. But honestly nothing from our starters to mains was nice. Just crap mass produced food that had obviously sat in the heat for too long. Sooo disappointed Staff were so lovely and sweet. Even manager and bar staff were professional in the background. Also please sort the toilets out. When you walk in it’s all you can smell

I have been to the barn garden centre and cafe a few times now. The gift shop has some beautiful things to buy and lovely flowers and plants which always look so healthy and looked after. I have had lunch a few times to. The food is always lovely and fresh the staff are always friendly and service is fantastic. The restaurant does always get very busy so I would advise to book online. So pleased I found this little hidden gem.

As always fantastic… staff attentive, food tasty and good value

Last Friday we ordered two scones, the butter was so frozen, it just tore the scones c r umbs. In future could you please supply butter at room temperature, so we can enjoy a warm scone.

Great food, great service, good menu - and all in a great garden centre - what else do you want?

I’ve had the 6 course menu deal via Groupon several times now; the food is always delicious and varied, the service impeccable, and there’s always a lovely ambience. Great value for money!

Excellent Sunday roast beef with all the trimmings, nice staff, a truly nice experience.

The food was lovely but sadly, the service was awful. We waited 45 minutes after finishing our food by which time it was obvious no one was going to clear the table and ask if we wanted anything else. Others around us seemed to be having issues too.