Reviews in Essex

Been coming here for about ten years, probably 1/2 dozen times a year. Always enjoyed our visit. Last time there was in Jan or Feb. Felt a difference this time. Different vibe, different menu, indifferent response from my wife and I. Menu change, the roast dinner (which we usually go for) had changed. Not as good as usual and when we realised the pub was half empty and wasn’t going to get any busier, as it usually does, we wondered if it was just us, who were disappointed. We’ll go again, just to check if it was a one off. Come on The Owl, why change a winning formula?

We love Skylark! The food is always great, the staff are adorable, the atmosphere is fab, it’s lovely and clean too! We went just recently to a live music night which was really fun and super busy but the staff kept on top of it and were really jolly. We’ve been before during the day for tea and cake with the little ones and that’s always great too. If you’re thinking about going to Skylark, GO! These places need to be supported so we’re not left with only crappy chain restaurants with no soul, but you’re doing yourself a favour at the same time because it’s smashing! And they make a great dirty martini too!!

Nice place ( eg nicely decorated etc) but noisy - the music does not help but even without that, the noise of people talking just echos. Just bear in mind if your party has people with hearing aids etc as my dad really struggled to hear with all the background noise. Food was good - would have liked to have seen regular sandwiches and maybe a simple jacket potato on the menu. The open sandwiches were nice but overpriced imho. The “larger” meals seemed better value for money .

We enjoyed an excellent pizza at this country pub. The service was great and the garden is a great setting to while away a summer afternoon.

Always nice food and ambience - staff were upagainst it on a busy sunday perhaps need more staff

Lovely venue, only a little disappointed with the food and service, the bacon was very hard not crispy I wounder if heated up, staff forgot the butter and cutlery , they apologised and brought out the butter but turn out to be margarine in a ramekin, coffee was lovely, so was the rest of the food just a shame a couple of things let it down. Would like to go back to try the evening , as thus get great reviews

Excellent service. The menu offer a good choice. I am gluten free and there are clearly noted options . The staff have good understanding of the impact. The environment is upbeat, maybe a little loud at times.

Nice pub. helpful in booking to get a table we wanted. Sadly despite being given the menu 3 times, we were not told that half of the menu was unavailable until we were asked to order. If we had been aware of this we would not have stayed for dinner. Although what we did have was fine, it was not the meal we were expecting to have. Very disappointed.

My friend and I enjoyed a great lunch. We both had the Buddha bowl with added salmon. It was very varied and tasty. A nice atmosphere and lovely cake too. Sadly you don’t seem to do any diet lemonade type drinks so I just had tap water.

Food was excellent, as usual. Service not good, as usual. Very noisy.

Absolutely wonderful evening and music

We visited with family from London who always ask to have breakfast here. As always, the whole experience was fabulous. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. Plus a very tempting shop and nursery to browse afterwards. 100% recommend a visit but be sure to book. Thank you to the whole team for your hard work.

Lovely food and service. Don’t like the new thing of playing music though. It makes the main dining room far too loud Prefer no music please!

As always food was delicious, our issue was where we were seated in the centre of the restaurant, noisy and sitting below the music speaker. Eventually got moved but only after we said we were leaving before having our lunch.

Lovely breakfast. Wide menu of breakfast staples plus more inventive options, all cooked and presented well. Good coffee too. Staff were friendly and efficient.

Sunday roast was lovely and the Lamb was very tasty, Sarah was so very helpful and so kind

We had a really terrific meal here on Sunday. The lady who was running the reservations and front desk was absolutely brilliant at her job very calm and unflappable, but also kind, understanding and made quick adjustments to the seating plan to be able to accommodate my father in law who can't walk or see very easily. The gentleman who looked after us at the table was also excellent. Both our drinks and our food came quickly and were of great standard. I had roast beef was. the best that I have had in ages - and we are a family of good cooks! The wider garden centre is also delightful and a great mix of plants and gifts so thoroughly recommend it as a lovely day out.

I have been using the barn for years I took my friend out for her 70 th we ordered fish and chips and to be honest 3/4 of the fish was over cooked fried batter the fish flesh was minimum my friends was no better , I didn’t complain as 1 it was my friends birthday 2 it was the hottest day of the year , they were closing the shop to be honest was very hot , very disappointed , sorry .. been lots of times and meals always been lovely , I guess a one off