Searching for a restaurant in Essex? There are lots to choose from in Harwich, Southend, Brentwood and throughout the county. With a range of cuisines from British to Italian or Indian, the variety of places to eat in Essex with its restaurants and pubs is vast. Find the right place to eat in Essex with Sugarvine.
Second time eating in at Stoked (but have ordered takeaway multiple times). Atmosphere was great, food was even better. Would highly recommend the roast, followed by the brownie. A great range on offer, cooked by someone clearly passionate about food.
Stoked Vegan BBQ – Southend9 for Sunday lunch wonderful meal and such good service most enjoyable Thankyou
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterAfternoon Tea booked for 2 on the 8th December, Booked with a glass of fizz but this never turned up so we ordered a lovely glass of wine, our food came out and some of the sandwiches and cakes were delicious but some of the cakes were very dry and crumbly and the sandwiches were in somewhat of a short supply. At no point did anyone explain what the sandwiches or cakes were so it was a bit of a guessing game. Afternoon tea roulette as it were. It's a lovely restaurant and we will return but wouldn't recommend the afternoon tea unfortunately.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe booked a Christmas meal for 15 on the 7th December. The food was very good but a few dishes were on the small side, particularly the Goats cheese starter. The Yorkshire puddings were a very generous size but some were overcooked. Overall everyone enjoyed the meal and the table was decorated beautifully. The staff were very cheerful and professional. Our biggest complaint was not being able to pay for our drinks separately. The bill had all the drinks listed in a way which meant it took us about 15 minutes to work out how much each person owed and we had very little help with it.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterLovely breakfast as expected Service was really good, staff can't do enough for you. As Arni says "We'll be back" Thanks and Happy Christmas to you all. Ken & Amanda Holland
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWe booked a table for 6 on Saturday 9th for our annual sibling get together, and choose Blue Anchor as our meal last year was superb. Unfortunately not so this year. We had the festive meal, prawn cocktail starter was dry, prawns looked like they had been microwaved, no sauce, presentation bad. The roast Turkey was fine, beef very fatty, couldn’t eat most of it, and apart from a large Yorkshire, the 3 potato’s were very dry. Vegetable bowls limited to 2 small…my husband ate his food within minutes as the portions so small. Deserts were delicious though. Considering the cost, very bad value for £100 per couple. We are not big drinkers so service was average. Didn’t complain at the time as didn’t want to spoil our family get together, but will not be booking again, or visiting during the year as we do. There was an event in the party room, can only assume this was priority.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe had a lovely School Mums Xmas Meal here on 7th December. They couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and accommodating. Plus the food was very very good. Will definitely go back.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterAlways excellent service, food superb as well.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterDined on 8th December table for 6 all aspects of the meal was excellent value for money staff all very helpful and carried out duties to a great standard extremely enjoyable meal
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterMy friend and I enjoyed breakfast at the Barn yesterday. The staff were really friendly and the food delicious! Thank you
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterFood as always excellent and comfortable,warm in restaurant. Only problem was one particular waitress who seemed very stressed when she was bringing out meals. We asked her politely if our chips were coming with the meal , she just shouted they are still cooking. !! Then I asked her where tartare sauce she just pointed to area in lounge then just stormed out. Little bit of politeness goes a long way in my book how ever busy you are !! Don’t you agree
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterNever have I ever had a bad meal here! Billy’s so innovative with his flavours daring to push the boat out in every avenue!! Super rare American beers, sic cocktails what more could you ask for ?
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendReally wonderful experience- food was out of this world and great service. Cant wait to go back!
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendWe had a fabulous Christmas Meal on Wednesday 6th. Wonderful menu with lots of options. There were 5 of us and everyone enjoyed the food and also felt it was value for money. The staff were friendly and helpful. Thoroughly recommend the Blue Anchor.
The Blue Anchor – Colchester5 of us came for lunch yesterday (4 December). We were very well looked after, all the staff were unfailingly polite, cheerful and very efficient, despite the restaurant being extremely busy. All 5 meals were delicious. A very enjoyable experience
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterAlways a pleasure visiting The Barn, I always feel a sense of calm when I’m there. The food is always yummy, I had the eggs royale and it was delicious, and the Christmas display is beautiful will definitely be back soon as I’m a regular
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterService was extremely slow. As a Sunday roast goes it was ok.. nothing to get excited about
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterLovely food great service. Looking forward to next time
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterBuy one main course and get the second one for a quid. Offer available all day Monday-Friday from 5 January 2026.
Get a glass of Prosecco for £3 every Friday between 5pm and 7pm.
