Reviews in Essex

Fabulous morning catch up with a friend. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Food is excellent. We had breakfast. Poached eggs with avocado and I went off menu slightly with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and swapped the bread for tomato and mushroom which they happily accommodated. My requested seating area was met too. Definitely recommend ❤️

Always enjoy a coffee date and cake here or lunch. It’s fantastic they now have a childrens menu too!

Always enjoy coming for lunch, but it is pricey. I was disappointed that they no longer serve sandwiches with a side of crisps with the salad garnish. This felt like penny pinching on their behalf. Staff is always lovely and friendly.

Excellent lunch, as always. Reliable good freshly cooked food served by friendly competent staff. One of the best places to eat in Colchester. Long may they thrive.

Had a lovely lunch from the specials menu which I love because it changes frequently. Very friendly staff and excellent food.

Visited yesterday for the first time, our neighbours had recommended. We were a party of 3 celebrating our daughter's birthday. Lovely lunch, delivered hot and plentiful by polite cheery staff, no room for recommended cakes, so looking forward to next time.

I have spent a few very pleasant visits here with different friends and family. Each time it has been lovely even when its very busy and you havent booked ahead, the staff try very hard to fit you in asap. Thank you for such a lovely place to visit.

Excellent service from this well run friendly family business. Have visited many times and never been disappointed. Good, varied menu with well presented tasty food at reasonable prices.

Very nice food and friendly service. Would recommend.

Always enjoy visiting The Barn café as there is a good choice of food suitable for g/f and vegetarians. The staff are welcoming, efficient and friendly.

Delicious food, great choices, good service in a lovely garden centre.

Nicely greeted, great service and fab breakfast. First time our friends have been here and were impressed and will come again. Food gorgeous and nicely presented. We love coming here.

Nicely greeted, great service and fab breakfast. First time our friends have been here and were impressed and will come again. Food gorgeous and nicely presented. We love coming here.

We enjoyed some good food again at the Barn. We had booked and it wasn’t too busy so our order was taken and the food arrived quickly. As usual the breakfast bap was great and I was told the fruit scone and accompaniment's were also loverly The old adage of you pay for what you get !! It’s not cheap but well worth the money . I would suggest booking is a good idea as it can be very busy

Had breakfast with friends for first time yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were able to sit outside, which was perfect, as weather warm. Looking forward to going back there again for another breakfast and possibly lunch!

Everything about Grumpys is excellent. We go weekly as we like it some much.

Food is lovely, but ambitiously priced for a garden centre. Had Buddha bowl with added fish /meat (for an extra £3). Frankly without it would have been a tiny, unsatisfying portion - barely a side plates worth for over £10. Service was reasonable, although front of house seemed to take delight in turning people away (There were plenty of tables). Undoubtedly the food is a cut above the old barnplants, but with the loss of charm and pricing more akin to a good pub, I'm not sure it's a positive change.

Amazing food and atmosphere as always. Staff are so helpful and polite. Always a joy to eat here.