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.
We had a lovely breakfast on the Saturday before Mothers Day. The food was delicious and nothing was too much trouble for the waitress as we required lots of different breakfasts! Atrmosphere is lovely and I would recommend to anyone! Will definitely be back and two of my guests were from Leicestetr so hopefully will book to stay next time.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterLovely meal yesterday. Service very good. One thing to say though. Please consider updating the menu on your website. Menu is from 4 years ago and not the same as now. We were disappointed we couldn't have what we thought we would. Meal was lovely though so it wont stop us from coming again.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWe had breakfast which was delicious but could have been hotter!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterNot great value for money and limited choice for a lunch time menu. Had to send my friends tart of the day back because the middle was uncooked. My sandwich was very small for the price charged. I've had better food at the barn. Service was good and my friends meal was free but not up to your usual standard. Disappointed
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGreat night as always. Such great staff and brilliant service
The Ship Gidea Park – RomfordMet my Daughter for lunch in the Baker's Arms 27 March, pre a spa break at the hotel opposite. Staff were attentive and friendly. Food was lovely, and good value for money. I have been there a few times before with friends (for lunch pre spa breaks!). It's always nice to lunch at the Baker's. Will visit again.
The Bakers Arms – IngatestoneThe meal was nice the hospitality was great and customer services was polite. I will always go bk
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – BasildonCame for lunch with a friend. When we were shown to our table we were told it was very busy and there maybe a wait. We were given menus, but then had to ask if we could order some drinks and placed order for our meal. We were reminded it was busy. We received our meals without our drinks, I said we were still waiting for our drinks the response was I’m sure they’ll be here soon. We asked another member of staff who promptly brought our drinks. When we received our meals we were not offered sauce's. I then had to ask another member of staff. The food and environment were lovely, but the experience was spoilt. I felt sorry for the staff who were rushing around. The restaurant should either make sure there are an adequate number of staff to provide a good service or accept less bookings.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWas really busy but everything was brilliant. Ambience and food top notch. Definitely coming back AGAIN!!!!
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterAnother visit to The Owl and not disappointed again. Food fantastic and service too. We travel quite a distance to come back to this place and probably pass numerous other places but will continue to do so.
The Owl – LoughtonAll Lovely but very busy and very hot.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterAs always a pleasant experience! I requested a table in the “homeware” section of the restaurant where it is quieter and easier to have conversation. Personally I find the rope chairs uncomfortable when eating is involved as they are not firm to sit on. On my request the waitress kindly swapped them with the more comfortable ratten chairs! Our light lunch was delicious and beautifully presented. The helpings are generous and always served with a smile. One of my favourite places to visit!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterI recently came for brunch with a friend and have visited many times over the years. Every time I return I hope that things will improve but time and again the same issues pop up. Great setting and food ok, although in my opinion, even given the current economy, it is a little overpriced for what is on my plate. I find the waiting staff very snippy and abrupt. Table service is prompt but the waiting staff are very cold and robotic. When I went to pay my bill the lady on the till made no eye contact and was again, very abrupt. Subsequently I left no tip and will definitely avoid the cafe/restaurant in future. Although the garden centre and shop remain one of my local faves.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterVery busy as usual and therefore the cafe could do with a few more staff so that one does not have to wait so long to be served. Overall the food was tasty and presented well. On a warm day the inside seating area could do with some fresh air.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLovely pub with an uncomplicated but tasty menu which caters for food intolerances and allergies. Went there for a double birthday celebration and the staff looked after us beautifully. We will be returning
The Dukes Head – Bishops StortfordBreakfast for a large group was handled very efficiently and the food was really lovely, all brought out for the group at once - hot and tasty. The waitresses seemed very busy but had a pleasant manner and were very helpful. The only downside was the hot drinks arriving long before the food - drinking cold coffee with my delicious eggs royale was disappointing. A delightful venue, we would definitely recommend breakfast!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLunch: Were sat at a table for two (Being Two of us) table top far too small, okay for one very limited space! Menu choice compromised by too much vegetarian on offer at expense of standard traditional menu. The Merlot wine very sharp and acid to taste!!!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – 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.
