Reviews in Essex

I 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.

Very 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.

Lovely 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

Breakfast 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!

Lunch: 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!!!

Swift and friendly service with delicious food all at a reasonable price. Love the decor and 50/60's atmosphere - great experience as ever (been a few times)

Great pub. Victorian style with low ceilings and lots of character. The food was fantastic and excellent customer service too. Plenty of menu choices and caters for vegetarians. There were 11 of us at the table and all the food was served at the same time. The price of the food and drinks was very reasonable too. We were celebrating a birthday and the chef and staff made it very special. Would recommend.

My food was very overcooked and my wife had a couple of pieces of squashed chicken between some sort of flatbread. Neither were particularly appealing. We found the restaurant very hot with no fresh air and only one door open slightly by the till. Staff seemed rushed with the amount of covers they had to serve. I would say that the staff are always pleasant the times we have been there. Overall it was not a pleasant experience.

Great choice Great food Great service

My wife and I had breakfast at The Barn yesterday, something we have enjoyed frequently for several years. We have never received anything less than excellent, friendly service, good quality food and value for money. The restaurant is invariably busy so booking is advisable, but we have no hesitation in giving it a high recommendation.

Good food, the granddaughters enjoy it and nice staff

It was our first visit and we had a great Sunday lunch here. The server was great, the food was lovely, the portions were on point, and it arrived in a timely manner - Will definitely be back again!

I am vegan and the choice here was really good, the food was delicious and very reasonably priced, and service was excellent too! overall very impressed, will definitely go back and would recommend

I wanted to share some thoughts on my recent visit to your lovely cafe, which always adds a delightful touch to the garden centre experience. During my last visit, I had a table booked for lunch, but my friend and I decided to enjoy a coffee while waiting for our meal, which was scheduled for an hour later. We approached the lady handling reservations and inquired if we could have just a coffee. Her response was quite abrupt, "it will only be a coffee", which was what we had initially asked for. This made us feel a bit uncomfortable and led us to wonder if the staff could benefit from some customer service training to communicate in a more customer-centric manner. I must add that not all the staff were like this. When we had our lunch, our waitress wasn’t rude but simply did and said what was required. However, when we ordered some cake, the younger lady was very nice, and we had a pleasant chat about the cake. Overall, I really do enjoy the café, and I believe that with some improvement in customer service, it can provide an even better experience for visitors

Always good food and pleasant helpful staff. Relaxed atmosphere . Always so busy .

Wonderful roast pork Sunday lunch

Great Sunday lunch and wonderful atmosphere

Very good service and roast was excellent