Visited on 16/2/26. Food was good for the most part but when I asked the man that cooks the steaks for medium rare steak he shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes. That part I can get over I guess but basic manners would be nice. Not a single plate was removed from our table so we moved them ourselves onto the table next to us which were then rapidly taken away as that was a clean and set table. Later on when I took my children over to the “chocolate fountain” if you can call the dribble of chocolate a fountain, we found a boy roughly 12/13 with his tongue in the fountain of chocolate. Of course his parents should be teaching him better but when I raised the problem to a waitress she couldn’t care less. Obviously we couldn’t eat from there after that. On leaving we headed up to the ladies which were vile! 5 cubicles, 1st one is out of order, 2nd was full to the top with tissue, 3rd no lock and no toilet paper, 4th full of faecal matter and 5th no lock and no toilet paper. Surely for a restaurant as busy as you there should be sufficient paper and cleanliness. Absolutely revolting toilets, crappy staff attitude, unsupervised children left to lick the chocolate fountain… not the birthday we had in mind!!
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – BasildonReviews in Essex
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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.
Always lovely food here. Their roasts are lovely. All their food is nice, but roasts are outstanding. Lovely beef and lamb, extra stuffing cubes and gravy with yummy pigs in blankets. Very nice cosy comfortable pub with lovely staff. Go there a lot
The Ship Gidea Park – RomfordThe food was great and the atmosphere spot on but i must say the service let the whole experience down. It appeared that there was enough staff, however to wait over 30 minutes for some simple desserts following our meal, especially when, by that time it was not busy was surprising. It also took a long time for the staff to take our initial order. Staff could be a bit more friendly, detected a level of arrogance in their manner. In all we visited for a simple light lunch and in all spent 1hour 40minutes, bit much!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterExcellent food - as always, friendly and attentive staff
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterHad lunch with my family, 4 hot drinks, 2 burgers, 2 sandwiches £80! Lovely place but I do feel it’s expensive.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterVisited for Valentine's lunch. We both had pizza, which were fantastic and fresh from the oven. Also the best baked cheese that we have ever had, a local cheese much nicer than a camembert. And the crispiest side of seasoned fries. Paired a lovely glass of local rose and Suffolk spiced rum and cola. It was nice, cosy and quiet. I also have to say the most amazing music playlist that suited the setting and atmosphere perfectly. All round a great lunch trip
Skylark Social – ColchesterSuper atmosphere, service and food! Despite the most rude, aggressive manner of the staff member checking the bookings! We arrived ten minutes early to be told in the rudest manner, that we were to “go away and look around, as I need these ten minutes”!! The cafe didn’t appear to be too busy. On return to check in with her, she didn’t even acknowledge we had tried to check in earlier! Sad, as all other staff extremely pleasant!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGreat food, lovely decor, great service
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterI’ve been to Skylark many times and it’s always a great service with lovely food. It’s got a great vibe and it’s one of my favourite places.
Skylark Social – ColchesterVery good visit as usual, coffee excellent, as was rest of our meals. Would come again anytime I'm nearby, as dont live locally.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterPrompt service and lovely food . Had emailed to say it was my friends birthday and she was gluten free ! No greeting to her or gluten sausages ? Extra bacon offered but still disappointing after advance information .
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLovely cafe, really buzzy for a Monday, food was fabulous and service was excellent - will I return? Definitely
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLovely lunch as always. Never disappointed lovely choices and cakes. Coffee is also good. Booked for next month. X
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterVisited for brunch on Sunday morning & was fantastic! The setting is gorgeous, service friendly & fantastic and above all the food was divine
Skylark Social – ColchesterWe arrived early at the restaurant. We were greeted with a lovely welcome. We explained we were early but was told we could sit straight down. The waitresses were efficient. The drinks arrived immediately. Our food arrived shortly afterwards. The meal was hot and delicious. We would certainly make another booking soon. Excellent customer service.
The Ship Gidea Park – RomfordLovely food and lovely atmosphere. I’ve been a here a few time for food as they do great deals in the week. The Sunday roast was lovely although the wait was a little longer than expected on our recent visit… but worth the wait !
The Dukes Head – Bishops StortfordGood service & good food.
Grumpys Diner – SouthendFour Sunday lunches and four clean plates. Tasty, plentiful, hot and well presented. Followed by four delicious desserts. Happy customers who would definitely recommend- already have! We will return, thank you
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterOffers in Essex
Set Menu: 2 courses, £18; 3 courses, £22. Available Monday to Thursday.
Buy 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.