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.
Had breakfast on Saturday 23/11/2024. The food was lovely but we had problems the drinks. Coffee was cold, so went back & when it returned the milk had separated. This was replaced. Ordered second drinks & one diner had to wait over half an hour for their cup of tea. Then we had to ask for it twice. It felt like it had been forgotten but when we asked we were told it was a bit backed up in the kitchen. This was poor service
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterSuch a lovely meal! Excellent service, friendly staff. We were a table of 7 and celebrating my mother’s birthday. We weren’t rushed at all and they brought out a dessert for her with happy birthday piped in chocolate on the plate without prompting which was a lovely touch.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe have had a few lovely meals at the blue anchor, the last time being yesterday (sat) Burger looked amazing and was large! The chicken supreme was also a lovely meal that tasted great. We had a roast dinner the time before and that way great although veg and potatoes were slightly hard. Atmosphere is always amazing and staff are friendly and attentive. First class service.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterA lovely meal cooked really well and great service. Plenty to choose from on the menu and good size portions but not too big that there wasn’t still room for a desert. A traditional pub with a nice atmosphere. The well in the middle of our table was an unusual feature and quite a talking point.
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterI can’t praise this place enough. They are caring and accommodating for people with gluten, dairy and peanut allergies. We could eat pretty much the whole menu with confidence we weren’t going to get ill from cross-contamination. The food was so so so tasty. Been here twice now, can’t wait to go back. Pro tip: try the brownies for desert and take some home. You’ve never had a brownie like it that’s safe for gluten and dairy allergies. PS the owner is an absolute gem and the Americana vibes of the place remind me of a US sports bar/BBQ joint.
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendLovely lunch at the Blue Anchor. Staff were excellent as was the food - not rushed at all and left us to have a very relaxed lunch (and a bit!). Only thing missing for me (as designated driver) was some Guinness 0% - otherwise hard to fault and would recommend
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterGood food and service as always. Disappointed though with limited dessert menu as items had run out excuse was we were busy! That’s not good enough knowing how many bookings you have in my opinion as someone in the food service business.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterNice atmosphere and food good although a little pricey
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – Colchester6 course taster menu, all lovely except the soup was a bit heavily seasoned....,.a polite way of saying it was too salty. Service very good and although we were very early we were assured that was ok. We've been before, and we'll go again.......although we live 35 miles away!
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterGood food. Nice atmosphere. Great service. Easy parking
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterHave been here a few times before. Lovely atmosphere. Log fire going, and good food. Staff friendly & attentive. Would recommend. We will deffo visit again.
The Bakers Arms – IngatestoneWe came with our family for our 55th wedding anniversary on Sat night. Food cooked beautifully, staff cheerful and efficient, good atmosphere and we were seated around a roomy booth. Well done ,we would love to return for the next family event.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterGreat little pub with cosy bar area and staff very helpful and friendly. Service and food excellent
The Bakers Arms – IngatestoneBooked for my partners birthday, staff were exceptionally helpful in the build up and on the day. There was a large number of us and all enjoyed their food greatly. Good value and lovely ambiance. The staff kept checking in all night, nothing was too much of a problem for them to sort.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterOur Sunday Roast was excellent, tasty succulent meat, roasted potatoes and veg perfect and vegetables lovely and fresh. We all managed dessert which was varied and appreciated by all.
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterLook out for the specials board. They are amazing! Great place and warm welcome. Will be back soon
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterWe had Sunday lunch here and it didn't disappoint. My only criticism would be the root vegetable wellington mainly consisted of mashed potatoes and served with roast potatoes which was too much and all the roast dinners seemed to be lacking in seasonal vegetables. Amazing Yorkshire puddings though! Atmosphere and staff were exceptional and very attentive, nothing was too much trouble.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe had a lovely Sunday lunch. Atmosphere, food and staff we exquisit. Will definitely be going again soon. Thank you
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.
