Reviews in Essex

Lots of choice of roast meats for Sunday lunch as well as several other food choices and we all enjoyed our meals. They happily cater for gluten free and there are choices of desserts and a good selection of cakes. A place we are always happy to return to for good food and service where they don’t rush you to leave your table after eating. Also an easy system of online booking and table service which is much appreciated.

Excellent food and service in a pleasant atmosphere

We had an amazing breakfast, great food and atmosphere . Very good service

We visited The Hare and Hounds again after some time away, and overall, it was a good experience. The roast beef dinner stood out as a highlight—nicely cooked beef, crispy roast potatoes, and tasty gravy. The red cabbage and cauliflower cheese were particularly enjoyable and a personal highlight. Everything was freshly prepared and plated well, showing care in the presentation. It's easy just to chuck everything on a plate with a roast dinner and cover it in gravy, but it was clear this isn't the case at H&H and the kitchen takes pride in their work. The staff were polite and attentive. The young brunette haired waitress was nice and enthusiastic who served us throughout. The Hare and Hounds remains a solid choice for a tasty roast dinner, and we will happily return for another visit. All guests in our party of 8 were impressed.

Had lunch with family on 16/11 - food was absolutely amazing - would highly recommend the Blue Anchor. We will be returning again very soon!

Usually I absolutely cannot fault the experience at the barn cafe. We've been coming for years and the cleanliness, friendly and professional staff cannot be contested. They are outstanding but on our visit on Saturday for lunch, which we booked our table in advance to save disappointment, as they're usually heaving, but it was extremely quiet and all I can put this down to was the lunch menu. Although everything on there, I'm sure was extremely tasty and made with the best ingredients, it was extremely limited. Not everyone wants a full proper meal at lunch and there really wasn't much choice. 1 panini, 1 salad bowl, fish n chips, tart, falafal. It was so limiting it was the first time I'd just ordered a scone. I really do love coming to visit the barn and the cafe has always been the biggest pull. Absolutely the best in Colchester in my opinion so I do hope they take heed because a half empty cafe on a Saturday afternoon is not a good sign and methinks that the new menu is to blame. I hope to visit again and see their usual selection available. If it's not broken don't fix it!

Lovely American-themed restaurant, food excellent (loved the sweetcorn ribs in particular!) staff also friendly and attentive. Menu very imaginative and so grateful have somewhere plant based and local! Would highly recommend.

Fortunate to visit the Hare & Hounds twice this weekend. Two completely different meals both most enjoyable. The shared camembert starter on Saturday was a tasty starter to very nice meal and Sunday's roast was excellent. personally i would like to see more interesting vegetarian options on the menu. Mac 'n' cheese, vegan tart or vegan burger not very exciting.

Easy booking on line. Excellent food, my husband is very picky with his food and he didn’t leave a crumb! Good service.t

It was my first time visiting The Blue Anchor with my sister . What a fantastic meal we had, couldn’t fault it . The waiting staff were polite , attentive and nothing was too much trouble. I came straight home and booked for Sunday lunch in the New Year .

My husband and I had the pleasure of having the 6 course taster menu on 15th November. The service and food was outstanding and will be recommending this restaurant to all our friends. We will definitely be returning soon. Thank you

What a wonderful meal I had with 2 of my friends last night! From the moment I arrived it was a super evening. The atmosphere was warm & inviting and the decor beautiful. Our service was faultless and the food delicious. I am very much looking forward to many more visits! X

We did have a nice evening but felt a little rushed at the beginning to order drinks although we had just sat down. The food was lovely although mine was not very hot. Not a major problem for me but might be for other people

We had lunch at the Barn with three other friends, such a great place to meet,organised, great atmosphere and a lovely centre to look round. Although the food was as good as it always is we found the menu slightly more restrictive this visit as we didn't want a dinner.We all felt we would have liked another couple of sandwich options or panini.

Firstly, the staff were lovely and very accommodating, there was no complaint there. The menu offered a varied selection but some items were worded overly fancy for the kind of restaurant I feel is the Blue Anchor. The food was not great, dry tasteless steak, overly spiced starter and dessert was dry and tasteless, it was very disappointing. The food was presented very well and was hot but there was no flavour. I had a large coke, 50/50 share of a starter, main and dessert with coffee and that cost £55pp. I thought the price was very very steep for what it was.

Very nice!

Very happy with family meal. Staff all helpful. Meal size generous piping hot.

Service and food were faultless. A welcome Sunday lunch treat, definitely will be returning. The staff were very attentive and friendly. Perfectly cooked roast beef finished off with an incredible Irish coffee.