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.
Booked 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 – ColchesterExcellent Sunday lunch, great hospitality, lovely roast dinner served piping hot. Perfect.
The Ship Gidea Park – RomfordAmazing food, amazing atmosphere, amazing service. Highly recommend to anyone!
The Bakers Arms – IngatestoneLots 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.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterExcellent food and service in a pleasant atmosphere
The Bakers Arms – IngatestoneWe had an amazing breakfast, great food and atmosphere . Very good service
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterWe 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.
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterHad lunch with family on 16/11 - food was absolutely amazing - would highly recommend the Blue Anchor. We will be returning again very soon!
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterUsually 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!
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterLovely 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.
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendFortunate 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.
The Hare and Hounds – ColchesterEasy booking on line. Excellent food, my husband is very picky with his food and he didn’t leave a crumb! Good service.t
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterIt 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 .
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterMy 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
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.
