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Everything about grumpy's is great, if I could afford to eat out every week I would make this my best place
Grumpys Diner – SouthendI booked a table for myself and 3 friends as a mid week school holiday treat at 5pm. There was a small queue when we arrived but were soon inside. 2 of the party were delayed but I paid for us all and the waitress said she would bring the other 2 over when they arrived and she gave us a table by the window so we could watch for their arrival. We chose lemonade, coke and tea as refillable drinks for 3 of us and bottled carbonated water for the forth. I'm a coeliac so had to look for the dishes that didn't have the wheat sign ticked. We all really enjoyed the food, it was delicious, well cooked and well presented. There was a limited amount of choice for me, no meat dishes at all but I love sea food especially the prawn dishes this wasn't a problem and the omelette was delicious. The staff were lovely, really helpful and cleared the plates away promptly. The atmosphere was very pleasant too, not rushed or too noisy so were were able to chat while we ate. We hadn't been since the pandemic so it was a nice treat and will definitely be returning and definitely at that time slot too
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – Basildon5 star
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterBooked for 7 people and was contacted to pay a £50 deposit which would be taken off the bill! When bill came surprise surprise the £50 had not been deducted. This is the second time this has happened nit impressed!
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterWe went on Sunday for the lovely roast ,as always it was really nice . Would always recommend the Barn a lovely place to meet and eat .
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterI have been to the Barn Garden Centre Cafe and have spent happy hours drinking and eating the food and drinks with family and friends. It has a lovely atmosphere, the staff are always very friendly, efficient and can't do enough to help. The food is always very good whether cake, or lunch and I would highly recommend it.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterThe Sunday roast was exceptional today. Although, the service was quite slow (a member of staff had called in sick) we didn’t mind at all, we were welcomed with a smile and the staff were as attentive as possible
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterBooked spoons for my family last Sunday, so impressed with the variety of food, which was outstanding and really good value for money, the restaurant was also very clean and it certainly was really good and relaxed atmosphere, the staff were very polite and curtious, would certainly recommend spoons for a really good meal for any occasion.
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – Basildon5 of us had lunch at the Barn this was an amazing experience Plenty of choices on the menu, excellent service all our food was freshly prepared. we had a warm welcome and our servers couldn't have been more helpful with serving us and the Banta... Highly recommend ... Garry
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterGreat food, as always. Close to pay day, so we popped down for the burger deal on Thursday night, real bargain for what you get, no compromise on the food and service. Thoroughly recommend.
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendI enjoyed the visit to the Barn café, with some reservations. We had booked a table and were seated immediately. Fairly quickly, our drinks orders were taken but we were told that no food orders could be taken since the kitchen was currently overwhelmed with orders. When a table has been booked for a specific time, I would expect to be able to order food at that time. On my previous visit, similarly, I waited quite some time for both food and drinks. If the number of covers in the restaurant cannot be serviced by the kitchen and staffing, fewer tables should be filled. I feel the inclination to ‘vote with my feet’! (There is a lot of choice in this market sector.) Additionally, my friend ordered the Buddha bowl and commented upon ‘shrinkation’. She has had it before and was quite taken aback by the smaller portion/price for what was served. I think the jury is currently out! Whilst the ambiance is good, there are a couple of concerns.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterFood was very tasty, personally portions small for the value. Got out and had second dinner at home. Place is clean, very nice atmosphere. Dessert borderline inedible (specifically the brownie) Probably won't be back
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendAmazing food, great service, you have to try it!
Stoked Vegan BBQ – SouthendFood as always good but whole dining experience spoilt by the acoustics of the restaurant - too noisy when busy. Food is overpriced in comparison with similar establishments.
The Barn Garden Centre Cafe – ColchesterA lovely experience at the Blue Anchor. Welcoming, friendly atmosphere without being noisy. Right level of attention at table; good selection on menu, especially for my friend who's vegetarian and fed up of what seems to be the same old offerings elsewhere. As it was her birthday celebration, we wanted something a bit more special. There was no problem mixing a starter with sides of potato and veg. Ample portions of very tasty food, so I didn't really need a dessert, but was tempted by the sticky toffee pud with stem ginger ice cream. Although I don't often go for ice cream, I could have eaten twice as much ( if the pudding had been smaller). All together a pleasure to visit. Calm and with nothing too much trouble, and no fuss, so letting the food do the talking. Hope to return for another occasion.
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterIt was nice having fun at your place, your foods are very nice, delicious and timely. Varieties of foods available made yours different. Your staff are proactive with good customers service. Just improve in time management most especially on special days, we waited outside for non availability of seat due to the crowd on Easter Monday. Nevertheless, my family and I enjoyed ourselves.
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – BasildonMy girlfriend and I had a really lovely lunch time experience with you . Thank you so much
The Blue Anchor – ColchesterFood average Table crammed Not worth the money We did not enjoy the food, therefore not good value for money x
Spoon World Buffet and Bar – BasildonBuy 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.
