On one occasion about two years ago we booked and paid for a Christmas meal but were chased out afterwards for outstanding money because they had not recorded a phone call. They were apologetic but it wasn't good enough. Today. Go for drink at bar. I have to say it just seems they can't quite cut busy times and I have to tell you if you go regularly I predict you will hit problems. Horrid experience which could have been far better if they had an account with a charm school, people training. Older bar maid miserable, I felt bad for ordering. Then she curtly told me that sauces and cutlery were at the table. Perhaps she is unaware that she comes negatively? Sauces were, I knew this because we had had to clear the table on to one of the other uncleared tables BUT no cutlery, back again to happy lady, got a younger one, just as eager to serve, probably missing university, asked for cutlery, got a look like I'd asked to move in to her house, then was handed said cutlery with a veiled sarcastic remark disguised as politeness. THEN the dry martini and lemonade is JUST tonic water. We point this out, I am informed that she indeed used the dry martini and the lemonade from the tap to make it which means we must be lying, I offered that she taste it, she did so pinching her nose further implying what an inconvenience for HER it was that she could mix a drink properly. Perhaps she is the owner because her humility knew no beginning and thus offended and at the end of my tether I said, "I don't want to eat here (as we had ordered food) let's go". My wife wanted a refund because they were so rubbish and rude but the woman failed to realise she was indeed rude or that there was anything wrong. Don't go. The food is average and overpriced and the over-worked mostly VI Form staff are prickly and/or rude. In the taxi on the way home my wife was crying and she very rarely gets upset by this kind of thing. It was one of those moments where you think 'this person should be in another job...' Despite their mess up I have never been treated like this here and I had never encountered their 'star' member of staff before but I will never be going there again and will be shouting from the rooftops of Wickford 'don't gooooo' It cost me £30 in a taxi and £28 for a meal and drinks I was too annoyed to eat.

Called by chance around 5.30 after a day at RHS Hyde Hall. The welcome was very friendly, and straight away told food would be half an hour. Which was fine. The food was excellent and the staff very chatty. Will be going back next time in area. Thank you

Came across by accident and had a superb shared mixed fish platter. Returned some weeks later with my mother-in-law as we had enjoyed our first visit so much. The bar was busy and, on request, were told they were doing Sunday lunch, although we had not booked. We were not told that there would by a long wait. As my mother-in -law is diabetic, had we been advised of an eventual hour and a half wait, we arrived at 1.30 and left at 3.05, we would not have stayed. When I asked about our main course we were told twice it was being plated. I offered to pay for the two starters we had 40 minutes before and our wine which had been drunk by this time. I was not apologised too but told that they would loose money for the waste of meals prepared. I was fuming when I went to the front bar to see a table being served that were not there when we came in. I paid the full bill, including the meals we did not have and left. I feel very angry at having not been informed at the beginning of the visit there would be a long wait and that with no apology, was expected to pay for the full order. In fact, I was given to feel it was us that were being unreasonable. I ran a very successful pub for 30 years and would not have spoken in such a way to a customer, even under pressure. Perhaps a bit old fashioned. Will not return.

I have a gluten, wheat and dairy allergy and this place could not be more accomodating. When booking we mentioned the allergies and they asked for me to look at the menu and let them know in advance what I fancied and they would have it made for me. So picked a starter and main course and as usual had resigned myself to the fact that dessert was going to be nothing or a fruit salad.

However when I got there they had specially prepared a selection of desserts from their sister restaurant all gluten, wheat and dairy free! I was ecstatic and have to say the 'fake' chocolate brownie and ice cream was one of the best gluten, wheat and dairy free I've ever tasted. The staff were friendly and the food almost as good as 'real' food!

Will definitely be venturing back here, highly recommend it for people with similar allergies (although I would recommend calling them in advance so they are prepared if you do want to visit)

After a seven mile walk from Battlesbridge our group of 24 walkers thoroughly enjoyed their Sunday lunch at The Windmill. Lovely roasts, lovely desserts (especially the fruits of the forest mousse!) All the staff were very helpful and accommodating (I had booked our group into the restaurant 3 weeks before). Lots of very happy walkers returned by bus and car. Will certainly recommend.