http://www.essexrestaurants.com/ 318-1395 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html My family arrived at 12:10pm on a Bank Holiday Monday - the place was completely empty. My wife and 2 teenage children entered and looked for a table.."Where are they off too?" was the only comment from the landlord. I replied to find a table. "Have you booked?" - No, did I need to today? "No" he replied. So, what do I need to do? what's the procedure? "There isn't one - you just speak to me before you do anything". Decided this place wasn't getting a penny of my money and we left. Attrocious attitude to customers - their food must be excellent for people to put up with that! ]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 15:38:14 +0100 365-1394 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-tasca-chelmsford-essex.html La Tasca is no longer in Chelmsford, Has been changed to a Wildwood restaurant. ]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 10:56:57 +0100 615-1390 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Went to Sunday Lunch we had a lovely meal in really good o traditional Sunday Pub bbbeauiful ]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 11:50:06 +0100 333-1385 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-fox-and-goose-cooksmill-green-essex.html Red wine was watered down with clear fluid floating on top, when owner/manageress spilt on white table cloth no mark was made, when I ask which wine it was (to ensure I didn’t reorder) owner/manageress didn’t answer my question. Grated potato was over cooked, rock hard and so salty both husband and myself could not eat. Owner/manageress response was they don’t normally get complaints and if we had informed them while eating they could had done something about it, they wasn’t interested in our views and seemed annoyed we had mentioned issues. ]]> Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:44:04 +0100 615-1381 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Fantastic evening out at a lovely village pub. Really enjoyed the food and the staff were great. Highly recommend an evening here - book a table at the weekends so you're not disappointed. It will be full! ]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:46:23 +0100 227-1373 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-royal-tiger-rettendon-essex.html Just seen the review complaining about the rediculous noise at this venue! Will they never learn?? I promise you, it is SO LOUD in there while you eat, it would wake the dead and a deaf person would hear it and complain!! bFood is ok, service very questionable....we complained we couldn't hear each other speak only to be told it would get louder, not quieter, later! Do they really not understand?? If I wanted extreme music I'd go to a gig.....but usually people eating out are with friends and cctually want to chat! What a shame, but I'll bet they won't change, and we'll not go there again though we live walking distance from their restaurant..... ]]> Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:49:42 +0100 615-1370 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html have dined many times at this lovely pub and have yet again been really impressed with food and the really friendly service good prices as well for a lovely meal out you can't go wrong at this venue ]]> Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:02:07 +0100 513-1364 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/elachi-indian.html Great food, great service, definitely go! ]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:22:49 +0000 186-1361 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/barda-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html Don't bother. Gutted all round diwsapointment ]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:06:44 +0000 173-1345 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/back-inn-time-chelmsford-essex.html Excellent food, excellent staff, excellent atmosphere and excellent value for money. The quality and quantity of food is absolutely amazing, if you haven't been there yet then you really need to book yourself a table. Thank you Back Inn Time for your continued excellence, see you again soon. Sue and the girls ]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:31:30 +0000 615-1343 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html The steak meal that I had was wonderful and the chips were proper homemade chunky chips. The staff were very friendly and attentive and the food was great value for money. I will definitely be recommending it to my friends. ]]> Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:34:09 +0000 127-1331 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/gerrardos-on-the-square-chelmsford.html We went there on a Saturday night in January 2012, we were the only ones in there until about 9 o'clock. But the food and the service made up for the lack of atmosphere. We will certainly be going there again. ]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:42:07 +0000 615-1328 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Our first visit to the windmill - had only viewed on website as we live 3hrs drive away. Husbands parents are local and it was a family meal to celebrate their birthdays. Very please with all the food, service, location, ambiance. Lived up to what I had expected from the internet. Many thanks to all the team at the Windmill Tavern. Definitely will visit again. ]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:14:01 +0000 202-1317 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html Having been here for drinks after work a few times and living in Chelmsford, me and my girlfriend decided to walk over to the duck in the recent snow. At the end of the 4mile walk there we got just what we needed, a table by the fire, 3 courses of decent quality food and some freindly service. The setting is very much a traditional pub with lots of character and now the new menu excels, for me it's a great combination. Fortunately we were both able to walk off our meal on the way home :) We'll certainly return. ]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:39:16 +0000 304-1314 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/siam-cottage-chelmsford-essex.html We went there for my son's birthday. Shortage of meat in dishes is hidden by mega amounts of vegetables.Lamb and steak quality very poor - tough and grissly but very expensive per dish - £9-£10 per dish.Crockery chipped - some tablemats torn. Can't fault the service at all.They can't really do much if you complain to them about the food. ]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:47 +0000 575-1313 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-county-kitchen-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html I had never thought about dining in the County Hotel restaurant before but friends booked a table last Saturday and I must say that I was very surprised and pleased. The service and food were excellent and far exceed my expectations. Waiting staff were very attentive, friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu and wines and nothing was too much trouble for them. So nice to be offered a jug of iced water and not pushed to purchase bottled water. You could taste the quality of the food, everything was made on the premises; the homemade breads were wonderful. Such a lovely change from crowded pubs. We’ll be bac ]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:09:07 +0000 341-1310 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-vista-great-baddow-essex.html went to la vista not too long ago. there was the Christmas menu on or there normal menu. The restaurant looked very dull and quiet downstairs but we thought we would give it a try. we were told that we couldn't have turkey. which if you ask me is really stupid because it was on the menu but we were told we weren't allowed it because it was a Saturday night. we started our night with me having the bolongnese and my other half had the antipasto which was very nice but the brezola tasted like vinegar which has us questioning how old it was and if vinegar had been used to preserve it a bit longer. the bolongnese tasted off like it had been sitting around for ages and this authentic Italian restaurant didn't make their own pasta. so it wasn't a great start to the evening. we had ordered boconchini and swordfish for main courses. this was about at 20 minuted wait, which we would have no problem with but all we could hear was the head chef shouting and swearing, and even more off putting the microwave constantly dinging. when our main courses made it to our table the dishes looked really good. a bit small but looked okay. if only we could say the same for the food. the chef had put way to much salt on the potatoes. the vegetables had clearly been microwaved. the swordfish was bland , dry and looked small on the plate. the boconchini at the ridiculous price of £22.50 was no were near worth the price, the sauce was bland, if there was brandy in the sauce you couldn't taste it. we decided to stay and have desserts after the manager had apologized for the food. but we wish we hadn't. i had the lemon tart which was a tiny portion and my other half had the zambonyoni mouse which was more like whipped cream in a bowl with a hint of zambonyoni. she didnt fish it because the cream tasted bitter and off. we didnt bother to complain anymore, so we paid and left . I do not recommend going to La Visa. unless you want to ruin your view on Italian restaurants. clearly this place isnt being run properly. ]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:53 +0000 376-1307 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html My wife and I have lived in Writtle for 4 years and have been regulars at The Blue Bridge during this time. Our feeling is what once was our favourite restaurant has now started to go down-hill. The restaurant has certainly made a name for itself, which can be contributed to gaining fame from appearing on TV and also the Beckham’s having dined there. However it seems that it has now begun to live off that name and is no longer trying as hard to impress as it used to, which unfortunately has resulted in a less fulfilling dining experience. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and provides a luxurious environment to dine in, however one thing we were very disappointed by was the removal of the grand piano which used to provide pleasant background music creating a wonderful atmosphere. The Grand Piano has now been replaced by another table, obviously capitalising on the restaurant’s floor space. Live music is now provided by amateur singers, who cover acts such as Amy Winehouse backed by a CD player. The last time we encountered this “live music” it was far too loud and resembled a karaoke bar as the singer clearly could not sing. A far cry from the days of the pleasant piano music. The name of the restaurant has now been changed from “The Blue Bridge Restaurant and Piano Bar” to “The Blue Bridge Bar & Restaurant” to reflect this. The food itself has always been very good although some favourites which have been on the menu for years have recently been tweaked, I guess to try and make them modern and trendy, however this has spoilt what were otherwise classic dishes. For example, the pork belly used to arrive with a beautiful layer of perfectly cooked crackling on top. Now a days the pork belly has no crackling at all, instead being accompanied by a ridiculous crackling straw which is cold and overcooked at that. It doesn’t work and spoils the dish. Other things let the meal down such as the incredibly poor coffee, which is served luke warm and bitter and usually tasting like it was made 3 hours ago. The service is normally very poor as well. For the prices the restaurant are charging, the service really should be far better. Most of the staff are teenagers who appear to have had very little training. On one occasion, when my meal turned up and it was not at all what I had ordered. When I informed the waitress of this, she started laughing and said “oh not again” before removing my meal with no hint of an apology. My correct order finally arrived once all others at my table had finished their meals. Also details like serving the ladies first when pouring wine are missed and there is very little understanding of the menu or wine list. One exception to the teenagers is a middle aged woman who is always very rude and abrupt and reminds me of a school dinner lady. She seems completely out of keeping with the image the restaurant are trying to portray and would be better suited to a motorway café. I still enjoy eating there to a point, but always leave with an ultimate feeling of disappointment, remembering how good it used to be when it was a new restaurant. Now a days The Blue Bridge has gone from being our first choice for eating out, to somewhere we go only when a friend or family member chooses it. ]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:02:54 +0000 304-1305 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/siam-cottage-chelmsford-essex.html We had booked and had email confirmation but they could not trace our booking when we arrived. Food was fairly good but our starters were served on a plate with a large chip out of it. Service was what you might expect in a chain restaurant. Didn't care. When they got round to it Overall a very disappointing experience which we will not repeat. Perhaps they ought to pop up to the Thai Cottage in Witham and see how it should be done. (We have no connection) We have no problem spending money in a good restaurant but sadly Siam Cottage left us feeling we had wasted an anniversary and been mugged. ]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:41:30 +0000 376-1299 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html Fast, efficient in-offensive service in a relaxed, spacious, modern yet comfortable environment. Large table for two. Appropriate lighting, smart, competent service staff with good knowledge of menu and specials. Set menu was extremely good value but no sacrifice on taste, quality or presentation. Extensive wine list with a good price range. Definitely recommended, will certainly be returning. ]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:47:50 +0000 615-1293 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Went to the Windmill for a family meal just after Christmas, food was excellent all homemade and the most fantastic range of puddings. Very friendly staff and cater very well for children. would not hesitate to return or to tell my friends. ]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:53:34 +0000 615-1281 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Had a lovely meal here, the food was of a very high standard and the service was excellent. I would not hesitate to come here again or recommend it to a friend. ]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:31:12 +0000 615-1271 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html We had a lovely meal at the Windmill, we will be telling our friends!!! ]]> Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:08:46 +0000 615-1269 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-windmill-tavern-east-hanningfield-essex.html Excellent value for money, we had an enjoyable evening at The Windmill! Friendly staff and tasty food, although I would recommend to book a table as they were full the first time we tried to eat!!! ]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:43:50 +0000 376-1252 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html We had a family party of 6 for Sunday lunch and were put at the basck of the restaurant where there is little ventilation and no window. The service was enthusiastic but poorly trained - for example our waiter dd not know wht beers they served. Twice someone from our group had to go to find a member of staff as we were left to wait too long. I was disappointed and will not go back. ]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:08:01 +0100 318-1251 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Visited last weekend after hearing that the previous tenants had gone (good riddance) Had a traditional Sunday roast which was very good. I had lamb and my partner had the beef, both were delicious. Proper roast potatoes (none of that deep fried cr*p) homemade Yorkshire's and nicely cooked fresh vegetables (not boiled to death) It was a bit quiet because the owners are just starting to get the place back on it's feet after the previous people who didn't have a clue. Well worth the drive out and looking forward to returning soon. Well done to John & Helen, the owners. ]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:13:19 +0100 318-1250 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Visited last weekend after hearing that the previous tenants had gone (good riddance) Had a traditional Sunday roast which was very good. I had lamb and my partner had the beef, both were delicious. Proper roast potatoes (none of that deep fried cr*p) homemade Yorkshire's and nicely cooked fresh vegetables (not boiled to death) It was a bit quiet because the owners are just starting to get the place back on it's feet after the previous people who didn't have a clue. Well worth the drive out and looking forward to returning soon. Well done to John & Helen, the owners. ]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:07:21 +0100 173-1249 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/back-inn-time-chelmsford-essex.html Back Inn Time always delivers when dining there. We've been going for a number of years and have never been disappointed. We ate there last week to celebrate an anniversary and took along two people who had never been too BIT before. They are converted. Well done to those concerned. ]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:43 +0100 516-1246 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/verde-pizza.html We use this retaurant a lot as the food is excellent and the service very good. It is not a great place to look at but that is more than offset by the food. ]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:14:34 +0100 104-1235 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/pinchos-wine-bar-and-tapas-chelmsford-essex.html As a fan of spanish food, Pinchos offers some of the best tapas I have experienced in this country. The food is always fresh and locally sourced where possible. The staff are very friendly and are always looking after the customers. Wine and beer selection is great and the specials on the menu always offer something a little different from the standard tapas selections. The rabbit is particularly good! Recommended for informal drinking and dining of all sorts, ambience is great. Fantastic music some evenings and great outside dining and drinking in the summer where you can watch the world go by. ]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:47 +0100 497-1229 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/mustard.html I've been back twice now. Lovely food and service was fantastic. A lovely bar downstairs to relax before or after your meal. Really recommend. ]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:06:29 +0100 202-1217 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html Four of us stopped for coffee at this pub today at 12.25. After 20 minutes it arrived, weak coffee with cold milk. Eventually managed to coax hot milk out of the unhelpful staff, who included an apparently deaf barman, the end result was so poor we asked to see the manager. A further 10 minutes passed and Manager Tracey arrived with a condescending and jokey apology and offer of a refund. Finally received the required business-like apology and refund, but the whole affair was a Fawlty Towers moment. I will not go there again and am unable to recommend it to you. I have never left negative feedback of any kind before today. ]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:24:58 +0100 170-1210 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-hot-house-chelmsford-essex.html I would go again and again and again. ]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:58:19 +0100 106-1206 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/masons-steak-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html We visited masons too as a table of 6 on a Saturday evening in July.. And I have to be honest and say it was one of the nicest steak houses I have been too. The presentation of the steaks and the detailed description of each made it a really difficult choice in what to order, having had decided upon the tbone steak I was not disappointed. It was succulent and cooked just the way I liked it, with the chunkiest chips I have ever seen, all in all the food was to die for. All 6 of us agreed the food was of a very high standard, that went well with the friendly , attentive but relaxed service. The only down side, is it's location meaning someone had to drive and although was able to enjoy a non alcoholic cocktail wasn't quite the same as the ones with alcohol, but hats off to them for offering something to everyone. A perfect venue for a dinner with friends, the pianist really gives it something special.A very talented young man. Will be returning very soon !!!! ]]> Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:58:18 +0100 202-1205 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html Went for late Sunday lunch on 29 July. After reading the reviews on this website was expecting a good lunch. On arrival the service at the bar was slow and had to be asked to be served. The menu has a good range of dishes to choose from, but that is the only good point. Starters were not too bad, although one was initially forgotten. Out of 7 main courses only 1 was ok'ish, steaks not cooked how ordered, calves liver over done, duck breast over done, orange sauce not nice at all. Two of us sent ours back and mine was still not right the second time (duck now rare but skin had not been crisped at all and was pale and soggy)didnt bother to send back for a second time. One main course forgotten! Message from the kitchen was that the steak was cooked correctly it was the lighting in the restaurant! All in all not a good experience, would not recommend or return! It only has a 1 by recommendation as there was not a 0 ]]> Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:36:58 +0100 376-1202 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html We went for a birthday meal at the Blue Bridge and it was a lovely experience from start to finish. We were seated immeadiately by friendly and professional staff. I had the lobster to start and my partner had the cured meat platter. Both were delicious! I could not disagree more with a previous reviewer on their opinion about these dishes. For mains my partner had steak and I had lamb which were both cooked exactly as we had ordered and were so tasty. My dessert was the best I have every had! Raspberry Eton Mess, please try it if you go it is sublime. Our waitress was friendly, professional and the service attentive without being intrusive. Lovely wines added to the pleasure and our bill was in the range we expected for the standard of food and service. I would highly recommend the Blue bridge and have not been disappointed on any of my visits there. ]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 22:42:32 +0100 341-1191 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-vista-great-baddow-essex.html A wonderful evening if you enjoy outstanding quality of food, a fine traditionally Italian atmosphere with attentive service. The A la Carte menu is to die for and the 3-2-1 offer is outstanding value. On top of this, provided you are prepared to leave personal details on a survey card, you get invited to a free meal to celebrate your birthday.It is not the cheapest restaurant in town but well worth the money if you like good food. ]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:17:59 +0100 304-1178 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/siam-cottage-chelmsford-essex.html Upon arrival we were not greeted at the door despite waiting, it was only that our friends had arrived before us that we were able to go and join them at the reserved table. It took the waitress half an hour to take drinks orders and even then she only took orders of half the table before walking away. Twenty minutes later a waitress returned to take our food order, starters arrived within a reasonable time however some of the order was missing. Main meals were a complete nightmare!!! It took over half an hour for all of our main dishes to arrive by which point the first dishes were cold and had to be returned. It was over two hours from our arrival at the restaurant until our main course was served. We asked to speak to the manager however she was not at all concerned by the poor service and in fact was very argumentative unfortunately it appears her customer service skills are limited to say the least as she was then over head expressing her opinion that we were unreasonable to ask for hot food in an appropriate time frame to other customers. The restaurant was not even half full so we can not even make exceptions for the atrocious experience. Would definitely recommend avoiding this restaurant at all costs. ]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:48:45 +0100 143-1177 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/lanthai-chelmsford-essex.html Best Thai in town! Good food value for money. If you want a nice Thai meal then try the Lanthai. Their new selection of home made ice cream is a treat to end your meal with. I guarantee, you will not find the same ice cream anywhere else. ]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 21:38:49 +0100 269-1063 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-punch-bowl-high-easter.html One of the best places I have been to in a long time. I loved the personal touch. you are made to feel quite special ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 10:29:12 +0100 227-1059 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-royal-tiger-rettendon-essex.html Went on a Friday evening for a works meal, fortunately I didn't pay. Sat down at 8pm, starters with us 9ish main meal served at 10pm, luke warm. The disco, which I was not aware of until I arrived started around 10pm, far too noisy, I seriously could not hear the person sat next to me. The people serving were very polite and helpful, No fault here at all. The food, luke warm, aghast at the fact a microwave was used to re-heat the food after the complaint. I've had better from a jar of Lloyd Grossman. Value for money, our meal worked out at £37.50 per head including drinks, umm I don't think so. Would I recommend? No. If you like lots of noise with a luke warm meal and prefer to shout your conversation, then this is the place for you. Not for me I'm afraid ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 13:16:00 +0100 210-1057 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/baroosh-chelmsford-essex.html Have been to Baroosh for a quick bite at lunch & several evenings out. It is a grown-up place to go for an evening out. The music is generally good & the atmosphere mostly alive and one of people enjoying themselves. Always find food & service of very good quality. Food is slightly pricey but overall, I think, worth it. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 13:13:24 +0100 170-1055 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-hot-house-chelmsford-essex.html after a new manager took over it has actually blown my mind every night atmosphere is complimented by the personality of the whole venue , now has over 30 flavoured vodka shots its amazing if your looking for something different hot house is the place to be fact ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 13:11:00 +0100 106-1051 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/masons-steak-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html What a fantastic night my family & I had at Masons on Friday 5th November. We wanted somewhere classy with a friendly atmosphere & brilliant food at a fair price to celebrate my parents golden wedding anniversary. We'd read some very good reviews on line, but the real proof of the pudding (excuse the pun) is in the eating, & boy did we eat. The whole experience from the friendly knowledgable staff, to the mouth watering food was 1st class, majorly contributing to making our special night unforgettable. We will definitely go back, & will recommend Masons at every opportunity we get. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 13:03:54 +0100 318-1050 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Food lovely. Starters could be smaller (& therefore a bit cheaper), because the puddings were highly tempting, but none of us had any room left. Open fires & armchairs/easy chairs make it snug. Landlord friendly & welcoming. Look forward to another visit. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 13:01:54 +0100 165-1039 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/russells-restaurant-gt-baddow-essex.html My husband and I were reccommended Russells by a friend, and she was absolutely right. we went for our anniversary and were a bit concerned as we hadn't heard of it before but it was lovely. The restaurant decor is a little dated but the food was so nice and the service so good that decor wasn't a problem! We will definitely go back and would reccommend it. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:53:26 +0100 341-1037 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-vista-great-baddow-essex.html Two week's before Christmas the bar and the restaurant at La Vista in Great Baddow was totally empty. What should have that told us? People of Great Baddow do not go here. Starter was actualy very good but the main course of Lobster rissotto, which we had both ordered was sadly lacking in lobster! Three orange pieces and no white meat. A very poor show for a chef trained in London and when this was brought to his attention he (Antonio Viscariello) was on the attack from the outset and not at all professional! We asked for cheese and biscuits in place of a dessert, but wasn't able to have this as it wasn't on the set menu.... After much argument, we were offered a paltry £7.53 off of a total food bill of £43.00!!! And only on further discussion was this amended to a discount of £13.76, because one of us had eaten all of the risotto, as we were hungry. Both of us are local people and will never recommend anybody waste their hard earned cash on this establishment! No atmostphere, no value for money and poor customer service thrown in! You'd have a better dining experience at one of the multi-national chains. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:52:29 +0100 104-1035 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/pinchos-wine-bar-and-tapas-chelmsford-essex.html Can't resist writing this review to share our experience dining in this excellent restaurant. The food is excellent! Pinchos is a restaurant where you can chat with friends and enjoy the food and their lovely music. this is definately THE place to go for extraordinary tapas and have a very good time. The quality and diversity of dishes was impressive and it is also a great value for money. We went after reading the reviews and were not disappointed. The service matches fantastic food. We love this place, don't miss it! ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:50:55 +0100 186-1034 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/barda-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html Try barda for yourself Iv eaten there over 40 times in the last 18 months the food is AMAZING try the tempura vegtables and the duck to start ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:50:44 +0100 202-1031 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html The Duck Inn is under new ownership and have already made the outside looking a lot smarter. Inside is still the same ...traditional which it should stay that way. Had a quick meal ...fish n chips very tasty and washed down with a Woodforde's Wherry!!! Wifey had Lambs Liver & Bacon, equally as tasty. They also had Hobgoblin which I have not seen available before. Will be back soon! ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 12:47:49 +0100 333-1013 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-fox-and-goose-cooksmill-green-essex.html We visited on the saturday of the Easter weekend and found the pub fantastic. The garden was full, with entertainment for the children being well used. I had the cod which was huge, the batter crisp and the hand cut chips were to die for. My husband had the liver and bacon and was swayed to this by the bubble and squeak. We did have to wait but this was expected by how busy it was, not that we were worried as we enjoyed the sun. I would thoroughly reccomend this as a summer destination pub, specially if you have children. ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:19:00 +0100 202-1006 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html Went on Sunday 17th April after being recommended by neighbours...and it was quite busy. The staff were really friendly and really into what they had to offer. Irish gent was talking through the real ales available...went for the IPA.It is a totally different pub and the food was excellant - roast beef. Garden stank and the toilets are BBE!!! once that is sorted it will be good. ]]> Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:59:07 +0100 170-993 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-hot-house-chelmsford-essex.html had a great night down here, smashed up on voddies ]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:21:27 +0100 227-989 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-royal-tiger-rettendon-essex.html I celebrated my 40th Birthday in August at The Royal Tiger, with 26 friends. It was a fantastic night. Staff were very friendly , helpful and discreet. Food was lovely. Disco was great, all sorts of music until 1.30am. Would definately go back, loved it !! ]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:40:03 +0100 269-985 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-punch-bowl-high-easter.html A sunday lunch that left the party thoroughly satisfied,
just the right level of service, attentive without "dripping" all over you, friendly and helpful.The food was cooked just right and enough to need some belt loosening at the end.All at a price that didn`t hurt the pocket.A gem that will certainly get a revisit. ]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:53:15 +0100 133-977 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html I went to the waterfront today with my children, it was very busy and I had to wait for a table upstairs in the play area but the staff were very helpful and definitely deserve a medal! Even with all the rushing around they were happy to help.
The play area is only £2.00 per child and is spotless! Sunday is carvery only and was lovely with plenty of choice!
Would definitely go again, and can't understand the poor reviews! ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:26:09 +0100 372-969 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-seabrights-barn-carvery-grill-chelmsford.html THIS IS MINE AND MY BOYFRIENDS FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT, RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE!! ]]> Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:02:29 +0100 143-965 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/lanthai-chelmsford-essex.html Went to the Lanthai by chance a few weeks back as went into town quite late and not many restaurants serve after 10pm unless you opt for a curry. The staff were very welcoming and happy to give suggestions on our choice of food (fussy vegetarian in our group).
Very nice atmosphere in there with traditional decor, music and outfits for the staff, without being too OTT.
Food tasted fantastic and the portions were just right! Have been recommending this place to other friends and family ever since, especially if you are looking for somewhere nice to eat towards the end of a night out. ]]> Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:05:48 +0100 227-964 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-royal-tiger-rettendon-essex.html Cannot fault the food, service or ambience of this delightful restaurant. The staff do everything they can to ensure you enjoy your meal and the quality of the food is amazing. I've visited on a party night and on a Sunday for the buffet which is actually served at your table. It was delicious and excellent value. I treated my mum and dad and they've never eaten Indian food in a restaurant before but they thought it was fabulous and wanted to book for Christmas Day whilst still at the table! ]]> Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:40:19 +0100 106-952 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/masons-steak-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html My girl friend and I really love to eat here, the place is just so warm and welcoming. The food is fantastic and we can always be sure of a high standard every time. We have decided to make this our regualar night out.
Thank you for such a pleasant evening.,
B.Boring and M.E. Woodcock. ]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:40:22 +0100 210-950 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/baroosh-chelmsford-essex.html Went for a meal Saturday afternoon and was really pleased. Have only previously been here for evening drinks so was expecting food to be a little like Yates or Lakota / Edwards. But it is much much nicer than any other bar restaurant in Chelmsford - although also much more expensive! ]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:23:43 +0100 210-944 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/baroosh-chelmsford-essex.html nothing special typical branded bar ]]> Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:48:56 +0100 133-937 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html The food was sub-standard for such a well publicized venue.
The chips were cold, the panini was dry and my grandaughters burger was dry.

All in all I would not recommend the Waterfront Place for eating. ]]> Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:31:08 +0100 202-933 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html Fantastic food in a lovely country pub. ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:07:57 +0100 104-930 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/pinchos-wine-bar-and-tapas-chelmsford-essex.html i booked this for my boyfriends birthday, not realising it shut at 10 - we didn't arrive until a little after 9! i have to say because of this we felt very rushed - tapas is a meal that should be taken at leisure. i'm a little annoyed they didn't tell me that shut at 10 if they had i would have gone elsewhere - never known a restaurant to shut so early its pretty stupid!
we were seated upstairs where i have to say i was very disappointed with the decor, it was brightly lite with no candles or table cloths on the table - the website makes the restaurant look lovely - in real life its nothing like that!
the food i have to say was very good part from the patas bravas they looked burnt and didn't taste at all great! All in all i would go back but possibly for lunch and wouldn't book it for somewhere for a special occasion as it just isn't which is a real shame! ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:50:19 +0100 105-928 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-alma-bar-and-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html I had been to The Alma years ago and was very happy with the food and service. On this occasion I was disappointed. The service was poor, we felt an irritance to the staff who didn't ask us how our food was. We had Prawn Cocktail which had no taste to it, the salad was a limp leaf and the chef had poorly chopped some dill and buttered it onto bread. Why? The roast was appalling, meat tough, vegetables lacking taste and the colour of freshness. Roast potatoes were burnt and soggy. I would advise against going here,a shame as a time now long gone ago this restaurant had quality food. ]]> Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:47:45 +0100 318-915 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Superb food and beer but the loud, thoroughly unpleasant, dated music was the worst imaginable. Worse than supermarkets or hotel lifts. I would have loved to stay for a sweet and another pint but my ears would have tried to shut off the blood flow to my brain. If you are under eighty you probably won't like it. ]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:08:34 +0100 341-899 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-vista-great-baddow-essex.html Not you're normal pasta house but a good take on Italian food. The service was excellent, the food was was very good and portion size value for money. The wine which included bubbles was nice and tasted as was ordered. We even had a fat mother with three kids who was obviously related to the ownwers eating pizza in the restaurant, how authentic. Enjoy the food, look past the fat mama ]]> Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:06:17 +0100 341-896 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-vista-great-baddow-essex.html stylish decor, good menu & good food & good service, plus nice bar for drink before & after meal.
Been there numerous times & never had a bad meal.
(Also pizzeria downstairs is nice for an informal meal or if you have children) ]]> Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:29:09 +0100 202-895 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-duck-inn-newney-green.html The pub is now under new ownership and I was pleasently surprised with the well cooked simple food (cod and chips for me and a yummy looking 'Duck pleatter' for my guest)
Worth the drive out and after chatting with the owner I would imagine this is a place to keep your eye on for the future ]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:05:18 +0100 133-892 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html I hadn't been here for at least five years before tonight but my memory of it was of a buzzing, popular place where you had to wait for a table but, when you got one, was served excellent food in a great atmosphere.

That recollection made me choose the Waterfront for my birthday meal with my family. I phoned earlier in the week to book a table for 7.30. As it was, we were running late so I made a courtesy call to let them know. The lady asked me "How much later?" and I told her 15-30 minutes. She replied that that would be fine.

Lo and behold, when we arrived at about 7.50, only one of the indoor tables was occupied. We were shown to the bar, got some drinks and then sat there for 10-15 minutes until a waiter eventually came to us and said that we could sit anywhere.

The paper menu was presented to us and it reminded me of the "Gourmet Night" episode of Fawlty Towers when Basil knocked-off an impromptu menu on the typewriter after the chef passed-out. A bad sign I thought, why not the usual leather-bound menu found in establishments that take themselves seriously?

After ordering, it took 20-plus minutes for us to be served our food. My pizza wasn't too bad really, however - my dry-white wine, crying out to be chilled on such a balmy night was actually lukewarm and I had to ask for ice to be added to it. The second glass was just the same so they hadn't taken any notice of my original complaint.

To be honest, as I said, the food was acceptable (although no more) but the ambience of an empty restaurant together with staff who really didn't give a flying one made this a very dispiriting experience. I've never known a place go downhill so quickly. Chelmsford has new restaurants opening all the time these days and the Waterfront will be closing-down in no time unless they seriously raise their game. ]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:59:54 +0100 106-890 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/masons-steak-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html First visit to this restaurant and we weren't disappointed. Some of the best food we've had in ages with many highlights.

The sticky toffee bread and butter pudding was amazing!

Can't wait to visit again. ]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:40:48 +0100 318-888 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Superb setting, a hidden Essex gem bang in the middle of Essex Way country walk. Food was excellent, the interior was clean well kept and a step back in time. To add the Guinness was well kept, highly recommended. GB. ]]> Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:09:57 +0100 104-887 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/pinchos-wine-bar-and-tapas-chelmsford-essex.html After years of talking about it, some old school friends and I finally arranged a lunch. We are all professional women, living in various parts of the country and Chelmsford was deemed a central point to meet. But where to eat? As a self confessed foodie, I took no chances and made sure out choice of venue came highly recommended and boy did my research pay off. I work in Spain and Portugal for much of the year but haven't found anywhere to match the qualitiy of tapas (don't get me started on the deep fried baby squid or I shall start drooling all over again). Every dish had a distictive flavour - tapas can be so samey in my experience, we put calory counting to one side and shared the amazing banana and apple pancakes. There was a fabulous choice of wine, the service was second to none and it was amazing value for money. We shall not leave it another ten years but will go back again and again!! ]]> Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:07:01 +0100 318-884 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html what a cosy atmosphere now that it has been taken over i would recommend it ]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:02:58 +0100 133-881 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html We went to the waterfront late lunchtime on Saturday. We were the only customers and after initial contact with staff we had to keep trying to attract their attention to place our order! When we finally did order and the food arrived it was awful! I had a pizza which tasted like it was shop bought and heated in the microwave, my husband had a burger which also tasted and looked like it had been bought from Iceland and my son had cremated chicken dippers!! after 20 minutes of trying to attract someones attention ( we were still the only people in there and the floor had 5 or 6 members of staff all chatting) the waitress came over and I explained the situation, she went to her manager who did not bother to come over but told her to offer us a drink on the house. We politely declined and paid some of our bill and left. Will NEVER be setting foot in there again. What has happened to the Waterfront front, bring back the old management!! ]]> Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:46:04 +0100 318-880 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html We have visited this characterful traditional country pub several times in recent months to both drink and eat. As locals, we are delighted that the place has been restored to a pub that is open in the evenings as well as lunch times and doesn't just cater for the mass market. The landlord welcomes drinkers, something not so common in food serving pubs these days. There is always a choice of excellently kept beer that changes regularly and the small but cosy bar area gives just what a country pub should.

The menu changes regularly and the quality of food is very good and well priced. This is not a 'sling and ping' plastic pub that serves microwaved meals in artificial surroundings. The food is freshly cooked and the chips are made from real potatoes, not of the reconstituted fast food convenience type.

We have sampled many of the dishes on offer in recent months and can recommend the steaks and the fish. The favourite though has to be the home made Steak & kidney pudding. Delicious! ]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:07:40 +0100 318-879 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html Booked for Sunday lunch on the strength of the previous reviews. Ordered Traditional roast beef & Ribeye steak (medium rare), Ribeye turned up burnt, the chips were fried in tainted oil along with the mushrooms( surely these should have been grilled)! The roast potatoes accompanying the roast beef were also burnt and inedible. Steak was replaced - a great improvement, although new chips & mushrooms were still nasty.Manager asked how everything was,and took exeption to us pointing out the shortfalls with the meal- complaining that we hadn't given him the chance to put things right, does he not speak to his staff?
All in all probably the worst meal I have had in long time, and that includes Turkish Airport food. ]]> Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:54:41 +0100 318-874 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html a very good all round pub restaurant, well worth a visit, improved with the new owners, must visit ]]> Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:34:03 +0100 318-869 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-white-horse-pleshey-essex.html My wife and I recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at the White Horse and were not dissapointed by a long stretch. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and were immediately relaxed by the beautiful and tasteful surroundings and decor. The staff were professional and the food was amazing as well as being value for money (execllent portions). We would recommend this venue to all our friends and will most certainly be coming back for many a meal to come. ]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 17:22:30 +0100 365-867 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/la-tasca-chelmsford-essex.html We were visiting Chelmsford and decided to have lunch at La Tasca, since we had been to the ones in London a few times.
The service and atmosphere were good, well catered for babies too. However the food was very disappointing. We ordered a combo dish made out of various tapas:
The paella was really overcooked and had vinegar in it, the meatballs quality was very poor (tasted like tinned meatballs), the chorizo cooked in red wine was actually fried chorizo slices floating in uncooked wine, the patatas bravas were soggy and had no seasoning at all. The only decent tapa was the calamares and the spanish tortilla.
We complained and got our bill cut, but the waiter was unable to explain why so many dishes were so poorly cooked, he just said the chef was relatively new. The other waitress didn't speak English or Spanish.
I'm Spanish and know how those dishes should taste, and they tasted nothing like Spanish food. ]]> Sun, 30 May 2010 14:20:42 +0100 376-865 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html Great customer service, attention to detail was spot on, food was great value for money, staff were friendly and helpful.
Singer was great and created a nice ambience, I would highly recommend a meal at the bluebridge and I didnt feel out of place with my partner.
Had a cocktail at the bar after my meal which was a nice way to end the evening. ]]> Sat, 29 May 2010 09:45:15 +0100 133-853 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html We popped into the waterfront as a last minute decision a couple of Sundays ago. The decor is terrible the carpets are the most horrid colour, there is no atmosphere or ambience and the food was a luke warm carvery. We ordered a glass of house red and clearly the bottle from which it was served had been open for weeks, we did not eat the food or drink the wine it was a really poor standard i have told everyone i know just how horrid this restaurant is - it seriously needs to buck its ideas up. ]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 15:55:17 +0100 269-849 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-punch-bowl-high-easter.html Such a surprise to find this wonderful restaurant tucked away in the countryside. The evening started in as we walked in the front door. The charming owner offered cocktails, olives, home made crisps and fresh peas in their pods as we sat in the bar to review the menu. What a feast - it is rare to find so many dishes that whet your appetite - poached asparagus, figs with dolchelatte wrapped in parma ham, fresh crab, and rather retro deep fried brie. Main courses of lobster, steak, dover sole, belly pork all looked delicous. The dessert trolley with a giant OTT pavlova, roulade, cheesecake and banoffee pie were fantastic. With a set three course menu for £45 make it great value. The passion of the owner for wine is what makes this place extra special (he also owns Luckins wine shop in Great Dunmow). Rather than hand you a wine list he drags you (not unwillingly) into the most fantastically stocked cellar surrounded by rare and thankfully more affordable tasty wines and champagnes for you to choose from (with help if needed). The Punch Bowl slightly retro interior, beams, personal photos, comfortable chairs and staff with their bow ties and smiles makes this place a real find. We loved it. May 2010. ]]> Sun, 16 May 2010 07:59:37 +0100 372-848 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-seabrights-barn-carvery-grill-chelmsford.html Massive portions, nice hot food, love the layout and old barn feel. We'll be coming again. ]]> Fri, 14 May 2010 11:32:41 +0100 133-847 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html We go here regularly as a family and always find the staff friendly and helpful. It makes a change to find a place where we can eat good food as well as the children.
This is the only truly family frinedly restaurant in Chelmsford!!
Good on you Waterfront for seeing a gap in the market and going for it. ]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 16:33:50 +0100 376-830 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html Had a really enjoyable meal, tasty well cooked food and good portions, staff were attentive, I went to the Blue Bridge when it first opened and it has definately improved since the 'early days'. Only criticism would be that I couldn't finish my dessert as I was too full. ]]> Sat, 01 May 2010 14:19:45 +0100 376-828 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-blue-bridge-bar-restaurant-chelmsford.html Had the most fantastic meal at the bluebridge on Friday night, my first time there and I was most certainly not dissapointed.
We had champagne cocktails at the bar - to die for!!
I had a starter of Potted Salt Beef with gherkin and my Husband had Ricotta and Truffle Pasta, both were delicious and refreshingly different. Mains were Halibut and I had Duck Breast with marmalade glazed liver and an orange sauce. This is west end food in Chelmsford. The quality, presentation (simple but very clean) and service were well on a par with any good London restaurant (and we eat out a lot. For sweet we had a Chocolate Fondant with Chocolate Ice Cream to share with a glass of the best dessert wine I have ever tasted. The bill was £90 with wine which I place around average prices for this kind of restaurant, so overall good value considering we had champagne at the bar.. but what a place, I am about to book again!! ]]> Sat, 01 May 2010 10:05:26 +0100 545-812 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-carvery-house.html We visited the carvery house on recommendation of somewhere to have a good roast unfortunately it wasnt quite what we expected. The meat was dry and the veg appeared to have been sitting there for a while and by the time that we got it back to the table it was warm bordering on cold. I will certainly not go back. ]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:53:47 +0100 127-809 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/gerrardos-on-the-square-chelmsford.html Sways towards the Italian theme but is suitably priced for all ranges of people.

The stuffed mushroom starter cannot be missed, just superb.

Wine is nicely priced and house wine is excellant.

This is the kind of place where you can afford to go on a regular basis. ]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:04:24 +0100 170-799 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-hot-house-chelmsford-essex.html had a meal on valentines night romantic it was not food service and general atmosphere was absolutely awful ]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:07:15 +0100 227-779 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-royal-tiger-rettendon-essex.html I have been visiting the Royal Tiger Restaurant for several years now and always found it to be a great experience. Whether it be the Food, Drink, Service and not to mention the Party Nights, its The Place to enjoy with family and friens...

I recently had my 40th Birthday Party there and it was one of the best nights I have had in a long time, eating, drinking and dancing until the early hours! Highly recommended... ]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:10:31 +0000 104-774 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/pinchos-wine-bar-and-tapas-chelmsford-essex.html I am an ex British Airways longhaul hosty and have travelled all over the world, eating in the best restaurants and sampling all delights. During my flying years - when I was back in the country - the one place I could be found if I wanted to go out would be Pinchos - the ambience, the service, the food and wonderful warmth and welcome was always paramount. I now no longer fly - but I frequent Pinchos often as the atmosphere and friendliness of everyone is so inviting - why go else where I ask myself!!!! When the sun shines (although there are warming heaters outside when not so warm)- the outside seating area is a suntrap and one can watch the world go by and enjoy an almost mediterranean atmosphere.....lunch times often span into the evening as it becomes so comfortable and friendly. I have only praise and compliments to give this lovely Tapas Bar - I would recommend it highly. ]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:31:50 +0000 133-773 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-waterfront-place-chelmsford.html I join the many disapointed ex customers of the Waterfront place. Once you have been, you won't go back I assure you. 20 of us went in December for Christmas and it was just awful. It started badly with no pre dinner drinks receiption which when I questioned it in the bar was sharply told "the bucks fiz is on the table..!" Thats not a pre drinks receiption. Anyway, food was tepid and tasteless, service was rushed and by stressed out kids, entertainment was ok until one speaker packed up and you danced in time with who was around you not the music...! Complaining is pointless as it falls on deaf ears. Won't be going back and it's a shame, if they don't buck their ideas up they will be in trouble. This is an unforgiving ecconomic down turn, get your act together Waterfront! ]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:18:37 +0000 143-755 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/lanthai-chelmsford-essex.html This is the best restaurant in town, the food is always delicious and the service always friendly. I have been there so many times I have lost count and have never been disappointed. If you love Thai food check it out it's great 10/10 ]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:05:11 +0000 106-741 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/masons-steak-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html Having gone there for my mums 70th birtday, and having an age range of 18 to 74, everyone of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. All of the staff were friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. I would have no problem in recommending Masons Too to all my friends. ]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:10:21 +0000 168-739 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-cosmopolitan-chelmsford-essex.html Never again. There were two waiters for a saturday night so service was incredibly slow. We waited for an hour between starter and main. During that hour we were entertained by another table vocalising (incredibly loudly!) about the appalling service and food. They all got up and walked out.
My main course eventually appeared but was totally different to how it was described on the menu, when I asked why I was told they were changing the menu on monday and I was lucky as this variation was much nicer!
Another table complained about the mains all coming out at different times and asked for a free bottle of wine.
The resturant was also chilly.
I would like to say the food made up for it but I'd be lying. When we asked for the bill they hadn't even got that right.
Gordon Ramsey would have had a field day there!!
Never again ]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:26:54 +0000 372-737 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-seabrights-barn-carvery-grill-chelmsford.html We went to this restaurant for my sister's birthday as she had been there before and found it quite good. Unfortunately, on this occasion we didn't have the same experience. There were fifteen in our party altogether - eight adults and seven children, two of which were under 1.
The two highchairs had not been cleaned properly and had mouldy food in them - a real health hazard for little ones who put everything straight in their mouths.
Once we'd ordered drinks and starters the food took an extremely long time to come, with only half of our starters actually arriving. Once we'd asked a passing waitress the second half of our party did eventually receive their starters although it took about another quarter of an hour to get them.
We had to wait ages after that for the plates to be cleared before we could go to the carvery. There was a choice of three meats - beef, turkey and gammon. The meat was good but the selection of vegetables was a little disappointing. The stuffing balls were pale as anything and rather chalky.
Our second round of drinks again took a very long time to come and in the end we had to remind the waiter and he had clearly forgotten about them.
Some of us had desserts which were reasonably ok and we ordered coffees too, although they brought more coffees than we'd ordered.
It's a good job we checked the bill properly because they had charged us for two extra meals and had told us that they were not going to charge us for the coffees and kids desserts as we'd had such bad service and yet these were still on the bill too. Once they'd adjusted it the bill dropped by £40 so it made quite a difference.
The toilets were clean but rather in need of redecoration. I struggled somewhat to turn on the taps - they were push taps but obviously rather old and stiff.
All in all, a rather disappointing experience. It could be so much better with a bit of proper management. As far as price goes, it's good value for money, just don't go unless you're prepared to give it a good 2 1/2 hours and to have to keep asking for things. ]]> Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:39:42 +0000 105-732 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-alma-bar-and-restaurant-chelmsford-essex.html We have a visited the Alma a number of times over the last six months and have never been disappointed. The service is excellent - the waiting staff are attentive but you are not rushed or felt the table is needed for someone else. The food is excellent, we are always impressed and the dishes are not just cooked to perfection, but they are also very tasty with clever uses of flavours and well presented.
My only concern about the Alma is it will continue to become known and it will become increasingly difficult to get a table! Definitely somewhere you will want to go back to again and again. ]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:16:51 +0000 545-724 http://www.essexrestaurants.com/chelmsford-venues/chelmsford-restaurants/the-carvery-house.html My girlfriend and I went in Sunday lunchtime as we fancied a 'pick your own' all day breakfast. Service was very slow from the outset condidering there were only another 2 couples in there. Tea arrived and was weak and too milky, the couple that had arrived after us received their breakfast before we did. We had waited 40+ minutes from our arrival and had finished our cups of ransid tea and eaten the toast way before the food was served and then realsied that the items originally ordered were on wrong plates! Food was also very average after all this. There was no real apology for this sub-standard service and no offer for money off the bill. The upstairs carvery sounds like a better option but we will not be going back for a breakfast and would certainly not recommend to anyone. Very disappointing! ]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:18:13 +0000