Anchor in Babergh

A lovely place, with wonderful staff and excellent food. Cannot fault anything about our visit. Thank you all so much. Will certainly be visiting very soon.

Lovely pub run by the locals which is one of the reasons they are so friendly and helpful. There was a good choice of food and it was delicious and a good size portion. Definitely going back again

It is a really nice friendly pub, it has a comfortable atmosphere and the food is of a good pub standard and price.

Made to feel very welcome on our first ever visit, lovely meal , great service and will definitely be going back soon.

Disappointed with some of the food but after I pointed out the chicken ribs were over cooked all I got was an empty apology and a “I’ll pass it on”. I spent nearly £500 there with my colleagues and because they offer nothing to make up for the poor food I will not book again.

Been there a few times now. Nice food . Lots of menu choices. Reasonably priced. Like the fact we can take our little dachshund there with us too

Very poor quality food. The sort that you get in a school canteen.

Absolutely wonderful food, great atmosphere absolutely love it here.

One of the nicest ploughman's I have had complimented with a great home made sausage roll. Julie was really lovely looked after us well

Staff friendly and food lovely, place clean plus great atmosphere.Definitely be revisiting

Not for me. Beer garden is on the main road no good with kids.

Honestly food is incredible! Service is lovely, can't complain about anything! 😁

A really lovely pub with lots of indoor and outdoor seating, great food (with plenty of veggie options) and friendly staff. Enjoyed a nice breakfast, will be back to try out the lunch and dinners for sure.

Had Sunday lunch for the second time. Would highly recommend it. Friendly and attentive service that made you feel very welcome and comfortable. Food was absolutely delicious and as for the cauliflower cheese, no lack of cheese, we joked with the staff that we could do with a pair of scissors to help with serving it onto our plate. Large plates with large servings at a reasonable price and lots of choice.

Friendly staff and fantastic food. They do a most wonderful Christmas Dinner

It was my first time there today. Great food, very well priced and lovely inside and out the back. Friendly staff also. Will be going back 👍 I recommend.

Had a meal here was good food! Staff friendly and very helpful. Pub was clean and lovely oldeny decor! Parking right outside. Nice little town round about for a walk after if full!!

Visited today with family, the first time in many years, wow very impressive. The staff very friendly & attentive. The menus are varied & have a great selection of food all at reasonable prices. I had the burger & could not fault it, very tasty. The choc bread & butter pudding also very tasty. For a Tuesday lunch they were very busy which was lovely to see. I will definitely be back. Recommended.

Popped in just now for what on previous visits was a nice dining experience. However... this is not the case this evening. 5/7/24. So I spent the best part of £50 on two meals, a sirloin steak and a pulled pork burrito.The later was inedible, disgusting, smelt off.

A very pleasant Inn in a delightful location. Food was very good and we were made to feel mist welcome (party of 7 walkers)

4 main meals very disappointing, poor quality steak, very small sea bass in no flavour meal; Aldi skin on fries; etc.etc. Staff not really wanting to be there. No atmosphere.

Fantastic food, great service, and fabulous atmosphere. I would definitely recommend attending woth friends 👌

First time in coming would go again does the menu ever change

Delightful visit. The food was delicious. The staff were courteous. Food is well priced. Would definitely recommend this location based on my visit. I imagine parking on-site could be tricky if it was busy though.

Enjoyable lunch, quick service on a busy Saturday lunchtime. Thank you.

Visited as we had a menu come through the door offering 5% or 10% during June depending on time of meal. Our leaflet said that we would be entitled a free loyalty card, valid for 12 months but there was no mention of it as as I wasn't feeling 100%, I was just happy to pay our bill as food was nice and we may not return for a long time anyway. Pub is lovely, inside and out and is on a couple of bus routes from Colchester with stops directly outside. It has a cosy interior around the old part of pub with a lovely bright extension and outside area with several more tables. Staff were very attentive and friendly. Food was well presented. I had the duck roll with hoisin sauce and sausage and mash. I was looking forward to the teriyaki salmon but it finished just as I was about to order.

Perfect service from Gabby, she was welcoming and attentive. Starter of duck spring rolls was delicious and piping hot, our mains were fantastic and the timing of everything was spot on! Clean and tidy pub with a gorgeous restaurant feel!

Service here was really good and unfaltering but unfortunately the food wasn't that great if I'm honest. I broke my rule of not having a roast dinner out because it never compares to one made at home. It was a busy sitting and maybe they had a off day in the kitchen.

Great service and excellent food

Julie was really friendly and attentive… food was lovely as always :)

Absolutely fantastic food , staff absolutely amazing and so kind and sweet towards us , definitely come back again :)

Brilliant service , fresh , delicious food. I felt such a chilled out vibe and felt at welcome as soon as I walked in. Will 100% be returning and will be a regular

Popped in on the way back from Ipswich as I'd heard good things so thought I'd give it a go and I wasn't disappointed. I chose the three course option for £25.50. Really well cooked and presented, lovely staff and a cracking pint of ale to go with it. The place is really well laid out with masses of space and the option to eat and drink outside with the tables having large umbrellas too. Plenty of parking, nice quiet setting, tastefully decorated, well definitely be back.

Friendly staff with home made menu that caters for Gluten Free and other dietary requirements.

This review is in answer to the response from the owner to my wife’s negative but fair review of this establishment. Just for clarity, my wife is a trained chef so she does know what she’s talking about. 1. At no point were we asked if we had enjoyed our meals as intimated in the owners response. 2. The loaded fries have indeed received lots of similar negative comments, clearly visible on Google reviews. There was also absolutely not an option to choose toppings. 3. The steak bruschetta was indeed spicy. Not a problem for us but not mentioned on the menu. 4. The hummus was salty and inedible. 5. The waiting staff were not overly cheerful and a bit disinterested. We had to wait a fair while for our bill but still gave 10% gratuity. I have no idea why to be honest. The correct response from the owner should be: Please come back and we’ll try again to cook better food and make things better. We would happily have paid for this. Rather than, yeah well, best you don’t come back! Rude. Just plain rude. If everyone just posts positive comments, how is a business supposed to improve when it clearly needs to? Edit: Please don’t accuse me of lying. At NO point were we asked if we enjoyed the meal. We were ready with constructive criticism but weren’t asked. The food isn’t the real issue here, it’s your attitude. As you’ve said to another dissatisfied customer, take it on the chin and strive to improve. The gratuity was given purely for the waiting staff, we’re aware that gratuities are a significant portion of their income, that’s all.

Fabulous service from the helpful staff - offered us a free drink as it was our ruby anniversary! Really nice food at reasonable prices. Dog friendly too! Would recommend…

Sadly, we had a really disappointing lunch today. After ordering the sesame prawn toast; we were told that we couldn't have this as the kitchen were having problems making it and couldn't keep it together when cooking it (if you can't make it - take it off the menu!!); the loaded fries were covered in a liquidy, over-processed yellow cheese sauce (should be a melted, mature cheddar) with very little loaded onto them apart from a few pieces of bacon and spring onions, the hummus was inedible (more like a salty, garlic dip) and the steak bruschetta had a spice to it that wasn't described on the menu. It's such a shame as we were hoping to find a lovely country pub to enjoy a bank holiday lunch at. Won't be returning sadly.

Staff were really friendly and made me feel welcome as I waited for my girlfriend to join me.

Has a disappointing lunch experience there yesterday, with the following issues: 1. I had noted in the booking that we were celebrating my Mum's birthday and this was not acknowledged in any way. Having owned a restaurant, I know how cheap and easy it is to do or even just say something for someone's special occasion, and the difference it can make. 2. It was only when we ordered our food that we were told that the pork hadn't yet been delivered for the day. This information should have been shared as soon as we were given our menus to avoid disappointment. 3. The loaded fries I had as a starter just had a bland 'cheese sauce' on top. Loaded fries should be smothered in a mature cheddar and this seemed quite lazy considering the margin that would still exist on such a dish, even using real cheese. 4. The four cheese pizza I ordered was almost certainly a margarita. Firstly, it had a tomato base, which I've never experienced with countless other four cheese pizzas. Secondly, although there was a lot of cheese on the pizza, it didn't taste like there was more than one, and that a bland cheddar. I would usually mention such issues as they arise, but I just wanted to have a good time with Mum, hence the feedback here. In the pub's favour, they do a good job of hosting my monthly book club and take American Express. The duck spring roll starter was also an excellent dish, according to my Mum. Turn up another day and/or order different dishes and you may well have a five star experience.

Brilliant and a gluten free menu

Just had a meal here for the first time since refit and it was lovely 😋 great size portions and the strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake was amazing 👏

Good food friendly staff great service would recommend.

We had a party of six, we have eaten here before for breakfast which was lovely, but our roast dinner today was very disappointing, although everything was there it was just all really cold! The potatoes were the weirdest thing I've ever tasted, the cauliflower cheese was swimming in water not cheese! We told the waitress who didn't really seem interested!. Unfortunately sorry to say we won't be back for roasts again, and at £160 a little steep!!..

Good choice on set menu reasonably priced Friendly service.Lovely relaxing birthday meal.

Good food and dog friendly he even got a bowl of water and biscuits.

An excellent venue Lovely Food Very Clean Helpful and Polite Staff Will definitely go there again 😀

Mediocre Sunday roast. I had the veggie roast as don’t eat meat, basically like stuffing with a few carrots. Felt like one of those cheap mixes. Tasteless gravy and roasted veg had no flavour. Fed up with the fact that many pub restaurants feel they can serve vegetarians a poor alternative without taste or imagination. My husband said the meat was bland. The conservatory at the back was tacky with plastic foliage and was basically a shed, although the main pub was cozy We won’t visit again.

Lovely pub, the breakfast was delicious, perfect amount of food.

The food is over priced, the burger was very greasy especially the onion rings, the sauce was cold and I was ill after eating the meal. I didn't mention it at the time as it was suppose to be my Birthday treat! Yes I do have the right Anchor, the Jus as you call it was cold, the onion rings in greasy batter and I was ill.. typical response of pub not listening to their customers

This is an exceptional location. The toilets are now unisex which was disconcerting for my wife.

Food was ok. Cheesey chips though with cheese sauce was a bit of a disaster would have been nice to have melted proper cheese. There isn't may veggie options However the pub itself is lovely

Went for a Sunday roast with my family today (03/03/24). It was amazing one of the best roast dinner’s we have had in a long time. Amazing food amazing staff and amazing atmosphere. Thank you

1st visit for our birthday men! Lovely food and lovely friendly staff! Another diet drink would be good! Sugar free sprite/ 7 up ???

Excellent Breakfast this morning, everything lovely and hot including the plate. Great quality at a very good price. Deceptively large building at the rear.

Had high expectations for this pub as we called in just for a drink but saw that almost all the tables in 3 different dining rooms were all reserved. Thinking that 'it must be good' if so many people have pre booked for Sunday lunch. We had breakfast as it was still morning. Good points: The breakfast menu had many excellent choices. The pub/restaurant/ toilets were very clean. Bad points: A nice friendly smile from the staff & management wouldn't go a miss. Definitely need to look at better customer service. Bacon, sausage and hass browns very over cooked (infact inedible) Will we return? Possibly 6/10

Stayed locally with friends and stopped for breakfast. Lovely food, friendly staff. Recommend a visit.

Great food and big portions. Reasonable prices and welcoming staff had Sunday lunch and others had burger meals could not fault h by

Such delicious food! The burger dipping sauce is a killer, so yummy! Service was super friendly and a lovely vibe.

New years eve party ,fantastic live band Robbie Gladwell and Friends , price for food was good but although the food came quick it was not as nice as it sounded. Ordered champange to see the new year but it didn't arrive.

Lovely place for lunch today ☺️ even the pup was spoilt with snacks ❤️

Granted, we went in at a quiet time, but we got a very friendly welcome from the staff and regulars. The customer at the bar even checked to make sure his golden retriever was not bothering us. The roasts were a decent sized portion and delicious!

Really welcoming old fashioned pub with good food and great service. Very pleasant and dog friendly. Great place to stop route

Visited on NYE for Dinner, our party of four were generally slightly disappointed with our food, service was fine on a busy evening, the band and atmosphere were excellent and as a result we really enjoyed our visit. The Manager was very helpful in his communication pre-meal.

Nice pub/restaurant, we were a party of 20, meals prebooked, and came out from the kitchen in good time. One meal was missing but once staff were informed it arrived very quickly. The staff were attentive and friendly. I would recommend for a family meal out.

Had a lovely breakfast and staff very polite and helpful

This pub is one of the best pubs for food I’ve been to…..and it just keeps getting better. Lunch today I had the burger, it was perfect, absolutely delicious. Elle had tuna melt on sour dough, again fabulous. Great staff and classic beamed English pub

Set Christmas meal quality was very disappointing, the vegetables were either rock hard or mushy, not much flavour & the lamb was all fat & bone.

Brilliant pub, absolutely fab food and decent wine. Very happy. Will definitely be back again

It was our first visit but it will not be our last. The atmosphere was cosy, all the staff were welcoming and attentive and most importantly, the food was plentiful and delicious. Extremely good value for money.

Excellent food. Great service and staff. I took my elderly/disabled parents and staff were extra helpful . Thank you 😊

Booked a table for 8 and on arrival was shown to the conservatory area which is nicely laid out. However it is heated by a central wood burner which is terribly sealed. The room is heavy in wood smoke fumes. So with a pregnant daughter plus Grandson and knowing the harmful effects of wood smoke I asked for another table. This was accommodated by moving us to the front restaurant area. We were all pleased with the meal and service but next time will specially ask to seated away from the conservatory.

Went for a Bublé and Robbie Williams tribute evening wax really good the food was lovely loads of choice, staff were friendly, helpful and the atmosphere was amazing such a good night, definitely go back for another evening and for a meal any time

£10.50 for a glass of wine was a bit steep.

Fantastic evening, would recommend the Anchor

A great village pub to go for lunch or dinner and breakfast. I loved it and will be back

Having had breakfast at the Anchor during the week with a group of bikers and enjoyed the experience, I opted to take my wife there for breakfast on Saturday. Again, an excellent meal with delightful service.

Difficult: a statement on the menu washes their hands of responsibility for making those with dietary restrictions welcome and properly fed. No vegan option. Highly spiced tomato sauce. I was ill afterwards.

Nothing to complain off. Would go again

Went here for Lunch. Food was great and the staff were very helpful and friendly. Very Enjoyable!

Booked here for a birthday lunch with some old friends. Lovely food but the day was made better by the banter with staff….. plus candles on a sticky toffee pudding…. What more could you want

Friendly relaxing atmosphere, good choice on menu Sunday roast to T bone steak. Good value for money. Ideal.

Had a great meal. Will definitely go back.

Beautiful place and lovely food! The staff are very friendly and helpful. Especially my latest visit here.

Really good pub great food and best chips ever

Table booked for 6.45 - food arrived after 9!!!! Terrible service - 1st table in garden room - every table filled up after and all got served b4 us!!! Very busy evening with Irie J (great) but it was a birthday meal - Waiter couldn’t be bothered to even check what was happening! When tagliatelle came they’d obv run out as portion was tiny!!

The desert amazing they said ice cream or cream I said yes please they said ice cream or cream I sad yes please, I will see what the chef says mmm yep it came with cream and ice cream fab

Friendly staff and atmosphere. Will definitely visit again

Visited yesterday evening for a Sunday roast which I had been looking forward to all week having heard good things - the worst roast I have ever had. Turned up with what looked like a dog hair on my beef (unfortunately I couldn't say anything as our friend had suggested the pub and I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable by complaining straight away), the red cabbage was completely dried out and not even purple anymore, roast potatoes were shrivelled up and just filled with air, the "cauliflower cheese" was literally just cauliflower with melted mozzarella on the top and the Yorkshire pudding was so overdone and dry. How the chef looked at the plates and thought they were good enough to serve I don't know.

Le personnel est très gentil. La cuisine est bonne. Facilité pour avoir une table même sans réserver.

Had Lunch here today 18/08/23 four of us, very disappointing I ordered Haddock & Chips special of the day The fish was covered in a thick crisp over cooked dark batter which completely overwhelmed the fish and was inedible. Mine was the worst, my friends eat theirs but did not think it was very good. When the dishes were cleared the lady asked what was wrong with my meal and I explained the aforementioned, to which she replied she would inform the chef. When I went to pay the bill the credit card machine asks if I would like to leave a tip, which in view of the meal I had, I declined. I commented that I was surprised to even be charged for the meal. I was told I was being charged for the meal as I had not complained earlier and therefore it was my fault. They could have corrected it had I complained earlier. Fair comment. However, they were not in the least bit concerned that they had served poor food, and I their customer, had a poor experience at their restaurant. Sorry cant recommend.

Great venue didn't sample the food enough to pads judgement but the service and venue were great!!

Went in on a Saturday lunch time, 1pm, not booked but got a table. Service was quick to take drinks order & return for food order. Food freshly cooked, was lovely & hot. Had the Anchor burger. Wasn't sure to have the relish so they put it in a side bowl for me to try. Dessert menu looked good but was too full. Reasonable priced as for two people was around £38. Will definitely go back again to try something else.

Spent years driving past ,then got invited to a dine and dance evening, they promote various live bands that night was a rockabilly band can't say I'm into rockabilly but had brilliant time ((Never knock it till you try it) the food was outstanding . Definitely going again

Cannot fault anything, Staff, food , atmosphere, wish I lived nearer it was all just so lovely nothing to much trouble and the pub beautiful place JM

Sunday lunch 50 th birthday party. Food was great, service fantastic, 13 meals served all together, no waiting. Staff polite friendly and helpful. Will definitely be going there again.

A really lovely and homely pub. Newly refurbished and extended. Lovely food (quite a small menu choice). Friendly staff.

Plenty of space, nice selection of drinks. Food OK, service could be better

Nice setting, clean and spacious. Staff are very friendly. The food is well cooked fresh and tasty.

Ordered takeaway Roast Beef for a lazy Sunday lunch……it was spot on. Ready in 20mins as they advised on ordering. Food was hot, home cooked, plentiful and delicious. What a find……. very close to us too! We will definitely visit and eat in the restaurant soon.

Food was good quality and well cooked, plainly presented and a little under seasoned. My partners pizza was excellent though.