Back-Inn Time in Chelmsford

Hadn't been to this place for a couple of years but my son suggested it for his birthday meal. We used to go here quite regularly.My goodness has it gone downhill. Our table was reserved weeks before for 7pm. We were finally seated at 7.20pm. Totally unacceptable.The food was mediocre to disgusting. I have never seen a chicken breast so small and thin slathered in something masquerading as peri peri and salty beyond words. The kitchen was overwhelmed and couldn't cope with the orders. After ordering dessert and waiting forever we asked for the bill as it was now 9.15pm and quite frankly had enough of the crackling, loud individual on the next table. The only redeeming feature were the lovely staff.

Attended here for my son’s birthday meal! Being a large table it was stipulated we pay a £10pp deposit which would come off the bill. Which is fine. We handed a cake in to staff upon arrival to be told we couldn’t eat it there. Was told it was due to allergies. I felt like it was a policy that we would have to order deserts to make more money. No one said over the phone that bringing in cakes would be prohibited. Again, cannot see how it would affect allergic sufferers. That instantly gave me the hump we all live in different parts of the county, so orchestrating somewhere to eat a cake is difficult to say the least. We eat out a lot and NEVER been told to not bring a cake in to eat before. I wouldn’t have bought a cake in had I of known. It was a fresh one too that was egg free may I add! The staff and atmosphere were lovely can’t fault it - literally just finishing the last sip and the glass was gone. Very efficient & very busy we did feel very rushed everything just seemed like we were on a time scale to get out - very rushed indeed drinks and and food . The staff definitely enjoy working there that is apparent. Food is nice, steak was nice but mediocre compared to the price at almost £400 for us all. definitely doesn’t warrant that. Not an affordable place to eat. Nice place and vibe - too expensive and the cake thing is a no no -

Sadly, our experience was less than enjoyable. For us I think we'll call time. Previous experience aside this night has reminded us how good restaurants can drop in favour. 😞

Very impressed by service.. staff seemed to enjoy working there and were very friendly. Very retro American vibes and a train that runs round the ceiling. Food arrived in a good time and was delicious… just enough on the plate for me to finish. Very reasonably priced as well for what you’re getting. Only negative we went and it was about ten people’s birthdays so every 10 mins the lights went out for the next birthday cake. But would still go back and 100% recommend!

Atmosphere is brilliant. Good is good, not Amazing. Def worth a visit

Very good service! Love the train! Food was brought out pretty quick and was well presented and delicious! Servings are on the large side too which is fantastic! Cost of the meal was also very agreeable!

15 mins wait to be seated as was busy and we didnt book . Fantastic food and service big choice of cocktails to choose from . Food was exceptionaly hot and tastey . staff we on the ball and very attentive to the table .

Yet again great service and wonderful food from one of our favourite group get togethers All ready booked for our Christmas party

Busy on the night I went. Staff were accommodating and attentive. Food was great, ordered from specials and regular menu.

Exceeded already high expectations. The Louisiana Chicken Burger Special was 10/10

Great music, great food, lovely staff! The pulled pork was so delicious I could have shoved it all in my face in seconds, if I hadn't wanted to savour it! Haha 😆 Thanks team!

Our dining group had amazing meals this evening. Sadly we were all so full there was no room for desserts & there were some delicious ones on the menu too! It was a really fabulous evening, great service, friendly staff, brilliant atmosphere. The music playing in the background was that of back in time. Lots of Birthday's this evening, think we counted at least 5. The 5 waitresses sang Happy Birthday to each person by name which was a lovely touch!

Absolutely amazing food.. wow. Best way to start the weekend. Great atmosphere and brilliant cocktail list

The food was amazing and wasn’t too badly priced. Most of the waiters/ waitresses were lovely and the service was quite quick. The only disappointing thing was we hear a waitress speaking badly of a group of customers that they had just shown to their table. It seemed to be over something as small as going round to their table past the kitchen - which I had seen many others do as the tables are quite close together - and I thought it was extremely unprofessional and sadly gave me a bit of a bad feeling about the atmosphere, wondering whether myself or other customers would be spoken about in that manner especially on the restaurant floor.

Enjoyed our family meal, the outlaws travelled down from suffolk to celebrate a birthday and fathers day. Super friendly staff, cool visiual atmosphere, quiet for a sunday but catering for large family groups of 5+ whilst we was there at lunch. Food was hot and delicious. Cocktails were awesome as were the shakes. Being south Africans they enjoyed it (meat connoisseurs!) and I'm sure we will be back. Toilets upstairs, baby changing. Some seating outside. Parking on road outside on the lane. Son loved the little train, reminded me of city limits ... if you know you know 😉

Love this place. Everything is excellent.

Excellent atmosphere ,food even better, service spot on, a definite for a visit (s) a bit pricey but well worth it when everything is excellent we will be back that's 100 per cent thanks for the great evening guys

We didn’t catch the name of our server, but she was a star! She was very accommodating and made my niece’s experience fun; lots of ice cream and toppings. We would definitely come back again, thank you!

It was our first time and we were blown away by the standards set by all the team! Wonderful people and wonderful food, all in a lovely setting. 10/10!

Have eaten here several times in the past, but it has been a few years since the last visit and I hope this latest experience isn't indicative of where the restaurant is at. Booked a table for 4 the day before a midweek visit. No opportunity to book online which is a shame but the call was answered quickly the day before. Upon arrival for an 18:30 booking, we were taken to what I can only describe as a "well" area which I hadn't been seated before, which has poor lighting and very uncomfortable pew-style seating. Once seated the service from the young waitress was excellent and attentive. My co-diners ordered chicken fingers and a classic seafood cocktail for starters and initially, the fingers were dry and felt like it hadn't been recently cooked, which was a warning of what was to come. The "Classic seafood cocktail" was very small and again the warning is in the title. the word Classic would apply if it was called a Prawn cocktail, there is nothing classic about the term seafood cocktail but it is actually just a way to legitimise the replacement of prawns with other seafood sources. For mains, I ordered a combo fajita with extra tortillas which was very good but again the very small dish and paper sauce pot provided for the sides were cutting corners with the offering. My companions ordered burgers of various types but all 3 arrived very dry/overcooked along with the bacon and pulled pork toppings. These shouldn't have left the kitchen but it seems that maybe to manage orders the kitchen is pre-cooking these items and then either flash frying or leaving them on the side of the hot plate, to stay warm but also dry out, as 1 may be a mistake but all suffering from this effect is an indicator that there is a systematic issue. It was a shame as when we mentioned to the waitress about the poor quality being the reason we left food another waitress came over and said we should have said pre-bill paying we had an issue but that she would remember our faces when we came back to do I am not sure what in terms of improving the experience but it wasn't a discount for sure. Either way, it was a disappointing and expensive experience.

Great food, great service. Drive all the way from Suffolk today back to home town for a good meal with great company (the wife, of course). Never had a bad meal here and service is always with a smile. Recommendation: ribs...... Um.....ribs..........and, oh yeah.....ribs. But some one keeps putting green stuff on my plate......oh well lol Looking forward to my next home town visit

Been coming here for years. Great place. The food is simple but very well executed. The ribs never let you down. Enjoy 👌

Very nice place to have a meal. The food was very good and the service was excellent. Although the staff go out of their way to help. I would not say that access to the toilets is easy for a disabled or people with mobility problems. All in all, it's a very good restaurant.

What a little gem this place is.. went for a family meal for a 17 birthday..food was very cocktails best iv had by far ! staff are awesome friendly and accommodating. Had a great night 😁

This serves some of the best steak that I have ever tasted. Really friendly atmosphere with the added benefit of listening to Stevie wonder singing happy birthday to customers accompanied by the waiters. My favourite restaurant in Chelmsford. Frozen cocktails were lovely. If you only go to one restaurant in Chelmsford. Go to Back inn Time

Wonderful Restaurant!! Catered perfectly for 11 of us! The staff were so friendly, and the food was superb! The atmosphere is really vibrant, an amazing place for a fun dinner as a group. Definitely give this place a go if your thinking about it :))

Back in Time Restaurant offers a delightful journey through culinary nostalgia. From the retro decor to the comforting menu filled with classic dishes, every visit feels like a trip back to simpler times. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family. The staff are friendly and attentive, adding to the overall charm of the place. Whether you're craving a hearty burger, Back in Time Restaurant delivers on both taste and atmosphere. It's a nostalgic gem worth revisiting time and time again.

If you ever come to Chelmsford, you really have to try this place. First of all, the interior is lovely and old timey (with a small train going round :D) but hides a nice selection of tex-mex food. And let me tell you, this is some of the best food I have ever had in my life. And I've been to many places! And it's pretty cheap too! I've been going to this place for years, a couple of times a year and it's never dropped it's really high standard of service and food quality. Tonight I had an Oreo Milkshake (so good!) and then I had the Chili. And oh boy did it not disappoint! When it arrives you might be thinking hold on, the portion is tiny! But oh no I had trouble finishing it! But the taste was marvellous. The rice had some garlic butter on it which added a nice touch and the chilli was just the right amount of Spiciness. And the tortilla bits were good too! And then came the dessert. When I saw they had Homemade Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake, I knew I was in for a treat. And that's the great thing about this place. You know you're gonna get good food and yet, they always find a way to surprise you (in the good way). I kid you not, the mix of chocolate, peanut butter and the biscuit base almost brought me to tears! You'll need to make sure to book a table as the place is understandably very popular! But yeah, check it out and to the staff: Please never drop your standards and kudos to the person who made the cheesecake! See you all around!

Always a great night at Back Inn Time. Very accommodating staff and generous portions of great quality food for a reasonable price!

Absolutely AMAZING!!! It is such a good place if your in the area!! I have been here a few times and it never disappoints!! The atmosphere is delightful showcasing a style of american dinner with all kinds of licenses and quotes on the walls!! They had amazing music and it was perfect!

Great food and great service as always, just was a little tight and felt like I was sitting on top of the table. Was a last minute booking though to be fair

Great Ribs, very tasty and generous portions

One of the best restaurants in Chelmsford with delicious food 👌

Exceptional food. Extremely generous portions. Great presentation and service

Really good food and very authentic venue. The ribs were really good, and they fell off the bone well. The place was really busy and fantastic vibe. It was a good sign that the place is a popular spot and reservations would be recommended.

Great Diner experience. My grandson was fascinated by the train. The one thing that is a pain is parking in the area.

A lovely restaurant with delicious food and served with a smile - what's not to love?

Reminded me of when I went there over 20 years ago. Great relaxed atmosphere to meet friends, eat good food, and have a fun, relaxing time. One of the last independent restaurants in Chelmsford - definitely worth trying out.

I have been here several times over the past 30+ years and they still have the model train flying around the ceiling. The food is always tasty and well priced. Well worth a try!

Amazing service and amazing food

Great place to eat and such a friendly atmosphere oh n good cocktails too

My favourite place in Chelmsford… I’ve been going since I was a little girl, now in my 30s. Staff so friendly and welcoming… nearly always busy so definitely recommend booking but they will squeeze you in if they can! Food selection and quality is amazing, especially the starters (they are my favourite bit particularly the loaded potato skins with cheese and bacon, and the Brie bop a lula! Pictured below are some starters as I love a mixture rather than having a main. They are so accommodating, so do ask if you want anything adapted. An amazing choice of cocktails and mocktails too. This is my go to place for virgin pina colada.. yum. Thanks Back inn time, see you as soon as possible!

We booked for 6pm and paid non refundable deposit £10 p/head for 8 people. Very sadly, due to medical emergency, only 3 of us made it to Back in Time. Music very loud, tables very close together. Almighty bang when a cutlery container hit the floor, spilling its contents onto the stone floor. Red and white check table cloths and church pews, without cushions were amongst the furnishings. Seems to be a popular birthday party venue and the already loud music is turned up full blast and the staff sing happy birthday. The waiting staff were very efficient and friendly. When I asked for the bill on top of already paying £80 deposit, I was being charged a further approx £62. Fortunately, the food was good. Did we enjoy the experience, no because worried about sick daughter. It would definately have been more beneficial to loose £80 rather than 3 of us going and ending up having to pay a further £62 odd.

My partner took me here for my birthday after reading there reviews. On arrival we were greeted with “do you have a reservation? No we replied. After asking if there was space to seat us, we were sat slap bang in the middle of the almost empty dinner. Moments later a couple walked in with no reservation and were greeted by the same gentleman as us, were offered any seat in the house help your self he said. Only one other person came in during our visit. Looking over the menu it had a good selection. And it stated you could get a doggy bag if you couldn’t finish. My partner being from Detroit was excited to here one of the specials was chowder. We had loaded potato skins with chilli and a small portion of baby back ribs, starter and cheese burger and blue cheese and mushroom burger. We wouldn’t call the skins loaded by any means it wasn’t even full and the chilli was bland unfortunately with beans in it! The burgers were no better then you could make at home. When I asked the waitress for the bill and she completely ignored me then came back and said “did you ask for the bill, sorry you disturbed me! Other then the decor nothing really American about it, food was underwhelming and no need for a doggy bag. We’ll keep looking for the authentic American dinner in the uk but won’t hold my breath. Also add 10% service charge to your bill. Not great customer service unlike what you’d find in a real American dinner. Polite and friendly. Uk rude and miserable

Had a great time and meal lovely staff will go again

I was very disappointed with Back-Inn Time, having been recommended many times to go I really didn't understand the fuss. My wife and I ordered some chicken tenders to start, they was very dry and burned...think Iceland chicken tenders. There was nothing tender about them. Next, we each got a swiss cheeseburger. It had cured bacon, the bacon was hard and difficult to even chew, the burger was very dry and kind of tasteless. I thought a place that does American food should be able to get a burger right....right? The service at the counter upon walking in was kind of depressing too. We hadn't booked we just decided to give it a go, when I asked (politely) if they had a table for two I felt as though incase inconveniencing them, for context. The restaurant was empty and had just opened, it had got busier by the time we left but there was still tables available. Overall, I was just left underwhelmed and disappointed. Probably won't be going back and won't be recommending.

Warm and friendly restaurant with a lot of effort and care put into the decoration, the food and the service from the kind staff. I can't recommend this American restaurant enough, it was perfect. Great steak, nice crispy salad, amazing pudding and big portions. The atmosphere was very welcoming and buzzy.

The food was good with generous portions but service seemed a bit off. One young waitress was quite rude but we brushed it off so we could enjoy the night. Bit disappointing as I’ve been a few times over the past 10 years and always had great experiences in the past.

We've been going here for decades as a family and it has never disappointed! Fabulous staff, food is amazing and love the vibe. Best restaurant in Chelmo in my opinion!

Haven't been to Back-Inn Time for 15 years as we moved away from Chelmsford to Devon. The food is still excellent, the atmosphere is still unique and the service great, highly recommended.

The best place to eat in Chelmsford! This place is a Chelmsford institution. Such amazing flavour and value, every server is attentive and friendly and we always have a fantastic experience every time we go. Please go and support this local gem if you haven't already, my family and I come here whenever we can!

We came here for our Christmas work meal, the place looked very festive, the Christmas bangers were playing and the food was INCREDIBLE. Service was a bit rushed, so we had to ask them to.slow.down with the puddings. Overall a fab night

Where we were sitting it was very tight if you got up you were hitting the table behind you even the staff found if hard to serve us .

The best of best that's all I can say!

Great American themed place to eat, very relaxed atmosphere. Food prices quite reasonable. All the staff are very friendly and enjoy a good laugh with their customers. Love going there it's a great place to meet with friends.

Really great service never had to ask for a thing. Food is fantastic American grill. Had the ribs they were delicious. Would visit again

All round fantastic restaurant which offers an American style "authentic" diner experience. The atmosphere is brilliant - think TGIs but not as loud! I couldn't recommend this gem of Chelmsford anymore!

Great food, great atmosphere and great staff. We really enjoyed our visit, had a huge amount to eat and it was great value. Staff are so nice and the place is really well done. The best place that I have eaten in Chelmsford. Will be back again !!

If you want something different to all the chain restaurants, this place will not disappoint.

This is one of my favourite places to eat especially if you have a party and in particular a birthday the food is brilliant and the staff are always willing to help and go the extra mile

I had the fillet mignon which was cooked to perfection, beautiful food. Wonderful atmosphere, loved the train set. Staff are very friendly and chirpy, was great interacting with them. Table of 12 order was ready within 20 minutes. Only negative would be is it got a little hot in there. Highly recommend.

Very nice place and nice friendly staff and good food.

Excellent restaurant, great food and the staff are superb. An American diner style restaurant.

Great food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Food at reasonable prices. Good portion size. Give it a try

Called to make a reservation for 14 people for Christmas party for December 2023, was told they had space. Called back next day spoke to different person and she told me they do not take reservation for anyone over 8 people. Even though I had been given a date and time for 14 not even 24 hours prior. Wasn’t impressed won’t be going back now because of lack of service.

Amazing food, steak was cooked to perfection. Great service and great staff. Been coming here for years and will for many more!

I’ve been going here since it opened in 1986 & it’s every bit as good now as it was back then. The core menu is still the same which is great because you shouldn’t try & change perfection. The staff are just as enthusiastic too. I just love this place soooo much.

Amazing food, amazing service and always with a smile and a friendly face. Will always keep going back for more. This is a timeless restaurant that will always serve great food and drink. Love it 😊

I’ve been a regular here for about 20 years. The food and service is always perfect. Great place and great staff. Highly recommended.

Don't waste your time coming here after 7 o'clock on a Sunday. Was just turned away with my 2 young daughters despite the advertised open until 10:30. Very disappointing.

Wish I could give higher. Been going here for over 6 years, and this is and always will be my favourite place to go! 💖

Fantastic restaurant. Fabulous food and great staff... it was a trip down memory lane as used to go to simply blues in Hornchurch, which is sadly no longer here.. please support this Fantastic restaurant

Excellent food, staff,atmosphere…… what more could you possibly want?

Remains the best place in town, now and forever 💗

Great family atmosphere cocktails are really nice and the price is very good

As a regular here I can say that the friendly service is an example to other restaurants, it's just The Best. I tend to have the ribs, filet mignon or fajitas and the problem I find is choosing which of these to go for - they are all totally excellent. Don't usually have deserts, but I can't resist the sundaes here, they are exemplary! Thank you Jane, Kerry, Joe, Brad, Martin and Ugly Joey.

Great food, quick service, reasonable prices.

Really enjoyed back in time. Thanks for having us.

I've only been once, but the experience was amazing. The food was really great and the staff were very kind and helpful. It was also a very food price for the quality of food. I recommend. Will be coming again

Ribs were very fatty and not very tasty, everything else was ok Root beer would be a good addition to the menu

Absolutely loved this quaint restaurant- beautiful food and drinks - lovely friendly staff

This place has AMAZING food and service, staff were very friendly and did a lovely happy birthday for my brother. There are baby changing services in the women's loo but I didn't see a wheelchair accessible toilet, but it is a small place. Definitely recommend

Love this place. Best staff ever

Service was amazing. Staff were so lovely and accommodating. Really friendly and helpful. Food was really nice. There were 10 of us and we didnt have an issue with anything or anyone's food, which makes a change. They have a huge range of cocktails, which were lovely. Overall experience was amazing. Would highly recommend ❤️

Retro Americana & American dining experience which is honest & good-value. Attentive & kind staff who are extremely welcoming.

Brilliant as always. Lovely staff, good food and perfect for a family birthday meal.

Dinner turned out great, thanks a lot to the whole team, very fast and high-quality service, food and drinks are amazing ☺️❤️

Amazing and delicious food Service one off the best in Uk And great inside design

Not only was out food absolutely emacultate our server had no issues asking any questions and making us comfortable guests. The atmosphere was incredible with fun nostalgic music and old decorations with functional aspects that made it feel like a great dinner.

Very busy atmosphere tables packed in could barely move. Food was lovely though waiters and waitresses very busy run off their feet

Alway brilliant food & cocktails. Great vibe, and amazing staff 👏 . Every single other restaurant should learn from this team. They do it how it should be done. Love ❤️ this place.

Lovely family restaurant great service and food is great

Been there since 1986. Never fails to be good food, good fun and good value. So much better than your TJI etc but on that sort of level. Obviously not fine wining and dining but the sort of place you would want to go for kid’s birthdays, family gatherings or a group for a laugh and joke. Reasonable wine by the glass for £6/7. A good list of cocktails. Try the double dealer for main course if you are hungry. I’m not going to down score it for this, but it would be great if they could get the train working again!

Definitely the best restaurant in the centre of Chelmsford.

The food was excellent and the portions were large. The service was very attentive.

Great restaurant great food and staff

Great food and cocktails was nice to have a catch up not been 4 few years 🍹

Great food and drink and good service. Like stepping back in time! A proper America style dinner. We’ll be back.

Love it here. Great service, brilliant night.

Celebrated my daughters birthday last week,four of us dined two had pulled pork burgers,I had ribs (a must have for me BIT does the best ribs ever) we were all delighted with our choices. Only blip my husband had tortillas,he found the chicken bland and the dish in general lack lustre, but on the whole we had a great time,staff were lovely, cocktails superb,brilliant atmosphere . I would highly recommend.