Bistro On The Quay in Maldon

This is could do a lot better for the location. To the average visitor the place seems ideal, good location, tide in or out, very pleasant views and almost captive clientele. Yet there are rough edges which could be improved . Ordering was a bit off hand, perhaps an off day (?) service a little slow - lot of chat with some regulars or locals, which slowed things down a bit. In their defence the wasp issue was not their fault , it did improve, and it seems they were doing a lot to be rid of them. The fault is hooligans who sometimes leave rubbish there overnight. A more friendly counter staff would help, but they have the makings of a good business , prices seemed just right to us, and we would give it another try when in the area.

Been here before was adequate , but today extremly poor. You question above" what did you go for" well initially lunch, but they are so slow I thought I would have to book in at one of the pubs overnight. I prepaid by the way at 12:43 the two paninis arrived at 13:23, the tea we had, in paper cups was cold. I spoke to a girl at the counter to find out where the order was twice , the first time she didnt even have the manners to come and tell us. Poor , poor. When the food did arrive there was no apologises just said "here you go guys", well tbh honest I really think calling people guys is a dreadful way of speaking in a little village like Burnham. There was no offer of a fresh tea . I didnt know how they were so slow , there was hardly anyone there apart from a bunch of kids inside. Interesting sign on the door refering to grab a table for a chat , I think the staff need to do less chating and more working. God knows how long we would have been with something more complicated, they only have to reheat the already made paninis and open the carton with coleslaw, and put a few crisps on the plate. Unbelievable as a famous scotsman once said.

We had a really lovely meal out- I have coeliac disease or in gluten free, we asked for avocado on toast with gluten free bread but we were then told that there was a panini instead, so we order and sat down. The waitress then came up and said there was no gluten free bread at all but she can do some sausages, egg and avocado. Being gluten free this is quite a common occurrence so I was absolutely fine with this. She then came back and said that the sausages are not gluten free and she then went out of her way to drive to Tesco to get some gluten free bread!! Absolutely incredible service and made me feel very valued as a customer.

30 th July 2023 Very unprofessional staff,long wait for food.Grubby sticky tables.No cutlery.Have used this place before,has gone down hill.Won’t return.

30/7/23 Worst place we’ve ever had the misfortune to visit for lunch. We we were told there is a 15/20 minute wait which we accepted, but not double that time, after some probing I was told the order was lost, but this was only found out by asking different personnel, nobody new anything. And we had prepaid. Their friend with baby and relatives took preference to us in the lengthy wait for food. Will not be returning! Very unprofessional ! Maybe it will improve with time along with the youngsters running it. Tea was served in paper cups when china could clearly seen to be given to others almost discrimination . We were not alone, the couple on the next table complained about cold coffee, only to be told it was because the milk was from a cold fridge, excellent ! We had to ask for the dirty table to be cleaned which was done, but told it would remain sticky due to them being varnished, the ansa to that is sand them off to bare wood and leave them exactly like that, you can then wipe them with impunity . In all , this establishment needs to improve drastically if it wishes to retain its customer base. After my patience ran out and a trip to the counter I was told a refund was not possible as the machine could not cope, the same machine that could not give me a receipt at prepayment, how handy for them as I had no definate way to ascertain the correct time factor for the long delay. And by the way, I am not your love ❗️ I fail to understand how there are so many five star reviews given by several other clients, we must be unlucky, along with the couple on the next table. No pics as we just wanted to get out of the place.

After visiting this cafe in Burnham I will most definitely not be going back. Took my two young children here a few weeks back and the service was diabolical. I didn’t catch the lady’s name but one waitress was extremely brash in the way she served not only me but other customers, which I also heard another lady commenting on. 2 meals for the kids hardly warm and left the majority of mine as it just tasted like microwaved crap. Such as shame as with the right people running it this place could be brilliant, a lovely view of the river from both outside and inside but rude staff with a poor approach to customers. Will not be returning or recommending unless you want the bare minimum

Visited many food outlets in Burnham over the years but not Bistro on the Quay and sadly will not visit again. Sat inside at the sticky tables, yuk. Fancied a panini, they had run out was advised I could have a toastie. Opted for a tuna and cheese melt. My husband ordered the scampi and chips. Roughly 40 mins later our food arrived looking edible although the scampi was rather over brown we thought at least it’s cooked properly. My toastie on the other hand, looked ok on the top but after one mouthful and turning it over it was totally burnt and where it was so overcooked there was no cheese left!!!! May have just been a bad day or not enough staff but will not be returning,

We found this well situated cafe on the quay and stopped for a snack. The scones with cream and jam were warmed and were delicious, the coffee good too. The customer service however was lacking in any friendliness at all. Good prices

Popped in to the Bistro on the Quay for a Coffee and cake for me and tea for my wife although they seemed busy they did forget our order and served people who came in after us, When it did arrive my Victoria sponge was old dry and not eatable a nice lady took it away and said i will tell the manager she was gone an age when she returned i had drunk my coffee what then appeared was an uncooked smaller cake with loads of cream hanging out of it botched up in the back. This was a total rip off and a waste of money beware

Always a great place to stop and eat Staff always happy and helpful and food good 😊 Lovely area and when it’s a nice day great to eat outside

Sat outside on the verander with wonderful views of the Blackwater with lots of boats bobbing around food was amazing beautifuly presented genuious portions would recommend 100% as the place to eat

Had a wonderful visit to Bistro on the Quay today with a friend. Menu was lovely. My friend ordered the chilli prawns which she said were delicious. I ordered the cheese ploughman’s Wow what an amazing ploughman’s it was. Can honestly say it is the best one I’ve ever had, it was enormous and so much on the plate, it was loaded and presentation was amazing so a massive 10 out of ten to the chef. I’ve had a few in my time and I felt the need to tell the lovely young waitress. Service was good and what a beautiful view over the river on such a warm sunny day. Thank you for our delicious lunch 😊

Doesn't look much from the outside but our welcome was warm and the food was excellent . Two of our party had the very hearty full English breakfast which was one of the best I have ever had. Well cooked, tasty and not at all greasy. My wife did not get quite what she had asked for and the staff were very apologetic and rectified the issue to our satisfaction very quickly. Could not recommend highly enough.

This used to be a lovely friendly place it has gone down hill. Miserable rude staff and unappealing menu

Held my partners 40th birthday here and Claire and her staff were amazing. Could not fault the evening at all, food was great, staff amazing and what a view. Highly recommend this place for anything.

Delicious food, great staff and amazing and beautiful views of the river. Highly recommended for breakfasts, lunches and their dinner events.

My partner and I visited the Bistro today and were both impressed. Nice atmosphere, very friendly and efficient staff, quick service, good food at a reasonably price. To top it all, a lovely view of the river to look out onto while you're eating. All...

Had visited here before some time ago when it was nice. Today was dreadful. It's a ramshackle old place of no quality whatsoever. The decor is indeterminate. Tables are sticky, probably from being wiped down with sanitiser instead of clean hot water which would be...

You need to toast the bread. Eggs on bread? Eggs on toast is better. Staff were lovely though. Location is fantastic.

Visited this gem of a place on many occasions and it just gets better and better everytime. Staff are very friendly and always helpful and food is amazing. Views are to die for Will be back again soon Thanks bistro on the quay and keep...

A friend and I had lunch today at The Bistro on the Quay. It was a beautiful day. The water was calm. The sun was shining. There was a lovely menu of food to select from. The food we ordered was delicious. The staff were...

Indoor and Outdoor eating. Great friendly service. Lovely varied menu. Lovely little Emporium store too full of handmade items from local people.

Fantastic view and lovely weather the day we visited during Burnham Regatta. We enjoyed watching the regatta and the service from the friendly young waitress was great. Good place for lunch on a sunny day.

Really sad this cafe has been shut and can't wait for the reopening. Bistro did an incredible renovation and is in such a stunning location! I can't wait to be sat in the sun drinking a coffee again!

We visit regularly for a drink on the lovely outside area with a great view, also have had meals in the lovely restaurant which has plenty of seating is clean with friendly staff and a great menu

HIghly recommend this fantastic bistro such friendly staff great service and the most amazing food compliments to the chef. Loved the home made burger night and will certainly be returning. Beautiful location. Thank you for a lovely evening and hope more will support small local...

I saw the fish menu being advertised and thought, Yes must give it a go, so pleased we did, was delicious staff was lovely and friendly. Was a lovely atmosphere to dine in after a busy day at work. Will definitely be returning. Well done...

I loved everything about it here! Loved the food and the prices are brilliant and the view is an added bonus!

We had a couple of drinks, the staff were delightful, the dog was given a treat and water. The outside seating was over the water. Could not have been bettered

We dined at the bistro on the quay for their tapas evening for our anniversary dinner. The food was really tasty and the music really made the night. We will be back for another themed night

Tasty scrambled eggs on granary. Enough butter on toast, hot eggs and delightful service from girls. Xx

The service was brilliant, the food varied and well prepared and presented. Nice size portions .The staff lovely and friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Working so hard to keep everything clean and Covid free. Well done guys.

As a frequent visitor I'm pleased to say, this place never disappoints. The service is always excellent, the food is delicious with new options regularly being added to the menu, and there's a brilliant range of soft and alcoholic drinks, which can be enjoyed with...

Was so wonderful to enjoy a lovely lunch with river views, what more can you ask for! Social distancing in place and all customers well behaved. Thank you!

What a great place to have Breakfast/Lunch/coffee and cake. All through lockdown have been serving the people with Takeways and all types of drinks. Lovely Staff very welcoming.

During this time of the Pandemi, The Bistro have taken every precaution of keeping us and themselves safe. The food here is really lovely and you will not be disappointed. So worth a visit for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy.

We have visited Bistro on the Quay and there is always a great atmosphere. The location is amazing with lovely food and service