Blue Anchor in Braintree

Me and my girlfriend went for valentines and couldn’t be more disappointed. I booked the table online and then had a call from the restaurant saying that I needed to pay a deposit over the phone, so I paid it. Then when I checked my bank account they had overcharged me for the deposit. When we got there the place had a strong fishy and musty smell especially in the dining room which was very unpleasant. We ignored this and was hoping the food would be good but it wasn’t. The prawns to start had so much garlic and salt on them and were tough to bite into. The main course fillet steak had a charcoal burnt taste to the outside, the chips tasted frozen and the blue cheese sauce was like hot milk with a hint of blue cheese. We decided not to stay for desert but because of it being a set menu they gave us it to take away. The desert was inedible they gave us 2 rock hard, Ice cold chocolate brownies. This is not what you expect for £150 meal!! Don’t waist your money or time going here it’s dreadful! ruined our Valentine’s Day.

We recently celebrated our wedding at The Blue Anchor, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcomed and special. Their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring everything went smoothly was evident throughout the entire event. The venue itself is stunning, with beautiful decor that perfectly complemented our wedding theme. The picturesque views provided a breathtaking backdrop for our ceremony and photos. Every corner of The Blue Anchor exudes charm, making it an ideal location for any couple looking to tie the knot. The staff were exceptional. They were attentive without being intrusive, always ready to assist with any requests we had. Our wedding coordinator was particularly helpful in guiding us through the planning process, ensuring that every aspect of our day was executed flawlessly. One of the highlights of our wedding was undoubtedly the food. Our guests raved about the delicious menu options available, which catered to all dietary preferences. The presentation was exquisite, and each dish tasted as good as it looked. I DON’T KNOW WHO COOKS THOSE SAUSAGES BUT… WOW! In summary, we couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our wedding than The Blue Anchor. It provided everything we dreamed of and more—beautiful surroundings, excellent service, and unforgettable memories. We highly recommend this venue to any couple looking for a perfect place to celebrate their love! Thank you!

What a find! We didn’t stay overnight but the restaurant is fabulous. The best food we have had in a very long time. Service was professional, timely and friendly. So good, that we came two nights running! Can’t recommend highly enough. Thank you to all concerned

Stayed here one night for an event in their wonderful function room. The room is very well decorated and whilst the bathroom is a little disappointing it is a old building so kind of expect it. But definitely good value for money for a Saturday night!

Lovely period style restaurant pub with low ceilings, exposed beams, and a fireplace. Cosy but more highend than a regular pub. Great food, good prices generally and even better they accept the taste card. They went out of their way to accommodate us for my 17-year-old's birthday celebrations and delivered her dessert with a happy birthday written on the plate in chocolate

Always good food and great ambience

Excellent food and service also excepts taste card so great value as well

We held our dear sister’s wake in the Blue Anchor back room, and it was perfect. The food was lovely, the atmosphere great and the staff were brilliant. I’ve told my children, if I pop off in the next year I want my wake here 😂

Just had a great meal this evening, celebrating my wife's birthday.. 1st time, wint be our last..food, atmosphere and service fantastic.. highly recommended.. going back for the steak night on the 18th.. thank you for putting a smile on my good lady's face.

Met up with friends had a lovely meal food was lovely service was excellent and good value Thanks to all staff a great experience Will definitely return soon 👍👍👏👏👏👏

Food is outstanding here. Solo Business traveller avoiding the large chains where possible

Superb service and the food was incredible

Plenty of parking across the road. Entrance on side of building. I was here for a function where afternoon tea was served. The food was very good , plentiful and staff were continually on hand to replenish, refresh drinks and clear plates. A great venue. I didn't use the hotel side of the business.

Great meal with 3 of us dining. 2 turkey roasts, 1 sea bass which was beautifully put together. Will definitely be returning in the near future. Excellent service.

absolutely awful cleaner boy, so rude. He came over and grabbed my plate whilst i was mid bite and then grabbed the food out of my mouth and threw it at another customer. i think his name began with an e , i feel personally violated by his actions and will need to seek immediate therapy. NEVER COME AGAIN

Great pub for lunch after our walk! Caters for vegans.

A really superb hotel and super efficient staff.

Had Sunday dinner here. Just lovely !! Service was great beer was fresh and crisp. Food was amazing. Definitely one to try peeps.

We met up with a lovely friend for lunch. We had tomato and basil for starter. I had a flat iron. Our friend had the burger, and my had prawn & salmon pasta. All arrived together, presented beautifully. Service was spot on. Definitely return. Reasonably priced.

Great lunch, quickly served and delicious

Great lunch, quickly served and delicious

Ideal location for us as we had a wedding at layer marney. Picking up the key was smooth and the room was very comfortable with everything you would need. Breakfast the next morning was very tasty and reasonable priced. Service was friendly and welcoming

Ideal location for us as we had a wedding at layer marney. Picking up the key was smooth and the room was very comfortable with everything you would need. Breakfast the next morning was very tasty and reasonable priced. Service was friendly and welcoming

This place was AMAZING! Best meal we have had in a LONG time! The staff have been five star very attentive and professional! We shall becoming back many more times in the future. Such a good vibe. The food was excellent! Thank you!

I recently held a 20th Anniversary in the Garden Room at the Blue Anchor, and from start to finish the service and expertise from Angela, Matt and the team were excellent. They considered every little detail to make sure everything ran perfectly and were so kind in helping organise everything. They accommodated some last minute changes and were so incredibly professional. It was a real pleasure to hold this event with them, and I'll definitely be looking to host future events there. The food, the room, the set up, the service from start to finish, everyone went above and beyond to make the event so special and it really showed. I've run a lot of events over the years and I have to say, this was one of the best and easiest to manage, and that is purely down to the team - so thank you!

Went here with partner for irie J soul night, music was good but food is just getting worse and worse, steaks look like they have been boiled and 4 frozen tempura prawns for £8 behave. Cheff seems to disagree with using any kind of sauce as seabass was dry. Overpriced and much better places.

Stayed overnight made very welcome.Had a delicious evening meal staff very nice.

Lovely clean and comfortable rooms. Very well equipped including ample toiletries, tea, coffee etc. Staff were very welcoming and helpful.

Went for Sunday Lunch which was sooo delicious! They had a good menu selection for a Sunday. I had a roast- the beef was delicious and my dad said that the turkey was melt in the mouth good! For dessert i had an apple tart tatin- which was amazing- just right size to finish a wonderful meal. I would definitely recommend the Sunday Lunches!

Had 6 corse taster menu it was amazing not our first vist and we drove 45mins to do it great thank you

Had a nice anniversary lunch with the wife. Food was great and the wife enjoyed her cocktails. Service from the staff was nice and friendly where we were given the option of where we would like to eat. We chose the courtyard outside as it was a nice day to enjoy it. We were not rushed with decisions or drinks requirements, which you do not always get at places. Well worth a visit to be honest with nice food and great prices.

A fantastic restaurant with a country pub feel

Delicious breakfast with friends.

Great atmosphere, tables not too close together, and not loud so you can hear your friends and family while you dine together. Good size carpark Only 10 min from tiptree

Lovely lunch with a friend. Tasty food. My friend had the fish and chips which was huge. I had the smoked chicken salad, very tasty! Nice garden, so sat out in the sunshine.Great location for us as we live in different counties. Very pleasant lunch

Absolutely lovely meal for my first visit. Staff were really friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. And recieved a little birthday candle from the staff with no requests or promoting from the table which was very much appreciated! And we all thought the prices were really good, not incomparable to the other pubs in the village but with a much more high end feel to the food and evening

Lovely pub with fantastic food and service! Well worth a visit! Ample parking in their car park over the road and lots of dining space. Great drinks selection and menu choices.

Food is excellent, but it was cold in there. We were sat next to a log fire that hadn't been lit

£20 for a ‘salad’ which was tinier than a child’s portion with just leaves, 2 slices of halloumi & a piece of goats cheese. Way too expensive. A shame as have been visiting for years but prices rising (like everywhere) but with food vanishing! Fab service though, staff really friendly

Good location and crowded. Good menu and we order some specials😍 adorable

Recent after a funeral, buffet & drinks , lovely venue & staff attentive .

We just came back here after not visiting for several years and I’m happy to say it is still amazing food, the quality and size of the dishes are brilliant for their cost. We will be back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We had a Sunday roast, delicious and plentiful!

normally go to the crown in stoke by Nayland but fancied a change, been about 4 years since i took my son here. And I'm so i glad revisited if you like a good old fashioned burger look no further i had the double and i have to say its the best i have ever tried. the service was very good and extremely polite the only shame was no open fire which i was looking forward to. other than that break from the normally people and come here you wont regret it

Good food when a few of us retired ambulance staff had a lunch reunion. Service was very good and staff efficient and helpful.

Popped in on a Sunday for a last-minute lunch, having been let down by somewhere else. No booking made, staff were very accommodating and went out of their way to help us. Food was delicious and reasonably priced. Vegetarian options and good selection of drinks. Lovely atmosphere. Staff are fabulous. Free parking available, large lot opposite.

My family took me for a lovely meal atmosphere was calm and enjoyable will definitely go again. Customer service was brilliant thank you everyone that servered us.

Restaurant below parr. Booked for party of 10, gave menu choices in advance, food was average at best and they were unable to produce garlic free roast turkey dinner. You would think with 3 weeks notice that could do roast potatoes and gravy without garlic. Turkey was overcooked and nothing very hot. Starters were lovely. Dessert was ok.

Delicious food and great service. Prompt service and delicious roast. Unable to finish as quite a large portion, but it was very tasty.

We had a lovely meal there this evening for a family function. The service was second to none and the food was lovely too! Our waiting and bar staff were fantastic and there was nothing too much to ask. Highly recommend this restaurant

Had a lovely meal today with a friend .

Absolutely wonderful meal and service. Thoroughly recommended.

We had the most fantastic meal here and the service was superb, we cant wait to return.

We went for Sunday lunch and booked a table for 3:30, however we turned up early and the staff could not have been more helpful in accommodating us. We had a wonderful Sunday lunch, noticing that that each and every member of staff were friendly, attentive and very helpful. We will definitely be back ❤️

Lovely Restaurant, fantastic service, nice menu, excellent food - Highly recommend

Dinner was dispointing . Service was a little desired Overall not sure I'd be back

Just had a lovely stay here. The staff are ever so helpful, the rooms are of a good standard, the bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was very tasty. I definitely would recommend this fantastic hotel.

We were accommodated very last minute for a group of 7 plus a child on a bank holiday weekend. The waiting staff (a lady with dark hair) was very polite and attentive. My sister didn't order drinks and she was just given a glass of water without us having to ask. My child was given a toddler cutlery set which was so adorable. At the end she even knew I wanted to pack up my child's food as she hadn't touched it much without me having to ask. The food was also delicious and there was a varied menu for everyone to pick from. Overall, a lovely experience for our family bank holiday staycation nearby!

Beautiful pub. Had a lovely roast last wk we’ve booked again for this wk

We only went for meal. Staff were very friendly

Had a wonderful time, staff where really lovely and couldn't do enough for you. Food did take a while to come out but the restaurant was busy and what did come out was beautifully cooked and presented. We enjoyed it so much, we've already booked to go back this Friday. They have special themed nights, which they advertise on their Facebook page. Well worth a visit.

Lovely old place nice decor and nice ambiance. Service and food very good and celebrated a birthday nice plate with ice cream and happy birthday in chocolate. Nice position in window aswell.

Stayed here whilst going to a weddingso was convenient Friendly staff and room was clean and functional. Nice bar and garden areas. Downsides - had a room right by a busy junction so woken up from 5.30-6am with lorries. Rooms a bit tired and they don't serve breakfast on Mondays..

Had power cut when expecting guests so needed to book a table straight away. Not only did they accommodate us but allowed us to use our tastecard even though it was really not available yet. Food was delicious and staff excellent.

very nice the staff were attentive and friendly the food was wonderful. Good value for money.well done all.

Room of enough size for 1 person, very clean, and nicely equipped. Very supportive and professional staff 👏.

Excellent food,.great choices on menu and competitively priced. Service was top notch too. Our first visit but we will certainly be back again soon.

Sunday roast beef was very nice, lots of it.

Excellent Groupon Deal, Tasting Menu, super ambiance, delicious food and first class service. Highly recommended.

It was heading towards 3pm and I was in need of lunch! So took a chance here and well pleased we did. Efficient friendly service in a well decorated interior (and a big car park). We both had an extremely nice roast pork belly. My wife accidentally (!?) ordered two desserts and enjoyed them both.

Recently stayed here for a night on 15 April for a friend’s wedding. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff were super friendly, welcoming and accommodating. The food and service at dinner was also top notch, and the team was very accommodating for our party of 9!

A wonderful evening meal! We stayed the night too :) Breakfast was a choice of full English or parts thereof, but no cereals or fruit.

Great food, great service, varied menu all served in comfortable surroundings Car park is across a busy road, but is large and not really an issue Have been several times recently and will be going back

Great place to stop for lunch before checking in at Potters. Great food and service.

Met a friend for coffee, cake and a catch up. Very accomodating.

Restaurant very nice. Polite and professional staff and very nice food

Absolutely brilliant 5stars all round

Had a good unrushed meal with good service.

Service was great poor food not enough on the plate a bit over price ,not sure If I will go back.

Lovely surprise Valentine's meal, food very good as always and lovely to be back at our Wedding reception venue.

Came for our Valentine’s meal last night, food was delicious and service was spot on and very attentive. The little extra touches were a really great, thoughtful idea. We will definitely return again soon!

Stunning little B&B, beautiful rooms, beautiful breakfast. Highly recommended!

Excellent 6 course taster menu on Groupon offer for two at £50. Friendly and knowledgeable service. Good range of selections to choose from. Only criticism, strings left in celery on optional cheese board(extra £4.95). Definitely will return.

Great food, excellent service in a lovely restaurant. Will certainly be going again.

Went for a work lunch event. Absolutely perfect. Thank you

Lovely log fire burning very cosy. Had a cream tea with 🥂 celebrating a friends birthday .

Atmosphere ok, food was warm. Service could have been better. Glad our company was good.

Excellent Food & Service. Thank You

Attended a family celebration...it was so well managed , everything ran smoothly,pleasant staff ,clean venue . Thank you for making our memories special.💜

Beautiful old pub .Excellent food served by friendly staff.

Amazing food, and service was fabulous. Lovely staff. Will certainly be returning.

absolutely fabulous! amazing food and friendly staff.... highly recommend to all 😋

Great food, and great service. I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. The Sunday roast is also a must!

Really nice decor, I was a little confused what side to go in from side entrance, as there's two sides, but my gamble was right!! The waitresses were really friendly and informative. My friend chose a dish, which they informed us may take that little bit longer, but it wasn't long at all. I had seabass and my friend had Pork, both really nicely presented and tasted amazing. Prices were a little high but for the quality, I didn't mind paying. Would definitely go again.

6 of us had an evening meal, service was good even though they was very busy. Slightly longer than normal between starter and main but gave everyone time for a chat so nothing to spoil the evening.

We frequent the Blue Anchor for Sunday Lunch during the winter quite often .. the quality is consistently good .. we took our family for Sunday Lunch yesterday .. It was superb ..the best I have ever had .. so tasty.. the boys had the platter .. huge portion of perfectly cooked meats and Yorkshire puddings as big as cauliflowers and crispy .. the Girls had Turkey ..they said it was better than Xmas Lunch.. To all at the Blue Anchor .. Thank you Tony Newton

Lovely food and really good portion sizes!

Disappointed starter brand, and over cooked. Ordered a gourmet burger, for main .burger dry and over cooked, bacon under cooked, and salad old .I'm afraid that I won't be back. Would have been no stars,but staff were lovely.

Great food. Great beer. Great staff

First class. Ample parking Great food Amazing staff Most definitely recommend and come again, well done all.