Darby Digger in Basildon

Lilly was a fantastic waitress and chef Jay got a 10 out of 10 for he’s macaroni cheese and pepperoni pizza both of my children are autistic and find it hard taking them out for meals was nice having a relaxing meal

The Darby Digger is our local and we love it! Such friendly staff, great atmosphere, drinks, food all at a reasonable price. The recently upgraded pub is definitely one for your sunday lunch :)

Lovely food and good quality shame I had to pay by card no cash option but rest was very good and staff were excellent.

Lovely service, ambience and food!

Letting the travellers back in ,that's not a good move 😕

Apart from the staff being friendly, there is nothing else going for this place. This is a venue I will not be revisiting anytime soon.

Ordered the carvery and it was ok. Very unappetising when queuing up as the meat was very dry, vegetables were dry, discoloured and pots were empty. When ordering food at the bar, even though the dessert was confirmed back to me twice, I received the incorrect order. The place wasn't busy but looked like the manager was running the whole place with one extra person on the bar. Understaffed to the point that the manager had to eat a pizza in the sauce area next to the carvery.

Would avoid. We came to celebrate my Nans birthday with other family members including 6 adults and 2 children. We arrived at our booked table 7pm, sat down ordered drinks and food at around 7:30/7:40pm. We ordered starters and children’s food to come out at the same time. First starter came out at 8pm but no children’s food. We waited for our 3 adults carvery tickets which came 8:30, they went up got there food and came back. Still by 8:30 there was no children’s food or adult food. We spoke and asked understood it was busy but just wanted the children’s meals as they were cranky and hungry by then. 9pm the children’s food came out, a plain hamburger and chips which was completely burnt and chicken dippers and chips which were fine. The adults food soon followed 2 cheese and bacon meals which were wrong, one had 3 burger patties inside with no cheese and no bacon. Was burnt, then the other meal had a 2 patties inside and bacon which was so burnt you couldn’t even bite into it. The next adult meal that followed was a calzone which was burnt and wrong, we ordered a meat feast calzone and a carvery calzone came. We ended up leaving at 9:45 as the children were so tired, we were all hungry having paid the money and not eaten and none of the starters ever came out.

Amazing carvery, good pint and very friendly staff. Can’t knock it

Absolutely loved the sunday dinner my sons exact words are it's delicious meat

All staff were very friendly and the food is great!

Particularly good value when £6 roast promotion is on but good food and prices usually anyway so always worth a visit.

The ginger chef is amazing. Food was incredible.

Good for a cheap meal. Can still have a small roast for under a fiver....just!! As long as the small roast is ordered before 5pm.... Update as of November 2022....small roast now £5.50 and can only have one meat.... ....and March 2023, closed Mondays and Tuesdays... ....and when we last visited, August '23, the Carvery had definitely deteriorated. The Cauliflower Cheese had no cheese sauce on it; the potatoes were sparse and burnt; the other vegetables were dry and the stuffing was rock hard.

Amazing service from lilly it's always a laugh when we go food was nice and hot and fresh

Nice place to visit friendly staff

Had to order food at the bar and the children’s meal come with a dessert. I didn’t know I had to order at the same time as the main, so I asked for her dessert as our table was being cleared and was told “you was meant to order it with your mains” even though I wasn’t prompted for this at the bar when ordering food. when I questioned this she hit back with “I’m not a mind reader”. I’m not sure why they wanted to deprive my sister of strawberries on her 13th birthday. We got them in the end :) I don’t expect someone working at Darby digger to have a part time role as a mind reader. But also don’t expect that comment either.

SAM THE FOOD IS AMAZING. SO FRESH SO HOT. NEXT BEST ROAST TO MY OWN. BETTER THEN TOBY BYA FAR WAY. THANK YOU XXX

Carvery excellent and staff friendly and just excellent

Nice food, friendly staff, good atmosphere.

Booked this for a get together and breakfast with my family. 7adults and 4 children. I pre booked and received emails asking to confirm my visit. When we got there it was like a surprise. No customers there but had to wait for a table, then no food ready, coffee pot empty. Stood waiting at the buffet for food to appear at random for about 20 mins. Fried eggs were very poor. Have been twice now but after today will not be back. Shame as the hostess with the coloured hair did try her best

We love it so much we went twice last week. Superb Roasts ever.

Went to this place at 12.30 Sunday the food and parking was fantastic great service and value 4 of us very much enjoyed our meals and deserts will deffo come again

Great food, excellent service. Very relaxed atmosphere

Jay in the Kitchen is the man. Top people, top food and top customer service.

Food and staff lovely. Great value.

Lovely atmosphere, great service, happy staff - they genuinely seemed pleased to be at work! Everyone taking pride in what they did and food was delicious! And a bargain too!

Absolutely fantastic service and vibes from Lily! We had the bottomless pizza and Prosecco brunch, upgrade for £5 to have bottomless cocktails! Service was incredible at such a great price! Digger is our local and absolutely love coming here, thank you lily and team! :)

Had the best time down at the Darby Digger today. My friend and I done the Bottomless Brunch, which consisted of their homemade pizzas and Prosecco but we chose cocktails instead ( we upgraded for £5). Genuinely don’t know why this isn’t talked about more as it was amazing!!! Great value for money and the best time chatting to some of the locals. Major shout to Lilly, who not only started off our afternoon but kept the cocktails flowing and was more than accommodating for everything we wanted, nothing was too much for her! Everyone needs to go down to the Darby Digger and give their Bottomless Pizza and Prosecco Brunch a try, you will not be disappointed!!

Friendly staff, clean restaurant, it and plentiful food, fair pricing.

Went here for a carvery lunch. The food was all freshly cooked and was delicious. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend going here, it is a perfect place to eat or drink for all the family

We came for dinner to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our first date which we had at the Darby Digger. The waitress, Georgia, was absolutely lovely and really made us feel special, Enquiring if we would like to sit at the table we sat at originally, checking in on us to make sure everything was okay and after a meal presenting us with a lovely dessert on a plate with Happy Anniversary on it! It was a lovely touch and the attention she gave us was brilliant!

Today we visited The Derby Digger for lunch, there were 8 of us altogether from silvanna court care home, the staff were so nice and helpful, we had the carvery as we love a roast it was lovely, the meat was tender and the selection of vegetables was perfect, thankyou all so much, we will definitely be back soon.

Very good carvery, good service, drinks arrived quickly.

had a lovely carvery at the darby digger with the family, food was lovely!

Went to a pizza party, was very organised and the staff were very helpful and attentive, the pizzas were very tasty!

Daughter had a pizza party, everyone had a great time and loved the food

We always receive exceptional from the team but especially father and son duo Tony and Alfie! The Son is the chef and makes a fantastic crispy fish. Always spot on! Very friendly pub and they always make us feel so welcome

Had a great time here. Especially want to thank Sean, who really went above and beyond for us. Great lad and great service.

Food was nice but service was a bit slow

Thank you to lilly henry Alma Steven for the amazing service Thank you to Sam

As soon as we got there one of the regulars was confrontational. We were a party of ten people. We got there first. We wanted to open up a tab but couldn’t do so. The first drink l asked for was a tia Maria which they didn’t have. As our party arrived one wanted a Prosecco and they didn’t have any flute glasses. Nine of our party ordered the carvery. When the waitress said we could go to get our meals the other meal she had with her so l was sat alone eating my meal while people were getting there meals. Not very nice eating on your own when you are a party. When returning with their meals most looked dry and burnt. I didn’t complain at the time because it wasn’t me that booked. The only good part was that the waitress was excellent she was very polite and friendly. I don’t usually write comments but if no one does things can’t be put right.

Have been to Darby Digger before love the food staff are friendly and helpful,

Amazing Christmas day! Food incredible. Staff fantastic and so friendly. Will definitely be coming next year for dinner and Christmas day again. Faultless. Thankyou so much for a special day. Especially today and working. You're time is very appreciated. 🖤❤️🖤

A mid afternoon lull seemed to dampen the spirits of tired staff and food quality not as good also prices have climbed steeply over recent menus

Went for Christmas meal .Prebooked but booking not registered. Under staffed. Worst cavery ever. Hardly anything in serving dishes was dried up. No Xmas crackers or decs on table. So disappointing. We visit quite often and normally really satisfied.The gentleman who served us did his best.He was very helpful and pleasant. But it was our Christmas get together with my sister and brother in law. Such a shame.

Value for money. Roast potatoes excellent. Best carvery in the area. Staff very friendly & helpful. Henry, Tina & Morgan served us this evening, servuce was excellent as always. Vegan options available. 5🌟

Always nice to see one of the best staff members lilly

My wife and l had a lovely small carvery,but unfortunately they had no spring-cabbage with the vegetables.The staff Frankie and Alma were very friendly and although there wasn’t any guest-ales available,the drinks we had were fine.There weren’t many locals in,and l think the no cash, only cards put a lot of people off.This is the only pub-chain that only excepts cards and l think they should change this policy.

Food delicious and great service.

Had a lovely roast dinner. I'm fussy about yorkies & roast potatoes & these were perfect.

Brilliant meal and amazing service from lilly

A reasonably priced place with excellent staff

Great place to eat,fantastic atmosphere and amazing value for money

Love coming here, service and staff always so friendly and welcoming, food is delicious!

Last minute decision to try somewhere new for a roast, very glad we came. The food was lovely and really well priced. Will certainly be back.

Great Pub! Georgia and Morgan were so attentive and amazing!

Such an amazing pub! Newly returned and their food is amazing at such great prices! Georgia was so friendly and helpful! Will definitely be returning!

We had a table for 9 booked for 2pm and i have to say the food and drink is very good and great value for money. The service is excellent and the all round experience was very very good. If anyone was thinking of booking the Darby Digger for a meal, you will not be disappointed

My husband and I went for dinner with our sons and grandchildren (10 of us) last night for his birthday and this was our second visit. The restaurant was nicely decorated and clean and every member of staff were friendly, welcoming and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Most of us opted for the carvery and as a vegetarian they made sure that I was catered for too. The food was hot, plentiful and tasty. The only comment I would make, is that we were seated quite near the front door, which kept banging and the staff did try to fix this, but this definately did not detract from our experience and we will be back. Thank you.

My company visited the Darby digger for your Christmas meal last night. The food was good but the service was amazing, all staff were friendly and attentive. They put photo props on our table before we arrived and gave us a share plate of brownies with a personalised message at the end of the meal. We will be coming again next year

Second time we have been since opening, the foods was great,good value for money,the kids thoroughly enjoyed their waffle, plenty of space for our big party. Excellent service from Grace and the team , well done. We will be making this a regular place to go a great breakfast 😋

Came in tonight. Zak was there to great me. So friendly and welcoming. The chef Sam wasn't working but gave me great advice on what to order. This place is great to come for a great meal and drink

Very disappointing! Food from the carvery wasn't fresh & was only like warm to cold!

Enjoyed my visit sam very pleasant Great carvery

Was upstairs for my sons 1st birthday. We all mainly had carvery which was lovely! Staff are always so friendly and chatty. Upstairs was really nice and private for a special occasion. Would reccomend :)

On arrival with my Husband and in laws, the staff were very helpful, and friendly, and they made feel very welcomed. The staff were very attentive, and the lunches were cooked to perfection, I will recommend this lovely place to eat to everyone.

Ordered a TooGoodToGo carvery and oh my word!! Compared to other carvery's, the quality and amount of food we got was amazing. I prefer this place as somewhere to eat also. Hands down best in the area x

Delivery for birthday celebrations..food not labelled so no idea what was vegan or not all had to be opened to confirm what was inside. Food missing..a lot of food missing. Restaurants ..we will refund what you didn't get..!!! Wrong answer Digger .Chef said well I didn't prepare your order..Well who the hell did.. is bo one capable of checking orders prior to their delivery, Oh obviously not. Such a shame could have be a repeat new customer.

Really wonderful family friendly restaurant. Always have really great food, staff are very friendly and they are all aware of allergies and have nice choices for alternative options.

Are dogs allowed in restaurant area also seems like you can’t go for nice meal anywhere without dogs slobbering while your trying to eat

Hi up until the darby digger had its latest renovation work carried out the food was great..since then it has in my opinion gone down the staff have always been great always polite and helpful but today I have made it my last visit which is a great shame as I love the place I vist with my wife once a week normally a mon or Tuesday today I opted for the turkey only to which the carver only gave me one slice I said to him is that it ? To which he reluctantly gave me anough half a slice he told me it goes on weight ...really? As if I had two options of meat I could of had them normaly about 4 slices and for some reason the stuffing was rock hard and normaly is ...why I don't know as ee got in there at 12.30pm and it opens at 12 noon baked potato's were hard and the gravy was like water I sadly said to wife this will be my last visit...I will now go back to the Toby a place I can't really stand but the food is always spot on ...darby digger look at your chefs as they will loose you custom check your food quality ...Will give you anougher go in 6 months....and thank you waiting staff and bar tenders you have always been great Joe jayne

Traditional roast was really tasty and staff extremely helpful

Bit expensive but the food was nice

Great evening here with a few friends, perfect atmosphere staff seem to all love their jobs and are passionate about providing amazing service, we will now be using this as our new meet up point!!!

Darby digger is a great restaurant for carvery dinner. Staff are very polite, friendly and great service. Deffinitely recommend coming here

We had a lovely breakfast, eat as much as you want & refill your drinks. Service was excellent, really lovely staff. Will definitely be going back

The staff are brilliant food was really good will defo come back and try there amazing pizza’s

Great food, lovely atmosphere. Can't wait to return!

The manager refused to pull my pint as asked. Told me not to tell him how to do his job. I said I’m only asking you not to swish my bear in the glass just to get a head. The glass holds a pint! Why will he not fill the glass???

So far so good been twice now, service, staff and food all good.

Delicious hot tasty food . Lovely lady at the bar served us , this is my first visit and I will be back for sure. Highly recommended

Lovely carvery, really tasty and lots of selection.

Nice place for a family meal, fast service and good food, friendly service and staff helpful.

Had a lovely breakfast, Lily was a brilliant waitress making sure they got some fresh eggs cooking and Richard the chef was considerate bringing out the last of our bits for breakfast, thanks for another lovely visit ☺️

I can't highly recommended The Darby Digger Pub enough :-) It's a beautiful pub, the staff were absolutely lovely to deal with. I came here with my large family on Sunday and had a great time, we had a lovely seating area and the kiddies loved colouring the Halloween pictures. The food was very nice, I had a Carvery and it was yummy :-) Massive Thumbs Up To The Chef's :-) The kiddies had Pizza, and I love the fact it is cooked fresh All our plates were clean after eating, so 10/10* The pub has a lovely atmosphere, very friendly people. The prices are decent, I'll be going back again very soon :-) I didn't manage to get all the names of the wonderful staff, but Henry, Zak and Morgan were lovely people x I so enjoyed speaking to them :-) I could talk to Zak all day long :-) ( A night out in Camden would do them the world of good lol :-) See you soon Lauren :-)

I recently visited Darby and was thoroughly impressed by their wonderful carvery. The selection of meats was perfectly cooked, but the real highlight for me was the roast potatoes – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, absolutely delicious! The drink menu also offered a fantastic variety, with something to suit every taste, from craft beers to fine wines. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made the experience even better. If you’re looking for a great meal in a cozy setting, this place is definitely worth a visit!

Lovely food friendly staff very reasonable

Having used the carvery for years with no problem.we decided to try there 50% off burgers . Waited 10mins for a table in main dining but no one came so sat in the main bar and placed our order of burger and chips for 2. After 45 mins spoke to the management and they said they would look into it . After a hour having not heard a thing I went to find management who was collecting glasses and said I wanted a refund she said we should have been told there was a wait but even she had not bothered to come and tell us in the 15minutes we had left it with her. To make matters worse the table 2 away from us who ordered a burger long after us got there's. Took 8 minutes to get the refund also being told the app overcharged us . Have always had great service but so disappointed we had to go home and cook dinner

Been going here for years, but more most recently. I must say it really is an enjoyable experience. Food is amazing, staff are very professional and 100% amazing service. The manager Lisa is very inviting and friendly and will do everything to give you the best experience. Will defo be going back.

Sadly they were between menu's, so pretty much all the deserts we wanted weren't available. But the roast.. I'll never go to another carvery again, more meat than an average butchers, brilliant value for money. Would definitely recommend.

Great food, service is always top notch, and the recent re-opening has really spruced up the place. Best pub in Essex

Booked a Pizza Party for my 10 year old. Just 7 of us , it was fantastic. All the staff where amazing. I've never had the pleasure of meeting such a friendly bunch. Making the pizzas was great fun as well as being super tasty. Was honestly the highlight of the day. Thank you

I found it was really lovely and the staff helpful and a staff called Shannon was really helpful and made me and my kids feel comfortable food was fantastic as well

Absolutely disappointed 6 meals all come out wrong chikds pizza burnt no chips Adult pizza wrong toppings Burger wrong components Must have called staff back at least 5 times for then to be given a bowl of chips 7 in fact cost £4 Took back to grill area for chef to become rude and intimidating and tell me if I dont like it don't come back Disgusting service and behaviour Need new manager urgently

Great place for food pizzas are great

We had a family birthday meal and chose Darby Digger as it has a good choice and is child friendly. Our order was taken by Angel who was amazingly patient and ensured our order was taken correctly. The only slight negative was that our food did not all arrive at the same time. The finishing touch was the birthday platter complete with cake with candle, spray cream and a birthday message written in chocolate.

Tasty, good-value food and pleasant, helpful staff

Amazing food and lovely staff! Loving the new refurb too! We always go with our little one and the staff are always so helpful, wether that's getting us a highchair or getting us a key for the changing facilities. Love the carvery, always tastes fresh! Booked a bottomless pizza and prosecco for next month and can't wait to go! And also can't wait to take the little one to the breakfast with Santa! 🫶 Lauren Hooper x

Lovely food and friendly staff with a cosy atmosphere