Downham Arms in Basildon

Staff are really friendly and always make our daughter smile. The food is decent for a pub and it’s clean and well looked after. I would recommend it to anyone, families and groups of friends. Unfortunately the food has let itself down. Paid £2.60 for 11 chips. They were not great either. Also £9 for a pint of Stella and a coke. I know it’s tough for pubs but that’s a joke.

We picked from their 2 for £11.99 menu for lunch, great service from Sidney, and top meals to boot. We will be back

I've always found the food perfectly acceptable for what you're paying. Drink is as expected too. And usually the staff are friendly and cool. My main issue is the staff response to people using the Green King app that's advertised on the menus. Whenever I use the app to order for our drinks in this pub I'm usually made to feel like I've done something wrong. Just now I ordered food and a drink and when my drink was brought to my table I was told "you need to be careful when ordering drinks on the app because if we're busy they sometimes get missed". I shouldn't need to be told this. Either let customers use the app to order or don't. Now on this particular occasion the drink arrived about 2 minutes after I ordered it which is frankly awesome service and justifies the tip I added to the order, something that wouldn't have been done if I'd ordered at the bar. But a semi-lecture about using an app for the purpose that's advertised in the pub is a little annoying. I'd suggest that if using the app is a problem then it should be removed as an option. To be honest I remember similar issues a few years ago with drinks ordered with food on the app not arriving then I decided to "be good" and left my table to order a dessert at the bar. Only to return to my table to find the half a pint I'd left there had been cleared by a staff member. All of this might just be a symptom of a solo diner, but the main issue is, if the app is stuck an annoyance to the staff, get rid of it as an option. Again, other than that grumble, it's a perfectly good pub with nice food and drink and nice staff. But if you want to know how to improve, these are my comments.

Julie+Ryan behind the bar were friendly and helpful Lauren +rich in the kitchen food was hot tasty 😋 no issues at all will be coming back to enjoy their company xx

A great pub, exceptional staff who are cheerful, helpful and always on the go. Served by Lele and Riley and a lovely young lady behind the bar (sorry I didn't remember your name). A warm welcome and reminder to put our car reg in. Been here a few times for lunch, which was good, and the staff are always the same polite and friendly bunch.

I have just been for the first time, for lunch with friends. The staff were all friendly and polite. Riley was very friendly and chatty. The food was lovely, nicely presented, and arrived hot. Lele did an amazing job. Will definitely be visiting again. Really good value for money.

They have a parking fine system that generates fines of £100 if you come in for a pint and they can't even instruct the parking company that sends our the penalties to retract a penalty when you have proof of purchase. Apparently it's something Green King now do so a good reason to never go to one of there establishments.

This pub is the best in the area, the food is absolutely amazing, cooked just how you like it, it’s a nice family friendly place with a nice beer garden to let the kids have a run about, plenty of benches to sit on and relax, the car park is big enough to hold plenty of cars and even a electric point to charge your car, this is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area xx

Went to this pub last weekend was a great atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. Great place to go with friends or family. Would definitely recommend 👍

Don't bother. Despite having lunch and drinks in this pub I have just had to pay a £100 parking fine, just for using the car park whilst having our lunch. The pub are clearly happy to allow a parking company to fleece their customers and have shown zero interest in helping resolve this. The sign as you drive in clearly states "PUB GUESTS ONLY" which is misleading as a week later I received the parking fine. Yes in small print it says "terms and conditions apply" but this is easily missed when driving into the car park. As a pub guest one would presume as a paying customer you are exempt. The food was average and the pub is woefully understaffed. Joke - go elsewhere

Don't bother. Despite having lunch and drinks in this pub I have just had to pay a £100 parking fine just for using the car park whilst having our lunch. The sign as you drive in clearly states "PUB GUESTS ONLY" which is misleading as a week later I received the parking fine. Yes in small print it says "terms and conditions apply" but this is easily missed when driving in as seeing pub guests only one would presume as a paying customer you are exempt. The pub are clearly happy to allow a parking company to fleece their customers and have shown zero interest in helping resolve this. while I'm here the food was bang average and the pub is woefully understaffed. Joke - go elsewhere

Visited early today, great food and great staff. They also made the dog feel welcome - we will definitely be back!!!

Standard Greene King pub food that I have always found to be of a good standard no matter where I have visited around the country. I’d recommend booking as it does become busy although there are some first come first served tables but they are tucked away to the side next to a pool table, it loses atmosphere if you are at these tables. Always good value and a good kiddies menu and dogs are allowed too. Plenty of parking but remember to enter your registration number.

Really good value, friendly staff, food good. But can be a bit noisy with the TV's

Lovely food great bar staff xx

The food was nice enough. I was slightly disappointed with the portion size of my fish and chips but other members of my party seemed satisfied with theirs. Perhaps I'm just a bit greedy!

Had a lovely lunch with good company which cheered up the cold wet day! The food from Rich and Lewis was exceptionally good today, I had lasagne and salad and garlic bread. All served with a smile and cheery chat by Riley and Kel. It is such good value for food and drinks why would you want to go anywhere else?

We come here every week for the amazing deals you have on. We love coming here as the atmosphere is great and the staff are amazing especially Julie is usually here when we are. Th food is always delicious and hot on arrival.we look forward seeing you again soon.

We'd went to another local pub, but they had changed their menu and didn't have what we wanted. So off we went and popped into this pub on the off chance we could grab something. The pub was busy, but not manic. We found some grub we fancied and ordered it. Then food is good and there was plenty of it. I think this might be our new local, for dropping in for a quick bite. Visited again and it's just as nice.

Lovely food. - always hot and big portions. Quick & Friendly service

Fantastic place to meet & great kids friendly & perfect for a great choice of food on the menu Love the two for one etc Staff are exceptionally helpful & friendly

My lovely local pub. Had my own little valentines lunch. Mixed grill and house white wine. All delicious thanks Lauren and Rich. Julie and Sydney were lovely as always and made sure I was having a great visit. I never go anywhere else in Wickford for drinks 🍸

Had lovely meal with friends service was very good thanks to hosts, food was Great as always, staff always polite and food always good 10/10 Julie Ryan Lauren Rich See you next week

Had a nice time at the DOWNHAM ARMS in WICKFORD was served by a lovely young lady called SYDNEY who was lovely

Excellent service , great prices , delicious food , really pleasant and somewhere I will definitely be coming back to

Great service and friendly atmosphere. Xx

Good value lunch was had today. Flatbread were tasty! Staff pleasant as they always are here.

Really good food and even better service, was served by Sydney and Riley will definitely be coming back again. Great variety and well priced

Always a good time at Downham. Great food and even better service from Sydney

My stake was off only had 1 bite it was disgusting rest of the meal was ok the chips & peas . Wanted to try it before I had a family get to gather there glad I did . what a waste of money wasn't cheap

Better than expected as only ate off the value meal menu. Had the lasagne and it was perfectly ok albeit very hot

Staff are friendly and a good atmosphere

Popped in for a beer. Great service and a good warm inviting welcome.

A friend and I were in the area and called in at The Downham Arms for a quick bite to eat. Although we hadn't booked, the staff were extremely accommodating, friendly and welcoming which made us feel very comfortable. The menu was varied with such delicious options, it made selecting difficult. We both decided on the battered fish and chips which came well presented, hot, and cooked to perfection. As we were on a flying visit, we only had a main dish but we both said we'd definitely return and I know we will. One small thing, the ladies toilets were clean and well equipped but need just a bit of tlc (one toilet didn't flush easily and had limescale and there was no hook, to hang bags or coats, on one of the doors).

Well it was a bonus to find BOGF on the very meals we wanted. When my Gammon came it was off the plate it was huge, such good value. You would go a long way to have found better value.

Sorry it was Friday the 11th my visit. Had a meal and drink with my partner . Of which we both really enjoyed. Both had the fish and chips. Had this a few time now and great value for the money. Will be returning .

Very nice place. Lovely food. Great value.

Sitting in there now Jan 9 2025. Had Bog Off offer = gammon with pineapple and egg, two red wines. Best thing were the chips but they went cold quickly due to the plate being cold The egg was okay but a bit burnt underneath. The gammon had just about been cooked but left two thirds for the dog! Peas we're cold and raw. The worst bit was the onion base, must been boild and not trained well (swimming in water) The wine, well it had too much vinegar in it, yuck. The worst in in the chain, will not be going back!

Go here a lot and never disappoint us with the food and service it’s your typical cheap and cheerful pub could not recommend more for a descent inexpensive meal makes going out for a meal affordable and the kids love it 👌

Good food with good service. large TV screens. parking good. all round a nice place to eat and drink

Great place for good quality food staff & prices you cannot beat , warm welcoming staff great choice on menu very clean & tidy

It was for a New Year’s Eve the staff were very good making sure everyone was being served and no long waiting . Time . The manager Lauren also let staff celebrate the new year with us which I thought was lovely .

Visited with friends for an Xmas meet up. We ordered food through the app which was easy to use, quick to be delivered and the food was lovely.

Food absolutely terrible. Never again

Nice quality food, (mainly steaks & burgers as it's a grill bar) . Great burger selection plus unusual burgers and always change the selection. Great value also, whole family love going there even picky daughter.

What a great establishment this pub is and can I say the bar staff especially Julie’s service is exquisite. Voila

The staff are friendly and attentive, making every visit a pleasure. Highly recommend stopping by—it's a gem!

Visited and found the decor fine. Ordered food abd drink using the app but only food arrived as apparently the app order doest work at the bar! Plates were cold as was the fatty steak. 3 meals arrived at once but guess mine was finished early. Lack of hot plates was an issue. Cheap but poor quality food for all meals. You get what you pay for but non standard Green King menu was poorly delivered. A CCTV camera in the male toilets tells you want you need to know inc no soap in the dispenser but a single push tap that unleashes a jet wash power level to leave you wet everywhere. Carpet out of the kitchen is sticky and black through dirt. Staff seem freindly enough but rough/avoid.

The Sinful Indulgence: A Burger Encounter When I first laid eyes on the new XXXXmas festive burger, I knew it wasn’t just food—it was an invitation. The glossy, brioche bun glistened under the soft restaurant lighting, beckoning me closer, promising forbidden pleasures. Its curves—oh, those curves—cradled layers of sinful temptation. The first bite was electric. My teeth sank into the pillowy bun, yielding to the juicy, perfectly seasoned patty beneath. It wasn’t just beef; it was an earthy, primal kiss, tender yet firm, leaving a slick, savory trail that teased my senses. And then there was the sauce. Tangy, sweet, with a slow, creeping heat—it slid across my tongue like a lover’s whisper, pooling in the corners of my lips. I licked it up, unapologetic, savoring every drop. Crisp lettuce and a pickle spear added a playful crunch, like a knowing wink in the middle of a smoldering glance. The melted cheese oozed over the edges, molten and creamy, clinging to the patty as if unwilling to part. By the end, my hands were sticky, my lips stained with its essence, and my heart racing from the encounter. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an affair. One I’ll dream about long after the last bite, craving its return but knowing it might leave me utterly undone.

Had a great lunch time date with great food and friendly staff. This was our second visit as we had our wedding anniversary date here in September also. We love the relaxed atmosphere great prices and great quality hearty food. We will be back

All food was excellent especially the low and slow rib of beef which we have not seen any were else it was so tender would recommend thank you

We went for a birthday meal at the pub the food was excellent and the low and slow beef I would highly recommend all the food came out lo lovely and hot thank you

Great deals throughout the week, fast and friendly staff, the food is brilliant and comes out quite quickly. Great local pub.

Food is lovely, the service is great, love coming down here for lunch great vibe inside, got some good deals on the menu as well.

First time visit and will definitely be going back, welcoming clean surroundings , comfy chairs nicely laid out areas so you don’t feel crampped in . Staff welcoming and friendly , a great selection on the menu , food was served quickly and hot and really lovely . Good size portions . Very relaxed dining experience . Will definately return and will recommend to anyone looking for somewhere for a nice meal out .

We lunch here every 2 weeks or so and have done for many years. Good food reasonably priced, good service and terrific friendly and helpful staff

Came in on Sunday for a few drinks with my friends and was met by amazing Riley who served us many drinks! He was so polite and friendly, couldn’t have asked for better service! 10/10

A group of us come here often and we always have a great time. The staff are amazing, can always have a laugh with them especially Julie and Lauren The beer is reasonably priced and the food is good. We are looking forward to coming here for New Year’s Eve this year.

There’s always a group of us that come down every weekend and always have a great time. We always have banter with Julie, Lauren and kel they always make the visit fun. We had food today which tasted so good thanks to Monta and LeLe. We’ll see you again next weekend.

We have recently started coming to the Downham arms weekly for a family meal. The food is the best value for money, especially for a family of four. There are so many venues who serve such small portions, but not here, we are always stuffed. It's so good to find a place that is affordable with good food. The staff are really lovely too. Thank you!

Food was very long coming out, two dishes then come out, 20 mins later another one did. This left someone without food. 20 mins went by still the one person without food everyone else almost finished and food getting cold from waiting. We decided to go to the bar to express our concerns. Lauren then general manager immediately answered with attitude stating it ‘is on a different ticket’. This should not matter, we were all on the same table and food should come out together. After discussing this Lauren became very rude and aggressive pointing her finger in my friends face in a very threatening manner. This was very intimidating and the worst customer service experience I have faced. She looked as if she was going to hit her and my friend had to ask her to calm down numerous times. All I was after was an apology and some respect shown. However Lauren did not show this. After this incident, Lauren went round the back and did not come out. This is honestly awful, threatening behaviour for any member of staff let alone a manager. I am disgusted with how she treated us and will not be coming back!

Came here with some friends for lunch today, food was lovely and tasty and reasonably priced. Staff are incredible friendly and helpful as friend has allergies. Pub is clean and tidy. Will be back in the future.

Food was delicious but took a long time to be served as only one barman and when we asked for our table to be cleaned we were told the staff member would do it next but he proceeded to have a chat for 10 mins before coming back.

Always found staff very friendly food is good service is good Atmosphere very welcoming

Very good meal in the Downham Arms, two meals for £11.99 was excellent value. The drinks were reasonable and the staff were friendly.

This was the first time I had been to the Downham Arms. It was a really good experience. The staff were really friendly, the steak (Rib Eye) we had was excellent and really reasonably priced. The pub had a lovely atmosphere and was spotlessly clean. I have mobility issues, and the disabled access was good,

Food was not best quality. I had calamari, it tasted like frozen calamari you can buy in supermarket. I then had chicken Milanese, Chicken was overcooked, was supposed to be spaghetti but was linguine and full of fat. Service poor, did not all get served together, no atmosphere. Very expensive for what you get

The service was quite good but in 7 meals 2 steaks were tough and one was delayed until the rest of us had almost finished our meals! My coffee was tepid but otherwise everything was okay, overall not impressed shame as I can walk to it!

Kitchen was closed due to staff illness that obviously cant be avoided, but we did ring ahead to see whether we could bring dogs if we came for food and they only mentioned that we'd have to be in the bar area, not that the kitchen was in fact closed. Service when we arrived was good though friendly lad behind the bar who greeted us and the dogs and got us drinks. Lovely pub, with great outdoor area.

Amazing service and Amazing food Billy was the BEST although I'm a mitchells and butlers girl it was amazing and will be back

Me and my daughter had a roast dinner..roast potatoes were soft and black ..meat was dry .ran out of veg .Yorkshire was hard .I know they were busy ..but your dinner should still be nice .it wasn't about the quantity .it just was not nice .I'm now worried as I have Christmas Dinner booked ..I think I may cancel .the 2 young staff thst were there were very nice .can't recommend to anyone.i have read other reviews on here and ghere good..this is just what we had today.

Me and my grandad used to be regular customers here, and the food was always nice, the service was great and the staff were super helpful and friendly.

Lovely meal great drink lovely staff male barman is a grass lol the lady does a banging pina colada love the banter great experience as always xx

Seems to have been a staff shortage for a Saturday Night. Slow service. 25 minutes from ordering for 2 desserts to come

3 couples went for lunch 12/9/2024 The staff were excellent.angie Julie monta and yas , my friend had the all day Breakfast and he said it was the best breakfast he had had for years , I had the ale pie excellent flavour ,the lunch was truly fantastic , if you want value at a reasonable price try the Downham Arms

Had a lovely all day breakfast today food great staff so warm and friendly highly recommend here Served today by Julie Angie and Monta. Thank you so much for a lovely couple of hours Monica xx

Food and service excellent. Very friendly, happy staff. Nothing was too much trouble. Good for lunchtime or evening visit.

Out for lunch with Grandkids Ataff so good with service and meal was lovely

Julie, Lauren and team as always are fantastic. Good food, great service with a smile. Fabulous atmosphere Totally recommend.

Love this pub and the staff!! They are all amazing and attentive. Food is great too! We always come here especially at the weekend.

Had lunch here with my dad the food is nice we had a nice time

Very friendly, nice atmosphere and food, good local pub

A lovely lunch in a great atmosphere. Staff very friendly! Thanks Kerry, Steven, Yaz and Rin.

Lovely cosy environment..staff very attentive and food superb..offers are very reasonable .burgers & chips bogof on thur..or Mon to Fri 2 mains £11.50 can't go wrong..I'd advise to book 👍

Very welcoming by Billy and staff were very nice. Food excellent 👌 definitely coming again.

I’ve Visited the pub today for the first time as I was in the area viewing a property for my son I was greeted with friendly staff. A gentlemen welcomed us and introduced himself as billy, was super helpful and friendly, the lady that also served us (who he believed was a chef was helping us with the menu) was also super friendly and helpful with the menu. The food was absolutely amazing, we all enjoyed it. Will definitely be back soon, massive thank you to the team.

Had some lunch here with friends, food was top and well presented, I gave my compliments to the chef as couldn't fault the meals, Sidney went above and beyond while serving us, 100% will be back

Best pub in the area by far! Always a great vibe, and the staff are so lovely - shout out to Julie & Kel for always being so welcoming and accommodating! :)

We ordered two Vegan burgers with drinks. Food was cooked well and good value for money. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.

Sydney was fantastic as always! Very friendly and welcoming. Thank you.

Fantastic bar, my local! Came for the England games, and the staff were fantastic! Would 100% recommend.

I supported a service user with learning disabilities today. The staff were very helpful and accommodating and even gave her a free piece of chocolate brownie! I was very impressed. Thank you.

All the food arrived together and was cooked perfectly, great service from the staff. Would highly recommend. One of the best pubs in Wickford.

I love coming here. Food is always top notch and great friendly service. Booked a table for 14 of us for my neices birthday and all the family had a great Time. The food came out altogether and was spot on, hot and tasty and all allergens were catered for (gluten and dairy free). Highly recommend the low and slow beef! Great service from Kel and Steven. Thank you.

Great gaff. Slow rib was a joke from monta the head chef maybe the best food ever. Get him a pay rise. Chelsea new girl behind the bar lovely woman, Julie 10/10 as always new security top notch. Bill is alright tbf. Get down here for the euros

Table for 8 fitted us in a day before Father’s Day. Very nice food and service was excellent. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Been waiting for the food for 1h. Others, who arrived after us, had received theirs much earlier. They might be understaffed as the response to my complaint was they only had one chef.

Love this pub... had a great night with Luther Vandross Tribute night. Great staff and lovely atmosphere.

The food is ok. Nothing special but passable for the price. The problem is the lack of staff. Ordered drinks on the app and waited over 20 minutes on a not particularly busy evening. It's ok if you want a cheap meal out and don't mind waiting.

Excellent as always.Nice to eat here when we come up from Romney Marsh.Great VFM