Goong Thai Takeaway in Harlow

Always great to visit this place. The food is always amazing, the staff are friendly and there is definitely a buzz in the air. Just make sure you book - it's usually rammed.

I didn't get my everything I ordered for my son he ended up only eating chips.

Worst service I’ve ever had from a bartender; young blonde girl not a greeting; rudely asked me to hurry up and order despite me just walking in that moment, refused to take my cash, walked into the room we were sitting in and proceeded to turn the lights off and leave us in pitch black. Terrible pint selection as well, go somewhere else! Just to clarify this review was for the Old Harlow Crown right next to the Chequers; hopefully it’s gotten better since new owners.

Chef stormed out mid service (18:30 on a Saturday evening) left 2 young waitresses to deal with the fallout. It was appalling to be honest 🤦🏻‍♀️ I understand being a chef can be a stressful job, but the restaurant only had 2 groups of 2 people waiting plus myself for takeaway. Apparently they were backed up with JustEat orders. Surely something needs to change? I think you can pause taking online orders for a bit if you are too busy? But the restaurant tables weren’t even full, what if it was? The chef was shouting and complaining already when I arrived at 18:00, the waitress kindly let me know there would be a 40 min wait. I understand restaurants are a bit busy on Saturday so I’m happy to wait. However the Chef then shouted through to a waiting customer “sorry we are not talk your order I’m going home mate”. We could hear him shouting at JustEat delivery drivers too basically saying if you want fast food go to McDonald’s. Which I thought was a bit unprofessional as we could hear everything. But then at 18:30 he stormed out actually got in his car and drove off with everyone in the restaurant watching and two young waitresses shocked and not sure what to do. Sophie (who I believe is only 15) came through to the restaurant and said sorry everyone we can’t serve you because the chef’s walked out. She did so well considering the situation she had been left in. She’s got a lot of confidence and good customer service which was the only saving grace about this whole experience. I asked her if I could have a refund, and she said she wasn’t sure how to process it. So at this point, I have been waiting 30 minutes, spent £50 and not sure if I was gonna get it back or any food. She offered me a partial refund for the food that hadn’t been made yet, her and the other waitress was kind enough to make part of my order. She offered me a free drink, but I had already paid for one so took it but it wasn’t free. Honestly this was one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen at any restaurant, as the windows and doors were all open we saw and heard everything. As I mentioned earlier I understand being a chef might be a stressful job, but surely there are better ways of going about things, at the very least staying to support the waitresses close down the restaurant. They must’ve lost quite a bit of business this evening. Not a great first impression, the food was ok - but this has really put me off going back.

I rarely give reviews, but these guys deserve it! The manager was very welcoming on arrival. I mentioned I would order my usual choice as undecided. The manager asked what i fancied and was recommended something different to what I would normally order, and it was beautiful! Best Indian food I have had in years and highly recommend the visit! Service was perfect, and the food was amazing. Will be visiting again when in the area!!