KFC Ardleigh- Ipswich Road in Tendring

A nice and organised place to buy food.

After spending 5 minutes ordering my food from a dirty kiosk screen and opting not to donate to “charity” I then eagerly waited for my meal. Meanwhile kitchen staff dropped utensils on the floor and picked them back up and continued to use them. My meal number appeared on the “It’s ready!” screen… it wasn’t ready. Then a few minutes later it was ready and the staff knocked over my drink and pushed the wet tray towards me. No apology or top up of the spilt drink offered. Half my Twister wrap was empty. Meanwhile more stuff dropped on the floor and placed back on the kitchen workbench.

I've been reasonably happy in the past with this KFC. I've used it a few times on my frequent trips to Colchester visiting a car dealers, and some relatives who live near by. I wasn't happy today. This was the first time I've been told I had to use the touch screen machines to order. Used to be able to chat to a member of staff, but not now. This is a retrograde step. I wouldn't mind if the touch screen machine was easy to use , it isn't . Touching it just sometimes didn't register, digging through the options is painful . Now I'm not old , just middle aged. I can use this machine, but the machine is not a good experience. Are KFC trying to make customers run away ? I was cursing at the machine, when the presses didn't register. When I got my bargain bucket for one, well I ended up with 2 drumsticks for the "main chicken". Not the usual drum stick and chicken breast. Dunno if the staff over heard my cursing at the machine and thought they'd "teach me a lesson". I almost complained, but I thought no, I'll do a complaint on line. This will hang around a whole lot longer. So I have my suspicions on this , but I can't prove it. It's this point that has probably triggered me to write this review. I'm not usually a "moaner" on my reviews, so this is a rarity for me. Basically I don't think I will be using this KFC or maybe any of the others, especially if the others insist I use the fricking useless touch screen ordering machines. ( I guess all the machines are just as useless ) I'll just wait and go to my local "Fish n Chickn" ( a lot of them around the Essex area ) , who have always been good, and don't have frustrating touch screen machines for order placement.

What a slap in a face of this chain which I must admit we use quite often but this place I will be staying away for long time. Food felt like fried twice and shirk in size. We were fuming after collecting our party bucket with no option for single plate or salt . Staff treated us like unwanted problem and all was just a pain . When grabbed order we started driving away only to decided to waste fuel and get back as order did not match what should be in it. Even after getting back attitude was just as bad. Avoid the place for some time as until staff gets some training and lessons how to match standards. End of all I ended up out of pocket and dissatisfied. Score to give 1 out of 10.

Ordered a filet burger meal and some popcorn chicken on the side. The fries and the popcorn chicken were great, however the burger was terrible. The bread was hard and crusty, and the lettuce was shrivelled and brown. Expected more from KFC.

A good place to eat. Nice & clean, good staff & good menu's. Car park is average size but has never been full when I've visited.

Drive through an absolute hassle. Service terrible no questions for plates or cups just wanting to shoo us off to complete their shift. Missing food in our order and trying to slip 8 missing mini fillets for 4 scraps of chicken. Wouldnt reccomend this place to anyone.

It was really crowded there with 25 people fitting there

Easily accessible, use the self service and can be served at the table. Quick and easy.

Worst kfc I’ve been to.rude staff and if your paying cash don’t brother they just leave you standing there forever waiting.worst stocked place and always missing menu items due to stock issues.

The food was way too salty. Inedibly salty. Had to return our bucket, they didn't want to take it back or refund the money. We still have an aftertaste in our mouths from the salt. We finished the 2 bottles of cola within 10 minutes because the food was so salty. Unfortunately there was no response and no good impression either. At 10pm they tell us they will be closing soon. We still had a good 30 minutes left... I don't know how they organize employee training either... there's a lot that needs to be caught up on when dealing with customers. Absolutely not recommended.

Worst KFC I've ever been to. The food, service and cleanliness are awful, very low standards, won't be going there again- in fact I doubt we'll be going to any KFC again- just awful

Walked in to a fairly busy store, all the touch point ordering systems were being used.... I approach the counter and spoke to a polite young lady to place an order, to be told "all orders to be placed using the touch point system", I ask why I cannot order with her and was subsequently told it's KFC's ordering policy... I promptly walked out! It's absurd that you cannot have any form of human engagement, we're doomed!

Nice place Good food Drive thu was fast

Went to counter to order meal told to use machine I am 71 and dont do machines a member of staff helped me he even had trouble finding all the items I wanted paid card ?? didn't print a receipt had to guess which order number was mine the man in front of me tried to take my order had to ask staff what was in the bag to make sure it was mine took so much time I wish I hadn't bothered wont go back again

The cleanliness leaves much to be desired, there was trash on the floor in the hall, there was no soap in the soap dish in the toilet, I had to wash my hands with just water. The rest was normal, there were parking spaces, the hall was cozy, there was a summer area, parking for bicycles, there weren’t many people, the order was made quite quickly. In terms of food and drinks, everything is fine. Overall I recommend it.

I would rate this with minus if possible!!! The chicken was way to oily, not suitable for kids as my 2 years old was giggling & a strange guy was making faces, covering his ears, my husband asked him what was the problem, he showed him his middle finger and said “f off” that’s the time when my husband called him idiot . The manager instead of just apologising for the situation made me feel she was a big time racist blaming my husband for calling him an idiot and telling me we are leaving anyway as we were already by the door . Avoid this place !!! KFC Stanway is so much better

Very small portion 2 days in a row staff just chuck your food at you and laugh with each chuck your bag on side and can't even rap up bag and hand it to you avoid

Its KFC 🍗 it's going to be nice...! Staff are friendly, and they help you out when ordering, i.e. advise you if you order xyz ut will cost you extra 50p but you get twice as much 😉... my only snag was they let customers in with dogs, and the staff seem to be scared to challenge the customers about it.. obviously, I totally understand if it's a working dog helping the Blind etc, but not random dogs off the lead whilst you're in the queue ..

Can seem a bit slow in food arriving, but never had a bad meal.

This KFC located close to A12 offers a good place to dine in with plenty of parking. The staff are very friendly and polite compared to the KFC in the town centre. Moreover, this KFC has a drive thru.

15 minutes sat in the drive through with only 1 other car in front of me! Ended up switching my engine off… then to be handed cold food come on…

Was in the ideal location going home.

Been here a few times for the drive through and never had a bad experience. Food is always piping hot and the original KFC recipe tastes as good as it always has. Nice friendly staff at the collection window and a spacious car park to stop and enjoy your food. Bins are available so please don't litter our lovely town and enjoy your food as I have each and every visit to KFC Ardleigh.

Tuesday 23 April after 9pm visited. On arrival a male worker was outside and entered before me holding the door open for me. Made my order at the counter as I am not to use to the system and 2 staff members where extremely helpful especially the female. Food was hot and very nice. Well done to the staff.

Usual KFC fare, can be little slow on drive through at busy times, otherwise good.

Hope you're not a hurry, this is not fast food, this is KFC food.

Food was as expected at any KFC, service was very mediocre but the cleanliness was very disappointing. Buns were overflowing, tables were not clean and the toilet was a mess.

First time stopping here. Used the drive thru on my way home from work, and not impressed! Chips undercooked and hard, asked for a 7up and got fizzy water in a cup! The service was awful and unfriendly. Just avoid using this KFC or you'll be disappointed

Long drive through but food is nice (unsure if worth the wait however)

It's a kfc so expectations were not high. The restaurant is clearly doing a roaring trade in online orders, because they were doing loads of orders but hardly anyone was waiting for face to face service. Sign of the times but leaves visitors with a poor service.

Sat 9th march , Went through the drive thru today,young man that served us was polite and very well mannered,we had the 10 piece family feast ,the fries were nicely seasoned and by far the best I have had at kfc the chicken was great

Every time I ordered a bucket they only gave me legs and thighs, so went in and asked for a proper mix of chicken pieces and when I got home the same story, I was very disappointed in this branch. Ipswich is so great.

It took too wait to long about an Hour

Had a chicken sandwich, and the chicken was overcooked had to wait quite awhile and there was not even a queue

Decided to order a delivery. Food items missing; incompetent driver. Avoid delivery. Better to go instore

Vegan burger 6.50 no fries or drink for that, service was poor n un helpful, miserable atmosphere.

Young lad on the door and the lady who served us were really nice and friendly. No forks, napkins or salt etc.. on trays. Had to go back and ask. So an update ... we thought we would visit again a couple of week's later. I did the track and trace as we came in on the one by the door. When we went to order the girl asked had we done the track and trace so I said yes. She then said I want to see you do it which I found extremely rude. (What's the point in having one by the door if they want to see you do it!) Food was great. I then went back to order a couple of more bit's. After waiting a a few minutes whilst staff were faffing about and not doing much a young lad came over and took my order. He was the young lad on the door from the previous time. I'm guessing that a colleague in different uniform was a shift leader or manager told him off in front of me and another customer for using that till as it was signed on to someone else's name. ( I understand why the lad should use his own till number to protect him and other staff. It was the lack of professionalism by the other chap to take him to one side and do it and not embarrass the poor lad. Also whoever had been on the till before should of signed off and I hope he had word's with them) Think they need a bit of staff training!

Tepid food even though ate in - underwhelming and tasteless

Used to be great, but just had an order from them delivered where they missed off one of the meals. All I got was a refund, so now one of us doesn't get their dinner this evening. Great job KFC/UberEats. Edit: Still no change. We have ordered delivery (either just-eat or direct) with this particular restaurant and there is ALWAYS at least one thing missing/wrong with the order (usually the kids order). When we have been in the restaurant to eat, no problems. Whoever is working the delivery section is not good enough at their job if they are consistently missing items every time.

What have they got against serving hot food? Horrible food, don't go here, waste of money!

Good quality fast service...KFC flavour 😋

Special thanks to Taylor and the on duty team Saturday 6th January 2024 We ate inside as kfc is a favorite treat to my mum, who now lives in a care home and is frail with dementia Access was easy for mum with her stroller , plenty of room. We were able to seat mum easily & near the disabled toilet. However the music was quite loud, I think we sat under a speaker Before placing our order with Taylor at the counter, I explained my mum has dementia and could the music be turned down a little as can be overwhelming for her. Without any question, Taylor turned down the music. I placed our order which was fresh, hot & tasty & not greasy on all accounts. Then when the disabled toilet was required. Y mum, quick as a flash Taylor unlocked the door on request & held the door open for mum & I to enter. The toilet was accessible & spotlessly clean We will definitely return to this kfc And special thanks again to Taylor👏👍👏

Food was a little greasy but tasted good. General toilets needed cleaning but good overall.

What can I say?... everyone knows that KFC equals, low customer service, low restaurant cleanness, and you never know if the chicken going to be good or not... Well... not this one... for the first time I been to a kfc that actually have good customer service, very clean place and finger licking good chicken. Well done guys *****

Quick service, hot food, it's kfc, and when it's done right what's not to like?!

I ordered a vegan burger and specifically said “No mayonnaise”. I can’t stand it. I had to wait 20 mins for it to be cooked. I was in a hurry so didn’t check if there was mayo on it or not before I left. I drove home and lo and behold, there was mayo on the bread and vegan chicken. I scraped off what I could but most of the meal went straight in the bin. A big disappointment.

Not the quickest but them kfc never are. The food though as ever is good.

Quite a small kfc restaurant for seating. But the staff were very friendly and the food wasn't greasy like most kfc restaurants I've visited in the UK. Great food

Very happy. Went in with our 11 year old fuss pot daughter and doesn't at least 5b minutes debating what she's wanted, the staff member was very understanding, never once showed any frustration.

Staff had absolutely no enthusiasm or customer service skills.....food wasn't the hottest either & it wasn't even that busy....👎

Filthy toilets which haven't been cleaned or checked for days if not weeks. No soap either, so it makes you wonder how clean the kitchen and its staff working within are.

Waited ages at drive thru woulda driven away if hadn't have paid .

Never had any issues with this place.Food is always hot,service with a smile.

Not sure if there's an atmosphere. Its a takeaway not a nightclub

Went here after pub good food didn't wait to long at 7 pm on Saturday. Did not pay to much attention to cleanliness on site staff were friendly and polite and what you would exspect from a kfc joint.

Food was very old and dry also very dark in colour......Will not be coming here again.....

I stop here every now and then when I'm leaving Colchester. Customer service has been great and the food quality hasn't caused me any Illnesses so far!

That's the last time I will be buying chicken from any KFC, can't event taste the spice, pigeon size chicken, dry and tasteless. Chicken Variety taste much better and cheaper

The screens to order food are dirty all of them. Haven’t seen anyone wipe tables while eating my lunch. Toilet couldn’t use because they were dirty . The place needs a clean .

Inconsistancy in food asked for 6 pieces of chicken 2 drumsticks and 4 thight and got 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs and 2 chicken wings and cost £11.99

As far as KFC goes it was quite nice.

Literally the biggest bunch of lying tossers working here, especially the manager on morning duty. Food absolutely disgusting & gives you stomach cramps, do yourself a favour and avoid

The worst food ever, chips cold and greasy, chicken was raw, hot chocolate only luke warm, I shall never go again manager wasn't interested what I told him

Took 30 minutes and they still forgot part of our order. Restaurant was dirty, staff were incredibly rude and food was below average. I know it's kfc, you don't go in with high expectations, but this was absolutely ridiculous. I asked how much longer for my order and one of the staff literally had a go at me for asking.

A bit slow on the drive through

Quick service,both times I've gone there, amazing chicken. Family friendly

I know you know what KFC is and does. This in no different

Always slow, sat in drive through for 55 mins with no movement or communication. I reversed out and left . 9pm Thursday night . Lacking staff . Eat in takes at least 30 mins for order . Fustrating

Visited yesterday at approximately 9pm, long queue for drive through, time taken processing the orders was painfully slow, when we eventually received our meal and arrived home the food was cold, portion sizes small and food very disappointing.

I'm 1/4 black but the moment I bit into that chicken I felt 100%

Fast service clean well cooked chicken.

Service can be a bit slow but staff are rushed off their feet and are always polite.

Had a problem with their card machine and we had to pay cash But staff were great

Good food, was very hot and fresh, good menu selection, not busy and had to wait a little while on food, but as stated, came fresh and hot, so worth the small wait.

Dirtiest KFC I've ever been to and is so unorganised. Often shuts early but still takes online orders.

Very nice staff. Food was piping hot. Downside was that there were no frappes

Each time something is missing from the order...generally the service is really good and employees are really friendly.......just don't seem to be able to get the orders right.

Utter jobsworth. Tried to get something late night as was staying in the Premier Inn next door after a super long drive. Parked in the hotel and walked over. Restaurant closed early only serving through drive through. Wouldn't serve me even though they had closed early otherwise I would have gone in. Said I should go and get my car and he could serve me. How about don't close the restaurant early? Probably better I didn't eat it anyway so look on the bright side I guess. 😉

Very slow service with 3 people at the till, not rushed at all. Not looking like they know what they're doing. Food wasn't up to standard after waiting 20 minutes. I thought it would be nice and fresh but nope. I just wouldn't bother with this one anymore.

I ordered 3 meals for delivery, when my food turned up they hadn't sent any of the burgers. 3 meals, 3 burgers and not 1 of them was delivered.

Food was barely warm,service was ok,, toilet was dirty and smelly

£9 for a boneless banquet is daylight robbery.

Dreadful worse KFC I've ever had. Was only 3 people infront of me in the queue yet I still had to wait over 30 mins for my food. When I opened the bucket it was all soo mushy the bottom of the box just fell out and all chicken fell on the tray..chicken also looked boiled, so they are doing something wrong.(didn't taste great either) Staff also looked like they could do with a good wash.

We enjoyed the Food, but needs some serious Cleaning, and the Toilet was filthy.

Good restaurant plenty of seats. Can get busy during builders lunch as every Bob the builder and his mannager is there. Good carpark with a lot of space

Ford was much better than my local KFC.

We had a drive through. Food was hot and delicious as you would expect.

we waited 33 minutes for two servings of wings and two Pepsi , this is not normal. I will never come here again

Where to start.. On entry the floor was dirty and needed to be swept, the server had no customer service skills, it felt like he wanted to be anywhere else but there... food was awful, not a single crispy element to the fillet box all soggy and barely warm.. my first KFC in years and most definitely my last.

Friendly and efficient service. Easy to find a parking space.

Food usually ok. Been going for last few years. Couple of staff need to switch on a little and had to return to get my full order only to be told they'd been over providing for the past few years!

Ridiculous 30 mins wait in queue in drive through. Only 4 cars in front of me. Then when I get to the window a other 20 mins, never again ever !

Slow service and food was very greasy

Always check your order before leaving the drive-through! They have a tendency to miss things in your order!

Great food and came in good time. Unfortunately, the dining area really needed a good clean, especially the floor under the tables.

Just awful, dirty tables overflowing bins and 3 different customers had incorrect orders.

First and last time that I will go to a KFC. Food stone cold and indifferent staff. Shocking!

Terrible So slow on drive through and order always wrong. Never again

Food was OK and came relatively quickly - we found that the portions were a bit smaller than equivalent branches. Tables were quite dirty with lots of residual sauce and chicken CRUMBS. Overall OK