Marks and Spencers in Chelmsford

After being a loyal customer for more than 50 years I find it difficult to continue to purchase their products. Firstly on my recent store visit I not only have to self checkout, I have to fold the garment and pack it in a plastic bag, which I didn’t want myself whilst 2 employees stood beside me saying they were bored with nothing to do. I now find that if I purchase an item online and it was not fit for purpose I can no longer return it to a store as previous and obtain a returns note, but I was instructed to seal the delivery bag and put it in the drop off box on the ground floor. I was told there would be a member of staff there to help, this was not the case until I asked to see the store manager. As there is only one drop off point and nobody was used to this process I had to increase my car parking fee to avoid a fine.

I asked for the bacon, poached eggs, but requested no beans. They kindly gave me my food, 5 minutes later, with an extra slice of toast to make up for choosing to have 'no beans'. Normally I prefer not to eat much bread in my diet, but the toast here is too delicious to skip any slices! Friendly staff and tasty food 😊 the coffee was very nice and flavorful too. I had an oat latte

Wife and I stopped for a quick bite before traveling further. The bacon rolls were lovely and the ketchup rather special too. Thanks

Found my self at the canteen. Decided to have a sausage sandwich. After 15 minutes and little movement in the queue and all tables taken or uncleared, left to continue browsing. Men's clothes, especially shoes seem to be good value. The ready meals generally looked awful and vastly over priced. Simply not reliable. Purchased a tin of Minestrone Soup which was excellent and with 2 Petit Pan rolls, which were also excellent. This store is tired old hat M&S quality. The staff are outstanding in most respect, especially at the tills. Lions being led by donkeys. Delivery to the share holders needs to be delivered by more capable, inventive and proficient. This company is stuck in a 1960's vacuum from which it does not have the will to leave.

Today it was obvious that this cafe was grossly understaffed. We waited at least 15 minutes at the counter for service, only one member of staff taking money and making beverages, and one other clearing tables. A further 15 minute wait was quoted for tomato soup. ( I declined!) At one point I counted 6 tables within my view requiring clearing, and none were wiped down. The only gluten free sandwich available contained chicken. I require gluten free bread and am also vegetarian, and there was no suitable alternative. Altogether our experience was disappointing, and this was echoed on other tables around us. It fell well short of the quality of service we expect from Marks and Spencer.

we were shopping in helmsford and decided to have lunch here.. it was very very busy and we had to queue for ages, but it was worth the wait toasted sandwiches were lovely, cake nice and fresh.. coffee delicious.