Paklock Restaurant in Harlow

Been a few times since it reopened and really impressed. The decor has had a much needed revamp and is much more welcoming, especially the entrance lobby and toilets. The food is lovely, much fresher and less greasy than the old Paklock. The staff are friendly and efficient but I do miss Simon (the waiter at the old Paklock).

The food is really good and fairly priced. A very nice chicken kung-po. Service also very good. But it was very quiet for a Friday night.....................

At last this restaurant is back open, and serving fantastic food again. I went with my friend and it was amazing. Attentive service, fabulous food and very cheap. I Can’t wait to return. Thanks guys for an amazing meal.

Very nice meal here today. Although I've been coming here since 1970, this was the first time under the new management & since they reopened on November 2, 2022. The outside & inside has had a needed makeover paint wise & it's very nicely set out. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary so a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was the first thing ordered & it went down pretty well! Wifey had salt & pepper ribs while I tried the barbeque ribs in bar-b-q sauce. This was followed up by chicken in garlic & a plain chow mein for wifey & I had the chicken chow mein. We both agreed it was a gr8-8-8-8 meal all round, with good service & a nice place all round. We will be having more of this establishment & recommending to others.

After shutting during in COVID I was apprehensive about it reopening under the same name but under new management.I needn't have worried.The décor was much improved and the food was delicious

We were back in Harlow visiting friends and decided to eat here after hearing it had reopened. Really pleased to see it fairly busy which is usually a good sign. We had a very good meal but were disappointed there was no alcohol licence which I presume is temporary as the menu does list wine and beer. It wasn’t an issue as the food was good. Attentive service.

I met up with old work colleagues at THE PAK LOCK chinese restaurant for Sunday lunch. It is a regular annual event. There were 9 of us and we had the set menu. The food was delicious .It was freshly cooked and as we were the only people eating we got personal attention from the manager who could not have been more helpful. This is the only chinese we know who are open for lunch on a Sunday. The rest seemed to have closed for lack of custom. I recommend more people try it otherwise we might find it closed in the future.

Without doubt the best Chinese Restaurant I've ever visited. The food, which is the important part, is absolutely first class. Yes, the decor is dated and the entrance makes it look closed, but that genuinely adds to the charm of the place. If you appreciate excellent food and a retro atmosphere,this place is for you!

My friends and I went to this Chinese last week , unfortunately most of us were disappointed the service was very slow and when my friend asked about dishes suitable for a vegan he was told They had rice carrots and peas (what the heck). He obviously didn’t know what he was doing . when the meals did come they weren’t that good ,took ages to get to drink then some were missing The decor is very tired and could do with a revamp We Will be going somewhere else next time

We have comming to this local restaraunt since 1966 when we first came to Harlow. I was a teacher and not earning much.However the prices here are not too high. The food is always good and there is loads to choose from. The staff are always friendly and very helpful. Though they have changed during the time since 1966 they maintain their perfect hospitality. We walk to the restaraunt but parking is available nearby. Come to Harlow and try it out!

50 years ago in October 1969 my wife and l got married at Epping register office at 1100. We got hungry before our main reception. So our wedding guest with my wife and l went into the PAC Loc Chinese restaurant at Bush Fair. We sat on a long table under the long wall picture the far end of the restaurant. October 11th 2019 50 years on we returned with some of the guest with their children and our own grandchildren. Wyn and his Staff in the restaurant done us proud just like they always do gave us tip top service. We recommend this restaurant to everyone. We will continue to eat there because we know we can expect a good service with excellent food. Thanks to you all, it brought back happy memories. John and Sandra Hyde

Best Chinese in town always the same good quality food, 15 minute wait for take away longer when eating in, food always hot staff very friendly! Decor is pretty 70’s but look beyond that after all you are there for the food!! Best seaweed ever... and satay sauce..... and ribs... I now need to go and get a take -out it’s making my mouth water thinking about it.

Go here a lot. Love the people. Love the food love the atmosphere. Always busy take away just as good

Food was dry, not much beef in the sweet chilli beef mostly batter, service was poor. Won’t be returning.

Old Style Chinese Restaurant. Great Food and Service. The Decor is old but don't let that put you off. No Home Delivery, only Collection.

Visited here several times before and as ever the food is very good and plenty of it but it is very expensive. If you are in a party of more than 4 of you then I find they leave it ages in between courses making a 2 hr dinner into 3 1/2 hours which is bad when you have children.

Ordered a takeaway. Good was okay, nothing special. Wouldn’t rush back. Maybe better if we ate in and then the chilli beef would have been crispy rather than chewy and soggy!

Great food Great staff Great atmosphere Would highly recommend to anyone who wanted to eat here. I've been in this restaurant every year since I was born and will keep coming back for many years to come

OK so it was a Wednesday night but we were the only people in there from 7pm. Wanted to try after resent refurb but found out that only the kitchen had been touched. The restaurant is exactly the same. Probably the same koi fish in tank from when I was a teenager visiting here. But the food in here is very nice and the service is so friendly. I live local so its nice to walk and have a drink.

This restaurant is very much the Chinesse food you would remember as a child. Classics, that taste great and other things that make the meal enjoyable. It’s good value for money, and there are free carparks close at the weekend.

I go here a lot! food is always so so yummy. Service always super quick and amazing value for money. The restaurant itself if very outdated and could do with a refurb. It recently got shut down for 3 weeks as the kitchen needed updating. I hope this hasn't put anyone off as I have never had a problem when eating here and I will continue to visit as it is the nicest Chinese in Harlow.

It is a family run business and has been since we came to Harlow in 1966. We still enjoy going there. The people are soi friendly and polite and welcoming. The food is plentiful and good.

El fin de semana pasado nos fuimos a China Town en Soho y nos decepcionó. Deberíamos haber venido aquí.

Not many words needed for this review... I have been eating here since the 70's it was the best then and it's the best now. Chinese heaven.

He vivido en Harlow para 3. 5 años y todos los años lo hice, me fui a otro restaurante chino de antiguo Harlow, que yo era muy feliz, pero un vecino recomendado Paklock y así lo hizo un agente inmobiliario (supongo que debería haber sabido de eso). "La comida es muy buena", dijo. "Es barato", dijeron. "La decoración es tan 70s pero es una institución". Así que la semana antes de que yo fuera de la zona de tomé yo por conseguir una llevar (no llega) y ordenados, mencioné que nunca pedimos, pero escuchar es bueno. "mejor" "algunos señora arlow oyendo me hilo. "Eso es bueno", me dijo y se sentó en espera. Llegamos a la casa, escondido, fue realmente agradable. No vaya allí (Zenz sólo regalaron mi favorito para llevar chino), pero sería bueno hacer. Mi otra mitad de terminar su comida y estoy mirando a su plato, lo veo claramente, dos negros no nuestra - pelos. Lo que cuesta! ? #le he dicho es que un pelo? Él dijo "pelos sí". Dije "oh... nooooo" me sentí muy mal. Cosa es, ¿qué se puede hacer en esta situación. Se puede decir que llevar, pero de verdad, yo vivía en la Iglesia de Langley (no exactamente a la vuelta de la esquina) y a van a tomar posesión de un pelo? ¿Qué van a hacer? Y YO realmente no quieres comida gratis. Dios mío no. Además me fui. Así que juraron tranquilamente y pensamos CONFIANZA EN SU PROPIO INSTINTO CLAIRE. Esta es la razón por la que no vaya a sitios que tienen menos de 4 / 5 la higiene de los alimentos y es 3 / 5 Paklock. No así! Comida china barata no es un punto de venta. Qué pena. . . (y un terrible regalo de despedida).

Party of 12. Excellent service and superb food. waiters very polite and very knowledgeable about food allergies .very prompt service. all in all a very good meal and experience . highly recommend the 5***** experience

Vamos mucho que sea un gran lugar de comida es muy buena, me encanta el picante de pollo y huevo frito arroz lugar muy amable

Food ok, nothing to write home about, first time ever I have had special chop suey, that has sweet N sour sauce in it, and no draft beer, but over all not too bad

Can't recommend highly enough. Decor is like something from the 70s but when the food is quality and the service warm and friendly it's not important. Lovely.

Went out for my sisters birthday. It is ok, food is good & tasty. Some of the dishes I prefer from other Chinese restaurants elsewhere. The decor is dated, but the atmosphere is good, friendly & attentive staff. Was very busy, so service was a little slow, but staff apologized for this.

A bit dated but not the end of the world. I do have a thing about hot food being on cold dishes, even our own plates were cold.Starters not amazing and the seaweed lacked flavour. Duck was nice but pancakes small and cold. The main dishes were very nice but I don't think we will be rushing back.

food is excellent but decor is still the same as it was in the 1970's Unfortunately you have to be buzzed out and into the toilets. Can always get a table. Staff are average

not been here before and thought it was closed when we found it hidden in the corner once we got upstairs it was very nice, food was fantastic and service was great nothing was a bother and their was twenty of us all leaving full up

My grandparents from Norfolk came down for xmas eve and wanted to eat at their favourite restaurant. Despite calling a few days in a row the phone was constantly engaged and when I eventually got through we were asked to arrive between 8.30 and 9....a bit late but OK. When we arrived just after 8.30 the waiting area was absolutely rammed,eventually I got the attention of a waiter I recognised and said we had a booking. We were seated just before 9pm. We decided to have starters,but after about 20 minutes noone had come to take our order so I called over a nearby waiter. We ordered our starters,had a chat and drunk our drinks. Another 15 minutes went by and no starters appeared....only ribs and duck..but a table across from us who had been seated after us were being served their mains so I called over the older waiter (whos been there since my Nan was a girl) and asked about our food. We decided to give him our mains order and drinks while he was there. The whole time the trolley with the sauce and cucumber/spring onion for the duck was sitting just behind us. We waited another 10 minutes and was just asking another member of staff when our order came out....by this time it was 9.45! I went to the bar and complained and was given a round of drinks on the house. Our mains came out at about 10.10 so we had to change the time of our cab.When the food came out there was a mistake so we had to wait about 5-10 minutes for our full meal. By this time it was really late for us to be eating and we left quite a lot. When the waiters were clearing up I spoke to one that I would identify as a senior member of staff and said that the food was lovely as always,staff were polite but the service regarding the food had been absolutely disgraceful and I'd appreciate if he could take a look at the bill. He apologised and said it was because they were busy and made excuses about a large table coming in late. My Nan rightly stated that this wasn't our problem,and I backed it up by saying that everyone around us were being served but I had to ask at least 3 times about our meal. Again he was apologetic and took £10.00 off the bill,I asked if a round of drinks had been taken off too and he assured me it had but as often in these restaurants the bill was not clear so I could really only take their word for it. We love this place, its cheap,but consistently good food,but I'll never go again on potentially busy nights like Christmas Eve. It was only its reputation and the fact that we were all hungry that stopped us from walking out-something we openly told the waitor.

Been using the Pak lock for years by far the best in the area. Always use for take away as well just a shame they don't deliver as well

Food great but the service was poor. Arrived at 7.25pm waited ten minutes to be asked if we want a drink and got our first drink at 8.05pm.Had to ask for main coarse and ask 3 time's for the bill

Have Been Going To The Pak Lock Chinese Restaurant For Over Twenty Years Now.I Always Have Been Impressed By Standard Of The Food And The Service. PerfectThe Food Was Perfect As Ever. Loved It.

We decided to try a Chinese in Harlow on our second night at The Park Inn Harlow (not very good!). The restaurant is clean and welcoming. We have been served swiftly and the food was delicious.Good value for my money. If in Harlow again, I won't look any further.

Had a great meal here. Good food, good service and well priced.Loved the duck, prawn toast, braised ribs.... Loved it all, well nearly, the fizzy drinks did not have any fizz, otherwise everything else was great.

I have been to Paklock every year on my birthday since I was 6 years old and it never ever changes. Hopefully it never will. I swear the same man has been serving there for the last 20 years and just never aged. Good old fashioned service where nothing is too much trouble, thankfully screaming, misbehaving children are not tolerated (as it should be in a nice restaurant!) but well behaved children are always welcomed and fussed over. In fact I distinctly remember this seemingly immortal waiter teaching my 6 year old self how to fold the napkins into a shell design as I was fascinated by them. That was one seriously wonky table setting afterwards! We have never waited very long for our food and it is always delicious but admittedly we always time our visit to miss the evening rush so mostly we are the only ones in there. Prices are a little on the higher end but for a nice meal in a quiet dining room with good food and service, I really don't mind paying it.Will continue going for every birthday and major celebration and when I have kids and they are old enough I will probably take them too.

I have been using this restaurant for years and nothing much has changed, others may find it dated but to me this is more reassuring and adds to its charm. Very friendly staff and great food.

We got a takeaway on our way home. Absolutely love their chicken balls,not too much batter and nice and crispy! Food wasn't too greasy and their crispy chili beef is lovely! Good portion sizes! Shame they don't deliver,but worth a walk over to Bush Fair for

Went here with family, about 20 of us on 2 tables. I thought the service was a bit slow however we booked late for around 7 pm so maybe they took on more than they could handle. The total bill was around £500 which for what we had I thought was a bit on the high side.

Had a family birthday on a Sunday evening and surprised to find we were the only patrons, although by the look of the activity at the bar/till area they seemed to be having a busy night doing takeaways. The food was all good quality and there was planet of it. The two guys that run the place were very chatty and we had a good laugh with them. Found it a bit odd to go out of the restaurant to use the toilets, but that didn't spoil things. I'd certainly go back again. Yes, the place is dated, but so it the whole of that area, but who measures the quality of a meal by the fashion of the wallpaper?

Great food, good menu, good value, excellent staff and service - but ignore the decor its dated - but it is clean and tidy

The food was okay. Original decor. Waitress didn't really listen to what we had to say. Might give it another try someday.

We have been coming to this restaurant for years, I know lots of people writing about the décor didn't change and etc. but we don't care about the décor we care about the food and the food is always very tasty and delicious especialy their sauces!! It is the best Chinese in town. We always enjoy our time here as a family, very friendly place, well recommended! Thanks Wing!

We fancied a chinese after a few drinks down our local and thought we'd go in for a meal.It must of been gone 10pm but we were still welcomed in. Restaurant was empty as you might expect for nearly closing on a Sunday.We had 7 dishes,and a spirt + mixer each for 3 of us and it came to £45. Food was lovely, and tasted fresh.

We often have takeaways form Paklock, so thought we would try the restaurant for family birthday, wished we hadn't bothered............poor service, had to get up to find waiter, poor portion sizes, and really not child friendly, food ok, but not great.

Yes yes, we all know the resturant has looked like this since 1979 or something but the food is out of this world! Good portion size, always hot and not a long wait. The price is reasonable, I'd say wine is a bit dear for a bottle but to be expected. Staff are friendly and attentive, a brilliant little place.

We were visiting Harlow. Looking for good Chinese buffet since Water Margin closed. This was recommended to us by hotel receptionist and chef.So - we finally arrived. Upstairs above a shopping precinct. It was around 7pm, groups of youths with hoodies hanging around outside, on the stairs going up and surprisingly some in the restaurant!We were looking for a buffet and this is not. We made our excuses and left.Who knows, on another night, in different circumstances, but with my wife and young son it tow we made a hasty exit.

This is where my wife and myself went for our first date in 1994 . And I'm so glad that nothing has changed in all this time . Yes it's dated yes from the outside it doesn't look great yes the toilets could have done with a referb. But as soon as you enter you get good old fashioned service. Nothing is to much trouble for the staff they fuss over my kids they fuss over us as if we are old friends constantly asking if all is ok with everything, do we require anything else . And then you come to the food it is simply the best Chinese food in the area every dish out is pure quality particularly the chilli beef. All I can say is PLEASE PAKLOCK DON'T CHANGE and become like all the rest bland boring and monotonous restaurants.Thank you for twenty years of good old fashioned service .

This was my first and last visit, stepping back into the 70's the place was shabby and lacked any ambiance or atmosphere, bearing in mind it's xmas, there were no decorations, or background music to fill the long gaps while we waited for our food.The duck starter was good, and our waitress said she had allowed 2 pancakes pp. had plenty of duck left over but didn't see the waitress to ask for more pancakes. The main courses came, the sizzling beef lacked peppers, or mushrooms and flavour and was bland. The satay chicken was on 3 sticks and there were 5 of us, opted not to have the soup in our set menus so a few extra satays should have been included. None of the dishes can with serving spoons and I had to keep asking for them. The set menus came with tea or coffee, but at no point was this offered. The evening was overpriced, and lacked the qualities of fun night out, even the poor koi in the cramped tank looked bored.

the food is hot, tasty and for takeaway quickly cooked! the only thing I think they could improve on is by bringing in a delivery service, I would use them even more!staff are friendly and will cook variations on dishes you would like, I love it there and look forward to having food from the Pak Lock for my birthday treat :)

This place is a throw back from the 70's, however that aside the food is great, so the old style is not that much of an issue.The real issue is waiting times at weekends. If you get frustrated about waiting a long time for your food, you'll go bonkers here.

these people have been going years. nothing has changed much over the years. food is good and staff friendly too. always love going there

on reading the review about this restaurant i was disappointed had capital ribs but it was just belly Of pork no ribs bone at all just skin special fried rice was bland with what had tinned ham in it just some small shrimp and peas the rest of the meal was ok but not great the staff very polite and attentive

Can't get any better for Chinese in Harlow.Friendly welcome, prices are reasonable for the quality of food you get, and you always get a nice welcome from the staff.

I've not visited this restaurant for over 20 years but did so after reading the reviews. We were not disappointed as we found both the food and service to be excellent. Will not leave it so long next time.

The Paklok may not look much from the outside but inside it has character, the staff are so friendly and the food is outstanding quality. Try their sweet and sour chicken balls they are not greasy but taste like chicken should and not too much batter. Shame they don't do a home delivery I would have it 7 days a week. Their food has taste and quality. This restaurant has been established over 30 years and I consider the best in Harlow when it comes to chinese.

We finally got around to trying here for the first time last night, following getting a couple of recommendations from friends and the great reviews on tripadvisor.The location, is what it is, in the middle of a ageing shopping centre. But as soon as you walk thru the door, you are treated like an old friend, even if its your first visit. The menu is traditional British Chinese food, reasonably priced. But its when the food arrives, that you realise this place is a cut above. The portion size is generous and the food lovely, fresh and great tasting. We opted for a set meal, each of the courses were excellent. The service was friendly and thoughtful.All in all, a great meal, definitely will be back

Just like the previous reviewer my family and i have been using this restaurant for over 30 years. We have always had good food,good service here. We have just come back after another tasty meal and thought it was about time we reviewed it. It's always been a favourite of ours and have never been disappointed. If you have not tried it then give it a go. I'm sure you will return just as we have many times

We have been eating at the Paklock since we were kids and always enjoy a good meal. Great atmosphere when it is busy and take away is just as good.

great service and fantastic food at very good pricesl. Nothing is too much trouble here and I've never had a bad meal yet.

The food was great and the restaurant was laid out very well the staff were very helpful. If you like traditional chinese food then this is the place to go. All your old favourites.

We regularly visit Pak Lock ... the food is always amazing!!Simon the manager is very attentive and always gives you the impression that he really cares about his customers!!Highly recommended!!!

This little restaurant tucked away in a corner of Bush Fair is a real hidden gem. The staff are always efficient and friendly, even when the restaurant is packed and they are rushed off their feet. The food is brought to your table fresh and hot from the kitchen, and the whole place has a comfortable relaxed atmosphere that makes it a really good place to relax and eat with friends or family.The décor won't win any awards - it's a little too 70's Oriental (probably because that's the last time it was re-decorated!) but this doesn't detract from the experience.The prices are reasonable, and the food is great. I love this place!

Three things may well remain after a nuclear attack1. Great Wall of China2. Keith Richards3. The Pak LokLast visited in 1981 and it looked dated. Stepped back in in 2006 and it still looked dated. Food, really good chinese "scran"Great bonhoime!

Nothing ever changes with this restaurant and this is part of its charm, Food always good , they will tweak dishes if you ask. Reasonable prices and good at knowing what their regulars like. Sometimes think that changes to the menu would be good but then they would probably get rid of my favourites. Overall we love this place and they are excellent with kids. Would cry if they ever closed but why dont they deliver?

Decor leaves a bit to be desired, but food, staff and value are fantastic. Highly recommend.

great food friendly staff relaxing atmosphear good restaurant for familys with children

Very 90s feel in hers. It has nit changed since it opened. Goods pretty good though.

Really nice chinese restaurant with excellent food and a lovely ambience