Russells in Chelmsford

Yesterday we enjoyed a lovely family Sunday lunch. We were all given a friendly welcome when we arrived which continued throughout the afternoon. The food was good and was matched by the service. It’s quite easy to see why there were a lot of regulars dining there. Would definitely recommend and hope to return one day soon.

Service was great. Food was great! Recommended!

Having lived in Chelmsford for over 20-years this was our first visit to Russells, and the experience was excellent. Choosing from the menus was difficult as there were many dishes that caught the eye. The food was first class and so was the wine. The owner was very friendly and guided us well. Definitely a venue for special occasions or just a treat.

Had a lovely meal on a Friday evening. Family group, and we all had 3 courses from the set menu. Everyone enjoyed each course, and the food was cooked to perfection. On arrival, we were shown to a lounge area, and drinks were ordered. Also ordered our meals before being shown to our table. Everything was really nicely presented, and the service was exceptional. Although it was a warm evening, there was a nice through breeze. We will definitely be back when in the area again.

HORRIBLE MANAGEMENT. Was seated upstairs and left for about 20 minutes without menus then someone came up to take our order, had to say we need menus first! Starter came with a hair in it, main had a hair and tin foil in it. I tried my dessert which was actually very nice, but I couldn’t stomach it after knowing there was probably a hair in that one!! Also gave our food to the wrong table to begin with. When we complained, the manager came up and basically told us that we were lying as “no one in the kitchen has hair”. I told him it looked like a beard hair both times and he soon changed his attitude as clearly some of them have beards!! I also said there was tin foil and he was like there no way there can be tin foil, told him it was on the beef and he then realised I was right once again. Finally told me the hair in my leek soup was just a leek. Sorry, but I’ve never seen a black, curly leek with a white bit on the end where there’s a bit of skin. We all know what a leek looks like, and we all know what a beard hair looks like… be serious. And to top it off, he wasn’t even going to give us a discount or anything for the experience we had!! Will never ever go back here again. Look at all the 1 star reviews before booking. The problem with that place is always the manager in every review I’ve seen. Have told everyone I know to never go here.

food is poor, looks like its batched prepared. only seems to employ young staff and there's no one leading. like going back in time décor is so old is embarrassing

Great place to relax and enjoy good food at reasonable prices.

Amazing, what a hidden gem. Josh was super helpful, food was unreal. We will definitely be returning.

Had a meal with friends and how refreshing it was to be seated in the lounge area while a waiter takes drinks orders and can actually answer questions about the food menu because they know it inside out! I really appreciated that and it made a good change from other restaurants. The food I had (seabass dish) was absolutely delicious and one of the nicest dishes I’ve had I a while. Friends all loved theirs too. Lovely wine suggested by our waiter also. We will be back! ☺️

We thought it time we revisited Russell’s Restaurant and so glad we did. From the friendly welcome we enjoyed aperitifs in the comfy lounge where we encountered a small problem. Too many meals on the extensive menu that ticked the box. Our chosen dishes didn’t disappoint. While it might not have been a cheap night out we rolled out completely satisfied and won’t be leaving it too long before we return.

Poor food uneatable steaks for two people , Dirty high chair and told that because thet dont have children there very often. Member of staff very rude and huffed at me so rude. Cocktails very very poor to. It was my birthday and the evening was ruined and had to eat pizza when I got home . This was not my first time to Russells but it will be my last .

Thank you to Barry and his team for a memorable evening. Excellent food prepared by Bert….. I will even forgive you for the France England rugby score…..🏉🍾

Lovely restuarant, staff and the owner were attentive - Great service! Food excellant too. It really was a nice evening out! Definately will return when next in town. Thank you team Russels!

Staff pretty much clueless , waited over an hour to be served with an almost empty restaurant, one of the prawns was raw , the steaks were alright, but the fillet mignion was burnt on top and the dophinoise over cooked , the sauces lacking the flavour and consistency, the mojito was like juice . In all was disappointing, as the place has a potential being quaint and the menu that raises expectation but left us with little to relish. Hope they will improve as it is a very nice setting and an historic place.

Attended a wedding reception. Staff cheerful and attentive. Food excellent and arrived hot, not easy with so many guests. Impressive all round

A balance of welcoming and on the ball service with imaginative and delicious food that is kind on the wallet. Boss Barry is proud of his establishment and he has every right to be.

Hidden gem Good food at competitive prices Only disappointment was the lack of fuss for mother in laws 82nd birthday. We had flagged this.

Having visited once, we couldn’t wait to come back and introduce my parents to this fabulous restaurant. It happened to be Burns night, and my goodness the menu was incredible. I went outside my comfort zone and tried chicken stuffed with haggis - it was mind blowing! The service was outstanding as always. Treat yourself, you won’t regret it!

SUPERB in everyway possible. First time visit and did not disappoint. Generous and innovative dishes. Worth traveling to.

The menu was great. So many amazing options. The food was brilliant, staff were super friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.

Went to Russells for New Year celebrations and it was an excellent experience. From entering the lovely Barn to leaving the service was superb and very professional (no part time servers here). Everyone knew their role and performed it beautifully. The food was very well presented and extremely tasty. The DJ was great playing quieter background music while eating but turning up the volume for Dancing later. Could not fault it and will be going back again soon

We went here with family and had the Christmas menu deal. The service, from walking in until leaving was excellent. All staff were professional, yet friendly and attentive. The standard of training they have received is almost, but not quite to Silver Service level. The food was of very good quality, extremely flavoursome and tasty. They also have a good selection of quality wines that you will not find readily available elsewhere. I can find no fault with this restaurant, it deserves better than the five star rating available. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting an enjoyable time in lovely surroundings, eating exquisite food and being treated like you were the most important people in the area.

We went here with family and had the Christmas menu deal. The service, from walking in until leaving was excellent. All staff were professional, yet friendly and attentive. The standard of training they have received is almost, but not quite to Silver Service level. The food was of very good quality, extremely flavoursome and tasty. I can find no fault with this restaurant, it deserves better than the five star rating available. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting an enjoyable time in lovely surroundings, eating exquisite food and being treated like you were the most important people in the area.

Christmas works do. Lovely food, great service and good disco. We all seemed to have enjoyed ourselves and would visit again.

Excellent food and service. Very friendly. And not too noisy.

Wonderful building, full of character, gorgeous food and friendly staff

Found this gem of a restaurant with a fantastic menu reasonably priced. Lovely venue and beautiful as well as tasty food.

Found this hidden gem. Wonderful setting and a great varied menu. Made a lunch feel very special with the table clothes and knowledgeable team.

Highly recommend Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection No complaints at all, Highly attentive and knowledgeable service Would return

Absolutely superb food and lovely attentive staff.

Amazing food and service, get the pork belly!

Absolutely 1st class restaurant the food was fantastic as were the staff, the gluten free options were the best ive ever had we will definitely be returning. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Found this gem online, great service and even better food. Gluten free options and waiter service is second to none. Highly recommended.

This is a gem of a place, we attended the Jazz night held on 07/09/23 & the entertainment, food, & front of house staff were superb.

As well travelled foodies we are still trying to understand how it is we’ve never eaten here before. It’s very sad really because it’s very very good. Anyway we shall be making up for lost time. The restaurant is a deceptively large barn like structure. The staff are very welcoming and pleasant. We had a mid week set menu lunch with good choices. The food is superb, inventive and well presented. The complimentary pre lunch bread was a nice surprise as it is so rare for restaurants to include this anymore. We come from the Southend area which has an abundance of restaurants some of which are passable but none that are as good as Russells. Chelmsford is very lucky to have this restaurant. We will definitely return and perhaps to one of the interesting evening events as per the photo I took as attached

Absolutely gorgeous place to eat. Amazing staff and top quality food. Can highly recommend.

Absolutely fantastic place excellent food with outstanding service.

Second time we've tried it. Lovely food - lasagne for me, smoked haddock for the other half. Good service, nice setting.

Russell’s catered for our wedding offsite, in a marquee, 30 years ago, and so it only seemed fitting to have our 30th anniversary dinner here. Such a lovely and friendly welcome from the vibrant young team, and their friendliness was just natural - they’d no idea we’d been before; just used to making a welcoming environment. When you arrive, they sit you in the lounge, and we each had a lovely glass of perfect champagne as we chose our dinners. I’m a vegetarian, and mentioned I fancied something which was not on the menu - which far from annoying the waitress, she said just say what you fancy, and we’ll see if the chef can “Russel” something up, because everything is cooked fresh anyway! 2 mins later and she comes back saying they can do a risotto for me, and would I like peas, asparagus, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes or all of the above or whatever - so naturally I asked for “all off the above”, and when it cane, it was amazing! A great combination - the odd bit of sun dried tomato, perfectly complimenting the peas - and so beautifully presented. None of the tiny portions you sometimes get in posh restaurants, this was a lovely big portion- and not a scrap was left! Message to the restaurant: this dish was really amazing - you really should put it on the menu!!!! As I was driving, no more booze for me so I had a non-alcoholic cocktail - a “Schweppes Mojito” - with the dinner, which we both agreed was delicious, and Lisa had a glass of chilled Chardonnay. The dinner was brilliant - and the waitresses were that prefect balance of friendly and attentive, but not too much so. The chefs came out to say hello as well and see how their new creation was - such pride (RIGHTLY) in their work. The Risotto was so delicious I didn’t fancy losing the taste with a dessert, and was super-full, but Lisa could not resist a lemon curd tart, to follow her perfect Sea Bass main course., in an amazing cream sauce. Such a lovely atmosphere in Russell’s - all the diners sort of nodded hello to each other as they arrived or left, as it was somebody’s birthday, someone else’s special treat, or for us our anniversary. That sort of thing makes it really special. Price-wise, this isn’t the cheapest place to go, but not unwarranted. We came away thinking the bill was reasonable, Overall was a lovely and memorable evening. I see they have a live Trad Jazz evening coming up in September, so will hopefully give that a try! Thanks Russell’s, and thank you for 30 years ago, also!!

As usual a great meal good surrounding and survis.

Very impressed What a lovely atmospheric venue. Whilst it was quite quiet on a Thursday lunchtime service was attentive and appropriate. Starter choices were wide, I chose a beef carpaccio beautifully flavoured. Main was a truly delicious Beef Tornedo Rossini. We had the dessert quad plate and asked for one dish change. Chef was delighted to come out and tell us he liked our combination better the established one, so would be changing it. The frangipan was absolutely sensational. The toilets were very clean. Great visit to a beautiful venue

What a lovely atmospheric venue. Whilst it was quite quiet on a Thursday lunchtime service was attentive and appropriate. Starter choices were wide, I chose a beef carpaccio beautifully flavoured. Main was a truly delicious Beef Tornedo Rossini. We had the dessert quad plate and asked for one dish change. Chef was delighted to come out and tell us he liked our combination better the established one, so would be changing it. The frangipan was absolutely sensational. The toilets were very clean. Great visit to a beautiful venue

We’ve been quite a few times and we love it. Food is always amazing

Lovely restaurant with amazing service. Great food and generous portions. Cozy atmosphere and good selection of drinks 🍹. Highly recommended 👍

On arrival we were made very welcome sat in lounge area for pre-dinner drinks. Meal was freshly cooked abd delicious coffee and liqueurs again in lounge area. Reasonably priced for a special meal. Would thoroughly recommend, can't wait to go back

We enjoyed an excellent meal, we really couldn’t fault anything. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and nothing felt rushed or too much trouble for the staff. The food was incredible (especially the beef carpaccio and the caramel cheesecake) and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Would highly recommend and we plan to return soon!

Had lovely evening every thing we ordered was delicious including the wine . Service couldn’t be faulted. Perfect for your special occasion.

Another amazing dinner. Superb food, beautifully cooked and the staff we're absolutely lovely, despite our table being quiet roudy. Sorry Russell's 😆 This really is a gem of a restaurant, I could have eaten the whole menu, delicious 🤤 Great choice of food, good price and great service. Another 10/10 👏👏

Great welcome, we went for Sunday lunch. exceptional service and food was plentiful with a good choice. Would definitely recommend and look forward to returning.

Abut 80 of us gathered for a family and friends' event and it exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious, attention was paid to people's food intolerances, the layout was warm and welcoming and people were able to circulate and chat easily. Barry , owner manager, could not have done more to attend to all requests and was 'can do' and resourceful eg producing a colourful container for dripping umbrellas. A small courtyard area was made available for slightly stroppy 3 year old and patient parent. Service was prompt but not intrusive.

It was a fantastic evening with our Rotary club. The food was amazing, and the service was exceptional as always

My wife and I had our wedding breakfast here back in 2007. We have been a few times since, we always love coming here. We came tonight for the first time in a few years and how it doesn't disappoint. Barry and his team are awesome. The food was spectacular, we can't believe we left it that long not to some back. The service is top notch, it felt personal and the food backs up every aspersion you have for a night out. 10 out of 10. Thank you for an amazing evening, we will be back soon.

My Husband and I went for lunch to celebrate my birthday. We were made to feel welcome the moment we arrived. The food was fabulous! We only live a mile down the road and can't believe we've only just eaten there. We will certainly visit...

I used this restaurant for a surprise 60th birthday meal, it was due to be closed but after contacting them they agreed to open for us. We had a private area which was amazing as there were children. The staff were incredible very attentive and managed they large group very well they couldn’t do enough for us. The food was delicious and great value. I will definitely be back.

Best Christmas Dinner I've had out. Real nice place

Expensive but worth every single penny plus a tip! - Food is exquisite, service is attentive, fresh baked bread rolls are superb. If only I could eat here every day.

Unusual looking location but there is a fantastic restaurant behind the front door. Lovely lounge area to sit in and have pre meal drinks. It makes a change to be taken to your table and not rushed into ordering. It was Sunday so we all had a roast which was perfect from the temperature of the food to the taste, we could not have asked for more. The deserts were great, not too big after the main course and we all agreed that they are worth leaving a little space for them. The waiting staff were very good and the owner was actively checking on all the tables with his great personality which gave a good atmosphere to the whole restaurant. As one of our group was French he arranged for the chef to visit our table at the end of the service. Russell's Restaurant is a great find and when we are next in Essex we will definitely be back.

Busy night service not as excellent as it normally is.

Always a special experience/evening!

We went for Sunday roast; lovely place and the staff were friendly and efficient. I'm being a little bit hard as the prices are not the cheapest. Nothing was awful and I don't expect wheelbarrows full of food if the quality was good. I had scallop with prawns for started and the scallop was quite small and over cooked. The meat was also a little underwhelming on the main, my lamb was O.K. but the kids pork and beef were a bit over cooked and not that great in my opinion. My Yorkshire pudding was also very dry and overcooked. Sorry but I have had better.

What a great find . From booking the night before. What I found was a great warm welcoming. To the quality of the local produce. I had the large prawns which was really good followed by wild boar. All fresh . Must go back to...

Wow. What a fantastic evening we all had at Russells to celebrate my 60th Birthday. I wanted a James Bond themed event with a tribute act, music, casino and a magic mirror and Barry and his team all rose to the occasion wearing black ties...

We hired Russells to celebrate my 60th Birthday. It was an amazing evening. Food was delicious. The wine flowed. The entertainment was brilliant. Barry and his team pulled out all the stops to ensure it was an evening to remember. It was fantastic.

Food good. Staff pleasant and helpful. Beautiful building. Will come again for lunch.

Been having takeaways since the start of covid. Really good and saves me cooking

Visited for lunch midweek with my husband. There is a lunch menu (2courses or 3 courses for £x) or you can order from the Al La Carte Menu. All the food was delicious (sea bass & Colne lamb were excellent as were the desserts!) and...

We’ve visited Russell’s a few times and every time the food has been amazing and the staff are very friendly. The wine menu is really good too with lots of choice

What a hidden gem! So deceiving on the outside, we walked in to a humungous beamed beautiful building to be greeted by the owner who was very helpful and attentive. The food was absolutely amazing. We had warm rolls with butter (that wasn’t rock solid...

What a hidden gem this place is. Had heard about it but never managed to book it. Got there on Saturday with our friends, looking forward to a lovely meal. We were not disappointed. Tables were dressed with tablecloths and cloth serviettes. All cutlery appeared...

Myself and my new husband love the food and service at Russell's, so much so we had our wedding reception at Russell's over the Jubilee weekend. Food choices we had for our guests see menu in photos attached. Barry and his team were remarkable, all...

Recently went here for friends birthday meet up, it was a lovely evening and the food was amazing, met the owner who was a Lovely man, they have special Party nights on a Thursday evening well Worth a visit

We went to the Caribbean evening and honestly it’s was beyond a pleasure, The jerk chicken was outstanding as was the deserts and all the staff. We could of not felt more welcomed and valued as a customer, our server Max went above and beyond to be helpful and could not do enough. Such a rarity now A days. My daughter came with my 1 year old granddaughter and they were very accommodating, we will definitely be returning and would highly highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. Amazing experience and the atmosphere was great. Thank you for such a great evening Russell’s restaurant!!!

We planned our celebration meal since lockdown and decided on Russell’s as our choice ! I’m glad to say it was a great choice , ambiance , food and service all first class . Although a couple of the group choose perhaps the wrong selection...

I had heard nothing but good things about Russell's and was looking forward to the occasion. What a let down. The waitress looked as miserable as sin the whole afternoon and gave the impression that she didn't want to be there.My meal when it arrived...

Back to Russell's' for my 60th had a fantstic night great compoany The food was amazing as allways, great selection of wines all reasonably priced. If you live in the Essex area this is a restaurant that you must try.

Had a delicious three course meal, food was fantastic from start to finish, Staff are friendly and attentive, Could not fault anything was a real treat and will definitely be recommending and visiting again. Great setting for a romantic meal.

Visited this restaurant 13th April with family. Fabulous location with good parking. Staff absolutely amazing as was the food. Love the fact that the chef came out and spoke to us. First class service and food. Can’t wait to return

This is a hidden gem. Nestled in the back streets of great Baddow this restaurant is a joy to behold. We visited on 12th April 2022. The restaurateur and front of house could not have been more welcoming. I duffer from being allergic to gluten and dairy as well as intolerant to tomatoes. The chef Nd front of house were super accommodating and almost the whole menu could be adapted. The wine choices were were great and overall was a wonderful experience and great value for money. I hope everyone visits here. They really deserve to be busy. We will definitely come back.

Party of11 all had roast. I went for big roast with a supplement, the difference being a slice each of pork,beef and turkey instead of 2 slices of beef. Beef unfortunately was very chewy. All agreed the beef was tough! Chef disagreed when it was...

Excellent food and service will go again.

My partner brought me here for my birthday as its one of our closer restaurants and being new to the area wanted to try to find maybe a new local spot! Our main server was very friendly and the owner even gave us a warm welcome and the good was lovely! The only comment I would have, is my partner who ordered the wild boar was actually given the duck due to a mistake made by our server....and when we came to order cheese at the end of our meal, another server did not have a clue what any of them were when we asked for more information. Great potential, but staff perhaps need more training! Will maybe come back in a few months to see if the restaurant has improved

Party of11 all had roast. I went for big roast with a supplement, the difference being a slice each of pork,beef and turkey instead of 2 slices of beef. Mmm! Beef unfortunately was very chewy. All agreed the beef was tough! Chef disagreed when it was brought to his attention but once he tried it also agreed! Sam who was kindly looking after us took the service charge off the bill but owner insisted it went back on again. Shame! Most agreed they wouldn't return.

Barry hosted a fantastic pre-wedding family meal for 30 people. As usual the food was incredible and service second to none. Our gluten-free diners said the chocolate desserts were the best every. Thanks to Barry and his team!! :-)

Lovely venue and setting. Starters excellent. Unfortunately my rump steak at £19.99 was very chewy. I mentioned this and was told it would be discounted on the bill. They only took £5 off which was very disappointing. I would have gone back but £5 discount...

We've been to Russell's many times, and came back for a delayed Valentine's meal on Friday, (we had to cancel our original Valentines dinner on the day, because of a positive COVID test, but they were really good about, and understanding, at Russells). What a...

Beef was too chewy to eat... told Chef who disagreed with us as he had served 30 servings of it and no one else complained! Gave my meat to my hubby (who also couldn't eat it) won't be going back there!! I work with the public... what happened to " The customer is always right?" Very disappointed!!! Feeling angry about how we were treated!😡

Nice surroundings but Sunday Roast was not as advertised. Pork was rolled white fat round edges. Beef was so thinly sliced and veg was very sparse. Would not recommend. Certainly not worth £18 can cook a better one at home

It was my birthday and an engagement surprise it truly amazing fantastic service food was delicious. Staff were incredible thank you

Great lunchtime meal. The salmon was especially good. We were the only ones there on a Thursday lunchtime. Given the quality on the food, and the very competitive price, this place deserves to be much more popular.

Great restaurant, great food, great staff a must go restaurant

Enjoyable surroundings and excellent food.

Love this restaurant, great food, lovely atmosphere, staff are unbelievably good and the owner Barry (who I called Russell all night) is a really nice guy. So impressed with this restaurant and would recommend it to anyone!

Still one of the best restaurants around the food is absolutely spot on Will be going back in new year for more fantastic food especially the desserts they are to die for

Very dated restaurant stuck in the 90’s Food is alright but more like a gastro pub grub Wouldn’t go back

What an amazing Restaurant, we first got a lovely meeting by one of the staff and He took us to the Lounge where we had our first drinks, i had a lovely pornstar! cocktails were so tasty! Starters i had the King Prawns which was...

Superb restaurant, we will definitely be returning. As all the food is made fresh onsite we were able to tailor our order.

Amazing food. Lovely atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

First time visit to this restaurant; and we can't wait to return. Everything we ate was delicious, and that's coming from fussy eaters! Cannot fault it. Yes, it's not cheap (more for a special occasion), but I'd rather pay a bit more and get really lovely food and wine. Barry made us feel like valued customers, and the chef came out so that we could tell him how much we loved the food. All in all would definitely recommend.

Went there to celebrate friends birthday. Food & service both superb. Very enjoyable time!!!

An outstanding restaurant. Food was amazing. Barry and his staff couldn't have done more for us. I will have to go again to try more of the menu.