Sams Wine Bar in Tendring

May I set the scene? Ok. It’s a cold winter night, it’s Friday and we have booked way in advance. A group of friends - out for a few drinks via a local restaurant. What on earth could we expect? Well one could never anticipate the horrors that would entail. Strap in, because it’s about to get real. We arrived at 7:30pm prompt, as per the booking. We waited for service longer than Samuel Pepys himself would have waited for the King to authorise the pulling down of buildings as a fire roared through the streets of London. We placed our order, waiting patiently as staff disappeared from the restaurant & bar for a total of two & half hours. We questioned whether Tottenham FC would win a trophy prior to our starters arriving. It was touch and go, but our starters arrived some three hours after sitting down. Finally after letting off several flares and blowing our vuvuzelas aloud we managed to seek the attention of the working team. (Joking of course, in case any local patriots may take issue with a table of friends speaking slightly louder than that of a careless whisper). As we know the local patriots do like to complain. At last! At 22:15 our main course would arrive. How do I describe this exciting feat? Well let me please try: our meal was, Harsh, unpleasant to the taste, abrasive, coarse, acerbic, astringent, biting, bitter, caustic, cutting, dry, mordant, nasty, sharp, stinging, vitriolic. Definitely not smooth. But let’s not criticise a truly well run kitchen! As the evening came to a close we were abruptly approached by the kitchen staff. Not by invitation or by necessity but perhaps for two of the rudest rolls to have a daily run out. These “owners” were less than pleasant. I’d rather roll around in a pile of dog mess than try to reason with this couple •A quick shout out to Arthur and Eddie, great dogs!•. We politely asked the team for a small reduction of the bill due to the three hour wait. POW! We were met with a couple from the kitchen that would rather challenge their dear high spending customers with a royal rumble “outside in the street” than discuss the evenings proceedings. We were shocked at the approach applied by this restaurant who showed an intolerance and arrogance following and historic failure in customer service. While the bar staff cowered behind the bar; we as a group were approached by passive aggressive owners who refused to apologise for their misdemeanours and blamed a large table in the back. At this stage we asked why take our booking if yoy couldn’t cater for us!? Before we were subject to colourful abuse and foul language we left NEVER TO RETURN. I have to ask myself have we ever experienced such POOR customer service. My answer would be that this takes the royal biscuit. If you have got this far; I implore you to steer well clear of this passive aggressive, slow venue. And I will leave you with this. What did the dentist say to the angry chef at Sam Pepys Harwich? “You have a hole in one. Literally. We will NEVER return. An issue that could have been solved with an apology, we all understand that everyone works hard & things don’t always go the way we plan. But on a side not, and you are reading this. Consider a small & courteous apology to your paying customers. Who would’ve happily accepted and paid the bill hadn't they been approached with an approach more suited to Conor McGregor than a small restaurant with zero reputation. Thanks but no thanks, I fear for your long term survival in a cut throat hospitality industry, when you can’t even compete on a basic level.

We were here for Sunday lunch. There was plenty of food, the staff were nice, the wine was cool and it wasn't a bad price for what you got but it was all just mediocre, nothing special. There was definitely no atmosphere, the decoration was generic.....anything that would bring you back for a second visit was lacking. With so many restaurants around this one needs to up its game.

What a great place to eat, drink and stay. We have been here several times over the last few years (pre Covid). All staff are friendly, smiling and helpful. Good parking. Rooms are excellent, good size, large comfortable bed, white bedding and towels that can be changed every day. Tea/coffee/milk/sugar/hot chocolate in rooms. Self service buffet breakfast, loads to choose from, do gluten free food and danish pastries. Great menu to choose from and their puddings are to die for. I can't fault this place at all. One of my favourite places to stay when I have a week off. Will be back when we can. Thank you to all staff.

We both stayed and dined at the Samuel Pepys - having had dinner here about 18 months ago. The room was comfortable and good value with a generous continental breakfast. We also had an evening meal and really enjoyed the food - the Chicken Kiev was amazing! We found the staff to be friendly and the atmosphere to be very pleasant. Would definitely recommend.

Yesterday was my birthday, my family informed me they had booked a table at Sams Wine Bar to celebrate the occasion. The waitresses were very friendly. My dad ordered the whitebait for starter which he enjoyed. We all ordered the Kiev which was amazing, very large portions and well worth the money. I didn’t have a dessert, however we ordered one brownie for our table which looked nice. I will be back!!!!

My wife & myself thoroughly enjoyed our meal also a very good selection of drinks. Staff were great, attentive & very polite. Overall 10 out of 10.

We have been spoilt by a local place just down the road, so we wanted to try somewhere different. The veg was cold and sloppy, potatoes were nice the meat was overdone and dry. We have been before but found most of the dishes were microwave meals which a lot of places do nowadays unfortunately

Found food to be of good standard well cooked and reasonably priced. Service was very friendly. Feel that the surroundings are a bit stuck in the past and could do with a rethink!

Good atmosphere at Sam's Wine Bar. Had an excellent meal with very good service. Varied menu on offer.

Fantastic place to eat !! Great staff and great food in a relaxed atmosphere ! Make a visit if your ever in Harwich Essex

Had a great meal here last night. The best fish pie I have had in a long time. Then finished it off with a wonderful crumble. Nice food and personable service.

Arrived at 12:45 and order d around 12:50 waited almost an hour for the starters which lets face t shouldnt have taken that long as their was only two people having starters, and they were very small, then we waited around another hour if not longer after that for the mains to arrive, when people who order the same dinners after us were served first, when it eventually came the food was okay rather average but nothing too much to complain about there, we all (6 of us) wanted a desert but by this time time had gone on later than we expected and didn't fancy waiting potentially another hour for a desert so we went to the bar to pay and left, shame because previous experiences of this place were good just not this time unfortunately

Booked for our family mothers day lunch on recommendation from other family members who had eaten here before. I have only ever had less than average meals before. Nine of us arrived for a decent meal and first impressions were okay, friendly bar staff, thing were looking good. We ordered and had to wait about 30 minutes for our meals, which was fine as we were chatting and they were quite busy. The food arrived and the dissapointment started. Fistly, the children's meals, we ordered a children's roster lamb with gravy on the side ( not on the food), sausage mash and veg with gravy on the side ( not on the food ) and a plain cheese burger and chips. The lamb came (on a tea plate)covered in gravy, the sausage came covered in gravy and apparently, just peas counts as veg and the burger came on a plate with chips ( no bun ). All returned to the kitchen for a second attempt to get the order right. The adults all ordered roasts and they all arrived as ordered accept they tried to tell us that we had ordered another roast beef. The veg on all of the roast dinners were a best like warm, when I told the waitress she she okay and dissappeared into the kitchen, I assumed to get hot veg, we never saw her again. In conclusion, if you have £110 spare for a family meal in Harwich, go to the Crown Post in Church Street.

I had heard good and bad points about eating in this establishment since the change of chef, but I would never judge until I’ve tried it for myself. The Sunday we visited we chose to have a roast, the meat, potatoes and yorkie pud were great! Sadly the barely warm veg and extremely watery/tasteless/warm gravy let it down, the staff were very attentive and the check back was done far too soon to make an honest comment on how our food was when asked. It was such a shame, however it wouldn’t stop us returning but maybe we’d not choose the roast and try something from the main menu instead. As I’ve already stated, all staff were lovely and doing a great job front of house.

Not been for a long time then I have a meal twice in the space of a week. Very nice food and plenty of it. Bar staff very friendly.

Go here often as food always good and well priced plenty of choice. Friendly staff and reasonable selection of beers, wine list ok at good prices

Food reasonably priced with a good selection on the menu. The wine bar is a nice place to eat and also has a 'Snug' out the back across the court yard. We have used this for larger family meals. Its nicely decorated and cosy.

Good choice of food, well cooked and presented, friendly service. Somewhere we keep going back to. Always made to feel welcome.

I haven't eaten Chicken Kiev for years. And this one was delicious. Harwich is filled with hidden gems: beautiful scenery, history and some great restaurants: this is one of them. Friendly staff, lovely food, big portions! And a nice atmosphere.

Nice pub lunch..and a bit more. Decent beer, pleasant surroundings inside and out and friendly staff. Take a stroll into Harwich, see the sights then retire to Sam's. Perfect day

Un vino de pub de estilo bistro bar encantador. Tanto si desea cenar extravagante, comer un aperitivo o simplemente relajarse con una bebida es un lugar agradable para visitar. Church Street es una de las muchas calles secundarias tranquilas de Harwich, un delicioso pueblo histórico. Hay varios lugares para comer y beber en la ciudad, y sin duda recomendaría este extablishment como para probar.

Fuimos esta semana y la comida era excelente y gran ambiente magnífico personal mi esposa tenía la Mariscada grandes porciones.tuve filetes de cerdo chinos con batatas fritas que estaban deliciosos

Nos gusta en Sams como es informal y muy agradable. El personal es amable y la comida es bastante agradable también. El edificio está lleno de carácter y volveremos a visitar Sams nuevamente en un futuro no muy lejano.

excellent menu choice, all food is cooked fresh and homemade, very good portion sizes, you wont go away dissapointed or hungry! very friendly staff especially Tracy and Donna who served us on our latest visit. all in all a lovely relaxing bar/restauraunt in the midst of Olde Harwich.

Cosy, character, old pub building, good atmosphere, good food and the fact that you can now book is a bonus during busy periods. Very popular with locals and visiting yachtsmen. Always a good bet

The chicken Kiev is a must. Friendly staff and a nice atmosphere. Food all freshly cooked to order. Small so get there early. There is a nice little beer garden out back as well. Have tried all the desserts and they are a must too.

Probably the best food in Harwich for the money. friendly, helpful waitresses and bar staff. I'm mystified by the derogatory content of some previous reviews, we have been here several times and never had cause to complain about the food or service, nor have we witnessed other diners complaining. Good food, good prices and good service, well worth a 5!

One of my hen's organised a fabulous surprise Vintage Tea Party for my hen-do along with all my female family members and close friends in the private 'snug' across the courtyard garden from the main building. I obviously didn't know what to expect as I had never heard of anyone doing this at Sam's before nor made use of the private function room in the garden. However, I can say without trepidation that it was the best afternoon tea I have ever had. The room accommodated 15 people comfortably (although you wouldn't want too many more) with floral bunting, vintage tea clothes, cake stands and flowers in tea pots, the decor was fab! Tea in vintage cups (they purchased themselves for this occasion) were a lovely touch, and a quintessential glass of pimms and bubbly available by the pitcher/bottle! One of my friends is vegan, and we also had a pescitarian which would sometimes be a problem/concern for some chefs; not at Sams! There were vegan scones, cakes and cream. Sandwiches and chocolates - it all got eaten, which is fantastic considering the vegan/vegetarian options at most places are second rate to the easier dairy/meat equivalent.The array of food and quality was superb, canapé style flatbreads with mozzarella, pesto and sundried tomato, filo pastry baskets with caramelised steak and red onion chutney to name a few. The Victoria sandwich and scones were a firm favourite and I can safely say they were all polished off with gusto and vigour! Although I wasn't aware on a time frame for hire, Sam's were fine with letting us party on until 8pm on the evening despite I'm sure them wanting to get away! They let us leave all the decorations in the snug to collect them in the morning, which was a big help in letting all the organisers enjoy the day instead of worrying about clearing up. Overall would thoroughly recommend the snug @ Sam's Wine Bar for private events/functions. Good value for money and a brilliant service. Really enjoyed myself on my chilled Sunday treat :-)

This is a nice little bar with good food, although the menu is a bit limited, what is there is tasty.

What a lovely little find. My family and I decided to visit the Samuel Pepys for lunch after it being recommended to us by some friends who live locally. We were not disappointed. When we arrived, we were greeted by very friendly and welcoming staff who showed us to our table. The waitress then gave us her recommendations on what to try. We all decided on the Fish Pie... of which we all thoroughly enjoyed! A pleasant experience had all round and we look forward to visiting again soon.

Aweful service . Went for a nice sunday lunch with my friends . Was meet by the most arrogant and horrible staff . The atmosphere was exstinct and is was more fun at a wake . We will never return due to the awful service . 1/10 . And that is being kind .

Food, service, value, atmosphere are all very good. Just felt the tables are too small for the amount of people seated, so much so, my friends plate was hanging over the edge of the table and tipped into her lap. But other than that really like this place to eat

what a great find, had a lovley lunch ,the food was very good, e waiters were very helpful and the range of wines and beer were excellent .

I have just visited the Samuel Pepys, and I have never ever felt so compelled to right a review before. The Assistant Manager caused me to leave before I barely begun my meal because she had taken offence to the way I had said "Thank You". Having worked in the restaurant and catering industry for 20 years and having managed numerous restaurants her attitude caused me great distress and put me off my meal entirely.The situation arose when I said "Thank You" to her for bringing drinks to our table, she replied "There's no need to talk to me like that". At first we were all confused whether she had actually said this to me or someone else.One of my family members then asked her when she brought the food to the table if someone had upset her and this is when we discovered that the way I had said "Thank You" was apparently deemed by her to be sarcastic.My wife went to discuss what the issue was with her but she would not accept that there had been a misunderstanding and told her she did not have time to talk with her.I have always found the Samuel Pepys a pleasant place to go and have an enjoyable meal with my family, this will never happen again. I am utterly astounded that someone working in management in the service industry has not grasped the most simple rules of customer service etiquette.I don't feel that I would be so disgusted if she had the time or the inclination to listen to my family members explanation that I am not rude to anyone, a simple agreement that there had been a misunderstanding would have sufficed.May I suggest that you think very wisely before saying anything if you dare visit this establishment.

Before we left England on a ferry, we wandered down into the old part of Harwich, and found the above name restaurant. Hospitality very good, clean and comfortable. The menu covered most options and was reasonably priced.As there was just 2 of us, we started with a pint of fresh local caught prawns, which came with fresh baked bread baguette. Main course was home made fish pie and mushy peas and I had the scampi, peas and chips, all washed down with a good beer, then we left to catch the ferry. Will certainly go back.

Been a regular here for over 20 years, solid, dependable, predictable. Sams has always been a good place to eat with good value food. They have had some problems over the past couple of years with management changes and an attempt at re-branding sadly the food quality went down. Lately though they seem to have got themselves sorted out and the latest management have reverted to the original tried and tested format.So our latest experiences prove that once again we are getting well cooked food, served in reasonable time in a good atmosphere with friendly staff. The wine cellar is reasonable with very acceptable wines by the glass as well as bottles.The specials board is changed very regularly and has some really varied and tasty dishes on it. It is now well and truly back on our regular haunts list.

Great place to sit and relax with friends over some nice, home cooked food.Food is fresh and well prepared, portions are huge though, so go with an empty stomach!Staff are friendly and food is good value!There is a lovely courtyard where you can sit and eat and enjoyed the warmth of the walled garden.Close to the water front, and a great ace to relax after a brisk sea walk!

The food and the service here were absolutely great!I had the Chicken Kiev which I was told is the best ever and I was'nt dissapointed!There was a group of 9 of us and we were all raving about the food.We will diffinately be back soon.

It used to be very popular before it change-hand. People usually queued up outside and waiting for it to open in the evening because it would be full within 15 minutes. Now you don't need to get there early as the quality of food is not that good anymore.

First visit and we all enjoyed the food, good quality and excellent service. My husband particularly enjoyed the huge portion of fish and chips.

Always a favourite with friends and family, clean and relaxed surroundings and children are welcome. We like the atmosphere and the sofas are very homely and comfortable. The food at the moment can be hit and miss, and the hand cut chips are definatley NOT hand cut

Go all the time, the food is great, people are friendly, Tip if your eating there, best to go around 7.30/8.00 as earlier is always busy.

Popped in for lunch on a Tuesday, the place was pretty busy but we found somewhere to perch. The staff went out of their way to find us a table and made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was very pleasant, the food was good, plentiful and great value. I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit.

for lunch and a nice drink also the people are very friendly

The food is pretty good, the Peronni a bit expensive but Amy's beautiful eyes make up for this! Gets busy at the weekend but well worth a visit. Enjoy!

Sam's wine bar is a very old building that been renovated into a charming bar restraunt that provides good food at reasonable prices. The staff are helpful and friendly. There is also a good selection of wine and drink. We have used sam's over many years and always found it to be the same. Sam's has now been taken over and we have eaten on two occasions, I would say that there is an improvement and we will be continuing to use Sam's Wine Bar.