Samuel Pepys Restaurant in Tendring

Recently came back from a 2 night stay. What a gem of a find. We had a lovely, comfortable stay. Our room was fantastic, we had a sofa in the room and the bed was very comfortable. The room was spotless, the little extras like biscuits and bottled water were very welcome. Our breakfasts were beautifully cooked, delicious and very good value. But I have to say what really made our stay great was the wonderful staff. They were so friendly and a real credit to your hotel/wine bar. Would we recommend and come back...a definite yes. Thank you so much for a really lovely stay

Absolutely loved staying here. Such friendly and helpful staff made it feel really cosy and like a home away from home. Will definitely go back

Lovely hotel, they went out of their way to accommodate my dairy intolerance. Buying oat milk and porridge specifically for me. The room we had was a nice size with plenty of room to sit and get ready to go out. Harwich is a nice place to visit, we did the maritime trail unfortunately all the places we wanted to see were closed as it was early October which I was surprised by. I had assumed it would be after the October half term before things started to shut for the winter.

Had a family meal at Samuel pepys, excellent food & service highly recommend

Without fail, always a fantastic meal here, great service.. lovely people, amazing food.

Had a really loverly stay here all the staff were great friendly & helpful evening meal was amazing with fantastic portion sizes if we are ever back in Harwich we would definitely stay here again

Great place short walk from marina and has car park at rear nextbto a garden, went on band night had food before got busy the best chicken burger chips coleslaw I had ever staff so polite from start to finish was very busy and the manager thanked everyone who came. A hidden gem very clean considering how busy and age of building old style inn.

Great pub food and friendly service

I went there for dinner and had Fish&Chips with peas. With a local beer. Jummy!

Stopped here for lunch on the strength of the Google reviews. Was not disappointed. Chicken burgers and smash burgers were excellent. Decent pint too.

Overnight stay for the morning boat to the Netherlands. Bit of trouble finding the place using Google maps but what a gem. Comfortable resteraunt with a nice choice of menu at reasonable prices.Took the scampi and it was good,very good. Staff were awesome very friendly and went out of their way to make you welcome. The bedroom spotless,tea and coffee available,big bathroom and comfy bed making it a great sleep.( Single Room 6) As at night the breakfast and breakfast staff were exceptional and nothing was to much trouble. Travel this route three or four times a year and will be using this little gem again.

Super friendly and welcoming staff, clean organized place, good food.

We had the halloumi fries - honestly, best we've had yet! The crusted salmon was SO tasty, and my boyfriend really enjoyed the haddock. Zara was so friendly and attentive despite the busy restaurant. Make sure to book in advance, we can't wait to come back!

Very old, not clean, smoky room, very poor breakfast

Stayed for a weekend. Lovely room, friendly staff and a fantastic Sunday roast.

Lovely place, lovely staff, great food.

Chicken Kiev was beautiful! A mountain of food. Well recommended it!

A true feel of olde Harwich. Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere. If there is one drawback it is the parking...but you can't put parking into historic buildings.

Good rooms. Nice staff and very good food. Chill out before the crossing with Stena line.

Gluten-free and family-friendly that was so good we visited twice during our visit to Harwich

I will start with the good, or rather excellent! This place is super cute and feels like a traditional pub/restaurant with a few rooms on the upper floor. When we first arrived, the girls working at the bar checked us in and then walkes us to our room. So friendly! After settling in, we took a 3 min drive down the street to cliff park. The park was amazing! Great playground and directly on the beach. After returning to the room, we decided to eat Sunday dinner at the restaurant. Ok...seriously...this was the best meal and service we had during the 4 days in the UK! Very traditional sunday dinner (roast, lamb, salmon) with ALL of the trimmings. We did the 2 course (app and main) because by the time we got to the dessert, we just couldn't eat anymore. The kids menu and choices were also great. Not just your typical nuggets or pizza slice. Super big thanks to Mark, Rosie, and Jamie for the great food and service! Now for the nots so good. We booked a room for 2 adults and 2 kids (3 and 6). The room came with a king bed amd a fold out couch, which we were expecting. The fold out couch was already made up for us, BUT, where you head goes was at such an angle from the feet, it would be impossible to sleep. The pic doesn't show how bad it was....but it was horrible. We all 4 ended up in the King bed :(.

Had the most lovely Sunday roast here today.! The food was fresh and well cooked, homemade yorkies and I had the pork which was perfection.. the service was great and we will defo be back x

Easter dinner with the family and I have never been so disappointed in a restaurant. The chef was in the restroom in his uniform visibly taking drugs! When questioned was told he was the head chef and completely brushed off by him. Food was mediocre for the price & after the toilet incident I was put off of my meal, funnily enough. Poor selection of wines. Wouldn’t return sadly.

Great stay and such attentive and friendly staff. Great rooms and food

Just had a meal for nine people and I can’t say enough nice things about the experience. The staff were really friendly and efficient. Drink orders taken quickly and then allowed enough time to look through menus without being hassled. Food was lovely and could see it was homemade. Didn’t feel pressured to leave either even though they were supposed to close 30 minutes before we left. Will definitely be coming back and will recommend to anyone.

Great night out tonight, food was amazing , staff were so helpful and friendly , highly recommended 👌

Had my 70th here with family (13) it was brilliant food great nice big helpings and the service and staff fantastic. I am writing this on behalf of the other 12 guests who shared my opinion. Thank you so much for making my 70th birthday special.

Had high hopes, lady at bar friendly, others not so much. Went for quick lunch of sandwich or jacket potato. One hour and 15 mins later it arrived……… terrible. Would never return. Shame nice place but definitely not worth the wait

Love, love this place…. Always a friendly smile from the staff and so very welcoming… Lorna cannot be more attentive. Food is always lovely.. definitely returning for some more gorgeous food.

Awful service. She completely ignored us and didn’t take our order for 50 mins! Food was very disappointing (jacket potatoes with beef curry, served with crisps?!!!!!) Potatoes undercooked and beef gristly and tough

Six of the family plus two dogs visited for Saturday lunch. The staff could not be more obliging. They put three tables together to seat us all in the pleasant court yard, bowls of water for the dogs. We all had as variety of food; and all enjoyed our food; especially the fresh prawns that had real flavour. All in all a good relaxing meal at a reasonable price, with great staff

Lovely service, and food was lush. Considering there was only one member of staff serving, she was professional and on the ball. I had cod loin, which was incredibly filling and cooked to perfection. Highly recommend

Staff attentive and friendly. Food was to a good standard and reasonably priced. Also good atmosphere in the bar area.

The staff are absolutely lovely. The surroundings are nice but lacking in atmosphere ( some background music would improve). We’ve had a good meal sometimes and other times it’s been average. The prawn cocktail is tasteless and watery, the skate wing is lovely. The roast beef was very tough but the pork was ok. I guess it depends on the chef on duty at the time but some consistency would be good.

I have just visited Sam's with my daughter in law for lunch. We had not booked and were welcomed in. Whilst ordering I mentioned that I missed the poached pear in a stilton sauce and had quite a conversation about the dish, saying that I had tried it in many restaurants but it had never come up to scratched. The waitress said that it hadn't been on the menu for 6 years. When my meal was brough out the chef had coked my favourite meal of poached pear in a stilton sauce for me!!!! It was as good as I remembered and more!!!!!! Then to top our meal off, my son had called the restaurant and told them it was my birthday so after our lunch the waitress and chefs came out with a warm lemon meringue pie and ice-cream, displayed with fruit, sauce and a candle whilst singing happy birthday. Considering that going out for lunch was a momentary decision I cannot thank the staff enough for making it a memorial day x

Visited Samuel Pepys today for a Sunday Roast for the first time. Service was way too slow, despite three girls on front of house. There were only three tables in the main restaurant to serve and we were basically left to it, back and forth to the bar I went for refills, because there was no sign of being asked. Finished diner and plates were left sat at the end of our table for the entire duration of our visit. Gave up on being asked if we wanted deserts so went to the bar to order them. 40 minutes later, nothing so eventually checked on progress. Told they are really busy 🤦‍♂️and it could be a while more (2 deserts!) paid and went.. Not returning any time soon, it’s way too slow and there’s better food and Sunday eateries out there.

We had two meals here over our stay here. The food is excellent, very tasty, plenty on the plate. Good menu with lots to choose from and very well priced. The puddings are wonderful. Service is very good with friendly, happy, helpful staff. Highly recommend eating here.

This wine bar does excellent food. I had whitebait and skate. Both were very good. Very friendly service too

Great food service and wine but they refused to allow us to pay separately so i picked up the bill so as not to spoil that precious time with my support bubble. When i got home I realised i had been overcharged so insist on an itemised bill and check it. Times are hard for all restaurants atm but if we are going to support our local businesses we need an honest transaction.

Had Sunday Lunch here on the 1st Nov and pre lock down dinner last night (4th November). Staff are attentive and friendly. On both occasions have gone above and beyond for my gluten free daughter. Being newly local to Harwich and having had a less than pleasant experience locally, Samuel Pepys has beaten the others hands down. Superb. We’ll be back post lock down and for Christmas 🙏

Sadly, you cannot sit anywhere inside with a dog. The menu looked fab but i don't want to sit outside on metal chairs and eat an Anniversary Meal.

We have had a few meals at this restaurant recently, the food is generally good, but the star of the show are the staff. They work hard, and are always friendly and accomodating. If I had a business I would be proud to employ Lorna and Rhea. They really go the extra mile. I go back for the brilliant service. Thank you Ladies, you make the experience extra special.

We ate here 3 out the four nights we stayed in Harwich. The menu was excellent, plenty to choose from and very good prices. There were specials as well. Food was very well presented, very tasty, hot and good size portions. Fish pie was excellent as was the gingerbread cheesecake :-). Couldn't fault anything at all.

A good place to go for a meal in Harwich . Food freshly prepared and a good choice,on the menu ,with daily specials.

Visited under the new rules everything was perfect including taking my details for track and trace Food was perfect excellent friendly service building is lovely with a nice garden area will def be back again Thanks

We love Sam Pepys, we eat here often, the food is so nice and reasonably priced, pre covid it was very cosy with sofas and alike, it’s a lovely quaint place very oldy worldy inside with beams and local history on the walls, really worth a visit, food is excellent and I’d thoroughly recommend the ‘catch of the day’

Me and my Friend came here on Friday evening and we were so glad we did! It was very cosy, clean and welcoming. We were spoilt for choice with a selection of food choices on the main menu and the specials menu so there really was something for everyone and the food was really delicious and fresh. So glad we came here as I cannot wait to visit again!

I have enjoyed several meals here now with work colleagues. Nice relaxed atmosphere and the meals have always been great - generous portions too. The restaurant has been busy on each occasion so I think this speaks for itself. The staff seem very capable at coping with multiple orders and have always been pleasant and efficient.

The meals at Samuel Pepys are always great however in the middle of a three course dinner we were told chef had left so we had to eat and drink up. When we asked why we were not advised before all the waitress would say was don't worry we will only charge you for the food you ate. It has gone from top of our recommended list to not mentioned. You might have better luck but check to see if they will be able to complete your order.

My work colleagues and I attended Sams for our Christmas meal. Absolutely superb,from starters to dessert. It was extremely busy but the, very pleasant, staff coped admirably.

Attended our staff Christmas meal here at the weekend for the first time. Nice premises, however rather small for the number of diners booked in for meals that night. These numbers, I presume, resulted in an unacceptable delay in receiving our starter and the time taken between receiving our courses. The food was good though. I would visit again but not at Christmas, or any time when a large number of diners would be expected.

Met with some old friends at this nice little restaurant in Harwich. We had a friendly welcome and good service. We nearly all ordered the steak but one had the Lamb shank. They were delicious steak cooked just as we ordered. I would recommend an evening out here and will definately go again.

First time here despite living close by for the last five years! Parking was easy as there is a small carpark to the rear of the property. We entered through the beergarden which looked lovely and i can imagine would be a great hit in the summer months. Inside was snug, we were quite a large party, 21 of us and there was another large party also, this contributed to the slightly slow service, but the staff were pleasant and helpful. We had a set menu with limited choices but the food was nice with good portion sizes. Drinks were quite pricey at the bar but the meal itself was very reasonably priced. Would go again.

I have visited Sams numerous times and never been disappointed. The hunters chicken was suburb with plenty of chips and fresh salad. It was extremely busy as it was the Shanty festival, but the pleasant staff coped admirably and the food was served swiftly, highly recommend.

What a refreshing change Samuel Pepys is, from start to finish we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.Walking in we received a lovely welcome and were made to feel genuinely welcome. Bar service was efficient and knowledgeable (quite rare in so many pubs these days), we were even recommended an alternative soft drinks option which was most welcomed.The menu is wide ranging with pub classics plus several daily specials. We were a group of 4 and all ordered different dishes - all came piping hot, were well cooked and obviously home cooked. Despite being full from our large main courses we couldn't resist a dessert from the extensive range - we weren't disappointed they were amazing and clearly home made. If they have one of 'Flo's' pies on the menu don't miss it - she's clearly a dab hand at pastry!Every aspect of service was faultless and friendly which made the whole experience such a pleasant experience. The only shame is that we don't live close enough to visit more often.

We went here for dinner on the first night of a two night stay in Harwich. We both had a starter and main (fish and chips), but couldn’t manage a dessert as we were both full. The service and food were both good.

We had a very nice birthday meal for my husband at this restaurant - the food was excellent, the staff very friendly

Not wishing to eat in our hotel again, we tried to eat at a nearby chain pub...too busy so try Plan B.

Popped in here for lunch on BH monday. Had a nice fish smoked fish platter and a varied dessert memu prompted me to try a lemon roulade, a sweet treat. An interesting old building and close to the quay and station.

Beautiful finished wood-beamed 16th-century pub with a very nice restaurant area. Great service, great food and now one of our favourite places to eat. Limited options for Vegetarians and no Vegan option at all, hence the 3⭐️ rating.

This restaurant has become our regular eaterie & we are never disappointed with the food or service. Good position as in walking distance from the pier

My partner and I visited after having it highly recommended. We weren't disappointed as the food and service was excellent, first class. We will definitely return.

We were looking for a nice place to eat before taking the boot back when we found this lovely restaurant! Even though it was a Saturday evening, the waiters worked hard to find us a place and were incredibly welcoming and kind. They made our evening!

We are staying two nights at the hotel and are in the restaurant this evening and had a lovely meal. I had breast of duck and Chinese noodles and my husband had the Chef’s Fish Pie. For dessert we had the meringue with summer fruits. We had this between us as we had been warned about the generous size . All delicious. Also a beautiful room.

Had a very nice meal at this restaurant with plenty of food. Well cooked and hot. The restaurant is quite small and cosy and does get busy so recommend booking.

Whilst visiting Harwich with friends we were getting hungry, and we stumbled across this restaurant so we popped in. On Sunday there is a slightly smaller menu, with delicious roast dinner amongst other meals.

Table for 8 and a last minute booking. Staff were friendly and we got our drinks from the bar and was shown to our seat. We had had the Sunday menu and I didn't fancy the veggie option and spoke to the server ( I didn't catch her name, but she was lovely) and was offered something different. Food was hot and tasty and everyone said how much they enjoyed it. Oh and fabulous Yorkshire puds with the Sunday roast with delicious beef. We just about squeezed in a dessert. I had meringue with fruits and hubby had cookie dough cheesecake both were brilliant. We will be back very soon.

Easter Sunday visit. Booked a Table for 7. Got our drinks from the bar and was quickly seated. Chatty and friendly staff gave us time to look at the menu and took our orders. I'm a vegatarian and had the goat cheese Wellington, on the window it says if you have any requirements to ask. We had 3 roast dinners, fish and chips and 2 chicken kievs The food was hot and delicious and all our needs were fully met. For dessert we had a brilliant choice i had a chocolate nut brownie with ice cream which I really enjoyed . We will definitely be back very soon

My friends and I visited on a Sunday lunchtime. The portions were most ample and served with a smile. Pub was steady but not packed although I should imagine booking would be advisable. I have visited Sams many times and never been dissapointed

friendly staff and lovely food. We had a couple of glasses of wine and had our favourite...sea food platter. ... Prawns,salmon, shrimps in and out of the shells, fish ,salad and bread rolls. Toilets upstairs so not very good for disabled nor elderly .

Na een wandeling door Harwich hier terecht gekomen voor een diner.

We visited on a Saturday evening with 9 people for a small birthday meal. The service was excellent,very friendly staff,starters,mains and deserts were great.once the order was taken the meals arrived so fast !!Will be back again !

Impressed with friendly staff, and choice of drinks available. Food pretty good, and place is comfortable. Yes recommended.

I recently went there with some friends and we all enjoyed the food which was excellent , good quality and generous portions. The staff were friendly and helpful. We asked if we could move from the first table we were given as it was close to the kitchen which we didn't like. Once moved we had a thoroughly enjoyable time and would recommend a visit.

Quaint pub with friendly staff , the prawn cocktail & pate which where both good and plentiful, however the main was a big let down, we had the sirloin steaks, the chips had to many of those crispy tiny ones you get in cheap frozen packs and the steaks were of poor quality, one of the steaks was supposed to be cooked rare which should have been juicy & succulent but was far from it and had a weird taste to it, shame the main was an expensive disappointment.

The food was excellent, huge portions cooked to the highest standard. Value for money and I would recommend it without hesitation.the service was professional and helpful, we had a light hearted laugh with staff and they were prompt and nothing was too much trouble. We will definately be eating there again.

Consistent good food and service can be found here. Menu has a good variety of choice. Served with a smile.

We visited Samuel Pepys for a large family meal (17 of us) Food & service was excellent but having 2 children under 2 and no baby changing facility was poor. I was forced to change my baby at the dining table.

Having visited this lovely bar and restaurant several times my parents came down to spend lunch with myself, my girlfriend and my three year old daughters daughter birthday.

Had a lovely lunch here with great service and friendly staff. The menu is very good with a great choice. The chicken wings are crispy and spicy and a big portion. Woyld defo visit here again and maybe in the evening.

Was recommended by family who visited previous week and certainly did not disappoint!

Superb meal at Samuel Pepys. Went with friends on Saturday and had a very good dinner, the quality was top notch, 3 of us had he scampi which was really good the chips were to die for perfect, and, home made tartare sauce!.

Went on a Sunday@14.00. Very Quiet but had a nice atmosphere. Food really tasty with good portions,Service very good. 4 Starters 4 Mains 4 Alcoholic drinks and a soft drink £86.

Stayed for the weekend, very friendly staff, lovely atmosphere. We were booked into a beautiful room. Dinner on Saturday night, very large portions, I must have had a pint of prawns in my prawn cocktail, I had Steak, where ever I eat I always ask for it cooked Blue, but don’t often get it spot on, this time I did! lovely food all round. Good service from the waitresses, very attentive. Will definitely go again.

Good value for money. Great staff and service. Food is very fresh, prepared there and then. Lovely street. Garden seating. Good service. Second visit, as London to Harwich is quite a distance

First stopped for a drink in the pleasant courtyard.Lots of people eating and was quite busy.Decided to return later in the evening to eat.

The service was great very attentive staff.the food was not great.i had prawn cocktail the prawns were overcooked . I had ham egg and chips as a main ,the ham was very dry and tasteless. my wife had fish and chips .the batter was dark in colour looked as if it had been reheated.my niece had the burger which she enjoyed. One out of four meals being good is not good .

Very popular, best to play safe and book. Good range of choices on menu, good portions served in good time all in charming surroundings.

Delicious fish platter for myself ( large portion) and various other choices for friends also of same standard , visited on many occasions.

Nice meal with big portions, found the menu a little limited but would go again. Tables a little crowded in but nice friendly atmosphere and prices not too bad

Booked a table for six. Staff were Friendly, Ordered drinks at the bar. Then settled down with our menus and was offered specials. Food was hot and our plates were fall. Everyone said how much they enjoyed the food and the service was excellent, like Always. Will be back very soon.

I went here with family and had heard wonderful things. We arrived at the booked time 12:45 and ordered our food which didn’t come out until 2:30. A family arrived 20 minutes after us and got their food way before us? When it did arrive it was almost tasteless (fish platter) and we decided against dessert as I began to feel unwell. 30 minutes later when we got home I was vomiting non stop. So disappointed.

There were 4 of us dinning on a Friday night. All the dinners were hot and freshly made. It was quite busy so would recommend booking. It's not cheap food but we felt it was worth the money. 4 mains. A couple of side orders and a couple bottle of wines was just under £90. I recommend having a little pepys at this place.

Came here for a meal pre drinks in Harwich. The setting is very traditional and cosy, creating an atmosphere. Good choice on the menu of classic gastro pub food. The food seemed freshly prepared given the slight but not too long wait from order to serving. The quality of the food was very good; full of taste, looked good and generous portion size. For main dishes expect between £9-12 a dish (except stake).

Decided last minute to have a family lunch. Didn’t wait too long and the food was yummy. Being a local I love eating hear, reasonable and has a very relaxing atmosphere. I had a simple chicken bap with garlic sauce, salad and crisps. Very tasty for something so simple. My daughter had jacket potatoe and it was huge. Lovely place to visit.

Another lovely Sunday roast with all the family, great service and food Even though the booking time had over run as it was very busy. We was given the snug and had a great afternoon, thanks to the staff and good food

Out on a family history trip to Harwich with relatives from USA. Found this delightful restaurant tucked away. Excellent lunch with generous portions of food. All the staff were helpful and friendly making for a good experience for us and the rellies. Can recommend the...

I had lunch here on a Tuesday in December. There were a number of people eating, but it was not crowded.

Stayed here New Years Eve. The decor was rather tired and out double room was 2 singles pushed together and I need of replacement. The bathroom had been refurbished and the bath was good but shower not. The breakfast was the most disappointing. Continental only with sliced loaves of bread dumped hope ed on the table. The fruit was inedible , the condiments poor quality and the clingfilmed plate of pastries were obviously from the day before. Would it recommend. Go elsewhere.

Ate there last month, our roasts were a little cold and asked for these to be warmed up which they were. However when paying, an older lady claiming to be the manager spoke to us rudely when we explained about our meals and then said that this was a regular thing and lots of people have complained recently.