Song’s in Chelmsford

My granddaughter wanted to come here for her birthday. This was really awful food. If you want quantity rather than nice tasty food then it’s ok . There is so much msg in the food . None of us ate hardly anything and ate when we got home . Expensive mistake.

Our first visit here and wont be our last. Lovely friendly welcome and helped us celebrate a big birthday moment. Food was excellent quality and superb range of choices to suit everybody from Sushi, oriental foods, curries and pizza. Fruit , cake and choclate marshmelow fountain for dessets. Staff were really helpful, friendly and constantly clearing plates etc. Toilets were modern and clean

We have been coming here for years. Never again. The food is now so rank and over cooked. I understand this is a quantity over quality kind of place. Pre covid it was a lovely place to come but it is just going further down hill. When the world falls out your a**e while you are still in the place then something is seriously wrong with the food.

This was the first time we had visited Songs, it will unfortunately be our last. Plates were cold, food was barely warm and the only thing that was fresh was the salad. The food was bland in taste and I struggled to find something that I really enjoyed. Food should not be luke warm . The serving spoons are left in the trays so the lids don’t shut. I saw a man replenishing dishes and wiping spilt food with a blue dishcloth and shaking it back into the food trays to be served, it turned my stomach. The omelette was rubbery and the beef in black bean sauce was grisly. Overall very poor.

Food plentiful …. Replenished frequently. Lots of choice …. Children had plenty of choice. Was a bit surprised at the table layout….we had 5 together 2 of which badly rocked up and down … they looked surprised when we complained about them. We looked surprised when rather than move us … they removed the tables … and bought replacements! An interesting start to the evening .

Haven't used this restaurant since last year but love the Chines buffet idea and the price for the lunch hasn't changed much. the choice is what you would expect for the lunch menu BUT the problem is i think they have a big problem in keeping the food hot enough!!!! Believe me when chicken in batter gets cold it gets tough! This needs sorting. The fresh stuff tastes really nice until it goes cold. Just to mention staff are good and attentive by way of clearing plates and stuff.

What a disappointment this was, we've been here a few times but this is the first visit since covid and boy what a let down. All the plates were cold, as was most of the food ,seemed the best you could expect was luke warm. I tried a dish which appeared to be beef in black bean sauce and yes it was barely warm and the beef was so tough you could have soled your boots with it. I did mention my concerns on the way out and the lady did say she would look into the issues, but we definitely won't be going back.

My first visit to Song's and I found it was fair for the price. There was a very large selection of dishes, but some were only luke warm. Some very tasty but others not so good. A good range of small desserts and of course you can have as many as you like! Staff were friendly.

Went on one of our many visits to Songs today as a group of 7 with the grandchildren. We all like it there and the Grandkids were looking forward to it. Had to pay adult price for our eldest granddaughter who is 11 but taller than the chart and hardly eats. This happened before and the Manager told us to bring proof of age which we did last 2 times and was accepted . Today he charged full price and denied ever telling us to bring proof. Double standards and effectively lying to us.Won't be rushing back there with family or my bowls group of 10 who have (had) get togethers there regularly.

Went here as a group of 6, 3 adults 3 kids, 12,11 & 8. Firstly, they judge by height whether you pay adult price (£19) or child price (£10) this seems unfair as 2 eldest are tall for their age but eat the least overall. The food we had was ok, look for sweet & sour chicken, fried mushrooms. Very disappointed that quite a few of the dishes were unavailable or just empty, chicken tikka, just gravy no meat although some did appear about an hour after we arrived, no mixed kebab to serve, chicken donor all dried up, prawn toast very greasy, no spicy fried chicken available, pizza very salty, chips limp. Most of the other foods ok. If your going to boast flavours of the world, at least have a decent selection and them available to all . Probably not visiting again, but try yourself, see what you think.

As it's May Bank Holiday, they charged more, which is fair enough. Our first time visiting. My 2 daughters and me. Aged 14 and 12. The selection was good enough for them to have what they wanted. However, at almost £50, I felt that it was steep for lunch only. Will I travel back there for a special occasion? No. It's okay

We love coming here to eat, but came here on good friday and low and behold they have doubled the price because of the day Turned and walked away as won’t be eating £18 worth of food at lunch

Excellent value, very nice food, nice welcome, helpful staff, will be going back parking next door, disable lift, good wheelchair access

Came here with the grandkids- something for everyone they all like different things! They could go and choose what they wanted there was a lot of choice. For myself I found it all a bit of a hodgepodge. Some things were tasty and hot - spare ribs and lamb curry. Other items seemed to have been hanging around for a while. Also there was such a variety Japanese,Chinese , Indian and Pizza! However I didn’t think most of the dishes were made particularly well. The place was busy and plates were quickly cleared. It was a bit like school dinners, no refinement, cheap and cheerful. You can eat as much as you want and people did. Not for me

As a buffet restaurant, we have been there three times, and in all occasions we have experienced cold and dry food, that were sitting on food warmers for ages. We will think twice before going there again.

Made another trip to Song's always pretty good, but had several items missing. No good having an Indian section without bombay potato, end up having to have chips with it.No Onion Bahjis, no Lychees, no Gateau. Never seem to replace stuff when it's run out. Never the less still full up after. But do wish they would provide everything.

Just fancied a buffet, not had one for years, Its good value, some dishes are better when they first come out the Kitchen still fresh cooked, there's also some very good dishes like the Fish and Tofu, and if you use the decent chilly paste/Sauce thats there it will transform some of the dishes,you just need to find the best ones, some items a bit dried up and hard, but staff where constantly bringing new food out, the small desserts are good, all in all a cheap lunch, its average to be fair, but marking it as good, can fill yourself up on as much as you like for the price of a McD, theres even some Indian items, and sushi, plates cleaned away fast, no complaints for a lunchtime.

Absolutely wonderful restaurant. The staff are friendly the food is fantastic the price is amazing very much recommended xx

Firstly let me start by saying there is plenty of choice for all dietary requirements! I’m a veggie and had lots to chose from! The food is luke warm and you are literally packed in like sardines! The man who greeted us was like a deer in headlights but us was really busy in there so maybe that’s why! It’s good value for money really! I’d go back but maybe for lunch or in a smaller group as long tables do you can only talk to the people directly next to you! The lady who served us despite her Christmas hat was as grumpy as the grinch! My kids loved it because there is no waiting and they can chose what they want! Reminded me of being in a 3 star all inclusive resort! Just don’t expect fine cuisine and fine dining! After a hard day shopping it would be great but shouldn’t of booked this for a family birthday meal!

Lovely restaurant but cold so food gets cold quickly. I picked some up and went for a cocktail and my food was luke warm when i got back. The dumplings were a little tasteless and the only dish from the Chinese section that had taste was the sweet and sour chicken from the dishes i did choose from. The beef was very difficult to chew but the desserts were lovely, especially the chocolate fountain. I'd go again but this time perhaps later when the restaurant may have heated up and get any drinks first.

Lunch time buffet on weekdays is just £7.99 and includes a wide choice of Far East and Indian food plus ice cream and desserts. Service is good and the arrangements very acceptable. Drinks are extra although free iced tap water is on offer too.

been here before and still enjoy coming here.....the choice of food is very good...also the staff are very attentive on clearing the dirty plates away

Buffet type of restaurant.Various Asian foods including regular Chinese.curries sushi and some Indian.All food is nice it has a small salad bar and various cakes and ice creams for desert.There are omelette chips and vegetables also available.There is fresh fruit.Entry price is for unlimited food. drinks are ordered seperately from the bar.Surroundings are pleasant and service is good. Tables are cleared one you finish your plate.Fresh plates are available from food bar.

I took my mum out for a meal here in May and was apprehensive as some of the reviews were not great, but we had a very good experience. Granted it was a week night, not the weekend, but the restaurant staff were attentive, welcoming and polite. The food was fresh, for a buffet, well presented and tasty. We booked fairly early (I think around 6.30) and it was quiet, which was nice as there was a lot of selection without having to wait, but I can imagine as the restaurant fills up and becomes busy, that could be more of an issue.Overall though, the food was very good. The one down side I would say is that selection of different foods is not that brilliant. There is a loe of chinese food options, a couple of thai curry options and a couple of other asian dishes. They also say they have an italian section, but what they mean is that they have a couple of pizzas, that's all.One thing I did like though, as did my mum, is that usually when you go to an evening buffet where they serve chinese food, aromatic duck is not available, but it is here and it was very nice.

We have been here twice now and both times have had an amazing time. Sandy, the manager, is an amazing host. Taking time to talk to each table, and wanting everyone to have an amazing time. Really friendly staff and great atmosphere. We came here for my partners birthday and at the end of the night they bought out a cake with candles and sang happy birthday. Really nice finish to a really nice night. Food is great too. Loads to choose from and none of it is greasy or bland.

Everything you need at great prices, will definitely be back, have tried lunch and evening meal, always hot, fresh and lots of, staff are amazing

Went here for my works leaving do, staff were very friendly and helpful and the food was very nice. We all enjoyed our time here and the food. Easy place to get to if you need transport as within walking distances from bus and train.

Lovely food and plenty of it, friendly staff, nice restaurant environment, definitely recommend if you like chinese

Seems there is far too much on offer having the quality off the food compromised. Lots of stuff was hard or cold, the sauces were lumpy and stale. I would say for £15.99 that was kind of expected. I won’t be going back.

Our first visit to songs and all in all it was pleasant enough. Lots of food to choose from in the buffet including some nice duck, sweet and sour chicken and you can also have a nice piece of (thin) steak cooked for you. You will find cheaper Chinese buffets but you probably won’t get the same quality or variety of food. Check out the pick and mix for desert.

This was a first visit and we arrived wary having read reviews . I don't usually review but felt I had too due to the negative reviews.

This was our first experience of Songs, we went due to good reviews from friends and family.

First impressions form as you walk in the door so the filthy floor at the top of the stairs did nothing to impress. You pay when you go in so folk don't forget to come back and pay after going outside for a cigaretthe. The business lunch menu mentions the free soft drink which you should pick up at the bar on the way in. We got ushered straight past the bar before we found this out - otherwise the reception and staff were friendly and helpful. The food was plentiful and being a buffet you could fill yourself to overflowing. My issue was with the nqture of the food: a Thai curry sauce should be liquid but not watery; a korma should have flavour etc. The variety was as expected in daytime and ranged from california rolls and ribs to bacon and eggs and various chineese and indian dishes. I think as a cheap and plentiful place for student eats the restaurant is probably adequate. Sadly after this lunch I am not tempted to return to see if the evening offering is better.

Visited on a Friday at 6pm, already busy on arrival but by the time we left the queues were crazy.

Tried for the first time today for a lunch. As far as buffets go I can’t complain. Plenty of choice and the food was nice and hot, for £16.99 you can’t really go too wrong. I’m a glutton for buffets and shall be returning for dinner time soon.

Visited with a group and booked in advance which was very good, we didn’t realise you had to pay on entrance and the manager agreed to let us sit down then pay once we were settled. Great variety of food and helpful staff. As a Coeliac I was disappointed to be handed a list of all the dishes and the allergens. It’s very difficult to go through the extensive list while trying to get food on the plate! It would make it much easier if the sign above each dish had a symbol indicating if it was gluten free or contains nuts etc. The refillable drinks helped to keep the cost down. The restaurant was clean and toilets well kept. It is very popular with long queues to get in and the noise levels do not make this a relaxing atmosphere. Great value for families and groups like ours though and good fresh food.

Tried this new buffet for my son's birthday with a family group of 15 of us. Being a new restaurant it would have been nice to have someone asking if we had been before and if not giving us a quick guide to how it all works and what was available. The staff stood in small groups often blocking the only path between the table and the buffet area and I stood at the bar for several minutes with no-one else waiting without being asked what I would like even though 2 members of staff were behind the bar and had definitely seen me and were not doing anything else. Having said this the food is great quality for this type of offering and there was a good variety of Chinese, Indian, English food with pizza, freshly made crepes and plenty of cakes, ice cream, fruit and even a great chocolate fountain. The food seemed to be replenished quickly and most of it was kept nice and hot.

First time at Songs & definitely won’t be my last. The food was yummy and the whole place seemed very clean. There is a very big large range of food, something for everyone. The only thing that needs improving is the younger staff, I felt very awkward as they were always waiting in the main walk way starring at you and not really acknowledging anyone. They were on their phones and not taking much care of the customers.