The Anchor in Chelmsford

Me & my partner both looking forward to dinner after a lovely day, we randomly popped in to the anchor my partner ordered from the menu i ordered from the specials oh dear it wasn’t very special swordfish and noodles The fish was like a frisbee and bland it looked like fish bait the noodles tasted gooey over cooked and soggy more like sharwoods out of a pack not to mention the bottled sweet chilli sauce I did mention this to the 1st waitress who wasn’t understanding but did get offered a free pudding ps once I complained this dish was taken off the specials The only consolation was the very polite waitress who took the payment and was very understanding I left very hungry and was charged for a zero Standard meal I must add I’m a trained cook and would never of served this dish poor poor poor

WENT HERE FOR LUNCH ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY Found the staff (owner apparently )to be rude and very stroppy Should not be public facing The food was also below average Had better in McDonald’s Deffo wont be returning

Another excellent lunch here last week. We came with family whilst we were visiting them in the village. The Anchor offers a great choice of meals and the food was delicious, as always. The staff are courteous, attentive and always give us a warm welcome. I had the salmon from the specials menu and my family had the battered fish and chips. We all hugely enjoyed the meal and had room for some biscoff cheesecake and coffee. And the floral display outside is magnificent. Thank you and well done. See you next time.

Food was amazing and very well presented we actual had dinner with a very good friend of ours who is also a chef and spotted how much care each plate was given and presented brilliantly, food was also top draw and service was very good. Only 3rd time we have been here in last three years so not regulars but we were treated like we were there every day.

The menu has changed. It's horrible. Baked up veg lasagne,overpriced fish and chips,revolting curry. I went in and was shown to my table by an open window. I closed the window as I was directly in a draft. The family behind me opened it wide again. I shut it slightly. They then called rhe waitress and asked her to communicate with me about the window. I said I was fine with it open a bit but not wide open. She let them not only opne it wide but open the one next to it wide. Surely it might have been better to have their meal outside. I might well have had. Unhelpful staff. Inexperienced. Overpriced rubbish food. Won't be going back.

Visited here on a Friday lunchtime with friends. Lovely pub, very olde worlde in main part. We were seated in the newer part. Great staff, very attentive and friendly. Food was good, fresh and hot with lots to choose from as also have a large specials board. Would recommend and will return.

The food cannot be faulted, combined with a good selection of ales. Our visit was lovely - the staff were brilliant and professional. Overall a good place for a meal.

Always a lovely pub. Great atmosphere. Staff are excellent very attentive helpful and pleasant. Food is excellent very well cooked and tasty, except for today sadly Hunters Chhicken was lovely but the chips were barely warm. Not enjoyable as they very quickly became cold. The first time after many many visits and many meals today I was disappointed Hoping this is a one off and any future visits food will be piping hot as well as tasty. Kind Regards Peter & Margaret

Excellent food , great service and such an amazing choice . Have been lots of times ..never had a bad meal highly recommended

Wow!! Absolutely amazing food and service, we had fish and chips and a pork roast, highly recommend! Outstanding food!

We have been going to the Anchor for years and it remains our favorite pub. The staff and the food are excellent. We cannot fault it.

Beautiful dog friendly pub with delicious food. Highly recommend their steak pie and Sunday roasts! Lovely garden area too with play equipment

We had the Anchor Ploughman’s and the Seafood Ploughman’s. Both big portions and lovely fresh salad. We were delighted. Great service even though the pub was really busy. Will definitely return

The food was barely average and one of the meals came wrong and the vegetables were soggy as if they’d been reheated in a microwave. The manager’s attitude was appalling towards younger staff and one young girl was snarky.

I have been here a few times. But like most things prices are up. Food quality down. Had white bait for starters over cooked. Had a sea bass fillet off the specials board lucky I was wearing my glasses. It was small and over cooked again. I had the steak and ale pie quote with puff pastry.? Was we in some type of competition?? On how big we can cook a piece of puff pastry and plonk it on top. If it is then this pub wins . The mash was like wall paper paste and really was terrible. And the meat was as dry as old boot. Please could someone tell why they call this good old pub grub ?? I would go back to basics stop buying pre cut meat braise the meat and fresh mashed potato. Would I come back?? Sorry no

We use The Anchor reasonably regularly and as usual the people are friendly and the service spot on without being over attentive. Try the deserts because the description doesn't give them justice. There is always a good selection of food with a comprehensive specials board, how they manage all these options I have no idea. On top of all of these they somehow manage a spectacular flower arrangement which you can see in the picture.

I had lunch with my Mother here about a month ago. I went back with my husband for lunch this week as it was so nice . We had the chicken souvlaki with chips and lovely Greek salad . We sat outside in the garden near the parking area which is lovely and we enjoyed every bit of our lunch. I think if you ask to sit away from people like I did the first time I visited, the staff accommodate you so some of the reviews saying you can hear people talking may be a little harsh as my Mum and I sat away from people when we were indoors. Then I went with my husband and we sat outside and so hearing people talk did not affect us either then. I can recommend this place and shall return again.

I booked the anchor for my birthday meal, I had a mixed grill I asked the waitress for the steak to have the steak rare, she said the mixed grill came in a packed and cooked all together so it was not possible, well it was a disaster everything was over cooked even frozen chips. I didn't want to make a fuss, my partner had a microwave cottage pie, we didn't stop for a deserts, I did point out to the waitress and she took £4 off, that was our first and last visit.

The Anchor has become our go-to place to eat with friends or family. Great menu and proper pub food cooked well. They are very accommodating and patient when we come with our toddler. Staff are friendly and happy. Easy to book online. Lovely pub atmosphere with traditional decor. Plenty of parking.

I visited The Anchor Danbury for Sunday dinner. My husband and I shared the salt and pepper squid special for starter which was nice. I then ordered the chicken and leek pie for my main (off the specials board). I have had this previously and was very happy with it last year however, after this experience, I will never order it again. The crust was fine (although it was not a wrap around pastry as I would have liked but I ordered, knowing it was just a topper so that’s fine) and the sauce was tasty. However, I could only find two small pieces of chicken in the entire filling of the pie. The veg arrived but it was seriously over cooked. Brown broccoli (inedible) and floppy carrots and greens. I felt £15 for this meal was seriously overpriced. Unfortunately, I am too polite and British to complain although I wish I was able to at least give feedback vi the website to give them a chance to redeem themselves. It’s a shame as I have had nice meals there previously but I felt it was very overpriced for the quality of food I was served.

Food was good but we were seated in the conservatory which was extremely noisy. The acoustics are dreadful. The people sitting at the next table were extremely loud, pub was fully booked so no option to change tables . Didn’t stay for dessert or coffee...

Lovely homely pub with great food great staff, bit disappointed no pies on the menu and service was a little slow but all In all a great place to come

Great food brilliant service and at a good price. The staff at the Anchor could not do enough to make our evening one to remember they even joined in with happy birthday song. Would recommend all to visit.

What a lovely evening we had in this lovely pub! Great Service and great food! A party of 13 and a dog. Everybody was impressed with their food we all loved it! Brilliant service too! Will definitely return to this pub made such a change...

An excellent lunch!! A good choice of food for your meal. Good beers and good food. I would recommend this pub to all sorts of people.

A very good pub and a bit of a hidden gem. Parking is at the rear of the pub. Very nice food and good service. This place has a lot of charm and offers nice photo opportunity.

A very well hidden gem. Super lunch in a great atmosphere, Good range to chose from and the place is old and has lots of atmosphere. Car parking -lots but at the rear of the pub.

One of my favourites. Good food. excellent pint of well kept Adnams Ghostship if you like a decent real ale Good and attentive Landlord/lady and really attentive staff. Go once a week and can't fault it. Lovely to sit outside in the summer. Sadly I...

Great food! Friendly service! Real country pub feel! One of our favourites! Great work team Anchor and thank-you! Andy & Elaine

Haven't been to The Anchor for a while and having seen a couple of poor reviews was apprehensive. No need to be, 5 of us and 1 dog were welcomed by pleasant staff, the pub was full (Saturday lunchtime) and had a nice friendly atmosphere....

Had beef stroganoff from the special board today. 4/3/2023. Never know that there would be pickled gerkins in the recipe I’ve never seen or used when I’ve cooked it. Not at all nice and not cheap. Also meat very fatty and chewy. Would not recommend...

Omg the food was amazing, we had the pork roast and vegetable lasagne, we cleared our plates!! The staff where so lovely and knew how to do there jobs well, so friendly 😊 definitely a must go 😊

Something has happened to the great service pre-Covid, and delicious food, maybe the chef has left ? We had a fish pie, it was sloppy and not too fishy. Also, a fried fish in batter, that seemed nowhere near the size the fish at the...

We visited the Anchor on a Saturday evening and were lucky to get a table at short notice. The service was excellent and the food was fab and was all home cooked. The service was very efficient and friendly and we will return.

Just a bit poor all round. Service was slow in a near empty pub, atmosphere was next to nothing. There were just as many staff as patrons and they didn’t seem to be keeping an eye on the tables. Some of the food items asked...

I have been lucky to be able to go on 6 separate xmas meals and this was my favourite. The food, service and ambience were top notch! We also loved how it was decorated. Thoroughly recommended!

Ordered the thai fish cakes, expecting a spicy experience. Unfortunately they would have been more at home in a pie and eel shop. So much potato, coupled with a bowl of new potatoes, i felt all i had to eat was a plate of potatoes....

I've been a few times in recent months for both lunch and dinner. The menu is varied, and the food is always very nice. The staff are all friendly and the pub has a nice cozy feel. I would recommend a visit.

Where do I start the Sunday lunch is out of this world please go and try it the place the staff the food is knock out

Lovely Sunday lunch We visited with family. Was my first time. My roast was lovely. Others had ham egg and chips which they said was delicious and the burger. We will be visiting regularly. Altogether a lovely afternoon

Used to come here quite a lot before covid but this is first time since. However it does seem to have changed slightly food wise. Their supurb pate now not on menu but know from ploughmans it's no longer the same. Still using frozen chips...

Dropped in on the off chance of a table for 4 on Fathers Day and whilst inside was full, we were able to sit in the garden. Food and drinks all excellent, particularly the roasts, and service was smooth and efficient. We’ll definitely be back.

Lovely country pub, friendly service and great food. Good choice of ales and lagers, pity the Greene King IPA barrel ran out half way through our session, it happens.

100 % quality food choice for buffet and quick response.all the staff friendly,smiling and helpful .everyone had a lovely celebration

We booked as we hadn’t been to this pub restaurant for months so was hoping the standard of food was good Disappointed as Standards have dropped immensely I ordered one of the Specials on the Board King Prawn Curry with Coconut and A Poppadom The...

We have been going to the Anchor regularly for over 15 years however the rudeness of the owner last Sunday means we will not be returning - having arrived early for our table we sat outside having drinks waiting to be called. My friend walked...

The Anchor used to be one of my favourite places to go for a great meal however I feel like it's slowly going down hill. It's a beautiful pub and I love that we can visit with our dog but I'm so disappointed that each...

Just had a lovely Sunday lunch in a friendly country pub. We have been here before and yet again it did not disappoint. The roast beef was really nice with plenty of vegetables and I would recommend the lemon meringue. The staff were friendly and...

Went for lunch today with our dog. The staff were so friendly and helpful. I had forgotten to add our dog onto our booking but they managed to find us a space anyway which was very good of them as it was totally my fault....

Had dinner here this evening , cannot fault the venue and staff, all staff wearing masks, felt very safe ..shame members of public didn’t bother. Food excellent and atmosphere amazing .

great food, lovely atmosphere, great service, fantastic staff - my son is wheelchair bound and the staff could n't do enough for us. Always look forward to visiting the Anchor for food and friendly welcome and service

We came across this pub when visiting the area. We were warmly welcomed, shown to a table and provided with great service. The food was excellent and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. Very good value for money.

It was my Sons birthday and we took our family to the Anchor,we all had a lovely evening with freshly cooked meals. Thanks to all of your staff and the cooks for a very enjoyable time.

We found this lovely pub after not being allowed into 2 others as not dog friendly.The welcome was lovely for the 3 of us and our dog.The food was plentiful,of a good standard and reasonably priced.We was going to give our dog his usual bag...

We had a lovely meal at the Anchor to celebrate our anniversary. Service, food and ambience were all first class . Lovely touch putting anniversary candle in our desert. Thank you.

On arrival the barman welcomed us and was explaining what we had to do re ordering a meal when sitting outside. A lady member of staff decided to intervene, unnecessarily, loudly informing us what we should or shouldn't do. This confused my husband who remarked...

Was a lovely afternoon at the anchor, absolutely beautiful setting on a sunny day. We waited a long time for our food. We ordered at 14.30 and the options for roast were beef and pork. They had run out of beef at this point in...

My partner suggested that we visited The Anchor, we hadn’t been there before but we wanted to go somewhere different from our regular pub restaurants. First impressions were very pleasant, especially the amazing floral display of plants and flowers decorating the exterior. Inside we were...

Came here for first time in over a year and sadly although most of the food was ok a lot had changed. We had the Anchor ploughmans always a feast to eat, but sadly they don't serve their lovely pate anymore, the pork pie has...

After a lovely boat trip at Paper mill lock 12 of us descended on the Anchor. From arriving to leaving we had a lovely time. Attention from staff, food, atmosphere, cleanliness. We took a cake and they brought it out for my 83 year old...

Lovely old pub with spectacular floral display at the front. Very good service; the food was OK - had the veggie lasagne with a very oniony side salad - fine but not exceptional.

Really wanted to try an alternative, but in the end succomed to the Cottage Pie again, which, as the Mem Sahb says, is to die for.

First visit to The Anchor and we only went as it came up as one of the best places for a Ploughmans lunch in the area and it certainly didn't disappoint! Service was easy using the app. Nice little park area for the kids and...

Lovely outdoor space with plenty of tables. Also plenty of space indoors if you prefer. Once you master, and take the time over, the ordering and payment system accessed from scanning a QR code on the outdoor tables, all is good. Service once we ordered...

We went yesterday, another lovely meal. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. We had a disabled lady in a wheelchair and they were so helpful it isn’t always easy with wheelchairs but was made very welcome. Can’t thank them enough for a very enjoyable lunch.

Went on a Monday night. Service was good. Food was good and hot but if I had to make one complaint it was that the pastry on the pie was microwaved and therefore not crispy. Other than that a nice place to go but maybe...

Stopped here on off chance they had table, because we didn’t book. Very accommodating. Good variety on menu. Lovely food, great friendly service. Portion sizes very big. Covid secure, we felt very comfortable. Definitely recommend.

We went to the anchor for our anniversary lunch today, the food was ok, lasagna a bit bland but my husband enjoyed his steak meal. I questioned the extra charge for the chips on the bill and was confronted but who I’m guessing is a...

The setting and actual pub itself is lovely, but was let down by the service. We ordered food, and somehow the wrong order was made my accident on the app by my friend. She’s a vegetarian, and a meat dish came instead. I helped her...

Wonderful meal. Well set up and COVID restrictions in place. Service was a little slow but they were incredibly busy. Delicious food and nice amount of options available.

Went to The Anchor tonight for dinner, sat outside which was lovely ordered food online as there request waited 45 mins for food to arrive which was cold. When we told the waiting staff sadly she was extremely rude and argumentative. The manager appeared who...

Another excellent trip to the Anchor. The staff are so friendly and really made an effort for Halloween. Garden room is so nice, Food good as always. We’ll really miss you in lockdown

Nice clean pub with excellent social distancing requirement. All of the staff were very attentive, polite and super efficient. Our lunch was served hot on a plate (No planks or slate) and was all good quality as were our drinks. They even made our Labrador...

Saturday lunch in a friendly and efficient Pub. Quick servive by the staff. Corvid safety observed. Food was superb. 10/10.

Great measures in place for Covid. A member of staff checked you in from inside the window, plenty of hand sanitizer. Staff wore masks and tables well spaced. Lovely food.

Sat inside as requested in extension at a table for three. Staff mostly wore visors or masks, however the waitress that came up to us for our orders amounting to three times during the stay wore her mask round her neck and spoke to us...

My Husband and I went for dinner with my brother and his partner. Covid precautions good. Window hatch by front door to greet you, hand sanitiser on way in. Shown to a well spaced dining area. Everything is clean and tidy. Servers are very good....

We visited for Lunch for my Birthday on Monday 17th August. We sat outside in the sunshine and then the rain came. So we quickly moved under the shelter. The food was brilliant and the system Of ordering food and drink from tables was reliable...

popped in a couple of times recently in this beautiful weather . no need to book when you’re sitting outside . the ordering system is a bit long winded as you have to go online then pay then order is sent to kitchen . you...

Headed here as part of the HOEO scheme and as expected they were really busy. Well the fab service started before we even stepped out of our car. The car park was extremely busy and on the way to serving an outside table, a member...

Me and my husband came a few weeks ago when they reopened again and I have to stay they have put lots of measures in place to ensure everyone is safe the staff were amazing as always and the food was even better

We eat and drink here regularly and love the people and the place!Since reopening after lockdown they have gone over and above the norm to make the place safe, secure but still remain friendly and human - their COVID measures are so advanced compared to all other places we’ve visited and we’ve visited a lot!With this new ‘eat out to help out’ initiative they have been inundated and are serving record numbers each and every day but the food and service remain excellent and all the staff who are working in extreme conditions with both the PPE and weather are doing so amazingly and all with smiles on their faces to make everyone’s visit as enjoyable as possible - well done guys!There have been some weird and rude customers who frankly have been unnecessarily rude but as ever the team soldier on with a smile and really make an effort to look after you - excellent job

We pop into The Anchor quite often. Today we sun soaked in the little garden area for dinner. The new food/drink ordering App worked perfectly. The very reasonably priced food was fresh, perfectly portioned and served up quickly. All in all a very pleasant experience and one we will repeat again soon.

Excellent service and they are well set up with social distancing and keeping us safe. Brilliant and attentive catering for my dietary requirements. Lovely food.

Booked the Anchor as we’ve always had good food & service previously. First pub / restaurant meal since Covid & we were planning on eating outside as that felt safer. Weather wasn’t great so we decided to eat inside. All staff were wearing masks or visors. They were very welcoming we had a lovely meal great service & we felt safe. Definitely recommend!

We visited now that this restaurant is open again and we will definitely be back. The setup of the outdoor seating area and the ordering process is great. Clearly marked out with clear instructions on ordering and plenty of cleaning visible with hand sanitising stations.The service was exceptional as well with food and drinks arriving very promptly after order and served following all the guidelines.The food was of a great quality and piping hot with huge portions. All food was of high pub quality and all plates were cleared which is always a good sign.This was our first visit but definitely will not be the last.

I visited here for lunch with friends. I had the fish cakes which were very nice. Lots of choice on the menu plus a specials board. Service was very good. I noticed on the bill it stated ‘Please check your bill before paying, as mistakes will not be rectified once payment has been taken’ So be warned! If the staff over charge you and you miss it, then tough luck! Personally as a customer I don’t think it comes across very friendly.

Fabulous atmosphere, great food and very good service. Friendly staff. Since finding this restaurant we have visited a number of times, we have introduced friends to this restaurant who have been equally pleased with the food, atmosphere and service.

Afternoon tea with a superb atmosphere and buzz in the bar area, will use again, recommended also for meals we've had prevoiusly.

Really good food and very friendly staff. Would whole heartedly and thoroughly recommend this establishment.

I had been recommended to go to the Anchor by family as they had really enjoyed a meal here. We stopped by midweek for lunch and were surprised how busy it was. Great choice on the menu and also quite a lot for a vegetarian. The food was served hot and large portions. Really impressed. Service was excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. Great building with lots of character. Toilets clean and presentable which is always an added bonus. We will definitely be going back soon.

We had booked a table for Sunday lunch which was just as well as all the tables filled up very quickly. All our meals were of good quaility and very enjoyable. Our starters were particularly large and for some people would be enough for a main meal on its own.The staff were very friendly and attentive.

Food was disappointing. We ordered fish finger baguettes expecting chunky fish fingers but each baguette contained 4 very basic fish fingers.Then before we had time to finish our food, staff kept appearing to ask if we had finished yet. Four staff came along within 5 minutes to ask if we had finished while we still had food in front of us. Then because I had put the bowl containing the remainder of our chips onto my plate, the last person to come and check just took the plates from under our noses. Felt most unwelcome

As soon as you arrive there is a friendly welcome. We had booked which is advisable and had a lovely table in the “conservatory”. There is plenty of choice and the food is very good. When we went it was very busy but with a little patience and making your presence known drinks were soon brought over. Service was very friendly and on the whole the evening was very pleasant. I would definitely return, in fact we have been again.

Myself and my partner went for a Sunday roast. It was not particularly busy and the staff were not rushing around but we were ignored from the moment we got in there. We sat at our table and were not offered drinks or acknowledged by any member of staff. After 25 minutes of sitting and waiting we left. It was such a shame as we had to drive a distance to get to the pub.

We booked a table for the dog friendly bar within the pub for lunch and were glad we did as all the other tables were taken. The staff were extremely friendly and our dog was spoilt rotten with dog treats and cuddles which he lapped up! There was plenty of choice on the menu and we didn't have to wait too long for the food to arrive once ordered. The portions were generous and all four people in our party thoroughly enjoyed the food. It is not our first visit and certainly wont be our last!

Had our first meal in this lovely pub tonight excellent food and my husband had a couple of perfect beers very friendly staff, however tonight the area had a power cut but it did not phase them at all they just got on with it and bought out more candies which made it very cosy and romantic they were extremely efficient at dealing with this unexpected power cut they even offered to walk a couple of ladies to their car as it was so dark outside.

Booked for Sunday Lunch as we have eaten there before with there ala carte menu we were expecting the same quality of food .Unfortunately this was not the case .The beef was poor the roast potatoes were soggy my wife had lamb and we had to send it back.The good news that there was no argument regarding the bill as we were not charged for the lamb.We will return but it will be for the ala carte menu,

First time to visit to The Anchor for lunch. Fabulous food and ambience. Staff very friendly and checked that we had everything needed with our meal. We will visit again soon. Great value for money.

A great find, wonderful hospitality, good selection of beers and fantastic food! Great gluten free options too!