The Barge Inn in Chelmsford

Apparently they make their chips now from scratch, they are anaemic , soggy , and not very nice, will not be coming back, the last 3 times we have eaten here the chips have been terrible, I asked the waitress had they changed their supplier and she told me the ones they used to use were now too expensive, so they are making them from scratch, but they are dreadful, bring back your original chips.

Went for lunch with friends on Monday 13th Nov.Service in the pub was very good and friendly so I had high hopes for the “Barge burger”that I ordered. Sadly the meal that was brought up was cremated beyond belief. Dry,burnt burger,served with a wet tomato and limp lettuce,a pathetic drip of cheese and Luke warm chips.our friends were treating us to lunch so not wanting to make a fuss I managed to eat half before my taste buds gave up the will to live.

Fantastic food. Very impressed - I had crab & prawn linguine & my husband had sausage & mash. Very tasty & great service

While the attractive sitting area suits us perfectly and the breakfast is always reliably good, it is the staff who are the icing on this particular cake. From the welcome we each receive as we arrive to swift attentive service, the level of hospitality is perfectly pitched. My particular bug-bear is to choose then place my order, only for the waitress to return saying it’s not available. No such shoddy service here. As we were handed the menu, she apologised; there was no Rarebit available. This shows good communication at back of house and great customer care to front of house. Thank you again. We will be back again and again and again!

I chose the full English breakfast for £12 and it was very impressive. There were two pork sausages, two slices of bacon, a large mushroom, half a tomato, fried egg, beans, two hash browns and a slice of toast. The plateful was far more than I would normally eat but it was such good quality produce and cooked so well that I made sure I ate the lot. The staff were warm, welcoming and attentive. I did enquire about using a Blue Light card as I understood the pub to be part of the Greene King family but I was politely informed that I could not use my card there. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and the food. I would like the option of a smaller breakfast i.e. one sausage, one slice of bacon as it would suit those with smaller appetites. I will definitely recommend this to others.

Called into the Barge whilst visiting the antique centre. An excellent lunch in a pleasant traditional atmosphere, food was delicious and a very well kept pint !!. Really helpful, friendly, and accommodating staff, very attentive whilst not being ‘over the top’ ! Highly recommended !!!.

We have been to the Barge many times before with excellent service and food. Today we went for a walk around the antique centre and we’re going for lunch after. During our walk my husband had a bad turn, possible due to the heat. We made our way back to the Barge to get him out of the sun. My friend popped in and explained the situation and Zoe immediately gave us a table in the cool, pulled down the blinds and brought my husband a large glass of water, and continually asked if he was ok.After about 15 mins he felt fine again so we ordered a sandwich lunch which we enjoyed. Zoe still came to see if he was ok. Thank you Zoe and all the staff for our lovely lunch and care. See you again soon

We visited as a family one of the meals the potatoes were cold, told a staff member who said what do you want me to do. Oh I would like hot food please. When the meal was returned I had been given my half eaten fish and skin on the plate. So they had obviously only put new potatoes on the plate. I took meal back again and advised I would have expected a fresh meal not my half eaten meal back on the same plate. Manager told me they had cook fresh after speaking with kitchen staff. (NO they hadn’t) I had to ask for a refund and no apology given. We also went to order another 2 pints to be told by the bar staff that it was F*CKED. Poor customer service and terrible language. Will not visit again.

Our 1st visit to this pub and certainly not our last! We was met by the lovely Grace and the team, we all had Sunday Roast sat in the sunshine which was superb, and the the Rose Prosecco was the best ! We will definitely be back! Xx

Having been here previously and enjoyed the food we decided to return specifically for the Malaysian Chicken! It did not disappoint! You have to try this, never seen it anywhere else. Bread pudding was delicious too. Nice atmosphere, warm welcome by the lovely twin ladies and great beer. We ate inside and then sat outside watching the world go by. Peaceful afternoon in a great location if you like browsing for antiques and craft bits. Looking forward to going back soon.

The manager on Friday 18 August was just so rude and so wrong. My friend and I both ordered the Barge Burger. I paid up front. Mine tasted like venison, which they do sell so I think they made a mistake. It was horrible and I was convinced it wasn’t beef. My friends tasted fine, like beef. I sent mine back and ordered a sandwich as it would be quicker as we’d already spent half hour waiting for the burgers. We also ordered two more soft drinks as we had almost finished the ones we had and now we would be there longer. Burger was £18. sandwich was £9. The manager just sent me £3 back via a server. She didn’t even come to see us at first. I went to check prices on menu as I wasn’t happy. Then the server asked me if I was ok and I said that I wasn’t happy about the £3. She then sent manager to speak to us. She was so defensive and rude from the off, said she tasted my burger and there was nothing wrong with it. I queried the additional drinks and she was just totally dismissive. I didn’t get an apology nor any more money back. Disgusting attitude.

I've been coming to this pub for years and slowly but surely the portion has shrunk, but the quality was always above average for a pub like this. Last night I had fish and chips. The fish tasted like the cheap frozen stuff you'd buy in bookers and the chips weren't much better. It was a disappointing meal and £15 for the privilege. If this was sub £10 I would have grumbled but my expectations would have already been lower. This is an easy thing to fix - don't cheap out on sub par produce and then £15 for F&C doesn't seem that bad.

Not your best day at all...Much as I really like the skinny, dynamic waitress and the manager behind the bar... Poor today

Very nice atmosphere and space. Staff was really nice and attentive. Got served by a guy named Angus - service was very efficient. Clean. Haven’t tried food but good variety of drinks.

Been here 3 times and the Service, and food is brilliant! The prices are just right and the staff work hard to keep you happy. The owner should be proud of the chefs team and serving staff! Brilliant keep it up!

Very expensive for what you get. Gastro pub prices but average pub food. We had scampi and chips. Very average. Oven chips. £15. A standard unappetising roast was £20. It's more massed produced food now so I won't eat there again

The lunch was superb, the home made mushroom soup was divine. The staff were so friendly and helpful , I was very impressed

Great food and service. Have been in before for Sunday lunch a couple of weeks back (the best I’ve had in so long I can’t remember), so we dropped in when passing. Both of us had the Malaysian chicken - amazing! So may ingredients in...

Lovely old inn. Good food, lovely chips , adequate portions. My friend had smaller piece of fried fish , this was more than enough. Service good , prices average.

You’re new team member is astonishing! You are going to have the best time with Flick! Sad she is leaving our team, but she will be an asset to yours! Crystal Palace <3

4 of us came here for lunch. The staff were warm and friendly. I had the Malaysian chicken, which tasted delicious and was Gluten-free. My wife had the vegan cheeseburger, which was served with an over grilled bun which was disappointing. The rest of our...

Warm welcome. Quickly seated due to a table becoming available. Ordered drinks, beef roast and pesto, spinach & tomato cannelloni. All served within adequate time. No sooner had plates arrived when we were asked if all was ok. Obviously replied positively because all looked ok....

We got seated outside easily, several tables we vacant, went to bar to order, was warned food orders taking 30 minutes , thought that was fine, so ordered Roast Beef, and scampi Now after 45 minutes we noticed several customers around us who had arrived...

We had a pub stop on our ponies! Lovely place to stop off for a drink and snack! Ponies had a snack too!

A last minute booking with my wife and son. 3 happy customers. Excellent slow cooked, 10 hours, pork belly with the best roast potatoes and yummy sweet roast carrots and parsnips with yummy gravy. Excellent double burger. And terrific beer battered haddock. My wife left...

I messed up the online booking ( pressed wrong button) but a quick email got Dave, Tom and Grace to put me back on track with no fuss and secure a table for Sunday lunch time. On arrival the greeting was friendly and efficient. We...

Popped in for just a drink when I was over at Battlesbridge. This pub is located in lovely surroundings, perfect for a family Sunday out. I was with my dog, who was made to feel very welcome. We arrived as soon as they opened, so...

Just been to the Barge Inn at Battlebridge in Essex, just perfect the food was excellent and the service outstanding. Have to mention our waiter Josh who was the perfect host, warm and friendly and just couldn’t be more helpful. If you which to visit...

Drove to this pub like we normally do to be told sorry we have done the tills and waiting for the people to leave so we can shut this was at 18.35, website states they was open, so not only a waste of the cost...

Lovely inn staff work hard but have to wait a while for your food but I had liver & bacon it was excellent

We recently hired the function room at The Barge for a Gender Reveal Party. I can’t thank The Barge staff enough for their help with helping the party run so smoothly. The staff were absolutely amazing from the start with their communication and help with...

I’ve lived down the road for 44 years and I could kick myself for not visits here before. We booked a table last minute on a Sunday and they happily squeezed us in. From the welcome to the moment we left, the staff are super...

Beside the superb food I have never enjoyed a pint of Greene King Abbott Ale like the one I had today. It was faultless - perfect temperature whose head spoke of freshness, clear and bright as a new penny. So good that I had a...

Decided to stop for lunch after visiting the antique centre and were not disappointed. Good food, great service, friendly staff.

Booked. Table randomly on the day with our dog …food nice maybe 4/5 …but service (manageress ) just lovely it makes all the difference with service …they forgot the cauliflower Cleese but took our last drink off ..wouldn’t have cared as was so nice from...

I just had to leave a review as my partner and I had a late lunch in The Barge Inn today and was so glad we did! The food was gorgeous! I had the Malaysian chicken and my partner had the Katsu chicken off of...

We arrived after a 250 miles journey having booked in at a local b and b. I asked for a table for food, to be told that food service ended at 430 pm. At this time food was still being delivered to tables. I explained...

I had an surprise baby shower in the Barge function room last night 4.12.22. I want to say thank you so much for everything, from first enquiring to booking and on the run up to the day communications was quick and simple. Roz was incredible...

I have been coming to the barge for over 10 years and have always loved the aesthetic and food and people!. I hadn't been for about three years due to living abroad (and covid), so was excited when my family suggested to go for lunch....

My boyfriend and I visited The Barge Inn after a few recommendations for our visit to the antiques markets in Battlesbridge. We were greeted by very friendly staff. We hadn't booked a Sunday lunch and initially was told a table wouldn't be available until 4pm...

Turned up on Tuesday lunchtime with a friend hoping to have lunch. Girl behind bar instructed us to wait. So we did. Eventually another girl came and said had we booked. We looked at the empty tables and said no, hadn’t thought it would be...

Visited Battlesbridge for a look around the antiques village - managed to be squeezed in for lunch even though they were extremely busy for lunch staff were very attentive & friendly even though you could see they were extremely busy nothing was too much trouble....

We often pop in for a drink and the food looks great so intended to come back but today was really spoilt by a noisy crowd just by the door with screechy laughing and shouting . honestly pubs are for fun but not at everyone...

Hired the private function room and would highly recommend. Great food, drinks and atmosphere. The team were very attentive and looked after us really well.

Unfortunately, we were not told on arrival that there would be a 40/45 minute wait from the time of placing our order. Therefore, it was an hour before we were served our starters. When they did arrive, the whitebait was barely warm, but looked and...

We had a BLT sandwich and a gammon and cucumber sandwich with a bit of salad, soft drinks and a zero alcohol beer. Sandwiches were awful. Asda bread, gammon tasteless and bacon definitely sub standard so at £8.95 was a complete rip off. £34+ left...

£12 for the breakfast was a little expensive, no choice of eggs just one fried egg, and two baco,sausages beans etc and extra £2.50 for the coffee. Shan't be going back.

We bring My 88 year old father in law here every couple of weeks from east London as he rates this as the best pint in Essex! Thanks Gemma & Zoe for making us welcome - truly a friendly and welcoming atmosphere We will keep...

Visited on a Sunday, requested a table and were told one would be ready in 5 minutes and asked to wait outside to be called. Well, 40 mins later we had to chase it. We were then given a table inside and decided to order...

I can only assume the management has changed as we last went on my birthday exactly a year ago, and what a difference! I booked in advance and was told it was £5 a head (deductible from bill, fair enough!) I’d checked the menu again...

1st visit to the barge Inn despite going to the nearby Hawk many times. It started when I tried to book and was told it was a £5 per head fee when booking. That’s fine I said let me get my card. The Lady on...

Went for Sunday breakfast poor quality produce,beans where cold sent them back three times,even then came back luke warm.Staff very unfriedly need to concentrate on customer skills Definitely won't be going back.

The staff were welcoming and friendly. The service was great. For example, my friend could taste the wine she was choosing before deciding which one to have. Nothing was too much trouble. The menu was varied and food delicious and well presented. I totally recommend...

Yesterday my wife and I went to The Barge Inn, and we both ordered jacket potatoes. The jacket potatoes where cold and hard, definitely not cooked properly. We’re not the type of people who complain so we just left them, uneaten, and went somewhere else....

Lovely pub next to the antiques centre. Pleasant to sit outside. Was hoping to eat here but had stopped serving food by 5pm so check times. Food that was ordered looked very nice Closes early.

An outstanding evening with a superb 3 course meal, great beers and wines and a real party atmosphere in the private function room. Started with drinks al fresco and then moved into the air conditioned room. Staff were lovely and caring (special thanks to Ros...

Had a member of staff retirement do in the function room. Highly recommend, great quality buffet , own bar and barman. Air con was a blessing. Many thanks. Will use again.

Had a birthday family meal for 14 people. Food was nice . all the staff were so friendly and helpful.

Went here on father's day and was suprised to be told that if we wanted Sunday roast we had to sit at a table inside, there were 10+ unreserved tables outside if we wanted other food. We obediently sat inside and ordered our roasts although...

Wow! What an amazing pub! We have been here a few times before for only a drink. This morning myself and my husband sat in and had their full English breakfast! Well presented, tasted amazing you can tell it was all fresh produce cooked to...

I recently hired out the function room for my partner’s birthday at the Barge Inn. We were in contact with the pub manager before who was very helpful and invited us down to see the venue before corresponding with us until post event. The hire...

We went here for lunch after visiting Hyde Hall. It's not very far. We enjoyed the pub style food - chicken burger and chips and scampi and chips. It was good food, served fresh.

Great Sunday lunch today with my Neice’s and extended family. Food was superb, as was the service. Thank you to Tom and the crew 👍🏻😋

We had a lovely time at the Barge today: the staff couldn’t have been more attentive and the food was excellent. Recommended!

We met family here for lunch. We were quickly seated and the staff were very polite. We got our drinks quite quickly and ordered our meal. After we sat down it got quite busy and we were glad we had got there when we did....

We recently booked a table for Sunday lunch with our daughter and her partner, we weee taken to our table and left with the menu, after approx 15 mins someone came and took our drinks order and eventually our order, the starters were served in...

We had lunch here as it was convenient as we had been antique shopping. The service was good and staff were polite and friendly but the meals and quality of ingredients were a joke. We ordered a starter and two sandwiches. The sandwiches came on...

The home made burger is the worst I have ever tasted, and at a cost of £17 was a joke, avoid this place even if you are starving!

Very welcoming with excellent service. Food was very nice and would definitely go again if in the area and recommend.

Ordered 3 x sandwiches that were bizarrely served up on a plate uncut although steak knives were supplied for us to do it., why? £8.00 each for 2 slices of bread, chicken and a plate full of rocket salad. Asked for a booster seat for...

We have had many bad experiences with pub grub so avoid them when we are on our own. We were treated to lunch at the Barge Inn and was extremely surprised at the service and food which looked appetising and was presented well. The Barge...

Actually a truly Dog Friendly Pub (some say that but make you stay outside). Staff were warm and friendly, food was good and so was the service. Will keep going there Thanks

Had the steak and my friend had the chicken burger Great food steak cooked perfectly and sides very tasty, the burger also come up plenty full and full of flavour all went down with a perfect pint 🍻 Thanks to the staff for looking after...

Lunchtime visit was very pleasant. Good food (I had the local sausages) and local Crouch Vale ale. The layout was as if an old building but not sure of all the authenticity. However, there was a good atmosphere and the service was friendly and prompt.

I visited here with my daughter and niece today. The bar lady was very nice, and our waiter was polite enough but the food was atrocious. I paid £8 for 2 slices of warburtons (or equivalent of), cheap butter, packet grated cheese and about 4...

Me and my partner visited the barge inn for lunch (only because the hawk nearby was fully booked) first impressions weren’t great , although I’m sure well intended , staff said ‘hello ladies’ being a non binary person and living in 2021 this wasn’t the...

A lovely little pub with great food. Made very welcome on a wet night in October. Home cooked food, fresh and tasty.

To say we were disappointed was an understatement.. the beef was so raw it was cold.. I don't mind and know that it should be pink but it was completely red.. veg was rock hard.. difficult to cut the parsnips.. for £15 per head we...

We arrived at 12:50 for a table booked for 1. By 1 we’d ordered, food didn’t arrive till 2. It’s too long. Apart from my steak being cold the rest of the food was OK but it wasn’t great and it certainly didn’t warrant waiting...

This place is excellent. The food is delicious. The staff are attentative and very friendly. It's not cheap, but not overly expensive. Very very good value for money. I highly recommend it.

I have been to The Barge Inn many times and I have never been disappointed with the food quality and the customer service they give. I would highly recommend this pub for all occasions.

Had a really lovely lunch today food was presented well and it tasted great too . Staff were very helpful and served us well Will definitely be returning soon

I was not disappointed when we arrived at The Barge. Firstly I had cake malfunction which the catering staff sorted for me which was really kind. The service given by our waitress Tyler and all the staff we came in çontact with was brilliant, friendly...

My husband and I together with some other family members were staying over night near by so booked a table for dinner, we were not disappointed the food cooked by James was out of this world and we were served by what has got to...

We came tonight for a meal for my partners mums 70th birthday and had a fabulous meal. Taylor our waitress was fantastic and very professional. James the head chef was super friendly and added a personal touch to the pudding by writing happy birthday on...

All three meals were excellent, well cooked, well presented, and served in good time. All the staff were friendly but also professional and welcoming. Waitress service was attentive but we were in no way rushed. Great atmosphere and we won't hesitate to return again in...

This is not our first visit here, sad to say this appears to be the theme. Sat outside at 1:30pm. Nice sunny Saturday afternoon. Busy outside with nearly all tables full and a few reserved for people who hadn’t arrived on the times stated on...

I had the Fish and chips and it was beautifully cooked and very filling. My colleagues all had the burger on my recommendation and again they were very happy with their meal. Running out of Orange juice and non alcoholic Peroni is a bit crazy...

We ate there today 31st May. We arrived and got a table around 12:40 outside. Table was pre booked for 2pm for someone so we thought we had plenty of time to order,eat and pay. How wrong could we be. It took about 15 minutes...

Such a wonderful roast dinner. We went indoors yesterday (we prebooked, and I would recommend this). The service was very quick despite how busy they were. We didn't have to wait long for our beef roast, and my goodness it was lovely. The beef was...

This is the 2nd time in only a few weeks we have visited the Barge Inn , that pre Covid we as family and on business frequented a lot.Breakfast today, well at last we could sit inside, I phoned pre arrival to ensure a table, got no reply from my voicemail message left.Last time re breakfast we and a business associate due to Covid sat outside. Breakfast was OK , but not at all like a Full English Breakfast, And petty as it may sound, they served beans - not your normal beans , but those that would go with anything but a morning meal/ breakfast. Lovely beans for sure- re a lunch meal or evening meal, but not with breakfast!! .Today my Wife and I went there for breakfast.I mentioned the bean issue ( I have) and was advised they cannot do normal beans!!?. So reluctantly I opted for the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, my Wife had gone for that prior to my order..They were obviously stressed due to being fully booked for lunch, which good for them after months of uncertainty re opening.But service was poor.Very pleasant cheerful staff, but we had to ask for sauces, hollandaise, they only had mayonnaise, the slice of lemon for each salmon dish was so small it may as well not have been on the plate. We asked for a black peppercorn grinder for the eggs, and got white pepper then a poor excuse of black powdered pepper. Near to finishing our dish.All served on a tiny plate, that looked good, but not practical. We had to ask for more coffee, there was no offer of coffee after our first order, nor juice or water?! Salmon was below average, and scrambled eggs tasteless.The bread was so tough, luckily we had steak knives. It was not an enjoyable meal, service poor, and today’s compromise re Breakfast choice and my previous visit, has not given me any reason to visit again.I read somewhere while there today, they do Barge Beans... great. But not with breakfast maybe lunch or evening meal.I am so dissatisfied as unknown to the staff at the barge, mainly new staff, pre Lockdown I would visit a lot and send my guys there for meetings with clients, we even had two milestone Birthday Celebrations there, at the Barge Inn for our daughters. It’s a real shame. But may just be a casualty of post Lockdown.When a person wants a Full English Breakfast that’s what they should get. We as a family love cooking, and can do better at home, better quality salmon, eggs, and funnily enough common as it may sound- open a can of Heinz beans. But no one could manage that today for their Customer who unknown to them is part of their annual turnover, GP and Net Profit.A customer who has returned time and time again for many years, how much is that worth? How much does it cost to gain a customer? And keep them ... food for thought. We eat at some very high end establishments and have experienced the very best, our daughters are in the business , and we eat very well. Today all I wanted was a Full English Breakfast, not at a greasy spoon, but the delightful Barge Inn.I can drive into Wickford and get the best English Breakfast for a fiver. Yet today spent £29 on two breakfast that were to say the least not very good. First time ever I have not left a tip. David.

We were very pleased to be able to visit the Barge after 18months. Very Covid Safe, Staff lovely. We both had the crisp battered cod and chips. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, massive and the batter so crisp it made a loud crunch. It was also deliciousThanks, we will be back.

Obviously had to sit outside and was a very windy day so rushed our food. I had the curried chicken breast which was simply wonderful. My friends had the fish and chips which they said was also very good. The only downside, which we fully understood, was we had to pay as we received drinks, then mains and then desserts. Became confusing, whenever sorted out who paid for what

Good seating outside little bit noisy as local bike club were meeting. Food was simple but tasty. Right on top of shops.

Turned up earlier than booking, was shown , politely , to our table, ordered our starters, whitebait & salmon and prawn cocktail, absolutely delicious Ordered our main courses, haddock and calves liver, it was served up piping hot and full of flavour, large portions and excellent Would recommend this place to anybody who wanted good wholesome food and excellent service

Sunday roast fantastic a little pricey but well worth it really good size portions Dessert was yummy to eat and pretty to look at Staff very helpful and pleasant Service excellent Covid friendly

We went to The Barge Inn for the second time post-Covid restrictions. Felt very comfortable with their Covid precautions. The staff were efficient, friendly and helpful.They have added specials to the menu which we all tried. The Sea Bass was delightful as was the Swordfish. The Duck was cooked perfectly. The hand-cut chips were crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, as good as if not better than Heston’s triple cooked chips!!Definitely worth a visit, looking forward to returning very soon.

We met my cousin and her husband there for lunch, as we could sit outside and keep socially distant.I have been there quite a lot, as it was a good place for my best friend and I to meet up. The food in the past has always been good with good portions, if not the cheapest it was good.This time, however, the main courses were not the best, especially the liver and bacon (£16.95) and sausage and mash (£13.95) - both were very overpriced for what you got.Neither had any vegetables with them at all, apart from a small dollop of mash. The liver was a small piece with only one piece of bacon. There were 3 sausages, and two battered onion rings, but again, overpriced because of the lack of veg. I mean - how much must 3 sausages, a small dollop of mash and two onion rings and a bit of gravy cost them? Both were served in a wide rimmed bowl (like you might get soup in) to make them look bigger than they were presumably.I had a cajun chicken burger, and asked for it without a bun, but was not offered any salad in it's place as most places do, and the 'American cheese' on top was a gooey mess, with absolutely no flavour whatsoever.In spite of the covid restrictions, they didn't have table service for ordering, and you have to go inside to to order drinks and food. When we got in there, the person behind the bar disappeared, saying they wouldn't be a moment, and didn't come back for 5 mins! Loads of staff went backwards and forwards during this time, and nobody asked if we were being looked after.On the way home, I also realised that they didn't take our contact details, as I thought they were supposed to do - not good.The waitress service was good and friendly, and the wait wasn't bad, but I do think it is not good value for money at all.I hope it gets back to it's previous standard, which made it a lovely day out with the antiques shopping.

Lovely location and friendly staff. Sadly the food did not match the environment. Was hoping for a traditional ploughman’s lunch but sadly a slab of cheese and ham with two slices of supermarket cut white bread and margarine. Some added garnish nice but quality very poor for a ‘traditional’ pub lunch.

Come for a lunch with partner. Covid secured and informed really well. One way system in place.Hand sanitiser on entry. We both ordered lunch chicken salad and ploughman's. We left both plates empty as was so good. I really enjoyed the visit so much that we stayed for some drinks. Service especially Holly was really good, didn't make us to wait too long for food , clean the plates straight after we finished. Will definitely come back again. Thank you for lovely service.