The Barn Garden Centre & Cafe in Colchester

Great breakfast, lovely atmosphere. Had a full English breakfast, sausages were particularly tasty.Always a pleasure to visit.

We have enjoyed visiting The Barn recently for coffee so we decided to meet friends here one weekend for breakfast. Whilst the service was fine, 3 of us ordered the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs which was presented on one very small piece of toast and at £10.50 each, similar to other reviewers, we felt this was overpriced. On that basis, sadly we would not recommend nor return to The Barn for breakfast.

Had lunch here and ordered the Nicoise Salad. Was a bit tasteless. I then had the Pavlova and fruit. It was a meringue nest (bought in) not a pavlova, which is very different. Also the fruit had pomegranate seeds which had very hard seeds and hurt my tooth when I bit on one. Not really a suitable fruit to mix in with a salad. The ambience and the staff were excellent. It was a shame the food let it down.

I would just like to leave some constructive criticism after having lunch yesterday. I liked the menu and was pleased with all the gluten free options, however can I recommend that when the waiting staff take the orders they fully explain how it can be adapted. Yesterday I opted for the pulled pork and cheese ciabatta which arrived as a toasted sandwich, if I had been told when I ordered , I may have changed my mind. Also found this to be over priced for the food served see photo below:

Very nicely decorated etc. However our experience at lunch was not great. The panzonella salad was very overpriced at £13. It was a very small portion, more appropriate for a side dish rather than a 'special' and took almost 35 minutes to arrive.

Very good experience, fantastic food (especially the chips) Staff were very helpful and polite, would highly recommend

Food and décor was great. It was all let down by the wait times. We were seated and given our menus - it was then approx 30 min before we were asked for our order. Our drinks were brought out and then we waited another 30 mins to get our food. So had been here an hour by this point. We'd finished our drinks by the time the food came but didn't bother ordering any more as we didn't know how long it'd take.. Completely understand they were very busy and it was Sunday but just personally feel an hour wait for food is too long.

Excellent Sunday lunch roast beef with all the trimmings. Nice service an all round good experience. We will return soon.

After residing in Stanway for a decade, I finally decided to visit The Barn for lunch with my partner on a whim, only to encounter a disappointing experience. Upon arrival, we were met by a hostess whose demeanor left much to be desired; her lack of warmth made us feel unwelcome, as if we didn't belong. Despite seating ourselves, it took over 20 minutes for anyone to attend to us. To our dismay, the same disinterested hostess took our order, displaying visible disdain when we made our selections. Our hopes for a satisfying meal were quickly dashed when our dishes arrived lukewarm, clearly hastily reheated in a microwave, resulting in soggy, unappetizing fare. The poor quality of the food, coupled with the abysmal customer service, left us deeply disappointed. It's disheartening to be made to feel like unwanted patrons when we made every effort to be courteous and accommodating. It's regrettable that The Barn appears to cater exclusively to a select demographic, as evidenced by their dismissive treatment of customers who do not fit a certain mold. Needless to say, neither I nor my partner will be returning to The Barn anytime soon.

Family visit with a large party of 19 of us for our Mum’s 90th birthday celebrations. Fantastic service throughout our lunch, excellent food Thanks very much

On arrival I waited for 15 mins to be even acknowledged, cafe was busy but by no means full. I was not made to feel welcome at all, no smile or any semblance of politeness from the lady member of staff. Was informed very abruptly that breakfast was finished (despite it being 115hrs when website states it finishes at 1130hrs!!) I asked for a mocha and a cheese scone- mocha was tepid and the cheese scone rubbery as had been heated (wasn’t asked if I wanted heated - I didn’t!!) in a microwave. Asked a young waitress if I could possibly have another butter, she went and got some more and literally threw it onto my table and flounced off without saying anything, I couldn’t believe it!! This is not the first time I have experienced this lack of welcome here, I just kept thinking it must be because they are busy. Felt very unwelcome, mediocre food and poor service, except from the young lad on the till who at least smiled and spoke to me. I do not usually leave negative reviews, I emailed The Barn after my visit, but have not received any response, maybe they will read this. I also read on previous reviews that this is a normal occurrence!! If I was the Manager, I would be very worried if there was more than 1 bad review about their ‘greeting’ staff!!

Wouldn’t come here again !! Completely ignored and no one came to take our order. We even walked out and left without anyone realising haha!!

Roast beef very good all aspects very enjoyable nice yorky, beef, gravy , veg and horseradish could not fault will be back.

I visited today with my son for breakfast and I have to say it was one of the best, if not THE best breakfasts I have had. Absolute credit to the chef and staff. My son had the American pancakes and said these were also superb. I should note I have visited here before and sampled the BLT which was also great, my daughter tells me the scones are excellent too, coming a close second behind her mums!

We had a lovely breakfast, although a little slow. However it would be great if the staff occasionally smile or be welcoming. On arrival, a smile and welcome, rather than feeling we've ruined somebody's day by our arrival. To be honest, that set the time for the whole visit. I don't understand, serving lots of people well cooked, good quality ingredients is the tricky bit, not the smiling at customers

The the right of the entrance door has a sign saying 'Assistance dogs only'. Shame as there is plenty of space for well behaved pups

Just had a really delicious roast Sunday lunch at Barn Cafe. The food was well cooked, the service friendly and the atmosphere busy and cheerful. We will certainly return.

Miserable staff, expensive food, Which wasn't great. Went in happy came out very miserable never again

Always happy with the offerings at Barn Plants but todays light lunch was exceptional. Smoked salmon and fabulous dressed mixed salad on toasted sourdough. Hope it stays on the menu!

Booked for lunch 1.15 sat down and ordered drinks. When waitress eventually took our order at 1.30. She said no roast dinners left! No excuse. No reason given . My son had travelled to Colchester to buy lunch. What a disappointment. We left never to go back. Can this restaurant really afford to disappoint like this!

I visited with my sister for an impromptu treat. As always, the service and food/drink were excellent. We had delicious cake - always such a good selection that we never can decide upon one so we shared two different flavours. We visited on one of the hottest days of the year and we’re disappointed, although not surprised, when they advised us they would be closing early as the shop area was stiflingly hot. This is usually my go to cafe on this side of Colchester. Just wish they still served jacket potatoes - they were the perfect choice for my vegan friends.

Cant comment on the food as we didnt get to try it. Their approach and attitude was poor. We were in the area and wanted to grab a quick bite for lunch. Having waited for quite a while where instructed, we were eventually told in a very abrupt manner it would be 20-30 minutes before we could have a table - despite the fact they only appeared to be about one-third occupied. Explained the two of us only wanted to grab a quick sandwich or something similar and was told again it would be 20-30 mins before we could be seated as they 'had just seated tables of 4, 6 and 8 people'. I assume this means they wanted to try and stagger orders for the kitchen, but surely they could have handled two sandwich orders or let us sit down and get a drink whilst waiting. They clearly have ideas above their station - this is after all just a cafe in a garden centre, not a Michelin Star restaurant.

My new go-to brunch spot! I love love love this place, the menu is inclusive and varied, the produce is fresh and well portioned, the staff are super friendly & accommodating and the location - I just think there's something calming about Garden Centres... Pretty easy to find, with plenty of parking on sight & a good shop for on the way out. They also have an alcohol license so if you are partial to an Aperol like me - enjoyyyy!

I have never had a bad meal here. I dine here lots and the food is fab. Highly recommend. Great place!

First of all my wife does the most amazing Sunday Roasts but I have to say the ones we had here were a very close second (sorry guys). I had the pork my wife the beef. She likes her meat Raw (well that’s how it always looks to me) so she asked the waitress if the chef could do it. He did and my wife was very pleased. The staff couldn’t do enough for us. Prior to going the Barn was highly recommended by friends although they did say the service could be a bit slow. In my opinion that was a bonus as my wife and I are still talking and we live to settle in and over a drink have a good old chin wag oh and the deserts were lovely as well.

First time I had been to the Barn with recommendation from other members and wow it did not disappoint. I have read the reviews and to be honest I couldn’t fault the faults they stated . We had to wait at the entrance for a few mins , but we were greeted and told we would be looked after, the cafe was very very busy but the staff handled it like troopers. They all had smiles on their faces and welcomed us in. We far outside as it was a lovely day and enjoyed some cake, which was told to us by the waitress that it was homemade and boy could you tell, the size of the carrot cake was like a wedge ! The coffee was hot and delicious , the staff looked happy and you could tell they were all close. Overall a very happy experience and will be returning again, once I burn off this carrot cake .

Truly shocked at the experience we had here. Popped in with a work colleague for lunch which we had booked 2 weeks in advance. We were so excited to visit this beautiful venue. Upon being sat down, we waited 15 minutes to have our order taken. We asked to order sandwiches to which the waitress said “it’s just coffee and cake, table … just coffee and cake”. We were given food menus so did not know where this had come from, we wanted lunch.. not cake. However she went and spoke to the “manager and chef” who said it was “fine” for us to have sandwiches. However, the rudeness just did not stop there. The serving team here need a serious lesson in customer service and how to speak to members of the public like they are not faeces on the bottom of your shoe. I will not be eating/drinking here again and have advised all friends and family to do the same. Such a let down! A beautiful venue but the café staff are absolutely shocking.

Excellent service ever though it was extremely busy. We had breakfast which was delicious.you definitely need to book a table before going. The cakes looked amazing too!

Still not much improvement since the last visit, slow service have to approach someone to ask to take our order NO teacakes so opt for scones butter rock hard & scones not warmed which would have been much nicer & helped the butter to melt. It’s a shame the vibe of this place has changed.

Greeted with Have You Booked? which wasn’t the warm hello I’d expected on a cold Tuesday lunchtime. I had nipped in as I fancied a bowl of soup. They weren’t doing soup so I had a BLT instead. At £9.50 I expected great things. The salad garnish had a dressing on that would have stripped paint but the sandwich itself was ok. The garden centre itself has a beautiful array of clothes and gifts so I’d go again - just not when I want soup.

Breakfast is served until 11.30am and we arrived in the nick of time! Really nice waitress showed us quickly to our table and made sure our order went though in time. Breakfast arrived after a few minutes and was hot and freshly cooked. All the staff were friendly and efficient. We would definitely go back!

Service slow , rude staff , cake’s amazing but main menu overrated Just not a very customer friendly experience Will not re-visit

This is a very busy place which needs more staff. The food was very good and tasty, not sure how often the menu is changed. When the food did arrive it was hot and well presented

Good fish & chips and haddock fishcake. Can't comment on our dessert, took an age to get a grubby menu but never returned to take our order, we left.

Sat outside freezing cold waited ages for service and then asked if we could go inside told no all booked even though it was 1.30 and the tables were starting to clear. Meal was ok shocked when I tried to pay cash and was told...

We have been to this place many times used to be very nice .we have tried three times. Wishing the last two months when approaching the booking in table outside the restaurant there was a very grumpy lady staff member who has told us there...

Found on this visit the lack of Customer Service, been here for a number of years but noticed a great difference this time. Had to sit out in the indoor terrace (in garden centre) outside the coffee shop as very busy inside. Was cold, had...

We had a light lunch here and it was very enjoyable. The food was good quality and tasty. The service was friendly and efficient. We also enjoyed looking around the garden centre afterwards.

Absolutely knock out breakfast, delicious food, all served piping hot, friendly staff and loads to choose from. Will definitely be back if ever in the area again!!

We have eaten breakfast lunch and coffee/cake during the last few months, each time the food has been delicious

Best Garden Centre in the area. Such a variety of indoor plants and homeware. The cafe is amazing, always had great service and outstanding coffee and food. We visit here regularly and often enjoy browsing the home goods after a nice breakfast. Always recommend to...

This is a nice garden center and the restaurant is bright and spacious 6 of us went 3 of us had the roast dinner which is vary nice came with a parsnip and carrot but the other vegetables totally let it down, for 3 people...

Loved breakfast and great value. A wonderful experience with everything you could possibly need for the garden and presents for that special person! Must try the afternoon tea next

I have visited twice here for breakfast, and the food was lovely. The service has been really slow the times that I have visited, but I have heard this is not their normal...so not sure if I have been unlucky! If the food was not...

The pancakes were first class, the full English could not be beaten and to top it off the staff were amazing.

I’ve been to the barn many times. The staff are always friendly and helpful. There is a lovey range of food which is always fresh and takes amazing . I’d recommend booking in advance as it can get really busy!

Well it seems everywhere is cutting costs lunch time salmon salad e lettuce not rocket no lemon was not great week before asked for panini with ham and mature cheese not Emmanuel didn’t change after asking very dissatisfied shame it was amazing months ago

We reserved a table at The Barn as we had searched for a place to eat nearby on the way to my sisters wedding dress fitting. We arrived early but the greeter kindly offered to move some tables around to accommodate us a little sooner....

Had a lovely sunday lunch (ten of us). Very friendly staff. Some had pork, some beef - all empty plates. We'll be back!

My daughter and I have just had a birthday celebratory tea for her birthday. It was one of the nicest and prettiest plate of food I've had for a long time. The food and staff were all excellent, would recommend this lovely little cafe to...

I've visited The Barn a few times, the garden centre and cafe are both lovely. The cafe has a nice setting, it feels airy and bright. I've only ever tried their breakfast menu which is great, the poached eggs are always cooked perfectly. Staff are...

This cafe had been recommended to us so we thought we’d give it a look. We were not disappointed, a lovely setting indoor and outdoor seating, table service and a large selection of choices for breakfast. The lunch and Sunday lunch menus looked good too...

Wonderful staff. Phoned to enquire if cowslips available before travelling. Staff very welcoming in cafe and plant area. Purchased many plants, which all looked fresh, plenty of choice and good value. Will definitely return another day for lunch. Husband is gluten free which will be...

Going back a number of years when we had our first baby this cafe was brilliant for mum meet ups. In the last 6 months this seems to have changed. I have been to the cafe with a large group of pregnant mums and we...

My wife and I decided to call in for lunch and was very pleased. The sausage and egg bap is excellent and I would like to know where they buy their sausages? Well done Old Barn

Arrived having booked a table with my family which included twins both 18months old. We were welcomed by Chris front of house. Chris changed our booked table to a better table for high chairs and more space for the adults which was so appreciated. Drinks...

Will return when weather permits. Lively outside eating, with great food and friendly staff. Plenty of parking too.

Fish and chips sent back twice as the both times the fish had a strange texture and smelled of ammonia. This was also witnessed by the people I was with. The waitress, after informing me the chef was going to complain to the supplier, was...

Excellent lunch, fantastic chunky chips, delicious chicken burger, tasty chicken/avocado/spinach sandwich, fresh, quality ingredients - excellent service

Visited for breakfast this morning with a friend, we didn’t book (recommend you do) but it wasn’t a problem even though restaurant was busy, friendly staff sat outside in the indoor nursery side under the heating so very comfortable. Ordered the Avocado pouched eggs on...

My wife and I visited here for a weekend lunch, I had to book in advance because it is often full. When we arrived we were quickly ushered to our table and the staff were friendly and attentive at the start. The menu was a...

Vegetarian breakfast: two poached eggs, baked beans, two small flat mushrooms, two grilled tomato halves and a small round piece of bubble and squeak, accompanied by one slice of granary toast. £9.95 plus extra for tea or coffee. Very over-priced. Cooked nicely but not a...

Food is nice but £2.50 for one slice of toast to accompany a breakfast is mind blowing. Healthy mark up on a loaf of bread! Let themselves down with this sort of greed.

Visited for breakfast this morning. Great to see a range of teas and coffees. However the service was unacceptable. I wanted a cooked breakfast, but didn’t want bacon, egg or mushrooms as I don’t eat any of these. Instead, I’d have preferred another sausage -...

A warm welcome and fantastic service. I recommend the sirloin beef Sunday roast. There is no better around here. !!!! The food was simply fantastic it was hot, fresh and plenty of it too. Brought to the table by friendly and attentive staff. The menu...

Visited to have coffee and cake with a friend, but no vegan option was available so requested beans on toast but only got toast. Needs an updated menu that accommodates all diets. Won't go back to the cafe, but the actual garden centre is lovely.

As a frequent customer I can highly recommend the food also excellent friendly staff. The good is fresh and good quality best in the local area.

Excellent food. We had a delicious meze, ordering both veggie and meat options. The biscof cheesecake was historic! The cafe can get busy so best to book. We have visited before and each time the food has been great but this was exceptional and still...

My partner and I pre-booked the day before we attended. We described the breakfast as incredible! Great value for money, the staff are friendly and the barn cafe was clean! After you’ve had something to eat, burn it off by walking round the shop and...

This was one of the best roast dinners we've had in a while. The beef, roast potatoes, selection of veg and Yorkshire puddings were beautifully cooked and very tasty. Service throughout was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be going back, highly recommend and advise...

We had a fantastic breakfast at the Barn. The food was extremely well presented and delicious, we all cleaned our plates! Very good service , friendly staff and the restaurant is clean and inviting with very nice decor and warm atmosphere- would highly recommend you...

Always a good pit stop, lovely coffee and cake. Been here a few times now, with the lovely garden centre, the staff are friendly and the tasty treats are too!

Once again lovely breakfast served at the barn good value for money very homely atmosphere friendly staff

This was my first visit to The Barn at Stanway. Used the cafe for tea and cake before a very pleasant browse round the garden centre and shop. Had a wonderful greeting by a member of the cafe staff - everywhere was very clean and...

I’ve just eaten with my girlfriend in the cafe, food was incredible, the lady who greeted us again was lovely. But the lady who took our order, was quite frankly very rude. She made me and my girlfriend feel very uncomfortable, slammed our food on...

We just want to say a huge thank you to all for the delicious breakfasts we enjoyed with our year 11 pupils. We had pre-booked for a party of 16 pupils and 4 accompanying adults and from the moment we arrived we were made to...

Lovely visit and my Grandma even said they were the best fish and chips she had ever eaten ! Nice venue , quick service and lovely food .

Was very disapointed to be taken to this restaurant by my wife for Fathers Day Sunday roast only to find out on arrival that there was no Sunday roast. Anyone that knows this venue will know that if there's no Sunday roast, your only options...

We had a traditional Sunday Roast to rival any resturant in the South East. From the lovely warm greeting at front of house to the service and especially the quality of the fresh produce was undoubtedly the best we have eaten. Simple can not be...

A simple lunch menu which for me is a plus point as it means that the food that you get served is delicious and served promptly, we also greatly enjoyed the cake. The service was really friendly too. Will definitely recommend and visit again.

Delicious lunch outside on the patio. Shaded from the sun for 3, we had a generously filled omelette with skin-on fries and two portions of fish and chips. Light crispy beer batter with delicious chips. Good choice of soft drinks and a golden ale for...

We have always driven past but stopped off one day and was amazing to find this hidden gem. What was astounding was the selection, quality of the selection and how clean and well cared it was. I could spend hours browsing. The cafe was lovely,...

Having carefully booked online and entered special requests and it being confirmed. Arrived at 2pm on Monday ,having waited for a female member of staff to acknowledge us she arrived face mask only covering her mouth not nose!!! I said we had booked on line,she...

It fantastic to see our lovely local garden centre and cafe is back trading again. However this time we left rather frustrated we visited on Friday the 7th of May.It’s was quite busy at lunch we had to wait a while to be seated. I went for the fish and chips and my wife ordered a sandwich. The fish was freshly cooked a few of the chips where hard but still edible. The sandwich was very nice with fresh bread and reasonably priced. With two coffees the total came to just under £20 which we found very reasonable.The one downside to our visit was the rude waitress that served us. She slammed our food down on the table and walked away without even acknowledging us. I got up and tried to catch her as she was walking off. I asked for some tomato ketchup she answered yes no problem but we never received it. She walked past us several times but never asked if we was ok. My wife then found a long hair on the side of her plate I assume from the waitress that served us I went to go and make a complaint and she just turned around and walked off. Very disappointing.We finished our food and I wanted to make them aware that we found a hair in our food but they was so busy running around we just left. When we was leaving through the garden centre I asked who served me and was told my one of the garden centre assistants that it was the new restaurant manager.I don’t think we will be returning again until the service can be improved it’s disappointing as we have never had poor service like that before.

Very happy to return to our favorite garden centre/cafe. The breakfast here is amazing, very fresh and such a good choice. Lovely outside eating area, with nice comfortable seats. Highly recommended

Booked a table for 1pm yesterday and turned up 55 minutes before to check if our table would be under cover due to rain. Was told by the woman at the front desk that our table is not under cover but she wasn’t very good...

I think this is a nice cafe, tucked away off the beaten track. There are very pleasant surroundings. The menu is lovely. Service is speedy too. On a recent visit, my boyfriend enjoyed a beautiful large slice of Victoria Sponge cake whilst I had a...

My wife recently spent a substantial amount of money at the barn. Two garden mirrors (Amongst other things)bought one turned out too small so I took back to return (still boxed in same conditon little over a week later). I was disappointed to be boxed...

Seated and then nothing .... waited 20 minutes while waiters and waitresses served those around us, that arrived after us. In the end we got up and left. Not going to be returning anytime soon

Yet again my family & I enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Each of us ordered a different dish and they all arrived together. I asked to swap scrambled eggs for poached and this was no problem. The only issue we had was that we had to...

Having lived in Colchester for 14 years we finally discovered The Barn on 19 July and wished we’d found it sooner. We booked breakfast and it was all fabulous. We felt safe in these Covid-19 times - tables were spaced out perfectly and the staff...

Have been to the Barn Cafe many times and have always loved it. Our latest visit was sadly not so great. I booked a table for myself and some friends and our children at 12oclock on a week day. I explained on the phone when...

Dropped in to the cafe for lunch and was very impressed with the lunch menu and all the cakes. Very quick service with a well presented meal. Well worth a visit.

We arrived here the last Saturday in February during the worst storm of the year during a heavy downpour of rain mixed with sleet. The restaurant is delightful and a pleasure to visit. I ordered a slice of Bakewell Tart with a side order of strawberry sorbet. I was absolutely delicious as was all the food ordered by my companions. The service was excellent even though the staff were obviously working under great pressure and a very full restaurant with many visitors sheltering from the extreem weather. This is a hidden gem in rural Essex

Coffee options on the day was limited to just percolated as the machine had failed. Just opted for scones as the eats which were ok but not as good as those at Perrywoods at Inworth

Very poor organisation. Elderly Waitress on the till at 11-40am on Friday 21 February 2020 certainly needs extra training in customer care and politeness.

Nice airy restaurant. Lovely cooked breakfast at reasonable price. Food orders taken at the till as opposed to table only negative comment. Worth a visit.

What a lovely friendly atmosphere here! Really enjoyed lunch. Excellent value for money, cheery, comfortable and friendly staff.

Visited in a party of 4 great food great choice well cooked well served helpful staff and value for money. Will be back again in the future and looking forward to enjoying more meals here.

The garden centre is small and quite nice but the Santa experience, in my opinion is overpriced and I have taken my grandchildren to far better ones for half the price. I felt the whole thing was very disorganised too. The train ride was quite good and Santa was lovely but the present received was a very small plastic tractor that looked like it came from the pound shop. Considering the ticket price was £13.95 per child and £6.95 per adult, I think this is very poor and would not visit again.