The Generals Arms in Chelmsford

Another great Olio’s restaurant from Gianni and the team. David runs the General’s Arm’s and the food and service hits the usual perfect spot we’re familiar with from Olio’s. Steak was perfect, fish was superb too and the wine suggestion from David went down a treat. We caught a cheeky drink in the garden afterwards which was really nice and spotted the BBQ was open and serving some great looking food but we had no room left after lunch. Cheers, Kev

First visit to the recenly, (well relatively recently,) refurbished and updated Generals Arms in Little Badoow. Had it not been the fact that it's been taken over by Olios, we wouldn't have bothered. Pleased to say though that we did and most certainly didn't regret it. Perfectly cooked food with just the right portion size served by attentive staff. Well done David & team we will be back.

Now Olios on the Ridge this is just another amazing addition to the chain. Nobody does restaurants like Gianni, David and all of their unbelievable staff. This was our first visit to this new venture and David, who we have known for many, many years, treated us and our friends like royalty with a full tour of the restaurant, the fabulous outdoor offerings and little glimpse into the future plans. The traditional classic Olio's full menu and wine list are available and now highly complimented by a superb lunch menu, from which we had a delicious three course meal. The standards of service and friendliness from all of the are exactly what we get at any of the Olio's restaurants. Absolutely loved our visit and seeing David again. Will definitely be back, especially in summer to sample to beer garden, outdoor restaurant, BBQ, outdoor bar. Well done guys

Visited here Sunday lunchtime for a meal with friends. Excellent food, great service and beautiful environment. Best Italian meal I’ve had in a long time. The lasagne was amazing! This place certainly puts other top end Italian restaurants in the shade (Vita Bella I’m talking to you!) We will definitely return soon.

Not knowing The Generals had changed hands, we were surprised to find that the restaurant is now Olio at the Ridge. We received a warm welcome, decided to stay and were shown to a table. Our food was superb! From starters to desserts we couldn’t fault it. Flavourful, fresh and big portions! Service was attentive. Will be back for a birthday celebration very soon!

Olio opened a week ago as Italien - HUGE improvement to the former General's Arms. Had really delicious lunch on the standard menu, superb cod and chips, vast contrast to the typical pub fish and chips. Excellet profiteroles followed. Service was fine. Ambience a little dull in the restaurant. Good value. Do hope Olio thrives - it deserves support.

We went on a Friday night for a drink. It was quiet and they decided to close at 10pm ! The landlord/landlady weren't exactly rude but neither we they welcoming. We felt like we were intruding.

Visited for a beer and something to eat. The whole place seems so poorly run. Lots of items on the menu unavailble, sauces served in cake cases!! Pub then closes when the manager gets bored it seems. Such a lovely site and location, could be brilliant, unfortunately it is quite the opposite.

Vegan burger wasn’t actually a burger. Came as several Iceland style inedible pieces served in a bun. Complained and said that it should really be a patty for that price. I then got a similar Iceland style breaded processed piece of something. At least it was round Lady behind bar couldn’t answer what dark beers were on offer either. Man serving food shouting out table numbers like bingo. I would have thought the servers would know where their tables are. What a joke!

Really friendly staff very welcoming and good food would recommend here any time, I enjoyed my time here!

Chicken goujons on menu, actually served frozen chicken nuggets for £7.95 chips £4.95. Would of been better off with a Happy Meal at McDonalds!

Booked a table for lunch after a local 6 mile walk. We were made welcome by the landlord and sat at a table in the bar. We ordered fish and chips and a steak baguette. The food came promptly and was good portion size and well cooked. No complaints. As with many pubs at the moment the lack of customers is creating issues. I was pleased to have supported this pub and frankly surprised by the earlier negative reviews. Hopefully this pub will survive the difficult times. We had a good time.

Went for Sunday lunch. Waited over 1 hour & 15 minutes for the food. No one advised there would be a wait. When we asked after an hour the landlord was very dismissive. Food was not good we will not be returning and I would not recommend. We asked for two roast beef dinners but two turkey dinners delivered to the table and we were told they had ran out of beef. Again landlord dismissive. They did take the two turkey dinners off the bill. Only good thing about the visit was the young waitress. She was the only one who apologised for the wait and wrong food.

The last time we ate here, many years ago, the food was good quality and excellent.. how it has changed. I had the hunters chicken which was over baked, covered in waxy cheese with tasteless cheap chicken and oven chips. Not impressed and will not be returning.

Popped into the Generals for a lunch on a Friday. We were the only table inside on arrival and there was one table of drinkers occupied outside. Pub was dark inside, music was put on after we arrived. The food was awful. The worst quality meal we’ve had out in a long time. We ordered bread and olives to start. Was a part-baked roll and cheap olives. We both ordered burgers for main thinking they’d be of the quality of the burger collaborations they’ve done over the past few years (Black Pig who now have their Farm Cafe in Heybridge) but no. Unfortunately the buns were the very floury white buns you get at the supermarket, beef burgers like you get from a van outside of b&q and grated cheese out of a packet. Burger came with a pile of chips and a dollop of shop bought coleslaw. Wish I’d taken a picture as it was so depressing. Pub needs a good clean on the inside. Looks lovely from the outside and the garden is probably it’s redeeming feature. A real shame as this could be a real corker of a pub for cosy meals over the autumn/winter months.

Popped in for a beer whisky walking through Blake’s Wood. Nice pub, good pint of Guinness. Was busy with a private function in the garden but didn’t bother us. They had food trucks in the car park which was unusually but smelt great. We didn’t have food but I’d pop by again. Not sure why the poor reviews based on what we experienced I’d say worth a stop if passing.

I grew up next to The Generals Arms and have seen it through various owners and changes. However, sadly my most recent visit was disappointing. The food was below average - low quality packaged ham for the ham egg and chips, my salad was swimming in the water it was washed in and had to be sent back to be drained. Despite all three servers serving our table, we had to ask for cutlery, condiments etc. We went on a Sunday but there was no Sunday roast on a the menu. A country pub without a roast - what a missed opportunity!! It could be a lovely pub to eat in by simplifying the menu but raising its quality. At the moment, there are a number of other pubs nearby that serve better quality food for the same price.

Pub looks nice but the food was awful. Empty pub and 3 lunch meals took 40mins. Ploughman’s was so terrible with tiny cubes of cheese, babybels and pickle. Not what was advertised and for £9.50.

Yesterday we took our three young girls for a meal at The Generals Arms and were met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The garden had shelter and play equipment for the children, and there were lots of other families with children and dogs enjoying the British summer time. The food was lovely and even our fussy kiddos ate all their generous portions of Mac 'n' Cheese! The pub is lovely and all the staff couldn't have been more helpful, especially our server (Colin) who went above and beyond to accommodate our young family. We all had lovely time and would highly recommend the pub to anyone looking for a nice, affordable, family friendly meal out.

We were looking for somewhere that offered home-made cakes or deserts and popped in here on a Sunday afternoon. The waiter gave us the desert menus and when he returned, we asked if any were home made. "Dunno mate" was his reply. I would really expect a waiter to know about the menu he is serving. Or the very least, offer to find out. We ordered deserts and drinks. The deserts arrived one at a time. Considering they were approx £6 each, they were very ordinary and bland. We paid the bill and it was only once home we noticed we'd been charged 10% service charge! What a rip-off! The service was poor and the food mediocre. We won't be going back here again.

My friend and I popped here with my toddler as a meeting point for lunch. The staff were so miserable for starters which put us off. They were then really abrupt when we asked if there’s any possibility of a salad - it’s fine they...

First time visiting the General's Arms today,had a lovely meal for two adults two children. Service was very friendly and welcoming,definitely will be returning.

Just had the most delicious lunch the sea bream amazing My husband loved the sausage and mash both our meals are from the special menu Staff work very hard to make our stay happy relaxing and very enjoyable Nothing is to much trouble

Me and my friend was on our way to paper mill lock when we come across the pub. We thought we’d have lunch there before going to the lock. I had the fish and chips and my friend had the burger. Both come hot, tasty...

To be honest we'd been here a few times and had OK meals but the previous visit wasn't great so we were apprehensive about what experience we'd have this time. We'd planned to stay and have a meal but after getting our drinks and finding...

Me and my family visited bank holiday Monday and were very happy with the quality of food and how attentive the staff were. Food was hot and arrived very quickly, we even had desserts which were just as good. Plenty of drink choices, gins/beers and...

Really friendly staff especially the landlord and landlady, was looked after the entire night making sure we had everything we needed. Food was absolutely lovely as well, highly recommend.

Great food and drinks which comes fast and good quality and always good specials, defo worth a visit!!!

Wow Debbie is amazing food was great Gary the landlord added character highly recommend it’s a truly well run pub x

The reason for the 2 star is simply down to one of the staff members (I think the male owner) We arrived in the evening for a pre booked meal. The lady owner was lovely setting us everything we needed. The one way system was...

Good 'beer' garden with plenty of outdoor well spaced tables with parasols or shade from trees in which to enjoy a nice timely served meal. Very good value using the Mon-Wed gov discount. Most of menu on website available but not the sandwiches and sides.

Our first pub lunch since lockdown.plenty of room in the garden and good system for entry and ordering. Portions very generous, the burger was excellent and all ingredients fresh and well presented. On signing in we were warned that the food would take about 30...

Well done to The Generals Arms for making everyone feel safe on the opening day. Good signage, one way system, hand sanitizers & screen protectors. Really impressive.

Took grandchildren for a treat here after visiting Santa in burnham. Excellent food , staff were very pleasant, will definitely be back. Thank you all

Always love a Generals lunch with my friends as the food is gorgeous, great atmosphere and especially love this time of year when the fires lit and Debbie the landlady decorates the pub making it look so beautiful. We held my mothers funeral there and...

17 of us went for lunch. Very welcoming by the staff. Had a very nice lunch and it was very well organised. We all enjoyed our food very much.

Came here recently in a group and have fallen in love. (This shall now be my little hot spot for when I plan a meal out!) We all ordered a few sharers between us and had some special dishes made fresh for the weekend from the chef. The service was really good. We asked if we were okay and we felt very welcome. We will definetly be returning to see more specials as the food is just top quality for pub classics and we got a peak of their gorgeous garden so will definetly try and come back for the summer! All in all. A truly great pub.

Nice pub in beautiful place with a large beer garden. Very family friendly and helpful staff welcomed us. There is plenty for kids to play on in the garden and a childrens menu.Food was ok, varied menu and well cooked, average pub grub but in a lovely location.

I visited today with my partner and 6 month old son. I had the lasagne which was really delicious and he had the steak & ale pie which he throughly enjoyed. Quite often we visit pubs and feel let down by the quality of the food but this was homemade, real traditional comfort food. The landlord waited our table and was very friendly and polite. We will definitely be returning. They also had a menu which included jacket potatoes and sandwiches which would be ideal for a lighter lunch.

Have brought a large group here now on a few occasions and each and every time we are met with a friendly greeting. The bar area is very welcoming with a log fire and comfortable leather sofas. The food is delicious and very reasonable. The General's Arms is good at dealing with large parties. Today the Manager was serving on his own and did a great job of getting all our meals out correctly with no fuss. Thank you - we'll be back!

Went there just after Christmas with some friends of mine for a lunchtime classic car meet....great little pub ,friendly staff and very tasty food at a reasonable price......recommended

Wow! Absolutely amazing. Lovely staff and service couldn't be better. Food was really good too. We made her day and she made ours too. I've never seen any staff as amazing as them. Welldone. A clue on who I am. After 9. 13 :)

Popped in after work after a long day..Greated by only 4 super saver poundshop lights on, leftover dinner plates and glasses on bar, 4 other people (which i assume were the owners friends as they were sitting at bar) and the owner/barman/ cleaner (couldnt tell as he looked a tramp) behind the bar..Ordered 2 drinks only to be asked "Is that all your having? Only if so ill have to charge you extra if your paying by card".. I said we will probably have 2 drinks to which he kept my card behind the bar..1/2 hr later, group of 4 left (time now 8.30pm) to which he came to table and said he was shutting now so we have to leave! We hadnt even finished our one and only drink! Lights went out and we paid and left...Lucky he didnt charge me extra for the one drink we had! Would of set fire to the place! Door locked behind us and we left!There are many pubs around this area...My advice is VISIT ANY OF THE OTHERS!! Cant see this place staying open for long if this is how its run and looking..Shame...its a nice area! Now pub sticks out like a sore thumb! Stay clear...

Table for 10 people booked on a Sunday, but surprisingly not overcrowded. We had a lovely family meet up, with delicious food. Our meals included the Steak, Fish and Chips, Scampi, Thai Green Curry and the two Salads. My only suggestion would be request the assistance of another colleague when bringing the meals to a large table (and the restaurant is not busy), and if not possible, bring the salads out last!

We popped in for a late lunch after visiting Danbury lakes with the dog and were not disappointed! We were made very welcome and the dog loved it on the cosy rugs on the floor. We had plenty of food and it was delicious. Great value for money and a cosy pub with wonderful food and staff. We have been before for a gorgeous Sunday lunch and also in a big group with children. Each visit has been great. Thank you so much see you soon xx

My 2nd visit here with a large group and the organisation was, again, really good. Food was delicious and served promptly. Atmosphere relaxed and comfortable.

we stopped off here on the way home from Burnham, the pub is lovely inside but as it was a warm sunny day we sat out in the garden, plenty of table and beautiful surroundings. I had a sausage and onion ciabatta and it was delicious! wife had a fish finger sandwich and thoroughly enjoyed that too! nice selection of beers on tap.

Been here a couple of times now for a drink, first time sat outside around 7:30pm went back in to get another drink at 8:30 and the pub was shut!! No one had the decency to tell us they were closing! Then Friday went inside for a drink at 8:00 got the distinct feeling we weren’t welcome and before we’d even got half way through our drinks, the landlord turned the lights out,leaving us to sit in total darkness! I honestly do not believe that a service industry is the correct role for the landlord and landlady of this pub to be in!! I will not be going back here again even though it’s in a lovely location

Decided to go for a ride and called in here was our 2 nd visit and was quiet. Only had a pint but was a hot day and sat under a large parasol. Drinks a bit on the pricey side but was nice to relax

Despite being unsure the exact time my group of 16 would arrive, we met with a warm welcome and our tables ready. The food appeared astonishly quickly All freshly cooked and delicious. The service was brilliant. Thank you Debbie and Gary.

Had been recommended this pub for food by a friend so ignored trip advisor rating but should have listened! To start with was double charged for large glass of wine which we got back! Got food very quickly burger was hard and over cooked so probably pre cooked and heated on grill! Chips were like the fast food restaurants with a twang of dodgy oil taste! Husband had fish and chips which was greasy and the fish hard ! Should have stuck with the anchor in Danbury which is fab!

We celebrated with family and friends our nephew and godsons baptism here. Debbie the landlady was very accommodating and helpful. Lovely setting and a good time had by all.

Went to the Generals Arms for a meal on Saturday. Had a reasonable steak and chips but was speechless when the landlord presented us with the bill and turned the lights out at 9pm and told us he was closing! Basically got chucked out and ended up going to the pub down the road to finish our evening off.

Garden and plenty of tables outside to enjoy British summer. However, beer tasteless and expensive. Burgers served outside were just a burger in a bun; no salad garnish and no chips - very bland.

We arrived 15 minutes before opening looking for a cup of tea and were invited in and served. We sat outside with the dog.

Stopped in after a dog walk as we knew this pub was dog-friendly. Sadly wasn't customer friendly and was made to feel an inconvenience for asking about a food menu at lunchtime on a Bank Holiday Monday.

This wasn't the first time I've dined at the Generals Arms but it was the first time I'd taken a large group (13 ladies) for lunch. I thought it was a brilliant idea that when pre ordering I gave names so that on purchasing first drink on arrival the ladies paid for their food as well. We were made very welcome by the staff and it was lovely to find an open fire waiting for us on a bright but chilly day. The food was very good and so was the atmosphere.

This pub is in a great location and could offer so much more. The landlords clearly don’t want to be there and are not at all interested in customer service, they spend most of their time chatting to their mates and close the bar whenever they feel like it.

Stopped here a few weekends ago was delighted to see they done roast dinners. The beef was cooked perfectly, the portion sizes were just right and when we asked for extra gravy and vegetables they more then happily brought more to the table. All the staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was great. One thing I would change is the lighting as it is pretty dark in some areas other than that we will definitely be returning

I heard good reviews about this pub and the food but in my experience they couldn’t be more wrong. The beer was more London price and the food is more like school dinners or microwave food with no flavour and very bland. Only advice I’ll give is get a chef and get shot of the cook.

Stopped here for quick lunch break. Windows were being cleaned and the internal decorated. However it is a very large establishment with plenty of seating. There has been criticism of the host but we found him to be pleasant and great to converse with!

After a 5 mile walk we stopped for a light lunch. The 4 of us all chose different meals. Everything was fresh and very tasty. The staff were very helpful. There is indoor and outside seating depending on the weather.

The food was a bit expensive for basic food but not too bad. I don't know if they have had people nicking the cutlery but the knife and fork were of poor quality.

A really nice country pub with a great beer garden. Shame the barman was so miserable and rude. Won't be rushing back.

Visited this pub on a Saturday evening just for a quiet drink. We decided to sit outside in the very...

Hemos comido aquí varias veces y realmente disfrutamos de la comida y del jardín. Sin embargo, por alguna razón en esas ocasiones dos miembros del personal creo que hablan senior para que así -como si groseramente eran una molestia en su pub - que decidimos...

Vinimos aquí para comer un bocado en un domingo, día soleado y agradable. Aparcamiento medio vacío, y espacio en el jardín. ¿Por qué es. . . . ? Porque la comida es una basura y 3 libras. 50 para chips de seco es demasiado horrible....

Stopped in for a drink and some food on a Wednesday evening. We weren't sure if it was open when we arrived as it looked dark on the inside, but it was indeed open. We picked a table in a corner and ordered some food & drinks. £45 for a beer, a glass of wine, and two average pub meals. Not great really. Seemed to be mainly locals drinking at the bar and we weren't really attended to at all. The pub is dog friendly though, so may be a good stop off after a walk with your four legged friend, but that's about it. Would give this one a miss!

Walked to pub,pleased to see Sunday lunch served 12-6pm, but they had "run out" at 1pm! Ordered mediocre pub grub which was hot and arrived quickly. The bar was full of smoke from a malfunctioning stove,very unpleasant. When I ordered I asked why I was unable to get through by phone the previous evening ,the landlady said they had closed at 9pm,on a Sat.night? Not surprising,as others have said the poor old place is in dire.need of total refurbishment,and a less surly landlady!

Four of us ate at the pub today. One burger was definitely and visibly undercooked, and overall the meals were unappetising and poor quality. It is hard to see how a decently run pub in such a prosperous village can be unsuccessful but the feeling of the Generals is shabby and going downhill. Lovely gardens...such a shame.

A dark and depressing place as well as the staff. Place could be lovely.Many of us went to this pub for a lovely lady who had a "evening do " for a special birthday. Many people were shocked and dispointed by the food that was presented especially as a fair amount of money was paid for the food! When it was brought to the attention of the management, they replied by putting out a few more chips and a bit more starter food which anyone could buy in frozen section of supermarkets! A large amount of money was placed and spent at the bar but as previous people have written, if the landlady and landlord have had enough of the pub trade, or don't like serving their customers with a smile, or doing decent food for functions for good money paid, don't open the doors, don't take the booking and or take their money. It is a shame but this could be a great pub in the correct hands. I and many of the other people who were present will not be returning whilst it remains under the current management.

Have not been to this restuant for some time but it has changed for the better it was warm the beer was good the food and service excellent will definetly go again

We often visit for an evening meal, always well cooked and an enjoyable atmosphere in the pub. the bar staff always polite and helpful.

This place could be great. Building has character but we thought something was up when we went in a Sunday PM and the place was empty. The younger bar staff were friendly but the older landlady hovered around like the mistress of a Victorian orphan's home. We were scowled at for moving a stool and told to make sure we put it back. We overheard the chef being told how to make a portion of beef last all week to save money and how they made mulled wine from boiled water poured over wine. Shocking discussion in front of paying customers. This place will be bankrupt within a year unless attitude changes. Why people who lack people skills enter into the service industry I do not know.Modern, London prices with frosty old fashioned service. On a positive note the Landlord came in later and was friendly enough, poor chap!

Visited this evening as a couple hoping for a nice romantic meal in their restaurant.Arrived to be greeted by a very unfriendly older lady behind the bar who seem to immediately take a dislike to me?!As the restaurant part was in the dark I said to her that I take it they wasn't serving food but she slapped the menus which were on the bar and said here's the menu! She said they hadn't bothered to open the restaurant because they had no bookings. I said that we had tried a few times to ring and book a table but there was no answer. She immediately (and almost aggressively) said "well when did you phone"! I told her when (3 times) and she tried to tell me that it must have been the voicemail of their phone that I had trouble with, and it WASN'T! They didn't answer, simple.She chucked the menus onto the bar in front of me and my husband and that's when I asked her to give us a minute (being that I wanted to tell him that I didn't want to spend our first evening without the baby somewhere where I didn't feel welcome)! Her face knew what I was going to say and we told her we'd give it a miss being VERY polite about it.Wouldn't return here.She needs to have a think about what industry she's in and think twice about how she welcomes/speaks to potential customers in the future.Poor experience, wouldn't go back!Avoid if you can help it.

Had lunch here whilst on a walk through Essex countryside.the lunch was freshly cooked and the ham was 1st class.The Guinness was served at cellar temperature perfect

Great setting. Big garden. But I can wholly confirm that unfortunately the food is terrible and the repairs on the children's playground need to be undertaken!Avoid the nacho sharing platter: essentially a cheap pack of nachos with crap cheese melted on it. No dip etc. Dry! And £8.50 lolSuch a shame as it's a great looking pub. Sad to see the restaurant area completely empty on a Sunday but I suppose it may speak volumes.

This pub is smart, well-located and has a lovely spot for a garden but it needs to do better. The sandwiches were overpriced and under-flavoured while the kids climbing frame had two broken uprights on the stairway which could be potentially dangerous to toddlers. You need to try harder.

Took my son and his girlfriend there, very busy pub, we sat in the garden lovely atmosphere, will def go there again, food was great...

Visited this pub to see what had changed since last time we visited (approx 6 years). A lot has changed!- what used to be a thriving and welcoming pub has now become an extension of the landlords living room with the regulars holding court. The bar area is a mish-mash of 90's ikea show room with cobwebs from a ye olde pub in 17th century London. You expect an element of pub banter but when the landlord and locals make comments about your wife within earshot, then you can see what this place is about.Feel sorry for the young bar staff who have such an unprofessional employer. Will never go back!

Got lucky to get a table for 10 inside just before the rain came. Landlady and staff could not have been more helpful. Food was good, as was the beer.Really good afternoon.

We've been here a few times in the past and have always enjoyed the food, atmosphere and garden space for the children, but today's lunch experience was rather disappointing. We were a large group that had congregated before sitting down at our table and at one point the landlord barged into me, obviously making a point that we were in the way, but why not just ask us to take our seats! Food wasn't that great - the roast beef was rare and chewy and the veg overcooked. Also didn't appreciate having my wine glass cleared away when there was still a mouthful left to drink. Overall disappointing and we won't be rushing back.

Good food and service with a smile. Had so much fun. Will definitely recommend to my friends back in South Africa and visit again real soon. Loved it!

Had taken the dog for a walk by the river and this place has a nice garden where the dog is welcome. Really fancied a ploughmans lunch, which wasn't on the menu. Manager/owner? was kind enough to offer to have them made, great! That's where the good experience finished. Paid £10.95 for each, for two pieces of stilton, a handful of bagged salad leave, a couple of chunks of ciabatta, two portions of butter, an egg cup full of chutney, a hand full of posh crisps, oh and some red onions slices! The humble ploughmans was poor mans food but good and wholesome and I think a good representation of an establishment. This one was over pretentious and over priced, don't get me wrong it did taste nice but really??? I don't think many ploughmen will be stopping here for lunch!Husband tried to make conversation when our meals were delivered and said the place didn't seem as busy as usual, to which he got a curt 'most places don't open'. Not the most welcoming host. As we left customers were being refused food even though the pub sign said food would be being served for another half hour. Needless to say, we won't be going back anytime soon.

I actually like this pub, nice and cosy with a nice garden for the summer. However after trying the food here I would say go for a drink but eat at home or somewhere else as it's not great. Menu consists of things like breaded mushrooms, potato skins, ham and egg, burgers, scampi, chips (mostly things the can be deep fried from frozen). For a drink after a dog walk (dogs seemed welcome) it is ideal though. I do like pubs that do the little bottles of prosecco and they have these - always a good thing for me!

Really wanted a ploughmans lunch, which wasn't on the menu. Manager/owner? was kind enough to offer to have them made, great! That's where the good experience finished. Paid £10.95 for each, for two pieces of stilton, a handful of bagged salad leave, a couple of chunks of ciabatta, two portions of butter, an egg cup full of chutney, oh and some red onions slices! The humble ploughmans was poor mans food but good and wholesome and I think a good representation of an establishment. This one was over pretentious and over priced, don't get me wrong it did taste nice but really??? I don't think many ploughmen will be stopping here for lunch!Husband tried to make conversation when our meals were delivered and said the place didn't seem as busy as usual, to which he got a curt 'most places don't open'.Needless to say, we won't be going back.

Visited here for the second time in two years, we were driving around the area on a Sunday & remembered it was near paper mill lock. I had the roast beef which was really nice however slightly let down by the carrots (not fresh) & aunt Bessie's style roast potatoes My missis had a chilli jacket which she said had no kick to it but she ate the lot.All in it was decent enough food & service was totally acceptable

We got the impression that we were a nuisance because we didn't give our order until 8pm despite the fact that the website stated that evening food was served from 7 until 9 . The order for food was taken by a surly chef. The Fisherman's Board was all out of a packet and the Ribeyes were full of gristle. The Sauvignon blanc was cheap plonk. The lights and music were turned off at about 9.40pm to encourage us to leave as the landlord said he wanted an early night. Apart from that it was perfect.

This was my first visit to The Generals, the place itself is nice, it was a warm evening so we all sat in the garden, which is also lovely and grat for kids.Unfortunately to only have one waitress working on a hot Saturday evening is ludicrous , she was doing a great job, but there needed to be at least 2 more serving.I don’t think I’d hurry back

We had not been here for some years but as we were in the area called in for an early dinner.The setting is lovely.The pub itself is pleasant and the food is good BUT to have one youngster trying to serve a gardenful of diners was quite ridiculous and as a result there were a lot of less than happy customers.I wont go back unless I see on here that the staffing situation has improved

This is a great gastro pub for kids and dogs as it has a great big play area with picnic benches and water bowls for dogs. the food is great so far with everything I have tried but may be on the slightly more expensive side and not much selection to choose from. However saying that great to feed an empty stomach after a long walk in the surrounding area. Inside is lovely too with a strong wood theme. I think it caters more to large families and the older generation but hey we are in our twenties and had a great day out.

This is a fantastic pub, tucked just off the road but visible if you keep your eyes open as it creeps up on you. A traditional pub landlord with a very dry wit and grumpy persona (which we think he revels in), ignore the facade - he is an absolute gent! Well the regular punters certainly love him no less for it, the misses is lovely too. Great selection of beers as Shepherd Neame pub. The food is very wholesome too, started with chilli nachos which are more tasty than most tex mex restaurants we have tried, fish and chips, scampi and chips, ham, egg and chips... Not particularly healthy but so good with ample portions and seemingly all home made. We can't wait to try a Sunday Roast when I season; looks like we have found a reliable local at last. We were told by friends they had stopped making food here but trust us they do, just not at lunchtimes Monday to Thursday... An absolutely stunning boozer with really rustic furniture and very welcoming feel, it's spotlessly clean with an amazing garden for adults and kids alike, keep it up General!

5 of us went to the pub for a family Sunday lunch. No service offered after 15 minutes or so, so my son approached the bar to see if we had to order at the bar. A young waitress came to our table and took the order for starters and as we suspected it was going to be slow we asked for bread bases and oil at £3.50 each. 30 minutes later three of the five starters arrived with the bread. 20 minutes later we left still waiting for the remaining starters. The food wasn't good even the bread was poor (doughy). Location was nice and beer tasted good and staff were pleasant if inexperienced and it just seemed as nobody was managing. I wouldn't go back again except for maybe a beer. Only excuse could be that they had a staff crisis but then if someone had explained that we would have given the place the benefit of the doubt.

Call in today 19/6/16 with family and friends place was very busy good garden good food service ok. This place is worth a visit

This pub had a good outside space Good choice of beer Food is basic and very hit and miss Menu is very limited Can get very busy and can be very quiet I don't like it because the management Have a Laid back attitude towardsKids In The bar area also running around the garden ok if you have kids if you want a nice meal and a quiet drink this pub isn't it Bit like a harvester but with half the menu Probably won't go again

I was so impressed by the beer garden and stunned I'd never heard about it before. I went with my wife, daughter, friends and their kids and we quite happily sat in the sun all day, playing on the small climbing frame/slide and hunting round the garden for bugs and stuff. Although I was expecting gastro pub grub, because the venue looks so nice, the food was very average, but nice enough. And we waited over an hour for food although we were warned the kitchen was busy. When we visited there was a Morris dancing group which was quite fun to watch.The only downside to this place was the boss who was really miserable and rude. She seemed so angry with the fact that they were swamped with orders and complaints that she pretty much took it out on us when we arrived, before moaning about busy it had been and how many complaints they'd had. She said there would be an hour wait for food, but said it was because there was an event 'Morris dancing I guess'. She said it was always busy on event days but that she only has one person in the kitchen...perhaps she should get two people in on event days! Our waitress was lovely, however.This place has got real potential. If it was my pub, and the landlady is listening, on sunny days like yesterday I would simply have an all day barbecue running in the garden. You could keep people topped up with burgers etc all day long and people would love it!

We went there during the open gardens weekend. Had to wait an hour for substandard food and the Landlady was rude to my friends. A very take it or leave it attitude!

OK well the restaurant is adequate without being particularly special, but is is a nice venue. The menu is very varied and not madly expensive.Staff were helpful and polite, something not so easily engendered in pub chains, so congratulations.

This pub has the potential to be wonderful. It's a lovely, traditional pub with beautiful features and the garden and children play equipment is fantastic. The welcome, however, is abysmal. I have been here a few times, always ready to give it another chance, yet the landlord seems to begrudge having people in, not wanting to serve food and making comments about how he wants to close the pub and go to bed (at 9pm). We normally go elsewhere now - it's not worth the unpleasant atmosphere and expensive prices.

drove out here because it is a dog friendly pub. When we arrived my husband went to the bar to asked for menu and order a drink and was advised that they had a party of 20 coming and not taking any food orders. we sat in the garden, drank our drink and went to The Old Windmill which is also dog friendly and had a lovely lunch.