The Hive Chelmsford Limited in Chelmsford

Lovely, clean cafe with great choice of food, including gluten free meals. Staff were attentive and we were very happy with the quality of food and drinks.

Another lovely brunch at the Hive. Sat inside this time and just as lovely, friendly service and yum food for good value! Will be returning for sure!

First of all this is a lovely spot, which has been much improved over the past few years. During a morning trip to the park and the museum, we stopped for some brunch. This was a one off disappointing experience, as take away sandwiches have always been lovely and a previous visit was really enjoyable. My sister ordered pancakes, which were very small and really underwhelming. Did not seem value for money at all and more a snack than a meal. My eggs benedict with smoked salmon was better value but seemed to have sat for a while and was no longer even warm. Staff serving were trying very hard but did not seem to have a good system for identifying who ordered what. Will return but maybe not at such a busy time on a weekend.

We celebrated my Mum’s 90th Birthday here. We had afternoon tea for 8 people- friends and family. The staff were friendly, attentive but not too intrusive and all went above and beyond to make Mum feel special on her special day. The food was so well presented, lovely and fresh, plenty of it and a great variety to suit all tastes. We ended up taking some home with us. Good value for money. The staff set up the table with the decorations I had taken and sorted out the birthday cake I had taken - all singing as it was bought out to her with candles blazing. Amazing afternoon, great staff, great food and a charming atmosphere. Thank you to everyone at The Hive for making a special day even more special 😊

Such a lovely little Cafe in lovely park of Oaklands! Really nice patio area overlooking the park, with super friendly & welcoming staff, and a huge menu to chose from. Its nice to find somewhere that gives you the option of breakfast all day, but also a lunch menu with a huge selection of sandwiches/baguettes/wraps/omlettes/salads/jacket potatoes etc! Inside they have some homemade bakes , ice creams, sweetie bags which is cute too! Really enjoyed and this will definitely be my go-to cafe breakfast & lunch now!

Great selection of sandwiches, scones and cake. It was delicious. The staff were friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you ☺️

Lovely place for lunch, service and staff very friendly and helpful. Had an excellent visit to museum and of course back to cafe for tea and cake!

We had been recommended to visit the Hive cafe for lunch, after our, may I say very enjoyable visit to the museum. The first thing I would say, is the staff are are excellent, very helpful, and efficient. We ordered the Falafel wrap, as they read very well on the menu, However, Unfortunately they did not live up to there description, to say they were bland, lacking in any flavour, or seasoning would be an understatement, The falafel itself was very mushy, with no other texture, lacked any seasoning, and anyone who had experienced a falafel before, would not have recognised it as such. Allegedly there was also humous in the wrap, I am afraid to say the great detective, Hercule Poirot would have had difficulty in finding it. Perhaps my expectations had been heightened unrealistically, because of the description. Perhaps the chef could visit other establishments where numerous falafels are produced and used in wraps.

I recently visited the hive with my disabled friends and was extremely disappointed with the customer service. The staff seemed uninterested and unwilling to accommodate our needs, despite the cafe claiming to be welcoming to all. They were rude and unhelpful, making our experience uncomfortable and frustrating. It's a shame that a place that claims to be inclusive and welcoming to all has such poor customer service, especially towards those with disabilities. I would not recommend this cafe to anyone, especially those with disabilities they will look at you and tell you all tables are reserved even though they are not. I would NOT RECOMMENDED THEY ARE APPALLING.

We hired The Hive yesterday for our parents wake. The food and service was excellent and nothing was too much trouble. Everyone had a lovely time and commented how delicious the food was and how nice the venue and staff were. Would highly recommend. Big thank you to everyone.

We visited with friends on a Sunday evening for a roast dinner. We’ve been before for afternoon tea which was good. There was lamb or chicken to choose from and both were lovely. Loads of veg too plus pigs in blankets and stuffing leading to us being stuffed. I thought the service was great and relaxed. Good value as well at £14.95. I often find that a roast is better cooked at home but I really enjoyed my food at the Hive. No negatives for us so we will be back.

Went with four work colleagues, all had different food items and everyone enjoyed what they had. The only critique we found was that the teapots were cracked and dirty inside, a good soak in Milton and a bottle brush down the spout should do the trick. Then it would look more appealing. Staff were mainly ok.

Overpriced coffee. Got given a £3.20 Latte in a small'flat White's sized cup. Challenged and was told the standard cup was a 'large'. Think I was conned.

I’ve always liked it here, I even won a competition in February for a free lunch which was amazing! Today I came for breakfast with a friend. We were greeted by a lovely friendly lady who told us to sit wherever and then we ordered with a young girl who was equally as lovely The restaurant suddenly got busy and bless the girls every time they gave us something they apologised for the wait but we didn’t think there was a wait so we were more than happy. The good and drinks were lovely and we had an enjoyable couple of hours catching up! Thank you to all the staff who were working this weekend!

I visited the cafe on Tuesday this week. I was initially confused as my grandchildren had helped themselves to some items in the self service section, but I wanted to eat inside. I asked one waitress if we could take our chosen items into the seated area and additionally order from the waitress. The response was “if you really want to”. The lady at the till quickly added that it was not a problem, just let the waitress know when you order your food. The food took a long time to arrive, not a problem. However the kids meal was tiny (pasta in a tomato sauce) and obviously heated in the microwave to such a high temperature that my grandson burnt his mouth. My meal was barely warm ( jacket potato with coronation chicken). I emailed my comments on Wednesday but have not received the courtesy of a response. Value wise, I was not impressed particularly the children’s meals.

Excellent food, generous portions, reasonably priced, friendly staff. The potatoe wedges are something else.!!!I will definitely be back.

I have been to The Hive many times in the past for lunch, and always found the food good and reasonably priced. A friend was recently told by phone that Sunday roasts are now being served at a cost of £9.95. Upon arrival, we found that the price was actually £14.95, but decided to stay anyway. Big mistake. The lamb was so tough, it was virtually impossible to cut and, for some unknown reason, was served with stuffing and pigs in blankets. We received a cursory apology regarding the lamb, but nothing offered in its place, and were told that all the roast dinners are served with stuffing and pigs in blankets, regardless of the meat ordered! In a nutshell, not worth the money. For a couple of pounds more, you can get a lovely Sunday roast at many other places.

Food was delicious, friendly service and excellent value for money! A real find for breakfast & lunch with loads on the menu. Yummy cakes too ♥️ Loved it!

What a lovely environment. Plenty of space and a super menu with plenty on for a light lunch. One of our group is gluten free which was well catered for I must mention Lucy our server who was most professional , she was patient and...

Poor, poor service so slow that we had to get up and ask at the counter numerous times to order out lunch! The waitresses also looked unkempt and to be honest, grubby. Hair tied back would be a start! We asked for a fresh slice...

This cafe is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, tea, or just a break when you visit Chelmsford Museum, food is top quality and good value, and the rooms are stately. With the free parking for the museum and park, it's the ideal choice.

Came specifically as read it was dog friendly. It’s not, unless you want to sit outside where is it’s obviously dog friendly as it is a large park!! But who wants to sit outside in March. Dogs back in car, tea and tea cakes were...

Had lunch here today with family. The place was really busy but a pleasant waitress found us a table. We all ordered different meals, all of which were tasty & well presented. Also really good value for money.

Have been to the hive before for lunch and coffee but didn’t realise it was open in the evenings now ! Went in for a very pleasant dinner with the kids . Kids ate free which was a bonus. The food was restaurant quality and...

wanted to visit for a while..finaly did. sat morning,was nice and busy.. great choice in menu..all seemed reasonable prices.. i had a nice breakfast..very tastey with good quality items. good coffee too. not quite as amazing as id been told but certainly very good and...

Been here twice lately and although the food we had was nice and drinks hot it was so chaotic the first time and waitresses taking the food to the wrong tables, although majority were friendly. However I have only rated it 3 star as the...

We came for lunch for my friends birthday, once we got past the grumpy pants woman on the till everything else was lovely. The lady on the till taking the orders was a very cold welcome, no friendliness or smile however the young girl who...

What a lovely gem in Chelmsford. Stopped here on another warm summers afternoon for some refreshments. The place was busy (not that surprised) the staff were very honest about wait times. We ordered some drinks and we’re served by a very friendly and efficient lady...

Visited today with a friend was very disappointed. The Staff were not friendly. Couldn't even manage a smile! Felt like an inconvenience just ordering a few coffees! Yet they were happy having a chin wag with each other and leaving the customers waiting! Such a...

Our second visit to this lovely place to eat. A large menu selection to please meat and non meat eaters. Despite the place being very busy, we were quickly shown to a table, our order taken and 10 minutes later, our drinks and food served....

On the whole a good experience. Really enjoyed the hummus and vegetables on sourdough and the banana cake was good, if a bit dry. Some of the staff did seem a bit stressed with the busyness and one was abrupt when I asked if I...

Rude and abrupt welcome when buying 2 sausage rolls and 2 flat whites x not sure the lady is suited to this type of work. Sausage rolls were nice.

This was my first visit here and I was really impressed with the decor and atmosphere. The staff were very friendly too and the service was very fast, even though it was busy. The drinks were very nice too. My only moan is that there...

It was excellent to visit each time with a beautiful museum and park and a great location. All the vegan items were delicious and good serving size. Service was good although slow during busy hours.

A pre-booked gathering following a local funeral. Friendly and helpful staff with good food well presented. Thank you to all concerned.

They found us a large table for 8 of us which was good and the drinks came within 10 mins. My vegan sausage roll took 30 mins and was cold… for the price I was expecting something more than a small cold sausage roll on...

I had been to the Hive a couple of times before and though I would take my husband as we were in the area. We ordered our drinks and meal at the counter. The drinks came out in about 5 mins, but then waited nearly...

Had high hopes for this visit, considering the lovely location. I don't think we've come across 3 such miserable staff in a cafe for a long time. The two waitresses looked like they hated every minute of their jobs and it showed in the service....

Booked the room for an afternoon tea to celebrate my parents 61st wedding anniversary. The afternoon was a great success thanks to the great team at the Hive. The food was delicious and lots of it. (Doggy boxes supplied and used!). Special vegetarian stand and...

The nicest food and staff !! Very good value and really fresh - super choices . This is definitely first choice for an outside meal . Inside seating also available .

What on earth has happened, I know they were busy but there was a lot less tables outside than there used to be and lots of staff. I ordered online some of the drinks were bought out in about 15 minutes however our food order...

we came here with my grandson after a visit to the museum for lunch. Wonderful staff who were happy to take our order at the table without using a mobile phone. Very pleasant lady served us and food arrived in no time at all and...

This is my second time here and we did enjoy the baguettes and drinks we had. The only thing I found as confusing as before was the seating process, we went and sat down outside but then thought I had better ask if we had...

I came in for a takeaway meal on Mother's Day only to be kept waiting for ages. Your staff were also fairly rude. Food very average but not a welcoming environment in the least.

Collected 3 amazing afternoon teas to take to my mother for mothers day. These were by far the best afternoon teas we have ever had. Delicious sandwiches, fabulous selection of cakes, scones, jam, butter and clotted cream, chocolate dipped strawberries, tea bags and extra goodies....

I popped in here today for a hot drink while at the park with my friend and her 2 year old. We ended up with a sausage sandwich each which were lovely and came in a box with rocket and nachos.. I like the little...

We had the most amazing pizza and the staff were so welcoming and lovely. Would highly recommend!!!!

We had been to The Hive many times before lockdown and we have been back a couple of times since they have re-opened. I fear that it will be a while before we return. NHS Track and Trace was very visible on entry .. paper...

Two of us went here today and it was very chaotic.Waited at the door because the signage indicated to, before looking in door and asking if we should come in. Went in, no one who worked there wore a mask and we placed our order....

3rd time here and faultless every time, great breakfast this morning, ordered using the app which the staff assisted with 👍

We love visiting the Hive and are astounded at some of the reviews here. Yes, there is a bit of a wait for the food but this is only to be expected when it all seems to be cooked fresh. We would rather wait than...

Just had lunch at the hive, and I was pleasantly surprised. Not really sure what I was expecting but it was great. The service was quick despite the place being busy, plenty of cleaning going on, never a bad thing. The food arrived promptly and...

I visited The Hive cafe today at Moulsham museum with my daughter and my friend and her two children after a long stretch outside with the children in the park and so proceeded to the cafe for a hot drink and a spot of lunch....

Thanks so much, lovely staff, helpful and friendly service!! Drinks and food perfect. Particularly thank Hayleigh for her help and cheerful smile.

Great food in a nice setting. Unfortunately totally spoilt by an unbelievably rude waitress who seemed to take an instant dislike to us. Had a bit of a wait for our food which wasnt a problem except our 3 year old started to get a...

Lunch was just what we were looking for - a good range on the menu, tasty, wholesome, with vegetarian and vegan options. Good choice of sandwiches, salads, lunch dishes, sweets, hot and cold drinks. We had the Quiche of the day with salad and garlic...

Disappointing Only visited due to positive reviews One lovely member of staff and one really grumpy older lady Eggs royale was nice. Very good price. Good eggs and sauce Full breakfast very average. Toast came already buttered which I didn't ask for and didn't like...

Started coming here last summer. It’s fab. Camevagain saturday 11th January it was sooo busy so well done waiting counter and kitchen staff. I’m a waitress so know how it is.. we waited for a table they have a queing system and they take your...

Whenever ive been here the staff have been lovely and welcoming and there’s always plenty of nice interesting menu choices like haloumi and chorizo baguette etc. Not just the same old same old. Its a great place in a great location with great staff. What’s...

We recently made a family visit to Chelmsford Museum & after enjoying this very interesting museum we went into their Hive restaurant for some refreshments. The staff there were very friendly & took us to our table. They had a very comprehensive menu & we...

Coffee good. Food decent, prices very reasonable - I had a substantial fresh tuna mayo salad for less than £5. Staff friendly. Good atmosphere Cafe situated in the museum building with pleasant views of Oaklands Park.

We arrived at about noon on a Saturday. It was busy and we were fortunate to get a table for four. The service was very friendly and helpful the whole duration of our visit. Once we had ordered it was a little too long until...

Visited the Hive on a Saturday lunchtime when they had a Christmas market in one of the rooms. The staff were amazing and the food excellent despite it being full. The food came out really quickly and our waitress was always on hand to assist....