The Hyacinth Tearoom in Braintree

Sat down and ordered. Food good but before finished drinks told that they were shutting straight away. No chance to order cake or another drink. Never told us that when ordered otherwise would have gone somewhere else. No wonder so quiet if that’s how customers treated

Lovely tea rooms had nice coffee and the cake was delicious. Dog friendly. Pity the kitchen had run out of food but will definitely visit again.

We had a horrible time here, its completely gone downhill, lost the lovely family atmosphere, service was horrendous, told they were too busy (half empty at the time) with bookings to accommodate us, squeezed us in in the end, place looked dirty, grumpy staff member serving, didn't know much about their own products, service slow and staggered. Much nicer places about. A real shame

Went here for just a drink and food after a week. All tables were booked which was understandable but the entire time no one was seated which I found pretty strange but I get it. I have worked in hospitality myself and l understand how hard and stressful it can be but that doesn’t excuse how rude and passive aggressive the staff member serving us was, and a lot of people had agreed. She was on till making drinks she has red hair, and I can’t lie our family is very indesivive, but she kept sighing and being relucutant to serve us. Although there was one girl who seemed to be doing everything, she had brown hair and looked around 18-19, she was amazing and sweet. She spoke so nicely, whereas the other girl just had such an attitude and just overall rude. Although food was nice and the drinks were okay, but I expected alot better.

A lovely friendly tearoom. Very welcoming! Staff were helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The food that we ordered came out quickly, it was hot and very tasty. There was an amazing selection of cakes to choose from. As we were so full from lunch, we took some slices home to enjoy later. I would recommend this lovely venue.

Gorgeous tea room. Really enjoyed it. Friendly staff, lovely food and cakes that looked divine! Was full so took a slice of the Millionaire’s cake home!! Will definitely visit again.

Absolutely appalling treatment of my family today. We visited the tearooms with our friends (4 adults) and our children. On arrival we asked to sit outside as we had a lot of children with us to which we were told as it was raining the outside undercover area was not in use. Fine, we set up in the corner out of everyone’s way as much as possible. We tried to order lunch for all the children and ourselves but were told it would be ten minutes until the lunch menu started and a further 15 minutes wait until the kitchen was ready to start preparing lunch food. Fine, we all ordered drinks and cakes to tide us over until lunchtime. We gave the children some of our own snacks that we had brought with us for them to eat whilst we were waiting. The issues started when the extremely rude staff told us that the babies were making too much mess with their snacks and that we shouldn’t be eating our own food in the premises. I explained that we had all ordered food and drinks and even extra cakes whilst we were waiting and that we would clean up any mess. This was not good enough. I explained we would clean up any mess and the waitress told me ‘well we will see’ she also stated that ‘this is a high class cafe’ indicating that this many children were not welcome. (Let’s not mention the 4 barking dogs that were clearly allowed here, but not us). All of our children were sat on their chairs behaving and not being loud at all. She told me that she ‘gets paid minimum wage and doesn’t need to deal with us’. We gave our food and drinks back without touching them and left. I have never in my life been treated so badly and rudely by clearly unorganised and struggling stuff at at a mediocre, overpriced cafe. Don’t offer a children’s menu and have high chairs for children if you are worried about babies and children dropping food on the floor!

Came here for a lovely brunch with the girls couldn’t recommend it any more, the cake is amazing and was so amazed by the choices and the staff were lovely, will defo be coming back

Went here for brunch for my birthday with my partner. We decided it would be a lovely walk from Halstead to Greenstead Green and then have some brunch once we got there. We’re seated pretty quickly but staff seemed to be annoyed we hadn’t pre booked. Neither of us has been here in years so had no idea booking was a thing. They seemed to be more interested in the tables who had booked and would be really attentive to them and not us. Our food was okay but we were never asked if it was up to standard or if we wanted any sauces. £30 later and I don’t think we will be rushing back again. Spent the first 10 mins wanting to book for afternoon tea but after one of the staff spilled my partners coffee over him and didn’t apologise we were kinda left thinking ‘Nope’ we won’t be returning.

Perfect English breakfast,quality food cooked excellently,with a lovely garden and interior, would highly recommend.

Have eaten here in the past, the food quality is great but service slow. Some staff aren’t particularly friendly. Last time I visited with a friend, we arrived and it was shut (we didn’t realise it was closed on Mondays as Facebook said it would be open from 10am). My friend asked if they were open, a staff remember replied ‘nope not on Mondays’. My friend asked ‘oh that’s a shame we didn’t realise, I don’t suppose there is anywhere local you would recommend?’ (Whilst we are both trying to keep our toddlers from running around and making a mess!) she replied ‘no idea!’ And walked off.

Amazing Mother’s Day afternoon in the sunshine in the beautiful garden Our food was excellent, served promptly and everything was as ordered. The cocktails were a real treat as was the huge selection of home made cakes. Our kids loved the garden, lovely space for them to run around and play. Thanks for a great Mother’s Day afternoon.

My husband and I went here for breakfast and it was by far the worst breakfast I have ever had / paid for. Microwaved scrambled egg, poorly poached snotty egg, cheap bread not as the menu advertised (I thought I was getting sourdough and got basic sliced white!) and awful presentation. It did not taste good! Such a shame as this used to be a nice tea room that had a strong consistent product!

Contacted them well in advance of Mothers day about a small delivery on the day, told to contact them later. Contacted them again 5 weeks in advance and all the delivery slots are booked up! My mother in law would have to collect. Even though she is vulnerable and shielding and living less than 5 mins walk from the cafe. Lost our custom for good! They obviously don't care about the locals or their business. If they did they would be diversifying like all their competitors. Sod local. I'm off to M&S instead! At least they are reliable!

Needed a place to kill time and grab so lunch, so please we went into this little restaurant, loved the food so yummy! Staff all welcoming and stuck to covid guidelines, lovely! ❤️

Myself and 4 friends ordered afternoon tea to be delivered to our house for a friends birthday. It was delicious, we had a selection of sandwiches, quiche, scones and cakes. All very tasty and presented well in a takeaway box. Delivery was fantastic, ordered for 10:30 and it arrived on time to our doorstep. Great value for money, but most importantly the food was all great. Highly recommend.

We ordered a delivery of an afternoon tea for a friends birthday! Brilliant service. Delivered on time. Beautifully presented. The sandwiches and selection of cakes were perfect. All fresh and very tasty! The cheesecake was to die for! Highly recommend. Also had good experiences at the Greenstead Green branch with helpful staff and delicious food.

Disgusting catty behaviour from the manager. Vile service. Overrated food. Awaiting for the inevitable demise of the Greenstead green branch. Go to the little book cafe!

I love this tearoom, the staff are very friendly and their cakes are the best!🍰The menu has a large variety of food to choose from for a reasonable price and my little sister loves trying out all of the milkshakes, especially the candyfloss one! The decorations at Christmas are amazing too. Highly recommend!

We had a lovely brunch and some delicious cake also , staff were friendly and we enjoyed our food , all in all an enjoyable experience . Visiting from Anglesey .

As a new resident to the area I stumbled across what looked to be a very traditional looking tea room. I was hoping to treat my parents to some lunch... However, they close the kitchen 90 minutes before closing and barked at us on entry that "kitchen is closed"What they meant by this was "kitchen is closed unless you're a regular" as others who arrived later than us were lucky enough to enjoy a hot meal for their lunch. Meanwhile, with a pushchair and seeing other pushchairs including doubles inside I knew I was at a baby friendly cafe or so I thought.. Again, being barked at. I was informed I couldn't use a high chair as I was "blocking access to a table that was reserved for the morning" I truly felt unwelcome and was prepared to leave. However, the parents insisted on staying as cake and coffee would be fine for lunch.Order was forgotten twice so we didn't actually eat all together...It was utter shambles. We wont be returning!

Had been in the cafe before, accompanied by a friend whom the manager knew well and we were seated immediately.Last week my partner and I returned. We walked in and there were two free tables but absolutely piled high with dirty plates, cups etc. I stood near one of the tables for 5 mins to be acknowledged and we were totally ignored... I was shocked that they could be so damn rude. I waved a hand to be seen and nothing. We walked out. I will never go back.

Went there with my wife. Good service, good food! I highly recommend this awesome place to everyone one. And...great service!

I took my wife into the hyacinth. Walking in we were greeted by friendly staff and owner herself, felt like family they are very happy and well mannered ladies. Looking inside the tearoom was immaculate very clean and the decor was beautifully done,Moving on the the drinks and food we had a mass variety of drink choices, then we ordered the food my wife had eggs Benedict and I had the mega breakfast, the meat was fresh and the eggs were perfectly cooked, it’s definitely a high end tea room and the food was cheap for the standard of food presented to us very happy with our food and drinks. Highly recommendable this place should be a must go to when visiting Halstead!!

Extremely family friendly and staff are very polite and accommodating, we took an autistic child for lunch and they were brilliant with them. The food came in a reasonable amount of time and we were not waiting any time to be served and offered drinks.The food is just amazing especially the special board, a lot to choose from for any dietary needs including allergies, vegan or vegetarian. Personally the best tea room I have visited in a long time and what’s even better is the price is incredible for the high standard and amount of food you get, extremely worth every penny and more. The cakes are clearly home made and taste as good as they look. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Hyacinth in Halstead for hosting my baby shower. The tea, the cakes and the service was fabulous! Especially loved the attention to detail with the pink baby girl cakes. Would highly recommend.

Been several times, really is a lovely, locally owned tea shop. Beautiful homemade cakes to savour in a really nice atmosphere.

We came for afternoon tea on Saturday with just a small group for my nana's 86th birthday. Nothing was too much trouble, even when I amended the number coming the day before which was very much appreciated. The staff are always friendly, it has a real welcoming feel & is good value for money too. The food was absolutely delicious, all homemade & a really nice variety, I particularly liked the addition of the quiche alongside the sandwiches. The Bakewell tart cheesecakes went down exceedingly well, my nana had 2 of those! Thank you very much for accommodating us & making a special occasion even more special.

We went here today as a birthday treat for afternoon tea. The afternoon tea was delicious. It consisted of finger sandwiches filled with egg, ham and mustard and cream cheese and cucumber. The cakes were chocolate and bake well cheese cake and then scones with clotted cream and jam. Beautifully presented and they had decaf tea too.

Visited for the first time and we weren't disappointed. Busy little place cosy and full of atmosphere. Food was delicious and we took the glorious cakes home with us.

The staff are absolutely amazing very welcoming and the food is by far the best around if you like cake or cheese cake this is the tea room for you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We booked a prosecco afternoon tea.The table was laid out ready for us lovely crockery.Prosecco first with our lovely afternoon tea.sanwiches a gorgeous quiche.Lovely home made cakes,and the best scones I have tasted in a long while.

The Hyacinth Cafe, let me host a afternoon tea to raise money for cancer research, I asked if they could provide an afternoon tea enough for 20 people, well they did an amazing job!

This is our destination of choice when I take my daughters for lunch in Halstead. Great selection of food and drinks with friendly service. The all day breakfasts are particularly good.

Came to the cafe with my friend and our little ones. My friend was able to breast feed and was made to feel at ease doing so. Couldn't get pram in as no space for them so left them outside. My friend just brought her baby in car seat and sat the car seat on the chair next too her. Other lil one sat happily in the high chair provided. The food is delicious and quality is high. The cakes are heaven sent, made on the premises and the portions are huge!! The owner is lovely and made sure every need was catered too. The staff are all amazing..all smiles and super friendly. Nothing seems like too much to ask. The cafe is really clean which is awesome. I will be going again and again!

Popped in for the mega breakfast with the wife ( who uses a wheelchair ) staff happy to help accommodate her needs on getting a table and making life easy all round throughout our visit breakfast arrived looking fresh and lovely as boy was it lovely super fresh sausages and bacon and the eggs were perfect. Don't get me started on the cakes they are amazing!!!! Possibly the best I've ever eaten will definitely be going back for more of the same fab food cakes and coffee combided with the amazingly helpful cheerful staff 10/10 in my book keep up the good work ladies

As a newish mum on maternity leave me and my mum friends seek to find nice places for lunch and cake - several times we have tried hyacinth and absolutely astounded at how rude and unaccommodating the manager is!!! Told that we were taking up too much room and when the babies were sleeping asked to sit outside our leave our prams outside! Also when arriving told if it gets busy that we will need to move! I have also been here with just a friend and my baby so as a smaller group and the service was appalling and was given looks when my baby was crying! Definitely boycotted by us which is a shame for a small business which could probably benefit from a multitude of mums that are on maternity leave locally.....coffee kavern on the other hand.....amazing cakes and the friendliest owner! Go there instead!

My husband, 9mth daughter and I visited today for a spot of lunch and we took some cakes home to share with my mum and brother.

As always first class service and I cannot fault the food - delicious 😋😋. The tearoom is spotlessly clean and has a nice atmosphere. It is also accessible to people in a wheelchair

I went for lunch with my eldest daughter and grandson and gave them the choice of venue. In truth I had never ever given the Hyacinth Tea Rooms a second look when driving through Halsted before and didn’t even realise it was located where it was.

I had made a trip to halstead to see a an old friend from college, she had recommended this place for its yummy cakes, we both had panini’s and a bit of cake after both of which was lovely. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, making sure we had everything we needed over all I will definitely be making more trips back here absolutely lovely, I definitely recommend

I've had coffee and lunch here before, and was quite satisfied with the fare and the service. However, called in with my little granddaughter, in her pushchair, chose a table and settled. Despite the fact that the cafe was not very busy, and the waitress had seen us, we were totally ignored for 25 minutes, so I got up and left! Extraordinary! Not been back since.

Customer service was amazing as usual. I am quite fussy myself which they accommodated for and there wasn’t one thing on there that I didn’t like! All tasted fresh and so yummy! Would definitely recommend

Went to the hyacinth with my family (party of 10) for an early mother’s day lunch. We all had afternoon tea. Couldn’t be more pleased with our experience, food was delicious and presented very well, and the quality of food being served is more then worth the money we paid. Everything is definitely freshly made, unlike many other cafes I have been to. All the staff were very welcoming and polite. Definitely will return, highly recommend.

After reading other reviews I felt I must write our experience.

Delicious homemade cakes, scones and lunches. All served with a smile. Large cakes can also be made to order to purchase for a special occasion. They also do an afternoon tea.

We just had sandwiches for lunch here but we have been a few times. The food is nice and fresh bread. The only thing is there isn't much space around the tables but apart from that it's a nice place for lunch.

Went here for a cuppa and cake. Very friendly staff, nice surroundings and a good range of cakes.

Highly recommend, cake and food is amazing and very child friendly. Visit often with my two young boys one of which is autistic. The staff are very kind and catered well for my son and his needs. Lovely child menu, very clean and welcoming definitely would always chose the hyacinth tea room for lunch.

Always take my 4 year old daughter and baby boy here. Have gone there since open anything the children need they get the children menu is perfect. The cakes look and taste amazing when I go without my husband he likes me take a piece home for him. Highly recommend this place to anyone with a child. The staff are very friendly,approachable and happy help with anything.

Been wanting to try this tearoom for a while and got the opportunity to today!

Tea and cake just as good as anywhere else. Nothing makes this establishment stand out from any of the many, many other places in town. Strong possibility that we shall never go back again.

Nicely decorated, very friendly staff, lovely food and great coffee. All you could want and more form a little independent cafe. Definatly will be revisiting and taking our friends and family.

Happened upon The Hyacinth Tearoom when the café we'd planned to visit was full. What a stroke of luck - this little café was welcoming, the staff were just lovely with the right amount of attentiveness and the food was really scrummy! Ordered the Poached Egg, Avacado, Bacon and Roasted Toms on Bagels for brunch - Yum! It was cooked perfectly, the eggs were dippy and the bacon crispy. We followed with cake, given the array of choice, this was an almost impossible task as there were so many to choose from. I opted for the Mocha Cake, it was a lovely moist cake and the portion so generous, I wrapped the remainder in a napkin to take home and enjoy again later!

I love the Hyacinth. I have visited many times and can’t think of anything negative to say. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and the prices are what you would expect to pay.

Very nice, friendly staff food was top notch - can be busy at lunchtime but you can make a reservation 😃👍🏻

We had a Victoria sponge and a Peanut Butter cake, both home-made, with coffees. The cakes were absolutely superb!! The coffee was very good too. We would most definitely recommend The Hyacinth Tearoom. Make no mistake, these cakes are home made, and delicious.

Lovely service. Fresh home made cake.lovely ladies made mother in law and I feel so welcome... The Mars bar chocolate cake was lush. Will come again xxxx

We were in town for a mooch around the shops and decided to lunch here. Clearly very popular it was quite busy.

Very pretty tearoom with friendly helpful staff. Gorgeous fresh sandwiches , warm quiche and lovely cakes. One of the best afternoon teas i have ever had. Thank you

Lovely tea room serving delicious food and cakes. Staff are all lovely and very welcoming. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't already been.

Lovely tea rooms. Great range of sweet and savoury food and drink. Delicious home made cakes. Great afternoon tea

We went to the hyacinth tearooms today for a friends birthday . We had booked a gluten free and also standard afternoon tea . I had forgotten to request vegetarian for the gluten afternoon tea but the ladies in there changed the sandwiches for us no fuss . Excellent service and lovely food would recommmend . Great value for money lovely helpful staff xx

We popped in for early lunch and utterly loved it. We ordered a pot of tea, black Americano, prawn sandwich on brown and a brie, mushroom and tomato panini. Very friendly welcome and excellent service. Really sweet interior with pretty tables. Nice, varied menu and cakes looked amazing! Bill was just over £15 for the two of us.

I have visited hyacinth tea rooms for various reasons- brunch and had a cake made by their exceptionally talented cake lady!

Visited The Hyacinth Tearooms today to test the cakes for a birthday, we had 4 different cakes & 2 different cheesecakes & they were all amazing! Best cake I’ve had in a very long time :) polite, friendly & very helpful staff. Can’t wait to go back & try some of the other delicious things on their menu...

I've been to The Hyacinth Tearoom lots of times, it's the perfect place to have just a quick coffee and cake with friends, or something more substantial. Nice welcoming staff, cakes are lush, and the scones are to die for.

We were at the hyacinth yesterday for my daughter's hen party and the service was second to none. The staff were very accommodating and could not have been more helpful and always with a smile on their face. They catered for everyone including a fish allergy and a vegetarian and the food was plentiful with the cheesecakes and cakes delicious. As it was a themed party they even played beauty and the beast for us. There was more than enough food with copious amount of tea and coffee. Many thanks to the owner and her staff. You should be very proud of yourselves xx

We went for lunch today at the hyacinth tearoom, and I must say it was lovely. The staff were friendly and very accommodating, the food was amazing and prices were very very reasonable. This is now our new favourite place to eat in town, we will certainly be regular customers.

We have lunch here en route from Norfolk to Colne View Nursing home visiting a relative. So friendly,clean and good light lunch choices. I had tuna panini and partner jacket potato ..really tasty and served with salad,crisps and coleslaw. A large pot of tea to accompany.. it was busy and and obviously filled with regulars..

Whenever we visit the Hyacinth tea rooms we always have excellent food, the staff are always happy and friendly

We popped in her with family for a cup of tea and it was such a welcoming place. I love that they had so many lovely blends of loose tea on offer - I went for a Blue Lady tea, which was really delicious. They also had some incredible looking home made cakes too - sadly, I did not partake, but they were certainly tempting.

This tearoom has different cakes and deserts on offer, in a good position in the town, coffee was fine each time I have been there.

There is a very good atmosphere when you walk in. The staff are very cheerful and pleasant. The food is made ifreshly and is of a very good standard.

So I was treated here today by a friend for my birthday and being a bit of a Christmas Fan, she thought this was ideal ! The food was second to none, lots of it, all home baked and you could really tell ! Best scones I have ever eaten, really tasty Prosecco and more food than one could possibly eat.... topped of with wonderful service and really personable staff ! Would 110% recommend !

The hyacinth tea rooms is one place to visit when your in Halstead x AMAZING CAKES,BREAKFASTS ,LUNCHES,the staff are awesome ,so friendly ,they go that extra mile ,to make you welcome .

I have been visiting this tearooms nearly every week since it has opened in Halstead. First time was with my mum and we can't keep away. The food is AMAZING, they do a variety of foods. The cakes are out of this world, everyone in Halstead now knows that this place is well known for their cakes! They are all homemade buy the owner! The service is brilliant, all of the staff are extremely friendly and will do all they can to help you. I have become very friendly with the owner and she just has the perfect personality for the tearooms, she will make you laugh and smile! She always makes you feel welcome just like all the other staff. The afternoon tea is just amazing(as you can see in the photo I have added). I would highly recommend the hyacinth tearooms. Love love love this place!

This is a great tearoom, excellent service and wonderful food and cakes all freshly prepared on the premises. Nothing is too much trouble. I had a wonderful afternoon tea celebrating my 50th birthday with family and friends. Definately worth a visit. Angie

Brand new tearooms opened in Halstead. Very good quality coffee, and the home made scones were so delicious, we had the cheek to ask for the recipe! Very nice ambience, hope they do really well.