The Lakes at Stambridge in Rochford

Just had a really nice Sunday lunch. The staff are a happy and helpful team and the food was fresh hot and plentiful what more could you ask. By far the best Sunday roast in the area. Thanks we’re already planning our next visit.

Lovely Sunday roast, quality ingredients, piping hot and generous portions. The staff were excellent, and the service was fast. I couldn't fault it and look forward to returning.

Visited today for the first time in ages and still very impressed. Amazingly we were able to get a table despite the fact that they were really busy but next time we will definitely book! We both opted for the seafood platter which was delicious! Quick service and food served piping hot! What more could you wish for? We would probably have ordered dessert too but sadly we had to vacate our table by 2:15 😢 We will definitely visit again!

They do the best food around! You won’t be disappointed. We visit often, the food and service is always consistently great.

Went here for a late breakfast at the weekend. You must book it is very popular. Service was good and food very nice all cooked fresh to order. Good selection on the menu with plenty of choice for everyone. Lovely setting on a sunny winter morning. Will definitely come back in the summer to sit outside on the deck overlooking the lakes.

We found this wonderful venue just over a year ago and have been regularly visiting ever since .. Nestled in the heart of Stambridge beside the tranquil fishing lake with a deck available for outside dining (weather permitting) this lovely restaurant is an absolute gem of a find ! The service here is second to none and the food is always first class … Sunday Lunch is an absolute must during the winter months and be sure to order a portion of the cauliflower cheese! During the summer months we visit regularly for lunch and they also do a fantastic breakfast … This restaurant is absolutely perfect in every way and staff are smiling and helpful from the moment they greet you on arrival to the moment you leave … if you havnt visited this great venue you should I guarantee you will not be disappointed xx 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars from the Crosland Family ..thankyou to all of the staff for always looking after us so well and the chefs for the fabulous food they produce from the kitchen 👌🏻 xx 👏🏻👏🏻

Been to The Lakes for breakfasts and lunches on a number of occasions and the food and service never fail to impress. Their Sunday lunches are something else though and are so popular you have to book and pay a £10 per head deposit in advance. Out latest trip with friends was yesterday (Sunday 10 December). In addition to the normal Sunday Roast offerings (which always include a veggie option) was Turkey with all the Christmas trimmings. It was excellent quality and quantity (a real plateful) - lovely tender moist turkey meat, crispy roast potatoes, tasty pigs in blankets & stuffing and a perfectly cooked vegetable selection …… the Cauliflower Cheese side to share is a must too! Our group had a selection of roast dinners - Turkey, Pork and the Vegetable Tartlet and all agreed they were top notch. We’re looking forward to our next visit for lunch already!

Always 5 star food no matter what. It’s an unreal experience everytime I have been. The food is amazing and the staff are just the best around honestly nothing is to bit of an ask

A great spot for a meal. You can walk around the lake afterwards and watch the anglers. 6 of us went for breakfast and it was extremely busy. Service didn’t seem to suffer though. Despite all 6 of us having separate requirements, including gluten-free, nothing was too much trouble. Food was hot and tasty once delivered. Note: I would book in advance as very busy. Well worth another visit

Fantastic roast, freshly cooked mixed veg, cauliflower cheese amazing. All cooked to perfection, definitely going back. Photo does not do it justice.

My husband and I and two friends had lunch here recently we were seated quickly and placed our drinks order then we chose our lunch I ordered the Sausage and onion baguette I have a serious red onion allergy so I was well looked after and I was even given coleslaw without red onion and salad too I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch so did everyone else we had a lovely time and found the staff very friendly and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend.

Well now. Always driven straight past as I thought it was simply an anglers paradise, but we stopped off today for coffee and brunch, and it’s a fantastic place. It was clean and comfortable with lovely views, excellent staff and great food. We’ll be back soon.

What a find ! Great service , great food , great atmosphere, great location . Make sure you book as it’s very popular .

Stopped off to look at the lakes for a fishing trip, so as you do, I stopped into the cafe/restaurant for breakfast. The venue is large, modern and smart looking with plenty of tables and an outside deck area that is next to the water. I sat on the deck area and soon after the table was set with a menu and specials board left. I ordered the Cormorant breakfast and a coffee. The breakfast itself was good, the bacon was how I like it, and I didn’t request it that way, The sausage was ok although the “local sausage” had been deep fried, rather than pan fried so didn’t taste anything different to the usual catering sausages served by some of the other establishments in the area. Which was a shame. The toast was chunky bread served with proper butter, yum! Service was quick and efficient. Overall a better breakfast that some other local establishments in Rochford, and if the sausage wasn’t so well done I would have given it a 4.5. My bill was £12.95 so not cheap but I have paid more for less. I will be back for another visit of coffee and cake when fishing. My disclaimer: if things are advertised as local/speciality/butchers products then they should be cooked in a way that reflects the superior taste etc. It’s a small point but I do think that it’s important as usually these items up the price. Not sure whether it is a time/convenience thing but sausages should never be deep fried. IMHO

Wonderful place and beautiful settings and near the fishing lakes , plenty of choice on the menu and the food was lovely , well presented ,visited there for my 60th , polite staff , excellent service. Most enjoyable time

My wife and I made our first visit to The Lakes for a breakfast on a Sunday in early July. We arrived shortly after 9am and were given a warm welcome and asked if we had booked. We hadn't. We were accommodated but it was...

Took parents out for lunch here, first visit. Nice setting, attentive staff, lovely food - well presented and fresh. Would recommend

Took a friend for lunch for her birthday. Beautiful setting overlooking the lake. It's a busy place so it's best to book. We had a table booked inside which still had a view of the lake but the weather was glorious so we sat on...

I have visited the Lakes at Stambridge twice recently, pleasant clean surroundings, lovely choice for the lunch menue, a warm welcome and excellent food. No complaints at all. Hope to try the Sunday lunch soon.

Exceeded my expectations, the food is outstanding with the best service and atmosphere, once of the best meals yet, will definitely return

I've had lunch in this lovely little cafe some four or five times and I've always been most impressed. I've found the service to be efficient and friendly, the view charming, and the food delicious. I don't think I've ever had better chips!

Often come to this lovely place for lunch, but first time for Sunday roast dinner. What can I say, except WOW!! All 7 of us were blown away with the fantastic meals we had. Between us we had the chicken, pork and beef and everyone...

My wife and I visited here with family whilst visiting area. A beautiful and stunning location. Out primary reason for the visit was for a quick pit stop and coffee. However, once inside, we actually sat in the decking area, we all decided to have...

Beautiful surroundings overlooking gorgeous lakes fantastic Breakfast my wife had the avocado and poached egg on sour dough bread and I had the cormorant full English we both throughly enjoyed lovely staff aswell would highly recommend a visit here.

First visit. Called ahead for breakfast reservation (as recommended) advised we had a dog with us and it was explained that only seating for guests with dogs was benches at the front (no reservation required but name and number of guests taken to help with...

I love this restaurant. It’s the best breakfast in Essex in my opinion. Lunch there’s so much choice, I’m slowly making my way through everything on the menu. 😂 Everything is cooked fresh with top class ingredients. The staff are so friendly. And what a...

Lovely setting. Hard to get served and even more difficult to get staff's attention during the meal. THere just wasn't enough staff on and those that were looked harrassed and tired. Customers coming in who hadn't booked were handled rudely, Menu is nice and varied....

Called into today 9..30am - not booked. Inside totally empty. Front outside empty. To our amazement they advised they can’t fit us in, two young girls said no chance - for breakfast! Not even out front on empty benches? Absolutely amazed!! Obviously two young girls...

We came to the lakes during the week and unfortunately they were fully booked. Despite it looking quiet with a group of tables outside it is understandable with such a small kitchen and due to everything being cooked to order we decided to come back...

We came here for lunch & I have to say it was so lovely .... The meals are fantastic Good quality food Lovely staff Beautiful surroundings We even sat by lake after Will be back again

My wife had heard good feedback about this place so we decided to pop over with my parents before a lunch booked elsewhere. Car park looked busy but there were some free tables and we were seated quickly. People around us were tucking into great...

Fabulous Sunday Lunch I had the roast pork which was really excellent. Huge portions. The cauliflower cheese was fantastic. Friendly staff and lovely scenery. Could not fault it at all. Will definitely be back.

Have eaten here several times, with numerous different people. The ploughmans is absolutely gorgeous, and I highly recommend it. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat slow to get served/waiting for food/waiting for tables to be cleared. The location is lovely with pretty views over the fishing...

We booked a table for 9 including 3 children expecting the menu advertised on their facebook page. When we arrived this menu was not available, only a very limited Sunday roast menu. Only one veggie option (most of our party were vegetarians) and no children's...

Food was excellent, views of lake. Great service and reasonably priced. Highly recommend, but book first, very very popular…..

First thr food was very good the four of us each had a different dish with no complaints, each was hot and cooked nicely, service could've been a bit more efficient and it was obvious that if the staff know you it is, but for...

First visit to the lakes on a recommendation. I cannot praise it highly enough. Covid security 10/10, decor and comfort 10/10, service efficient and friendly 10/10 and the Sunday roast outstanding. Also nice views overlooking the lake. My beef was perfect, and the vegetables which...

Nice location, although rather dodgy when exiting the car park as visibility is restricted. Having said that a pleasant cafe with courteous and friendly staff, although we did get our heads ripped off when we arrived by a lady shouting from the other side of...

I have visited here on numerous occasions and always enjoyed the fresh and tasty food, the exquisite decor and the yummy, yummy cakes. The staff have always been very kind to me, however on 4th November I visited with a friend who was treating me...

Fantastic Sunday Roast! As good as home cooked! Tender beef, crispy roast potatoes, large yorkie and perfectly cooked vegetables! Just perfect Friendly, attentive staff, and a beautiful view over the lake ! Not the cheapest roast dinner to be found, (£16.95 for the beef; chicken...

Location a little away from maddening scene of Southend. Went with family for brunch. Quality and choice of fresh food was excellent. Presented well. Service was not the best and we didn't seem to be a welcome group for the serving team. Suggest 2 person...

This was my second visit to the Lakes but the first time for my friends who were with me. The staff were friendly, helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone had a good time. The food was really good with a...

Love it here! The food is great quality, friendly staff and nice atmosphere. One of my favourite spots! Plus homemade cakes!

This was my first lunch here as before I’ve always had breakfast. Breakfast is perfect, the best I’ve ever had. Lunch was just as good and I was remembering how much I enjoyed the food long after I went home. The staff always make you...

We all throughly enjoyed our food , and the setting is delightful. Great service too . Highly recommend 😊

Charming location, scenery makes you feel like you're on holiday. So relaxing and picturesque. Very reasonably priced for the fresh, delicious food. You can tell the food is made with love, especially the cakes! The waitress was very pleasant and helpful.

5th time I have been here and has been superb every time. Great views great service and great food ( plenty of it) highly recommended

I had never been before, but a suggestion from a friend led me there. I have since been four times and I am never disappointed. All the food leaving the kitchen looks delicious and leaves one spoilt for choice, but I keep coming back to the burgers which are to die for. Shame they are not open early in the week.

Today we popped in ‘impromptu’ at 3.20pm. Even though they advertise ‘open until 4pm’ I was promptly told at the door that I could not order anything as they stop taking orders at 3.30. I asked if we could have just a coffee and cake and was told abruptly ‘NO’ by the lady who didn’t even look up from the counter. So my review is not about the food, we didn’t get that far!! It was to warn, book in advance and ignore the opening times advertised, as you could be disappointed. Sadly We will not risk driving here again.

Well what can I say?! This place is OUTSTANDING! Beautiful setting, spotlessly clean, great breakfast menu, amazing hot good quality food and lovely friendly attentive staff. Nothing was too much trouble and the quality of the bacon and sausages was top notch. Good value for money too. Such a lovely hour sat overlooking the lake eating breakfast. We will be returning and even called a friend on the way home to recommend to them! Keep this service and quality going as it certainly is impressive. Thank you for starting our Sunday off so perfectly.

We would have liked a piece of cake after our meal, we waited 45 mins for our food which was no problem, but for someone to cut us a slice of cake we were told we would have to wait for all customers waiting for hot food to be served first, even though we were seated before they arrived, bonkers.

Had steak and mushroom pie with chips and peas and chocolate fudge cake and ice cream excellent food good service. all new health and safety rules are being followed. Portion are very good.

It was my first visit and I can’t praise this restaurant more, the staff were very friendly and efficient, the food was lovely and I have to mention how impressed I was with the cleaning and disinfecting, especially in these tough times of COVID 19, every surface was cleaned (and I do mean EVERY surface) including the table and chair legs. I will definitely be visiting again soon

Fabulous restaurant. Food always fresh and very tasty. Good choice. Their chips are to die for. Service is extremely friendly and helpful. Safety measures are the highest. One way system in place. Hand sanitiser on arrival and temperature taken. We have watched the staff after somebody has left the table cleaning thoroughly including table and chair legs. Going there again this weekend for the third week running.

We visited for lunch today, not only was the food fresh, delicious and well presented, the safety measures in this difficult time were the best I have encountered so far! Our temperature was taken at the door, the tables were well spaced out, the waitress wore a face mask and it was spotless. As we ate our lovely meal, it was reassuring to watch the staff spraying and thoroughly cleaning the recently vacated tables. There was a one way system to the impeccably clean toilets. I highly recommend a visit for lunch, but you must book. Congratulations to the staff for their efforts.

Popped to the Lakes for lunch today and can’t recommend it highly enough. Great Covid preparations - felt very comfortable. Superb food - the best chips ever. Generous portions, all very fresh and tasty.

First visit after a recommendation and I was really impressed! Lovely views, amazing homemade lasagne, nice decor and friendly staff. Why go anywhere else? Will be great when they get a licence and I can have a g&t. Will be visiting again soon. Thank you.

they are following all the guide lines for the lock down reopening to the book making sure you are kept safe (well done) Food is excellent like is always and serving staff are brilliant

Such a lovely location and views over the lakes.. we went for Lunch and the place was lovely. With large glass windows and doors that will open up to an outside area.The menu is varied and food was great. Very nice staff. Will visit again. A little gem ...

I have only lived a few miles from this restaurant since it opened, but only found out about it a few weeks ago. Took my mum for breakfast today. We sat by the window overlooking the lake, amazing view with the rain hitting the water. The young staff were very friendly and efficient and the food nicely presented and very tasty. Will definitely visit again, maybe next time for brunch or lunch

I have just enjoyed possibly the best burger of my life - and I am an expert on burgers! My first visit to The Lakes - and it won't be my last. The staff are so kind and helpful. The food excellent. If you go at the peak lunch time be prepared to wait a bit - but it's definitely worth it. Finished off with a very good cup of coffee.

Went here for brunch, was impressed with everything, great food service and staff. My only complaint was the car park. It's full of big pot holes.

Popped in just before noon for a quick lunch. Only a couple of tables were free. Found our own table and waited 15 minutes to be acknowledged and an order taken but it seems only known or local people were being served. Decided if 15 minutes to be noticed was a long time, how long would it take to get food. Don’t bother unless youre known or you have nothing else to do for the rest of the day.

My favourite place for breakfast. Fresh, quality food and the best staff. Caramel latte is 👌 and the cakes are awesome (although after the breakfast there's not enough room, so cake is usually a takeaway 😁)

I’ve worked in the kitchen on a few occasions, it’s a very clean and well maintained kitchen, so on the strength of how good the kitchen is I decided to take the family there for a lunch and it really was good, we kept commenting on the way home how good it was and how friendly the staff were, so thanks for lunch and we will definitely see you again Mike

We went for the full english which was good quality food well cooked, with a nice location will definitely re-visit

Lovely well maintained fishery with lovely owners who make u feel welcome. You can fish a 24hr ticket for £20 as long as you prior book. Well stocked with numerous breeds (no catfish) and no stupid rules that aren’t already common sense. Bathroom facilities are 24hr and are better Han what you find in any pub or restaurant ( I have no problem taking my wife or daughter) now the hidden gem in this place is the restaurant, either for a quick latte or breakfast/lunch. Ask nicely and they ring a bell when your pre ordered breakfast is ready for you to collect and take to your swim

I went for a breakfast catch up with my cousins in between Christmas and New Year. Service was great and staff were super friendly. All the orders were correct - 7 with some minor tweaks/substitutions. Food was hot and well cooked. I’ll definitely return

Just had lunch at The Lakes what a lovely experience,the young staff are charming and the food was delicious,compliments to the chef. Lasagne best ever,and hamburger was delicious too.. We will be returning . Thank you

callled in on a Friday for breakfast with a bunch of retirees, luckily we had left it a little late in the morning, good job as it gets really busy early on.

Went back to the lakes on a day off recently for lunch. I had the lasagne and chips and hubs had the ham ploughamns. The lasagne was a good portion, nicel cheesey and the chips are just amazing. Nice fresh bread with the ploughmans and very thick cut tasty ham. We will be back- just a shame you cannot book a big time in advance as this place gets busy. We note thay are making a decking area extension towards the lake so this will increase capacity for summer

The Lakes was a fantastic lunch outing.

Fabulous. The food is freshly cooked and extremely tasty. The staff are friendly and very helpful. This restaurant is always packed as it is such a good choice. The prices are also very reasonable.

A lunchtime stop for us and our first visit to The Lakes.

A lovely setting by the fishing lake (trout fisheries) nice to watch the local fishermen landing their catches, taking photos, then putting the fish back! restaurant is at the moment quite small with a few covers, so booking is a good idea, and at the moment does not have evening hours. Still nice for breakfast or lunch.

Very nice and clean venue. Good food. Good service nice views across Lake. Will certainly go back again soon.

just needs a drinks license, great venue great service lovely homely feel .all food cooked freshly and this place is highly recomended

First visit. Impressed. Had the big breakfast. Really filling. Lots of nearby parking and wheelchair accessible.

Been here a few times for breakfast with my family, today I came with friends. It's a lovely little cafe with doors facing the fishing lakes in Stambridge. Food is cooked to order and is extremely nice. Definitely recommend this place.

The best place I know for fresh, high quality food with huge portions! Such good value for money and lovely staff with a beautiful view 😊 the lasagna was perfect and the lake club superb!

The cafe is in a relaxing, idyllic setting. The food is excellent and staff very friendly. The cafe is tastefully decorated and furnished. Highly recommended.

An amazing place, with lovely views over the lake. Brilliant food and great service. Shame we could not book and they do not sell alcohol, but still a beautiful place and well worth a visit.

I have been here a few times now and the food and service is always amazing, I popped in yesterday to have tea and cake and hands down was I had the best chocolate cake ever, so light and fluffy and not dry at all with, with icing to sponge ratio on point, You get a decent slice too. When I have gone for lunch the veggie burger is always a highlight, and their breakfasts are brilliant too. The staff are so friendly and accommodating, would recommend to everyone.

Went here today for the 1st time for breakfast & it definitely won’t be the last time. The food was well presented & lovely, great coffee, the view was nice, it was clean & the service was good. No complaints we look forward to going for lunch next time.

This had been recommended by a few friends so we decided to go find it. We initially drove past it but eventually found it. A lovely tranquil setting overlooking a fishing lake. My husband had the plough mans lunch whilst I had a roasted vegetable wrap, both of us were pleased with our choice.

A trip from Scotland to Essex got me treated to breakfast at this delightful venue. I had a full breakfast and it was delicious.

Went for lunch today, food was superb. Enormous portions and very tasty. Be aware that this place gets very busy and unless you get there early you may have to wait for a table. Menu is generic, ie, sandwiches, wraps, toasties, burgers, etc but I saw many meals coming from the kitchen and they were all huge! I had the lasagne and my partner had a wrap, both were excellent. Shame they don’t serve a beer or a glass of wine. But can’t fault the food. Don’t go there as if you do I’ll never get a table!

A few new items on the menu, I tried the Halloumi rap with roasted Vegetables and a sweet chilli sauce. It was a taste explosion in my mouth, just amazing, highly recommend.

My wife & I try to take lunch at the Lakes at least once a week throughout the year. We also visit virtually all of the surrounding lunch venue's alternating between them, more for a change, as opposed to experiencing anything as good as the Lakes or anywhere near!

The Lakes is a great find, a popular restaurant overlooking fishing lakes. Prices are reasonable and very friendly service.

First impressions what a great view from the car park.

We visited the eatery at the lakes having received a recommendation.

We had our grandson, for the day, so thought we'd go out for breakfast. He'd never been to The Lakes, so we gave it a try. So pleased we did. Lovely surroundings, and the breakfast was one of the best. Cleanly presented, tasted great, what more can you ask?? Clean plates all around after! Would recommend. It's great for tea and cake too!!

This is a wonderful location to have a cafe ,if you have a fishing licence even better. I’ve visited here several times but I forget it’s beautiful scenery. The staff are friendly the food is good ,no complaints from me.

Stopped here on the way home after a disappointing lunch out of the area and what a delightful find it was!! As we had eaten we only had coffee's and it was a joy to find dairy free hot drinks were available. We enjoyed some rather delicious oat milk cappuccinos and a member of our party indulged in a slice of cake that she didn't stop talking about how nice it was all the way home! Took a look at the food menu and there appears to be something for everyone. We visited at a busy time and the staff were well organised, friendly and welcoming. Enjoyed a very delightful couple of hours here looking out at the fishing lakes. Will definitely return and may even try out the food menu next time!!

Been here a couple of times, nice food, but can be very noisy. Large family group involving young children behind us. Don’t know why the adults think it’s ok for the kids to scream and shout at the top of their voices , made our meal unbearable, also had no ice, for the hottest day of the year. Would recommend, check who’s there first.

Visiting from Australia family took us here for lunch superb venue overlooking the lake people fishing very soothing food absolutely superb and plentiful and beautifully cooked and presented. Staff friendly and attentive coffee and drinks served quickly while waiting for our meal which didnt take long to arrive. we had more coffees after the meal but made the mistake of paying before we finished our second coffees as we were asked how long we were going to be before we left as they wanted the table, actually spoilt what was a very enjoyable experience.

At the last minute, on Mother’s Day we decided to head out and and find somewhere to have breakfast. We tried our luck at The Lakes but expected that without a booking we had no chance of being seated.

Had lunch today at The Lakes Stambridge.

We popped in here after a lovely country walk in Stambridge taking the footpath/lane next to the fishing lake all the way to the reservoir. We were very pleasantly surprised, it looks newly decorated and the patio doors allow a wonderful view of the lake. We just opted for coffee and cake, the carrot cake was amazing, probably the best I have tasted. Would definitely recommend and will return soon.