The Race Cafe in Colchester

My first Christmas lunch and I thought I treat myself a lovely hot coffee with Tia Maria. I had to wait for the coffee cocktail and that was ok but when it arrived it looked messy, then I tried it was not very warm but I didn’t had heart to complain so I drank it until the last sip then I could feel something in my mouth and realised I had a fly in my mouth so it was nearly dissolved and I thought I was going to trow up. I told the staff what happened and I had the fly on my finger, the staff didn’t think anything as it was supposed to be normal, they didn’t handled it very well. They didn’t apologise say anything so I had to say I hope my glass off wine will be free of charge as already paid £7.25 for my cocktail. Anyway we carried on with the celebrations and then my Christmas lunch arrived. Looked very nice, food was hot and I enjoyed it until I thought my Christmas sausage looked a bit pale so I joked with my husband you can have it as it looks undercooked. My husband ate half and realised that sausage still raw. Told staff again and no one raised an eyebrow…. Well i think its not the way how to run a restaurant, i know everything is not perfect but at least recognise the problem. Just a sorry and an apology would have been nice.

Friendly staff .we were a bit late in the day but made very welcome .

Delicious food, lots of options and reasonably priced. Had the hash stack which was yummy and apparently the scrambled egg was the best my aunt had ever had! Thank you. Great for milk allergies too as most items are vegan.

This place doesn't exist anymore

Stayed on Mersea Island for a few days with friends for birthday celebration and was looking for somewhere to go for afternoon tea. Found The Gilt Rooms on Tripadvisor and decided to give it a go. We had to book for the afternoon tea but wow so worth it. Everything from the freshly made sandwiches to the warm fresh out of the oven scones and home bakes cakes (chocolate eclair, victoria sandwich, lemon drizzle and choc brownie were amazing. All washed down with a perfectly chilled glass of prosecco and lashings of tea or coffee. It was the absolute best afternoon tea I've ever had and have had a few. Will definitely visit again when there.