The Royal Oak in Braintree

Drink order was fine, service was rude and passive aggressive. Slamming drink down, no please or thank yous. The usual morning girl is lovely and friendly and smiles. Two women today not at all. It’s not hard to deliver service with manners and a smile.

Changes will be made if you ask Costa customer services to help (but this gets tiresome!) I received an apology and a free drink when I came across ageism, and it seemed to stop. Some visits go smoothly. Then a new visit is shocking again, and we can wait for too long, while staff chat, meander, and slowly serve those at the head of the queue. When my macaroni was ready, it was placed on the counter even though I was eating in and the order wasn't complete. "There's your order," said an assistant ... "The mocha coffee?" I asked. Oh ... it was coming. Did I want "chocolate sprinkles"? I agreed, but cocoa powder was shaken on. I waited again. The cup was plonked on the counter. No tray? A customer to my left saw this nonsense, reached for a tray, and handed it to me; she was kind but it was a used one. Another customer caught my eye and laughed. "It's even worse in Colchester!"

Just back from The Bull in Braintree, and let me tell you, if you’re a York City fan looking for a friendly watering hole, this place rolls out the red (and blue) carpet for you! From the moment we walked in, Lauren welcomed us like long-lost relatives – the kind who don’t owe you money. Now, let’s talk about that Chilli Chicken Burger. Oh. My. Days. It’s like they took a chicken, sent it on an all-expenses-paid trip to Flavour Town, and then gently nestled it between two heavenly buns. Spicy, succulent, and worth every bite-induced tear of joy. If that burger was a York City striker, we’d be top of the league. And the hospitality? Top-notch. Lauren made sure we were fed, watered, and generally treated like VIPs. If York City had her running the midfield, we’d be in the Premier League by now. And the locals? Welcomed us like we were the new signing of the season. In short: Great beer, amazing food, and proper banter. The Bull’s a must-visit if you’re in Braintree, especially if you rock up in red and blue. Cheers Lauren, we’ll be back – probably still dreaming about that chilli chicken burger!

If only I had read the reviews first!! Should have done myself cheese on toast instead, would have had more flavour. AWFUL!!! Tried one slice, the rest in the bin 😏

New to the area so we are trying all the options. Venue was empty when we went in so took time to view the menu. Offering is vast which often is a concern for me personally. We ordered beef curry, honey chilli chicken, Chicken sweet corn soup and ribs. Over all all dishes were very bland and there was no chilli in the honey chilli chicken. Ribs had plenty of sauce but very little meats on the bones which was a shame.