The Woodmans Arms in Rochford

Lovely afternoon spent with friends and family- stayed longer than expected as we were so comfortable and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere Mo and his staff very welcoming, friendly and accommodating Sunday roast was the best we have all had for a very long time and freshly cooked and tasteful Will definitely be going back again soon

Like previous reviews, we found the bar staff friendly enough but the manager requires to enroll himself in a customer care course. We read a good report on the pub and thought we'll give it a go as live in the local area.......definitely won't be returning in the near future. The food was portion controlled, a small amount of chips, tea spoon of coleslaw, a dubiously cooked burger and a rock hard bun. I would say the drinks were satisfactory, but the gin and tonic appeared to be missing the gin!! Unfortunately, I can't see the place staying open much longer under the current regime.

Went there with family in a Sunday for a roast. Whilst the menu is limited the food was very good. The service was great and everyone working there was very nice and pleasant. I can see that if this keeps going the way it is, it will be excellent soon. Prices are very reasonable.

Thank you…..From when I phoned them a few weeks ago asking with regards to my dad who is in a wheelchair questions and phoning a few times I cld not of ask for a more helpful and kind voice at the end of the phone. My dad has currently become housebound but lives only 5 mins from the Woodmans….. today was the day we were able as a family to be able to go out for dinner…… from the moment we turned up to when we left the owner and the staff cldnt have been most gracious and helpful…. We went on a Sunday so it was just Sunday roast but was enjoyed by all…. Starters, mains and dessert. We as a family wld definitely return and just want to say thank you….. keep going. Xx

First visit to the Woodmans Arms The food was fresh, delicious and good value. Excellent service at the table and we will be going back to try their roast dinner soon.

I came here on a trip to Essex just as I left to go home as I needed food before the long journey. The place was extremely charming with friendly staff, especially the red-haired girl who made us feel welcomed. The food was also very nice, and the place was extremely well-kept and clean. I recommend it to anyone in the local area or anyone who is visiting Benfleet for a trip.

So we came into the pub to give it a go as we read in the local paper that the new management was going to turn this pub around! Firstly the pub looks old and tatty and not welcoming at all. It really does need a lick of paint and some flowers out the front. The new management also is not very welcoming and I have heard that he has upset quite a few of the what would have been new locals. The bar staff seemed to be friendly but that is all. This pub would be ideal for families as it has a garden, but the play area has now gone. Wait a few months and it will be closed again. Manager really needs to have a little think about how he treats customers.

Under new management but the place is empty with little stock, and little atmosphere. The new manager comes across a little unwelcoming and I hope that changes in order for woodmans to stay open and bring in custom again.

The food is great here, I had the liver and bacon and it was amazing definitely worth a visit on the weekend for food and drinks.

Lovely Sunday roast, really friendly service, couldn't ask for more on a Sunday afternoon, and the price was good.

This pub is brilliant and looks after all of its customers. It is welcoming to all children, adults and is open to autistic people and others in what has been made a safe environment. The land lady (Momma Faye) and the crew are all helpful individuals, the live music is brilliant and The Woodman's Arms has the most positive and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're up and dancing to the live bands at the weekend or just popped in after work for a pint and a game of chess. The Woodman's has it all.

Have driven passed the pub many time and thought how lovely it looks. It is very nice decorated. However, the food was awful. We all ordered burgers. Based on what we were serviced I could have made better at home. We see the waitress walk out half way through our stay to go the sainsburys to buy burger buns- fine sometime we run out. But then to serviced the cheapest burger ever- with no sauce, no salad. My husband ordered the Southern fried chicken burger- a large chicken nugget in a roll. Best thing about it was the chips! What a disappointing visit and will not be returning.

Not doing food after 3oclock , closed last Sunday at 9.15 so had to go to white hart , and they purchase alcohol from off licence over the road as spotted by a few people and charge a fortune for it . Dearest pub in benfleet so avoid . I bet star brewery’s not aware of this

called in one Sunday lunchtime and the only two beers we ordered (Guinness and an Ale) were unavailable, so not much more to say really; didn't stay!

Half the menu was crossed out as it’s being redrawn. Chicken in the burger was not cooked yet took 25 mins to arrive. No salt and pepper offered. Really gone down hill!

Poor service, food cold no one else in there don't waste your time or money. Very overpriced. Never Again!!!

Where do I start? Very poor frozen food. Nothing fresh and everything plain and bland. Asked for 2 wines that they didnt have! Shocking such a shame as got no competition really and could be amazing!!

Place was empty three times they came back 3 times to check what we had ordered the only vegan meal on menu they did,not have ,the meal was awful we all left it ,it was expensive we were the only ones in the restaurant and it was still empty when we left my neice took me there for a surprise and they had overcharged on bill so she had to sort that out will never go again and would advise anyone ,NO

A group of eight had the Christmas set menu. We couldn’t fault the food which was delicious and plentiful. The staff were friendly and really helpful as we had been let down by another restaurant. Four courses for £25 was great value. Thanks to Faye and Jack. We had a great time and will be back.

Stopped here for lunch recently - lunch was lovely! Chips were really tasty and the chicken club panini was delicious. Very reasonable prices too

Despite reading bad reviews and this being our local just 4 min walk we decided we would still give it a go. Just got back from a short visit to here for lunch but went chippy on way home as we never actually managed to eat in the end. Saturday 23rd November. Staff are polite but that’s it. My wife ordered the sausage with chips, peas, and crispy onions. I had the burger and chips. My wife’s meal turned up without the crispy onions and when we managed to speak to the waitress 5 min later she apologised and said she would go and get them. 5 min later she came back and said the chef (debatable) was just cooking them. Another 10 min passed so 20 min in total now with no re visit to our table and we decided we had waited long enough. I had not eaten any of mine as we came out to eat together and as my wife’s meal was incomplete neither of us started. In fairness they offered to cook the whole meal for us again but by now I had seen enough. This is basic pub food and nothing that a school dinner lady couldn’t do better. Shame as it’s our local and has struggled for years now despite numerous management changes. I will however not bother to try and eat hear again as they only had 2 other tables eating and one of those was sandwiches so hardly rushed off there feet. Hopefully someone will get it right one day and it will return to the busy excellent restaurant once was.

Any time I’m stuck on somewhere to go for lunch this place comes to mind and never ever disappoints. The portions are very generous and brilliant for value! I’ve been here many times and every single time has been brilliant. The service is super fast, and all the staff are so friendly and chatty, I’d be comfortable coming here on my own too! It’s got a great selection of music too I noticed, along with a gorgeous atmosphere and decor. Looking forward to the next visit already! Thanks guys 👍🏻

Went with a group of friends on a week night.Firstly one of our party asked for a pineapple juice and was served Squash, when she pointed this out she was advised they didnt have fresh pineapple juice! In a pub!On ordering from the menu (which was very basic) we were advise the kitchen had no ham (for the ham, egg & chips) no chicken (for hunters chicken) no leaks (for the pork belly dish) and no peas (for the sausage mash & peas). So in all not a success. We were offerred a free drink to compensate but over all a very poor experiance.

It's the little things that grind my gears. Like Soup DE Jour and "Stelf" fries on the menu.

Excellent food and staff made us welcome. i read previous reviews but I thought the last reviews have been great ,so gave the food a go! It was all delicious and even had dessert.

Popped in for a quick bite to eat. Had the Sea Bass dish which came with gnocchi and the most delicious sauce - good size portion. Would recommend.

Decided to go here with a good friend and try the pie and mash.

Lovely local pub, friendly atmosphere, food was lovely, the chef even came and spoke to us, which was a lovely touch, burgers were great as was the pesto pasta and the halloumi fries are a delicious starter .

Nothing worse than having to organise a wake. Woodmans Arms went above and beyond to make the event perfect in every way. Food was wonderful. Picture board a lovely touch. All in all completely satisfied.

Stop here On Saturday. With my girlfriend try order what on the menu which half the stuff wasn’t in stock, finally order the hunters chicken, chicken was undercooked my girlfriend had a baguette which was rock hard and stale

I came here today with my sister and our children. We choose to come here as we could sit outside and watch them play.

I don’t normally write reviews but I honestly have never been so disappointed, me and my partner was the only people eating in the restaurant ana yet we waited over an hour for starter which came out stone cold, then sent it back it was put in the microwave and came out a complete mess. Then waited another hour for main course which was hunters chicken, no bbq sauce at all chicken was dry, it was the worst meal I have had in years. So disappointing as the food used to be really good here.

Went for a Saturday bite to each at lunch time. Not a busy bar or restaurant arriving at 1pm.

I have eaten here before and it used to be very good. I don’t know if there has been a change of ownership but this has to be the worst meal out I have ever endured. After a one hour wait for our starter, mine arrived cold and missing ingredients and had to be sent back. The main courses eventually arrived although the plates from the starters were still on the table so there was nowhere to put them. I won’t be going back.

My review will probably be a mixed one for some but this was my experience on our last visit.....visited the woodmans just this last Saturday with friends for a catch up what started out as a great day lovely company and beautiful food unfortunately took a turn for the worse late in the evening after another customer had nicked our drinks despite watching me bring drinks down from the bar had then claimed that he thought we had left after I confronted his party ..... I called the manageress who probably made the situation even worse as after I explained what had happened she said she didn’t want any trouble and the guys after being caught red handed had offered to buy us a drink....... I asked her to check the cameras as there was one just above us but her response was they arnt working what more do you want they are offering to buy a drink ! The owner then made an appearance again a bit of a waste of time because these guys drink here every week! All we wanted was the guys removed from the pub but that didn’t happen a very disappointing end to what was a great start due to an idiot who wasn’t dealt with appropriately by the staff and owner not the kind of establishment you want your family around I’m afraid

Warm, friendly and fun atmosphere. Neil and the team make everyone welcome and provided a very tasty buffet, with something for everyone. Live music to dance too, bouncy castle for the kids and water bowls for dogs, all are welcome. Such a fantastic night, throbbing feet and a real good laugh. Thankyou so much x

Went there for a special occasion wished we hadn't bothered. Very unorganised and food very over done. Couldn't buy a drink with cash. Everything was disappointing

Dissapointing at best. The tomato soup was fresh but serverely underseasoned. The prawns I'd guess were from Iceland and as for the roast dinner... I don't mind paying £15 as long as the meal matches the cost. What we were served was pub food at a resteraunt price - it was worth £8 if I'm being generous. Roast potatos barey saw the oven, carrots barely cooked and the meal in general was very lack luster. Not at all impressed. We used to frequent here often, but with this being the current food offered, I cannot say that will now be the case.

Cannot believe the behaviour I witnessed visiting his pub. Owners were screaming at each other using every swear word under the sun, in front of entire pub, bearing in mind there were also children around in the garden. Use of the ‘C’ word being screamed was particularly nice. Awful atmosphere, staff tried but food was mediocre. Will not be coming back here again.

If we had just gone for a drink, its lovely with a beer garden, children's playground, nice cheerful staff and great music. The food though was very disappointing. My husband and I turned up with our 11 year old daughter and waited over an hour to be served three burgers...First we were served the wrong food meant for a different table. Then, they forgot our daughter's food (she was in tears by this time). When the food did finally arrive, the chips were undercooked and the burgers were soggy and drowned in sauce. The dishes were dirty. There was a general sense of chaos.

Pub with a great atmosphere. Food freshly cooked & plenty of it. Drinks always good too. All sorts of things going on for small kids and big kids too. Great staff, great pub.

Had a fantastic Sunday afternoon in the Woodmans where to start ,the staff are fantastic the food was top drawer and the atmosphere was everything you would want from your local, Neil and Jayne are fantastic landlords and are always looking to change things for the better ( live music , seafood stall etc) I’ve recently read a few reviews slating the place well they must have gone to a different boozer we are really lucky to have such a community friendly pub in thundersley and long may it last.

Yes, yes & yes. Finally a roast worthy of mentioning. Any person wanting a real,full size quality roast here it is. Worth every penny. Also wife happy yes, kids happy yes. Staff were fantastic, they were quick and efficient as you want. Definitely recommend and will now visit more as all the boxes have been ticked. Just go, you won't be disappointed.

When there on Sunday for lunch, roast potatoes had no colour or taste and the cauliflower and cheese was to watery by far the worst Sunday lunch I've had. I don't know what the reviewer above was talking about. Don't go to this place at any circumstances. Ohhh and the beef was chewy and fatty.

Visited this pub for Sunday roast a few times with my family and food was delicious, huge portions and great service ! Finished with sticky toffee pudding which was amazing !! Also came on Valentine’s Day, couldn’t have been any better, made us feel really special !! Recommend all day long, lovely family friendly pub :)

Me and my wife go out every Sunday for a roast, we usually go to our local but fancied a change, we have had lunch at the woodmans before and not had a great experience, I must say it seems to have improved a lot! I had a beef roast which was most definitely worth the price, potatoes were crispy, beef was cooked perfectly, big portion of coliflour cheese and huge Yorkshire puddings, Will be returning and recommending!

Booked at late notice, and we managed to obtain a table.

Went for pie and mash evening. Service extremely slow, to the point that after ordering and waiting we asked if they had forgotten us. Food was good but not very hot. Requested more liquor, which was very slow arriving, and we had more or less finished our almost cold meal.

Where do I start ? Went to the pub for a Sunday roast found the staff very rude and the food was terrible. Cold tasteless and had a surprise when we found a hair in my wife's food. Mentioned this to the manager and couldn't believe the response which was so rude. If we had looked at the reviews before hand this would have advised us to stay away and to all future people that will go to dine here stay well away !!!

Stopped here for a few drinks and some food with my other half. Absolutely disgusted with the way we were treated. The food was a waste of money; they didn't have 5 things on the menu and the food that was presented on the menu was completely different to what they had served us. When we asked for a solution we were given no help and was treated with utter disrespect especially from management. Please avoid this place at all costs. So disappointed and upset is an understatement; we went to have a good time and ended up upset and agitated.

went for sunday lunch food was stone cold and the staff were so rude I cannot explain I have never experienced such rude people staff!!DONT GO HEAR!!

My wife and I no longer go out on Valentines day as you either get poor food or poor service. If you are really lucky, you get both. We went out a week later to the Woodmans Arms. Greeted OK and shown to our table, asked what we would like to drink. Only one other couple were eating. When the drinks were brought to us, we were told that two items were not available on the starters and FIVE items were not available on the main menu. This was due to "half term". Still trying to get my head round that one. Do the wholesalers close for half term? I don't think so. I then had to take my wife's drink back as there was lipstick on the glass, not her shade. Whilst I was doing that, my wife changed her fork as there was food remainders on hers. Due to the lack of choice, we were forced to order something we didn't particularly want. Yes, we could have left and gone somewhere else but we were there. Saving grace was the food was nice and hot.

We got there at 3pm, Sunday. It wasnt very busy. Our drinks order was taken and drinks provided quickly. We ordered our food .... after waiting nearly an hour for the starters we left. The only good bit was they didnt charge us for the drinks.

Disgraceful service, nasty staff. Came here for my sisters birthday and have never been served so poorly. The food was disgusting , the service was so slow, over priced and the young blonde waitress tried to humiliate each of us at every opportunity, I have never ever been made to feel so unhappy from another person in entire my life. I left in absolute tears. I would never go back again. I wish I had better words to explain how terrible the staff made me feel. This is the first bad review Ive ever had to leave for anything in my life please do not go to this pub.

New chef who clearly knows what his doing as the food was superb. Jack was on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly. We had a lovely evening. Will be back.

Me and my friend arrive on Saturday just before 8 for table we booked. Upon being given menu and some time to review, just as we were about to order we were advised half the items on the menu were not available. They said they had been busy during the week and all the food had been used. Would of been handy to know when we received the menu. Once we put our order in we waited 1.5 hours for the starter to arrive. Apparently our order had been lost in the kitchen. We also had to wait 30 minutes for our drinks to arrive.

Popped in for a birthday meal tonight. Food was great. Enjoyed the live music. Loads of different gins in stock !! Had a chilled evening. Will definately be back, since new owners taken over. Well done and your staff are great by the way. Also, thanks for the bubbly, much appreciated.

Having been living down the road from this pub for nearly 45 years and now has new owners decided to have Sunday lunch their. Table booked and of we went had a starters,main and dessert for about £20 which i thought was fair to be honest staff were attentive and also the live music.

Used the Woodman for a big birthday celebration and it worked out very well. Excellent buffet provided and the staff did their utmost to make everything run smoothly. A very good time was had by all. Thanks to Jack and the team.

Just had a lovely meal tonight at the woodmans having never ate there before we've only gone on its reputation.

I have entered a few reviews on here about this restaurant as we go often and the standard seems to vary so much.

Xmas day dinner 85 pound per head excepted something special soup warm pate shop bought no sorbets between courses as on menu ,main course roast parsnip not roasted, honey glazed carrots only boiled,looking forward to spouts cooked with bacon,just boiled spouts cauliflower cheese dry no sauce,having said that the staff were lovely it was only my wife that stopped me complaining on the day as did not want to spoil as it was Xmas

Had lunch at this establishment today, never visited before and won.t be visiting again.

Had Sunday roast. It arrived after 5 mins so we guessed it was plated up already. Veg cold. Roasties cold. Meat mediocre. Sent it back and got it back 5 mins later piping hot. With hot gravy. Obviously all microwaved. Wasn't brilliant. It's gone downhill from when we first ate there. Dessert good.

6 of us came for lunch, it wasn’t busy, maybe 3 other couples....

This place was shut for a while over summer to get refurb but went yesterday for a roast and nothing had changed except for the owner and the food.

I waited absolutely ages for a burger, even though the restaurant part only had one person eating in it. Inconvenient, but I didn't mind because apparently it was made to order and "Homemade". When it came out was clearly not "Homemade" like advertised on the menu, just a frozen . Nothing was seasoned and the coleslaw tasted horrible.

Had a lovely meal at the woodmans tonight. The food is amazing as always just my eyes bigger than my belly. Portions are large well worth the money.

We have eaten in here a few times recently and it’s always excellent ....friendly staff ... great food ... would recommend

This place has new owners, don’t bother going they don’t have a clue.

We came here today for a meal with friends. Menu was very much reduced and not very clear. Our waitress was very lovely and had a great personality. Food was ok but a little cold. The live music was not that great but something different rather then a radio. A few little fixes and this pub could be really amazing.

I haven't frequented The Woodman's since it was taken over, we decided to have a lunch there on Sunday as I fancied a traditional roast lunch.

Nice food went with elderly parents but very loud could hear people at bar drinking and music on sound system would be better separated

We attend the woodmans arms for their pirate party for havens charity and the day was filled with fun, laughter, amazing food, excellent staff and a lovely garden for my children to play in. My daughter enjoyed getting her face painted whilst my son enjoyed the live music. I could happily sit watching the children enjoy their day whilst eating amazing food and drinking some of the huge choice of gins they have to offer. A lovely pub

The Woodmans is a great standard British pub food. Great atmosphere, fun and friendly for all the family. Frequent changing menu and always tasty. The Asian duck salad was amazing!!

Arrived at 2.30pm for a Sunday roast ..

Been here a few times, either for a couple of pints or a family meal, never disappointed. Food is always spot on and the owners and staff are fantastic and friendly. Highly recommend to anyone local or traveling this way.

Had lunch at the Woodman's, amazing food. I've been fortunate enough to eat at many nice restaurants in London and the food today is on par. Lovely atmosphere and attentive staff. Very satisfied customer 👏👏👍

We went here on a early Saturday evening with the family to have dinner for my grandsons 3rd bday as they have a bouncy castle etc in the garden and we thought the kids would enjoy it. 15 of us in all.

Had been here a couple of times over the last few years. Last visits were not good at all but we thought we'd give it another chance as it has new owners. Friendly staff, amazing food. Not cheap, but good value as the taste and portions were great. So pleased we gave it another go. Will definitely be coming back if it stays this way.

I am afraid to say that I am quite upset about my afternoon lunch and drinks. Food was nice (ish) but drinks well that’s another story. For 2x gin and tonic and half pint of lemonade costing £23.50 to me is outrageous! I am not in London! This is a small local pub in a small village which in my opinion should cater for all kinds of people and not the rich! A family pub with a beer garden and bouncy castle/climbing frame would be so ideal for me to bring my kids out for a lovely afternoon but paying them prices I just can’t justify it.

I've recently moved just down the road from this pub and i think its excellent..the owners are trying really hard to make a success of it... i booked a table for 11 people for lunch on sunday and the food was lovely.. our waitress whose name i think was becky (apologies if thats wrong!!) was really pleasant and very patient with us as we kept changing our minds!! i would definitely recommend this pub/restaurant and looking at some of the negative reviews i can't help but think some people just like to moan about anything...this place is definitely worth a visit ...

This pub as completely transformed over the last nine months into the best pub in essex. It caters for everyone from old to young and has an amazing outside barbeque and tiki bar . Great live had a on a Sunday and singer guitarist on a Friday. What more well yes great food as well.would absolutely recommend this place to all.

This place is a dump! The staff are so rude and mildly agressive! There is rave dance music in the garden! Clientale dont seem very friendly either. We came for sunday lunch but didnt stay longer than half a drink. It feels uncomfortable to be a woman here.

We have been to quite a few funeral wakes recently sadly but this one came out tops with the catering and willingness to be of service.

Felt the need to leave a review for anyone having doubts about visiting here due to some unfavourable reviews on here. Been here 3 times now, twice for a drink and last night for a meal. What can I say, lovely beer garden with BBQ area and great bar/restaurant area. Food was fabulous with service to match. We’ve just moved to daws Heath and feel very lucky to have this pub as our local. Ignore the bad reviews, got no idea what they’re complaining about

Met up with a few friends for drinks only. The pub has been done up really well couldn't fault it at all! It wasn't even half full for a Friday evening and it makes me wonder if its because its a bit pricey. We were drinking the house Pinot Grigio which was £18 a bottle you would normally pay £12-£14 so that is a bit off putting. I reckon if they lowered their prices they would get more customers and still make a decent profit!! Overall though its a nice pub to go for a catch up with your mates.

Great family run pub!!! Great food, drinks, and entertainment. Child friendly, and dog friendly! Always well looked after. Pub garden has been re vamped and is a great vibe especially when the sun is shining. Very pleased to have seen it been taken over by some great people.

Came here for food with a friend and overall we were impressed. Good choice on the menu and i think reasonably priced. Food was of a high standard. Waitress was friendly and efficient. My only (small) gripe was that at the end of the evening - just before 11, chairs were being put up onto tables around us. We were on our last drinks but hadnt finished however felt a little hurried as if staff were keen to lock up. This was a shame as we felt it a little inhospitable...maybe it had been a long day. Anyway apart from that i would recommend and shall be back. Thanks.

This is the second time at the woodmans, I have to say just as good as the first time the meals were enjoyed by all of us, will defo go back.

We have been visiting The Woodmans for years and the experiences have changed with the changing ownership. On our recent evening visits in 2018 the food has been very tasty and well presented, the wine good and the service excellent. And all good value for money. However we have been almost alone in the restaurant, which does nothing for the ambience or overall experience. While we are not into blastingly loud live mikes etc, and musak must be really in the background, we can't understand why it is so quiet with so few customers. It makes us think twice about our visits.

..the Woodmans was always a popular place to meet up with the family from far and wide..sadly it had fallen into a not very good status nut now things are changed - January 2018 - as the new owners are clearly trying very hard with both their menu and overall atmosphere of this excellent pub and eatery..well done..

They have a big sign outside saying

So after visiting the Woodmans just after the new owners had taken over we weren't impressed but put it down to teething problems and decided we would try again a few months later.

We tried the woodmens pub for lunch the other day, but was not impressed, my son had a homemade burger but it was not very nice, I had a prawn salad which you would think you can't really get it wrong, the salad looked and tasted old, and past its sell by date, with some prawns in sauce thrown in, there was nothing appealing about this salad, such a waste of money. My son had left his burger and was asked if it had been ok, he replied it was not a good burger, in response was told it was home made! Will not be returning.

Had a Sunday lunch here and my meal was pretty good but most of the others on my table had to have their food reheated as the veg was cold. The dessert was very nice. Most of the staff were nice and helpful.

A rare Sunday lunch out and recommend as it’s friendly food is good and hot! Come and try for yourselves as reasonable too will be back as the live music is an added bonus .

Just wanted to put a review on here as I hate to say I was hugely disappointed with my experience at the woodmans arms but not as much as my mum was disappointed in me for reserving a table at this hole in the ground. Where do I start...

The staff at the Woodman Arms could not have done enough to make me and my family feel welcome, the food was great and of a good portion, we are already planning our next visit.

Sunday roast was fantastic, generous portions at a great price. Now I'm fussy about roast potatoes but these were cooked to perfection....soft and fluffy inside, crunchy and crispy outside!!! Puddings were also fab. We'll be returning soon!!