The best restaurants in East of England

Thought it time I wrote a 5 star review as I have been visiting The Blue Ball for a few years now having discovered it due to working occasionally in Cambridge. I usually visit solo after work and sometimes bring friends and family. The staff are always welcoming, the food consistently high quality and the ambience just right. I can't fault it and it has become my favourite pub-possibly of all time. I am also very impressed that all reviews are responded to. Thank you for your hospitality. Rachel

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.

What a wonderful venue! We went for a Sunday roast and got in before it got too busy. A really nicely done lunch, one of the best I've had. Very friendly staff which is always nice. Added benefits are that there is a large beer shop and huge antiques shop too! Really easy to lose half a day here. Highly recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

Went with a large group on Friday 15th March at 7pm, booked the day before. We have used this restaurant many times and been so pleased with it. From start to finish it was a disaster. The restaurant was very quiet but trying to get served drinks all night was painful, you had to keep looking up and waving. Twice the drinks came up wrong with no sign of an apology. As for the staff, especially the one that served us was so rude, talking over us as we were trying to order. He was almost harassing us, so much so 2 dishes came out wrong but he was adamant, loud and rude that’s what you ordered. Actually that’s what you told us we were ordering We had to raise our voices to him a few times to remind him we were customers and out for a relaxing meal, not a lecture. One of our party spilt one of the sauces in front of him while eating the poppadoms. We asked if it could be cleaned up, he dropped a serviette on the spill and we went to clean it up. No, No No leave it in a very loud voice he said, I will collect it later even put his hand on our quests hand so he couldn’t clean it up. Food was ok but the whole evening was spoilt and a waste of £400. Won’t be going back and will be telling everyone in our pub just how bad it is.

Traditional fish n chips 🍟 😋 love it

We went to Valero Lounge this morning for breakfast,it was so nice.The staff were excellent,so friendly.What was great is when my food came out we noticed the jam had not come out with the gluten free toast(buns) but the reason why was because they wanted to make sure it was gluten free and not contaminated with anything,our server kindly went off and got the jam separately.Also we were asked if everything was ok as well.The service and atmosphere was relaxed.The water dispenser was great and even topped up when it got low at the end of the meal.The food was delicious as usual,I had the bacon,saussage butty,hash browns,chorizo and gluten free toast.All food was exceptional as per usual with the lounge,the bacon was amazing,full of flavour.The hash brown was delicious,crispy on the outside,fluffy on the inside.Saussage butty,gf toast and chorizo was nice.The decor is beautiful,loads of lovely lights and wallpaper.The toilets and restaurant was cleaned.The community board was lovely too and a really nice touch to the experience.It is set in Witham house.They have a lovely outside patio and it really blends in to the beautiful town centre of Witham.Lovely lounge breakfast,would highly reccomend.

Lovely pub. Welcoming staff and locals. Food was delicious and dog friendly too!

Something not quite right here. The main course, sizzling mixed meats (i chose chilli black bean sauce with it) was tasteless. No chillies, only two thin slices of green pepper. Portion small but adequate for me after my oysters starter. A bowl of rice is £5-£6, too expensive. Wine at £7 a glass is also too expensive and i cant drink a whole £28/£35 bottle alone. No music, so poor atmosphere, listening to four men on an adjacent table for two hours. I don't like the compulsory 10% tip added to the bill which was £60 for one person. Expensive.

Great take away Chinese food value open during the day too . Lovely quick lunches also sells alcohol and fish and chips .

Fast service Staff is nice but are rushing around Food nice I will definitely going back and I do recommend it Food Critic (Private)

I was on a trip out with my two adult children for a Mum treat. I had previously introduced my daughter to this bistro and she loved it, so I thought as my Son was visiting I would treat them both. Once again the service was excellent, the food - calamari for starter (only 1 person had starter), Pizza, Lasagne with cheesy garlic bread and Carbonara as our mains was mouth watering. The meals were very filling so we asked to take some of the pizza and garlic bread home, which they happily boxed up. I cannot rate this bistro highly enough and as for the cost it was extremely reasonable.

Ordered the fish pie without cheese. When it arrived it looked great. Unfortunately the filling contained cheese. There was a reason for me asking for no cheese. The crab cakes were amazing though and hubby enjoyed his pie. Service was good and staff friendly.

Looked very busy today when I went to collect my order but still got my food in a very fast time. Staff were lovely as always. Their food is always amazing today was no exception. This is why I only Order from lees cottage