The best restaurants in Braintree East of England

Weird food, weird decor and a strict “no refund” policy if you don’t like the food… very odd

I had dissapointing satay "chicken" on skewers. I've never in my life eaten chicken that's stringy to the point of elasticity. I genuinely wonder what the hell the meat was. It had a weird smell and tasted of weird fake chicken ,texture like eating elastic bands bunched together. Never eating "food" from there again.

Just been ripped off for collection price of take away. Current menu shows 10% off for collection. They do not honour this discount. Staff attitude when queried this is abysmal.

Great experience every time I come to my local Costa. Paula and Chloe always go out of there way for my children and make them feel welcomed. Great customer service

Disappointed. Visited with my disabled daughter who is in a wheelchair and my son. Asked if there was disabled access as the front has a large step but was told they did have a ramp but it didn't fit. No further suggestions was given (apart from go to a different venue) so I had to carry my daughter in then get her wheelchair. Our order took 45 mins and a question to the waitress about where is was, for it to arrive. There were dogs barking at eachother across the cafe while people are trying to eat. We ordered a bacon sandwich which was fine. Pot of tea and blackcurrant was fine too. Ordered a bottled water but was given a glass of tap water instead. Ordered 2 veggie all day breakfasts, one plate had half an egg in it where the burnt bits had been cut off, and the other plate had an egg which was uncooked in places. The sausages on both plates had been cut in half lengthwise to fill the plate and appear like there was more food than there was. There was minimal beans and mushrooms. I complained about the eggs and was offered another egg but as we had been waiting 45 mins already, I asked for money off instead. I was offered half price which I agreed too considering the disappointing experience so far. When the plates were cleared, I was then told I was only being offered £2 off instead as the rest of the breakfast had been eaten. I had made it clear that the egg was the issue before being offered half the money off. Why then change your mind after the rest was eaten???? I was then told 45 min wait was due to being a busy Saturday. I didn't consider 2 other tables of people it to be particularly busy when we arrived, nor should there be just one person doing all the cooking if it is too much work. I told the owner I would be writing a review. I doubt we will be returning. EDIT: This was originally a 2 star review. 1 star droped due to lack of disabled facilities. 1 star dropped due to lengthy waiting time. 1 star dropped due to poor quality food. Unfortunately I have now had to drop a further star due to the rudeness of the owner. On paying, I was given a £7 bill for each breakfast which were originally £10 each (possibly because I had mentioned the review) and full price for the rest of the food and drink. I accepted and intended to leave. Unfortunately the owner and all the waitresses insisted on reading my review before I was able to leave which the owner was very rude about. Rather than taking constructive criticism which would in the long run inhance her business in a positive way, she basically fronted me about every point I made and asked me why people like me want to ruin small businesses. After telling her I wasn't arguing with her and she was ruining my childrens day, she openly said it was not her that was ruining it! Extremely rude lady who needs to work on both her customer service and cooking ability.

Another local pub close to me. Always serves a decent pint of lager and seem very friendly. Very handy for parking at the station too and paying inside, cheaper than the station car park!

A great spot for lunch or dinner, staff are extremely attentive and fun. Tasty menu with plenty of choices for everyone!

My wife and I recently visited “the house” for our anniversary, we were greeted with a warm welcome the building has a great atmosphere and our server (Alex) was polite and attentive. The food was fantastic and not to be missed, my wife and I even swapped starters and mains halfway due to being jealous of each other’s choices and not wanting to miss out. The menu simple and not too overwhelming to navigate. Alex’s service was great! she was friendly and approachable she made a great wine recommendation and didn’t leave us wanting for anything. In myself and my wife’s opinion this restaurant is a true value for money and we will be visiting again.

Well-restored and maintained historic house dating back to the 1500's, in a few acres of gardens with plenty of country walks from the hotel. Really comfortable and attractive lounge and restaurant with a forest full of exposed beams, good food and local ales. Accomodation was of a high standard, clean and a great shower room. Don't hesitate to book 😊

Been here 2 times since moving in area, food good portion sizes were good and a little cheaper than others in town. But today (18th April) food had a fairly long wait to discover that chip portion sizes have dramatically dropped by at least 25% and saveloy had hard bits in, and seemed to be a bit more expensive than others. Staff behind counter drinking red bull in the preparation area which seems a bit weird considering they got 5* rating.

My friend and I recently came for a meal after work, it was 10/10. The service from Jessica was amazing, she was helpful, friendly and a great laugh! We challenged her to a game of rock, paper, scissors for a 2-4-1 dessert and was fun!

Very poor. Over an hour before food served. Three meals were cold. All day brunch had cold chips, came back warmed, but egg was like rubber. Had to chase for the two burger meals to be returned! Could see them sitting on pads for few minutes. Two burgers with cold chips came back luke warm and burger dried out! They were not even busy when we ordered. Not great. I doubt I will eat here again!! Very disappointing

I tried there pizza for the first time and it was so good in taste and fresh.i loved the experience and would definitely try again.

The swan wonderful place where i married my wife on the 15th of june 2024. One week before the extreamly sad unfair end to a one of braintrees local pubs another sadly lost to rediculous fancy carabian dining we. One of the best friendly enviorments wonderful service respect due to amazing management by landlord ken amazing man with exellent management. Looking forward to see where he goes so will all of his customers will follow. Wonderful memorys. Sad loss butiful memorys. Love adam and wonderful wife serena. We will miss you swan. Loved alway.

I used this place years ago and the lamb was so gristly and fatty it was horrific! The lamb is exactly as terrible as it was all those years ago! Still barely edible and just gristle. So disappointed what a waste of time and money.