The best restaurants in Chelmsford East of England

We had a lovely Calzone and Tiramisu for our evening meal complete with fries and a bottle of wine. Our food was all really nice and the young girl who served us was fabulous she said she was quite new but she was so nice and kind. Would not hesitate to return.

I had a surprise 70th Birthday Afternoon Tea on the 9th March. It was delightful and the staff were very helpful ensuring we had everything we wanted. We were very well looked after. We had a room to ourselves and it was charming and magical! The sandwiches were fresh and tasty and lots of them. The cakes and scones were delicious. A big thank you to you all at The Secret Garden for making it such a lovely memorable experience.

My walking group and I were warmly welcomed in the bar area today. I had pre booked for 14 and 22 turned up on this crisp and sunny day! The staff were very accommodating and really welcoming to us all. Unlike other Stock hostelries when you’re not made very welcome to sit inside for drinks only. Even though some of our party did order lunch. What a lovely olde world pub, very clean and comfortable and a great experience. Fabulous staff. I am looking forward to booking a Sunday lunch there soon. Highly recommended.

Service was polite and prompt, but the food was very average. Brinjal bhaji was nice, parathas were like cardboard. Vegetable main dish was like a can of curried sweetcorn.

Went as part of a group of 18 to celebrate a 60th Wedding Anniversary. Wine list was on table so ordered two bottles of Prosecco and a bottle of Chilean white. Was brought a bottle of champagne which I explained was not what I had ordered. I was then told they only had two bottles of Prosecco, one of which was a Rose. Next my bottle of white wine arrived but it was not what I had ordered. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the situation and was told that a recent change of ownership meant that some of the wines listed were no longer available. I said that really was not acceptable. Why on earth put the wine lists on the tables if they know that many of the wines are not actually available. I was then offered some bottles of wine to choose from. One of the bottles offered to me was a Chenin Blanc which is the ASDA Extra Special Chenin Blanc retailing for £7 in the local ASDA store less than a 100 yards from the restaurant. I believe that it is a potential breach of their alcohol licence to sell bottles of wine bought from a local supermarket. I also think that ASDA would not be happy if they knew their wine was being sold in a local restaurant. Whilst all this was going on nobody bothered to ask us if we were ready to order our food - my wife had to go and ask somebody to come and take the order. A lady, who I presume is the manager, kept a very low profile whilst all this was going on instead of taking charge of the situation. Later during the meal I was told that they had "found" two more bottles pf Prosecco. Will never return to this place for a dine in meal.

I've wanted to go to this pub for ages. The reason being it was Keith flints pub. I was absolutely made up that I've photos of me outside which I'll frame. I do live far away so this has made my year being a big fan. I went inside and it was not what I expected. To be honest it has some nice charm to it. A real nice country pub. Prices are reasonable and the bar staff very friendly. I would recommend and would love to go back again.

Review of the restaurant- staff could do with a course in politeness and ability to smile, not friendly or welcoming. This comment is about the younger people and not the older staff who were OK. Food was OK.

Awesome kebabs, burgers, chicken wings - we don’t go anywhere else. These guys have been there for years because they’re the best. Special chicken kebab a firm favourite

The food and service are exceptional, it’s a little on the pricey side but you get what you pay for, and this place is worth it. Good selection of good, including children’s menu and a varied selection of drinks, would return.

Hate to complain, but I was extremely disappointed when I paid £13.00 for 2 tiny chicken and bacon wraps. Must be new produce and ingredients used with the new management. As I remember the wrap being double the size firstly, and with freshly cooked warm chicken and bacon. Along with a huge Great hair that was wrapped up in the wrap, things like that make me feel really sick so of course I threw the whole thing away, even more of a waste of money. Perhaps staff need to wear hair nets as well as having their hair tied back. I used to love this place and I'd happily pay higher price for better quality.

Wow that was up there with the worst food I have eaten! Had the hot share plater deep fried slop. Soggy garlic bread, old salad with a dollop of fresh coleslaw on top. The onion rings raw in the middle. My senses told me not to risk the nachos they looked like they had been knocking about for a few weeks 🤮 obviously why the place was empty

Had a great Bell burger and beer was lovely. Due to change hands soon. Will see what happens, but for good pub grub and cool real ales you can't go wrong.

First time here, service was outstanding and food was amazing, will definitely be back.

Where do I start…..great lunch (tuna sandwich on freshly baked bread, ham and cheese toasty and the most amazing Welsh Rabbit. It just goes to show what a little bit of love, great ingredients and attention detail can add to these dishes. Lovely setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city center with tables generously spaced so you are not sitting on your neighbours laps. What set this place apart were the staff - everyone wanted to help, guide you through the menu and nothing was too much trouble. A special mention for Felicity who was an absolute star. She guided us to the Christmas Cake and Chocolate Brownie which were to die for - so much so we ordered a whole cake and tray make for Christmas (at very reasonable rates). The Christmas Cale was the finest I have tasted in years!!! All in all - a fabulous spot for breakfast and lunch 1 we will be back!

Fantastic afternoon tea enjoyed by myself and six friends. Delicious fresh food, generous size pots of tea and individual bottles of Prosecco made for a delightful afternoon. Staff were helpful, attentive and friendly