The best restaurants in Rettendon and Runwell Chelmsford East of England

Having done a Taste Test in August at Taz- which was great - I bought 14 lady friends to celebrate a Big Birthday for one. Super meal - everyone agreed! - super friendly staff - everyone agreed! Lovely atmosphere - everyone agreed! - thank you all for making it a special day !

Table service was excellent. Food was very nice and toilets clean. Only negative is and is an important one. There wasn't anyone at the entrance to greet us and register our pre booking. First time there and initially was at a lost as to where to sit as it's a small bar at the entrance and was perplexed as to where we sit to eat. We had stood there for 7 mins like a pair of lemons, and then decided to wander and notice the restaurant tucked at the back and it was very bustling with table staff but we had to interject during their hectic moment to ask if we sit there and we have a booking. Never had to do that before at any eatery establishment.

Was taken here for my birthday on Friday night. There were six of us in total. The food was delicious. The staff were very friendly and efficient and I had a lovely time. Thank you

Great bar and staff, highly recommended

brought my Aunt here for Sunday lunch - we both had the carvery. There were 5 different meats on offer: lamb/beef/turkey/pork and gammon - all looked delicious, and we were given plenty of it. The variety of veg was amazing, and the roast potatoes were to die for! Our drinks waiter Roman was friendly and attentive, without being annoying, and Jane the Chef was also very friendly and helpful. A very pleasant experience that will be repeated.

After writing, out of puzzlement and concern, a rather less than positive review in February, I was rather anxious to return, in the spirit of fairness, to check how everything was now going. This I have now been able to do. I and my partner am very pleased, and somewhat relieved, to report right now that normal service at the Hideaway Tearoom has indeed returned. It would appear that the previous visit was, as I did suspect, made on a bad day. The compliments and positive comments made by other reviewers and myself are still applicable. Special mention should be made of the homemade cakes, which are of a much higher standard than many offered by at least some National Trust properties. Not all of the cakes were still available on the afternoon we visited, but that is quite understood with quality food items, baked in short runs...so perhaps a morning visit to Hideaway is to be recommended, to view the full selection of each day. I am already feeling eager to return soon!

In the afternoon, stopped here for a toilet break & cuppa, would go back to try their yummy menu. the food looked delish :)

We had heard good things from family and friends about the food here, and we were not disappointed. There is a great range of options on the menu and the food was delicious. All of the staff were friendly and welcoming, especially our waitress Nikki who couldn’t have been more helpful and did everything she could to make sure our visit was perfect, thank you. We will definitely be returning.

The staff in The Hawk make it worth the visit alone! They really went out of their way to make my dad’s 80th birthday special, especially Sinita (hope I’ve spelled that right!) who was fabulous and felt like she was a friend by the time we left, and the lovely lady at the front desk. Thank you so very much all of you. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Hawk to anybody wanting a lovely Sunday lunch/special occasion 😊

As a local resident, I’ve tried to support Heidi’s since they opened two years ago, but it just hasn’t lived up to the hype. The space itself is undeniably beautiful and perfect for Instagram, but the food quality and service consistently fall short. On multiple lunchtime visits, I’ve experienced long waits, and the prices feel unjustifiably high for what’s offered. One particular experience left a lasting negative impression: a staff error, where they did not ask for a deposit, ended up costing my group extra, and when I politely questioned this, I was threatened with a ban if I didn’t comply. This confrontation happened in front of other customers, making it not only embarrassing for me but uncomfortable for them as well. Adding to the frustration, staff tend to rush diners as closing time approaches, which completely disrupts any sense of a relaxed, enjoyable meal. I do hope that my feedback will be taken seriously and that improvements are made, as I would genuinely like to support this local business and see it succeed.

A very friendly welcome from Samantha on our arrival. Food was excellent. We had the steak pie - it was one of the best ever eaten !! Generous portions and hot. The restaurant has just recently reopened so really pleased we stopped to eat there. Would recommend giving it a visit.

Usually meet there once a month 12 men all old workmates. Always comes up to scratch. They also take Blue light card(result)👍👍

Had a wonderful family afternoon tea last Saturday. Easy to book, staff were quietly efficient, friendly and attentive. Food was excellent and more than enough. Highly recommended in a lovely setting.

Had a lovely meal with excellent first class service. Billy (the waiter) was incredibly helpful and polite. What a lovely place!!!

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.