The best restaurants in Milton Southend-on-Sea East of England

I wasn’t going to write this review as I appreciate a negative review can really affect a small independent business like this, but after reading the other negative reviews it sounds like my experience wasn’t an isolated incident so the owner/manager needs to take notice. When I walked in there was a sign saying “please wait to be seated” but no one around. I waited a good 5 minutes before a young girl came to the counter and said very condescendingly “oh, just a table for one?” One of the main reasons I had decided to come here was because of a sign out the front advertising milkshakes. I asked what flavours they had but was told “no we only do them in summer.” Okay then. False advertising. I then noticed the specials board which advertised the cake of the day as white chocolate fudge cake. Thinking that sounded great I asked for that. “No we don’t have that” I was told. Okay then. More false advertising. At this point I wanted to say “you know what, I’ll just go then” but I felt awkward so asked what selection of cakes they did have. Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, apple crumble.... what a basic selection! No carrot cake, no red velvet, and no chocolate. I decided to go for the coffee and walnut. When it came time to pay, I realised I only had about £3 in change but I had my debit card and 2 credit cards on me and clearly wasn’t trying to steal a slice of cake. I thought a slice of cake couldn’t possibly be more than £3 anyway, especially as Maxwell’s Cafe over the road does delicious cakes for £2 a slice. Wrong. £3.50 for a slice of cake. The minimum for card payments is £5, which is understandable. But my god the look the woman gave me when I asked if there’s a cash machine nearby. She made me feel like a criminal! She was so rude and made the situation unbearably awkward. I was standing there with my purse, obviously not trying to dine and dash. I even said to her “look I’ll just pay you £5 for the cake”. I felt so humiliated. I was made to feel absolutely awful from the moment I walked in until the moment I walked out. It’s such a shame as I had been thinking about coming for afternoon tea with friends here but I won’t be stepping foot in here again. Not after being treated like that.

Amazing, respectful and knowledgeable bar staff. Can’t fault the service of the bar staff, they are all friendly and helpful. It’s very clear they enjoy their jobs. Fantastic atmosphere aswell!

Not great value for money , food was bland , service diabolical, really dissapiinred

Best fish and chips in Southend! Large portions and tasty chips! Not the greasy soaked fish & chips you sometimes come across on the seafront!

I’m over 60 and used to eat pie and mash twice weekly in East Ham in the 60’s and 70’s at Robins in East Ham High St or at Nathan’s on the Barking Rd at the Boleyn. Today the Pies were hot, fresh and tasty. Mash was mash. Disappointed with stewed eels (unpleasant texture and no flavour - reconstituted frozen maybe- not the unctuousness of days gone by). The liquor tastes if nothing any more. Nice try but average.

The waitress was an absolute star, she persevered with two pensioners. The fish and chips were a tad disappointing, though the fish was well cooked, the chips were suffering from anaemia. I would struggle to describe the mushy peas but my wife's side salad was brilliant. All in all, a little disappointing, though we would go again.

I was very disappointed with Southend. For my birthday muffin. The boss usually lets me choice my muffin. The Chinese girl who served me. Was very rude. Would not listen to me. I had to settle. For a basic one. It used to be a great store. Spoke to Lukasz Iwanow from customer service. Was not help. Just said. The boss can provide. When it suits. No compensation I had been going there for years.

My friends and I booked a pre theatre meal here not really knowing what to expect and we can honestly say this is our new place to eat. We all had fish and chips which was absolutely delicious as well as piping hot. Desserts were varied but we all were amazed by the large portion sizes, including the ice cream. Toby ,our server was an absolute credit to the restaurant ,with his attentive service, helpfulness and friendly personality. We asked if Sangria was available and although it wasn't on the drinks list 2 jug fulls appeared at our table as they kindly made it up for us and was actually the best we've ever tasted.

Food was freshly cooked, tasty, with good portions and friendly service Having eaten frozen undercooked chips from neighbouring establishments it was nice to have the genuine article

We had pie and mash with liquor. They were the worst pies I have ever had. Tasteless mince and pastry that was hard and tasted like flour and water. Also single mash is 4 scoops, double mash is 7.

It really is the best fish and chips I've had in years and well worth the trip from Bristol. I'll definately be returning

For less than £20 per head, you can have a delicious 3 course meal in the restaurant. The food was served with no rushing, tables laid, staff ready to serve and get a drink from the bar if required. No hurrying for somebody else to take your place and shall definitely be returning. Extremely enjoyable.

Awful service, rude staff and bad food. First time we ordered ice creams and donuts, wow they microwaved the donuts and not even a full scoop of ice cream. Second time we went again as my autistic little boy wanted to go again, so we thought it's OK we will get donuts and then head over there to get the ice cream/coffees etc but before we had even ordered or opened anything the rude lady came over and started telling us we could not sit there with food from elsewhere. I said can we not even sit here with suff from you and she said no not with the donuts. I mean come on, it is ridiculous, so people please please please do not spend your money with these people for less than second class service or goods.

Ice cream cone was huge & really nice, but was dripping everywhere. My t-shirt, jeans & trainers ended up with a lot on them.

As an ex-Londoner was was once a regular in Manzes, I was drawn in by the Manzies Pie and mash advertised in the window. Big mistake The pies appeared to be microwaved - scorching hot inside, crust absolutely ruined, tough and chewy Mash looked more like cement than anything else, handy hint, pie shop mash is just that, mashed potato and nothing else! Liquor was very watery, in fact looked just like water with a bit of chopped up parsley in it. Worst pie and mash I've ever had in my 50 years on this planet, and I love my pie n mash!