The best restaurants in East of England

Lovely wine with a great buzzing atmosphere.

This gorgeous cafe really felt like every ingredient and every but of presentation had thought go into. We came for breakfast after seeing the reviews and even better than we'd imagined. Fantastic choices as were the cakes on offer too. Staff friendly and effective. There's a cosy snug down some steep stairs, which I personally would love to bring my children and sit in this area as just feels more free plus I spotted some toys in the area too, but stairs are steep so maybe not for the less mobile. Will definitely return to sample their lunch menu soon.

Came for Sunday lunch and were very disappointed. We never give bad reviews but felt that we had to review this meal because we were both so unhappy with it. Very oily and tasteless. Had to cover it in salt and mustard to try and get some flavour. Staff were very nice and efficient at least.

Went for my 45th birthday, definitely the best place we’ve ate in Colchester. We went for the tasting menu which was 8 courses. It was stunning the ingredients were fresh and the meat and fish were delicious. Great flavours and we were glad that we didn’t have a menu to pick from. Would definitely recommend. We paid £110 pp with drinks.

Seriously. If you like your food and wine, just go. It’s spectacular. Discrete location, one room, plenty of space. Great cocktails too. They should be very proud of themselves.

We wanted a sarnie and a cuppa on our way to visit St Peters on the Wall and chose this place as it was on the route…..more or less. We were so glad we did as we enjoyed generously filled sandwiches with full salad ( not just a few leaves) coleslaw and crisps and good coffee all at a very reasonable price and service with a smile. The cakes looked really good too.

Had a lovely afternoon tea with a Groupon voucher. Everything was freshly made, delicious cakes with warm scones. Good selection of sandwiches with sausage rolls. Lady who owned the cafe was very friendly and welcoming. Well worth the money we paid.

Friendly cafe, outstanding staff and great choice of food. Coffee is fab too. A hub of the community. I am a regular and recommend breakfast, lunch or afternoon coffee and cake.

Absolutely awesome bakery, Dubai chocolate tart was super nice. Great coffee and a lovely member of staff!

Lovely food and service, very good quality. Ryan peachey was nice and gave us good service. You can tell the students are working hard in the kitchen to deliver great food.

Arrived here a little randomly, but completely charmed. The decor was exotic and our server was wonderfully helpful. We had a massive ham and pineapple pizza, halloumi tacos, chicken & chorizo tacos, humous, and bruschetta. Every dish was generous and extremely fresh - nothing taken from the freezer and fried or microwaved. Although we never return to Luton, this place is worth a visit. Our 14yo says “just say it’s FAB”

Absolutely amazing flavours, best take away around easy!

Just reading these reviews. I did not write a review at the time as I hoped it was an isolated incidence, and nobody enjoys leaving a negative review in this climate. I see nobody has mentioned the smell inside the restaurant. As I walked in I wrinkled my nose at a smell that wafted over, I assumed it was a man placed near the front door. I was in a party of 4 adults/couples. We ordered drinks and the meze arrived ! it was a bowl of green dip and tiny triangles of cold hard pitta bread. Nobody said a word as this was a fun night. We ordered main course, I ordered the prawns !! in a sauce which read very appetising. Everybody was served and as an adult I said please start. People did slightly. Then came over again the terrible stench, I looked at the other female and we both mouthed " wind"....the males said no, its the drains. It was awful. I would say I waited a further 15 minutes for the prawn dish, the sauce was a dead ringer for a jar of Lloyd Grossman...by then we all started to speak about the food etc. The other lady got up to go to the toilet, was in there an age. I jumped up and went to the toilet as walking home. I can only say the contents of my stomach left my body, although not quite as as soon as I went to wash my hands, where I had flushed the toilet bowl was rising. I can laugh about it now. Then I had to sit again and my god I was in a state. Flushed again, and again it rose up. I did not say a word to friends until Christmas eve. As my husband and I started our walk I confided my story with " I need to go again" he said you cannot. I said I need to and I scoured alleys , bushes,,,,it was torture, He said, I will rush on, give me your bag, and off he shot. He flung he front door open and I made it. Hopefully the drains are fixed and the prawns are defrosted properly now. It seems so with all the great reviews. I do remember all the staff were attentive, and asked a few times how my meal was. And being typically British I said " fine". The truth as eating the food we all found it underwhelming.

We did not have food, so not fair to comment. Friendly welcoming atmosphere. Amazing live music. Good beer at a good price. Great place for a night out. I will certainly be using again.

We hired the smaller private room for a family tea to celebrate a special birthday. There were 15 of us, grandparents, parents and children. From the start of our relationship with Mabel's administrator, Martine, discussions flowed easily - price, one glutenfree guest, one vegetarian, lots of details - nothing was too much trouble. On the day there was plenty to eat - sandwiches, scones, cakes and a drinks bar with prosecco. Sara, our waitress, was a star, making sure everyone had everything we wanted including extra cups of tea or coffee. Everyone enjoyed the relaxing informal event. The room was full of Victoriana and the children loved the experience and also the opportunity to explore the garden (with adult supervision). Our family tea at Mabel's was everything we wanted for our special day. Huge thanks to Martine and Sara for all their beautiful hospitality and care.