The best restaurants serving British food in East of England

Spa day for Mothers' day. Lucky that the beauty therapists were so good because it saved the day. Pool area looked very good but the aromatherapy room had nothing of aromatherapy about it and the pool itself was icy. The relazing pool was also too cold to sit in but the jacuzzi was warm: unfortunately the bubbles were absolutely violent and because so much chlorine had been used in the water, it was spat in your eyes and we had to get out, eyes streaming. So we went to get our afternoon tea: what a disappointment! When we got to the café area we were left waiting for quite some time with no one to seat us. The room was in a mess: tables covered with detritus. They only managed to clear up by getting a beauty therapist to come and clear the tables! We settled in for tea.5 minutes later we had eaten it! We each had the equivalent of 2 slices of bread cut into 4 little sandwiches. Only 2 fillings: cheese and tomato and egg mayonnaise. Usually if you go out for afternoon tea you have double this amount and are then offered more. At Ballentynes you had a couple of mouthfuls and when we asked for more were told we would have to pay for them! The one scone each was actually very nice but the cake selection was dismal, with a small piece of chocolate cake that we had to cut to share ourselves and another that looked so amateurish that neither of us wished to sample it. Absolutely nothing special about this "special Mothers' Day" event. As is often the case in hospitality the management is trying to increase the profit margin by cutting back on the quality of the offer once payment has been taken and cutting back on staff so that staff, who were, I should add, all very pleasant, are rushing around and unable to provide the expected level of service.The place is definitely not meeting it's potential. We will not be visiting again.

Very hit and miss one day could have a very good meal the next it’s stale cold and seems like it’s been sitting there for ages One thing the boy with the nose ring and long hair needs to wear a hair net or at least tie it back and stop playing with it then serve food

Although it appears somewhat dilapidated from the outside, there were several cars parked outside, leading us to believe it might be nice. We couldn't really object because it was booked by a family member. Since neither my partner nor I eat meat, the menu only offered standard pub fare and had very few options for us. He had a vegetable curry, and I had a nut roast. He cannot have gluten, thus it was the only option that was safe. I could only think, "Wow what the chuff is this slop," when the food first arrived. My nut roast clearly consisted of frozen mashed vegetables, a packet of peanuts, and a side of more frozen veg and gravy that most definitely wasn’t vegan. My other half’s curry was basically the same as mine but with some curry powder. We couldn’t eat it at all and at £14 pounds each it was truly diabolical and what I saw from the other members of the party I’d have gone and caused a scene but I just wanted to leave and never return. The service is basic and the toilets filthy.

Called in as passing by. Very friendly staff Great with kids Good prices Lots on the menu to choose from Nice latte Great cup of tea Worth a visit

Recently went with friends for my birthday - excellent meal as always. Food was hot and delicious - and their portions are more than generous. Try their Eton Mess Sundae its amazing. Have booked with friends for their Christmas Festive Menu, but will probably be back before then. Can highly recommend this pub for their meals which are excellent value for money and friendliness of the staff

Appalling The rudest staff I have ever met Don't do the job if you don't enjoy it Management needs to address the waitresses...bitter, rude, aggressive

The Breakfast is absolutely amazing every time we go, we won’t go anywhere else as it can’t be beaten and we’ve tried most places, Well done All Seasons Restaurant in Alton garden centre.

Deafening loud. Intimidating chubby bored looking bar tender.Walked in...... walked out.... music way too loud for an afternoon visit. Shame as the seating/interior was nice. Just not a social atmosphere

This is the last of this family's chain of restaurants we've tried ... and it didn't disappoint! The menu is very similar to its sibling's menus, which we expected. Containing a great selection of different foods. I went for the halibut and chocolate brownie. The fish was melt-in-your-mouth and the brownie sooo chocolaty, I won't need any more sweet stuff for a month. Service is exceptional from the friendly crew. Prices are on the high side as you'd expect for a meal (and service) of this quality.

A proper pub, good friendly service , well kept beers with an ever changing guest ale, no food just good conversation in a pleasant environment. If you long for a traditional well run pub serving good ale the Old Mariners is for you.

I attended Hitchin Priory with 3 other members of my family for Christmas Day lunch. The whole experience from start to finish was exceptional. The staff, service and food were all excellent. The feel of the room was very relaxing and the tables nicely spaced out. The atmosphere was very convivial. If it is still the same set up next year we shall definitely be back. Our visit to Hitchin Priory made our Christmas Day. Thanks to all concerned.

My brother hired the cellar bar for his 50th birthday. He brought his own decks to DJ. At 10.55pm the female manager suddenly appeared and smashed her hand across his decks and demanded they were turned down. Bear in mind they paid for the cellar bar to 11pm, and the volume had not changed since 9pm. Suddenly rounds of shots appeared as an apology, but far too late. My brothers birthday was ruined. I’m can’t express how much this utterly ruined his birthday. It entirely changed the vibe. Appalling management. Never seen anything like it. I would add the bar staff were lovely. His help then working for her.

We chose two bacon ciabatta rolls, a chicken focaccia, a coffee latte and a half white coffee. The bacon was dry and burnt on the edges and pretty tasteless. The focaccia was fine. The total bill came to just over £20. Which I certainly did not regard as value for money.

Great service and even better food. Came here by chance but would definitely come back. Staff great couldn't do enough for us.

Well, HOW RUDE, went in last night for a drink with my husband before dinner, which we have done on lots of occasions, only to be told it's all ticket event?????? We can't serve you!!!!!!! If you haven't got a ticket. NOW, let's see next week when it isn't a ticket event, and the Joe public can go in again. Are you a public house or a private venue????? 😡😡