Creamed Potatoes Creamed Potatoes
The Bull At Blackmore End

The Bull At Blackmore End

The Bull At Blackmore End, Braintree, United Kingdom

Full • Soup • Fish • Dining


"After waiting 20 minutes to be seated at our table in the restaurant my husband went to the bar to ask if we could be shown to our table. Ten minutes later the restaurant manager seated us and explained that they had some big parties in and one of their chefs had called in sick so service was 'dragging a bit '. We chose our food from the menu and waited for a waitress to come and take our order, which didn 't happen for another half an hour. Just as we were considering leaving, the waitress came and took our order finally, an hour after our booking time. Our first course arrived around 20 mins later (nearly half past nine) and the soup was very nice. When we asked if it came with bread, we were told no as it had croutons in it. I asked if we could have some bread anyway and the waitress reluctantly got us some. However, eating a first course at 9.30pm just seemed too late so by the time our main course came out at 9.50pm we just wanted to quickly eat it and get home as it was late and we had babysitters to get back for. We therefore asked for the bill as soon as the main course was finished and left. I understand some nights are busy and it cannot be helped if the chef is unwell but what I do object to is the attitude of staff, who really didn 't seem too bothered about serving us or making the experience a positive one. If somebody had told us on arrival that there would probably be an hour 's wait to order our food, we would have understood and we would have had the choice to wait or go elsewhere but being told that service was slightly 'dragging ' was nowhere near the truth. It was very delayed indeed. A simple gesture such as a complimentary drink and some snacks to keep customers happy while they were kept waiting would have been all that was needed. Nothing was taken off of our bill as a good will gesture for all the time wasted and there was no apology when we paid. All in all it left a bad taste in our mouths and we will not be returning."

The Bull at Blackmore End

The Bull at Blackmore End

The Bull at Blackmore End Braintree, Essex CM7 4DD, United Kingdom

Beer • Pubs • English • American


"After waiting 20 minutes to be seated at our table in the restaurant my husband went to the bar to ask if we could be shown to our table. Ten minutes later the restaurant manager seated us and explained that they had some big parties in and one of their chefs had called in sick so service was 'dragging a bit '. We chose our food from the menu and waited for a waitress to come and take our order, which didn 't happen for another half an hour. Just as we were considering leaving, the waitress came and took our order finally, an hour after our booking time. Our first course arrived around 20 mins later (nearly half past nine) and the soup was very nice. When we asked if it came with bread, we were told no as it had croutons in it. I asked if we could have some bread anyway and the waitress reluctantly got us some. However, eating a first course at 9.30pm just seemed too late so by the time our main course came out at 9.50pm we just wanted to quickly eat it and get home as it was late and we had babysitters to get back for. We therefore asked for the bill as soon as the main course was finished and left. I understand some nights are busy and it cannot be helped if the chef is unwell but what I do object to is the attitude of staff, who really didn 't seem too bothered about serving us or making the experience a positive one. If somebody had told us on arrival that there would probably be an hour 's wait to order our food, we would have understood and we would have had the choice to wait or go elsewhere but being told that service was slightly 'dragging ' was nowhere near the truth. It was very delayed indeed. A simple gesture such as a complimentary drink and some snacks to keep customers happy while they were kept waiting would have been all that was needed. Nothing was taken off of our bill as a good will gesture for all the time wasted and there was no apology when we paid. All in all it left a bad taste in our mouths and we will not be returning."

Adam’s Brasserie at Luton Hoo

Adam’s Brasserie at Luton Hoo

Hoo Hotel The Mansion HouseBedfordshire LU1 3TQ, Luton, United Kingdom

Fish • Pizza • Coffee • Italian


"My friend and I have celebrated each other's birthdays with a lunch, in Adam's Brasserie, at Luton Hoo, for the last years or more. Needless to say, we would not keep returning were the food not up to standard. The staff are friendly and efficient, happy to go above and beyond for any requests you may have. We ask for a special birthday plate and they come with Happy Birthday in chocolate with decorations of fruit and edible sauce patterns and a candle, to make a wish and blow out!I had carpaccio of beef and it was delicious. My friend had the soup and I always notice that the better the food, the greater the lack of conversation.For our main course, I had steak. Apparently, it is meant to be a little tough. I did ask! I won't have it again. However, my friend had the gnocchi, and was remarkably quiet as she cleaned her plate. I may well try that next time, if it's available.Dessert was a strawberry and sherry trifle. Needless to say, not a word was spoken until every last bit had been consumed. Throughout the meal, our waitress kept checking that everything was satisfactory and if we needed anything.I often judge a restaurant by the state of the ladies room. Adam's Brasserie ladies room is spotless with hand wash and hand cream provided. There is a large basket full of individual towels with which to dry your hands and the room smells amazing. The only improvement I would suggest would be checking the wallpaper.An exceptional meal enjoyed in exceptional surroundings, served by friendly, exceptional staff. We'll see you again in January, for my birthday"