The Anchor restaurant and pub, Hullbridge, Essex

scampi and chips at the anchor hullbridge essex

(This review is now old – See my updated review of April/May 2011 by CLICKING HERE - opens in a new window) We have eaten at the Anchor in Hullbridge, Essex, four times now and have had some really very satisfying food at reasonable prices. This restaurant has not been open very long, so all the furnishings and décor is new and clean. A modern style of restaurant, it doesn’t suffer with bright lights and uncomfortable chairs. Quite the opposite, the seating (either soft armchair style or soft bench seats) are very comfortable indeed, which encourages one to stay and enjoy a relaxing time and the lighting and ambience are subdued. There’s plenty of space between the tables offering privacy to dine and talk easily.

The menu offers some British favourites, such as steak and chips, lamb hotpot with red cabbage, fish and chips, burgers, pies and home made soups, but there’s also a specials board, offering a selection of pastas, fish and starter dishes, which change…

…regularly. Although this may sound a little bland, the food is well cooked, and has their own finishing touches, making this one of the better restaurants in the south east Essex region. It was about time we had a new restaurant in this area, and the fabulous riverside situations of this restaurant is now well utilised with their large outside area, which leads down to the water, where swans, boats and ducks can be seen.

The only thing that is sometimes variable is the service. The staff are generally very friendly and helpful and add to the relaxed experience, however, we did visit on New Years eve afternoon and were met with a very disinterested staff due to the preparations for New Years eve dinner party that evening. I would just say that perhaps if they have a big event to deal with, then perhaps it would be best to close early, as much of our order was forgotten about and I had to chase up three items which spoilt our new years lunch treat, unfortunately.

I am sure this was a one off though, and would recommend any of my friends, family or acquaintances to visit.

Date of visit: various in 2010 to New Years Eve 2010/2011

My marks out of 10: (10 being the highest)

Food – 8

Service – 7

Atmosphere – 8

Value for money – 8

Website: www.theanchorhullbridge.co.uk

The Anchor Pub and Restaurant,

Hullbridge,

Essex,

SS5 6ND

Telephone: 01702 230 777

Email: info@theanchorhullbridge.co.uk

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