Lion - Earls Colne — Restaurant in Braintree

I so wanted to be able give to give a 5 star review:-( We were greeted by staff in a friendly manner. Offered a choice of setting..we elected for an area near the open fire . We were served in a timely manner. So far so good. The food arrived at first looked impressive. However we soon noticed the buns were burnt, the burger was burnt ...I'm talking burnt as in black and bitter. The onion rings was saturated in oil. Inedible. The chips were fantastic yet for some reason one of us were left with an inch of cooking oil at the bottom of their plate. But not on the other plates ..Strange?? I ordered scampi which was supposed to come with a dressed salad..I got a 2 inch square of dark slimly limp leaves. The hospitality was faultless but I'm wondering whoever cooked the food was not an experienced chef or had too much to do in the kitchen. I would like at some point to try again as I really like supporting my local pub. As a school report would say. Could do better..

Extra. I did get an email asking how my experience went several hours after writing this review . I think was a standard email that is sent out. Couldn't reply to the email provided as it kept bouncing back as not...

Oh thank goodness, the real Lion is BACK ON FORM!! What a sigh of relief after a miserable few years since Redcat attempted to manage it.

Well done to the new family-owners who took over at the end of September 2024.

We just had a delicious Sunday roast. I had the belly pork and it was serious memorable - tender and expertly flavoured with a very satisfying crackling. It came with all the trimmings - good roast potatoes, roast parsnip and Yorkshire pud but the standouts were a particularly flavourful gravy, deliciously spiced red cabbage and very tasty carrot puree. My husband was very happy with his roast beef. We both enjoyed a perfectly done cauliflower cheese on the side.

The Basque cheesecake was recommended by our friendly waitress and she was spot on, it was seriously good. My husband loved the tangy lemon tart.

Great no-alcohol beer for me and very tasty Shiraz for him.

Our £70 bill included 4 drinks, 2 mains, 1 side & 2 desserts.

Service was very welcoming, friendly and the right amount of attentive.

We will be back soon and often. Highly...

Avoid at all costs. 0 stars.

We visited while in the area from London and were thoroughly appalled. The restaurant was completely empty, and when our food arrived, it emitted a strange, off-putting smell.

The fish and chips were an absolute disaster. The fish was mushy, and every part of the meal tasted reheated and defrosted. Nothing was remotely fresh.

The Sunday roast beef was even worse. Instead of a proper roast, we were served a tough blade steak that was a hundred miles away from what was advertised. This was not just disappointing—it was shocking.

Adding insult to injury, the restaurant doesn't actually serve the menu items or dishes they advertise on their website and Instagram. As a marketing manager, I find this level of deceit unacceptable.

The food was cold, stale, and utterly unappetizing. We will never return, and I strongly urge everyone to steer clear of this place. Do yourself a favour and...