White Hart — Restaurant in Braintree

I will start this long and concise review by stating I've been in the hospitality industry.

We came here pre booked as a table of 9, including 3 children at 3 pm on a Sunday. This was for my mother in laws birthday. Now the reason I say this time is because by now the kitchen had run out of several key components of their roasts and other main menu items such as beef and mashed potatoes. This considering the place was completely dead at this time. Why is the kind of chef that can not ensure they have ordered in and prepared these items that are vital components should wander down to McDonald's where someone with more experience will handle that for you whilst you're flipping burgers. Most of the remaining menu items are just thrust into the microwave or deep-fried without soul or care.

Our starters took a full 50 minutes to be served, we had enquired earlier why it was taking so long as the kitchen had no other orders to prepare and was informed they were just being plated up. Still took another 20 minutes to produce these 5 starters! I'd chosen the salt and pepper squid that contained neither salt nor pepper! Bland would be an understatement. The rest of the meal was no less a long awaiting for poorly presented mess.

It's clear the chef has no passion for food, and I'm certain wears a plaster on his microwave finger from overuse.

The food was bland, overcooked, and under prepaired. The lamb Shank looked as if half the meat was missing, the hunters chicken was overcooked and dried out, and the beef bourguignon had no red wine, making it a tiny piece of beef stew. The list of disappointed meals went on.

I can honestly say this is the single most disappointing meal I've had the misfortune of being served (eventually).

I will not return and would recommend...

I had the pleasure of staying at this lovely 15th century pub, restaurant and hotel. I stayed in room 1 which is stunning and spacious with exposed beams, feature fireplace and antique furniture. Large sofa and arm chair. The bed was very comfortable and super king size and there was a nice view of the town square through large bay sash windows. The pub was as you would expect from the greene king brand and there was a large restaurant adjacent to the bar. The menu selection was what you would expect from a higher end Greene King and I have to say the food was wonderful! I had mussels in garlic white wine and parsley with chips. There is a new chef just started apparently and he is great !

The staff at the hotel restaurant and bar are all so friendly and helpful, and really cheerful. It felt like they really enjoyed their jobs, customer service spot on all round. The food is reasonably priced and includes a 20% discount for residents of the hotel. £15 for dinner and dessert ! I didnt take any photos unfortunately but the photos I saw online are identical to reality. The bathroom was spacious with a good quality shower over the bath. I Slept really peacefully at night and had a nice breakfast before checkout. Only a short distance from Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford, situated centrally in a triangle to all three. 5-10 mins from A120 and A12. Car parking to the rear of the hotel Perfect for solo business travellers and cheeky weekends away. Definitely will...

Awful experience numerous times. I tried to give this place the benefit of the doubt. Its such a lovely place, but the service is appalling and food not much better! Everytime I've been here I've had awful service and the food has been awful, (box tasting mash potato) gravy that is purely oil, not gravy at all! Today I went for lunch and they couldn't even get a cup of tea correct. Ordered a normal tea. First arrived without milk or sugar. Had to wait to get someone to sort that. Then noticed they gave me a green tea. Had again eaten main course which to be fair came quick, but luke warm! They corrected it. But we intended to order dessert. 45 minutes we waited after our mains for them to come over to take our order. We mentioned when we spoke about the tea that we would like to order dessert, they walked off. Never came back. Never made eye contact. Never asked if all was okay. In the end we didn't want to give this place anymore money or time because we were frankly so annoyed at the service and I've now established after many opportunities this place doesn't deserve another, so I won't be coming again. No wonder this place has bad reviews by so many I know. Shame because it looks lovely, a proper cosy pub, but the service is a disgrace. Had to holler for our bill after waiting an hour, no asking if we want more drinks. So we left....