Channels Bar & Brasserie — Restaurant in Chelmsford

My initial thoughts on Channels were who on earth came up with the wording on the menu? It's truly awful, utterly pompous and you're left wondering what some of the dishes actually are. Then there are things such as the description of the burger and describing the lettuce within it as 'gem' but then the next word is simply tomato... dear oh dear.

Anyway, my first visit was this evening and I was left wanting. Once I'd asked what one of the starters actually was, I quite enjoyed it but then came the massively overpriced and underwhelming main course.

I opted for the pie of the day and whilst the waitress (very professional) had told me that it was quite small, in my mind I pictured small, but deep filled. Nope, it was small and shallow like the sort of pie you'd see in a pie and mash shop. At first I thought they'd forgotten the mash or 'whipped rooster' as they call it (rolls eyes) but it was just hidden underneath said tiny pie.

The beer selection was also somewhat tame with the usual lager found everywhere else plus one IPA. I've had the IPA is question before and it was nothing to write home about. I often find us beer lovers are left out when compared to a wine selection, and tonights visit only strengthened that thought.

All in all, I can't help but feel that Channels is trying to be something it isn't. Simplify the menu so the customers know what the dishes actually are (the starter was Coronation Pigs Head - what on earth?) lower the prices or increase the meal size and diversify a little with the beers.

For now at least, I'll stick to the likes of the Fox & Raven at one end of the scale and the Pig & Whistle at the other. At least they know what they are and I know what I'm getting without the need to ask, 'what is...

Went for first time here tonight for their 2 for 1 Thursday deal. Limited menu but that was fine. We were hopeful as we found all the items on their main menu as well. Had kids menu too.

I opted for the pie of the day. Don't get me wrong it tasted very nice but was no more than a large starter. The pie was tiny under which they hid a miniscule amount of mashed potato and about 6 small unpeeled carrots with the tops left on. It was at best a larger starter. Paying £19 for that if it was off their main menu I would have felt robbed. At half price? Just about acceptable. Husband had the house burger with chips. The burger was nice. But there was no salad or coleslaw. Literally the not overly big burger and a handful of tiny fries. Again for £19 on main menu ridiculously overpriced.

Child's burger was a muffin with a burger in it. Young son was left hungry.

Desert was sold to us as set peach custard which was part of the 2 for 1 deal. There was nothing peach about it. It was a tiny creme brulee type desert with a cornel of unseasoned whipped double cream and dry biscuit crumbs. A minute amount of some compote which looked like apple but had no taste. For half price ok but it has not convinced me to come back to try the full menu or even to return I was not full up. It felt I had a starter and a desert but was missing the main course. This restaurant is trying to be too poncy with fancy names for their overpriced tiny dishes. No love put into the child's burger. Way too small for him. The adult burger would have been the right size for a child. Son hated the desert. He was hoping for custard that tasted of peach as this is what...

This is a really nice place to go, great food & really attentive staff. The garden is HUGE, perfect for a nice day with family. One of the people I was with is gluten intolerant, the staff and chef really went out their way to give her extras. I asked for a couple of things extra and got them with a smile and a joke. I can really see this being a regular Sunday visit for us. The building is lovely - huge pieces of oak dominate it with a modern interior, it really is pleasant. I wasn't overly impressed with the beers on tap - but they were ok. Also I think they are missing a trick with the latest gin craze. Obviously they had some gins but I think a venue like this could invest in a few modern gins and use it as an additional people magnet. It's dog friendly too, but they've got sensible rules clearly visible (loud/continuous barking not allowed, pick up any 'packages', friendly nature etc). They even had free dog treats at the bar. I can't emphasize how friendly and accommodating the staff were. Very well worth a visit. It's not the cheapest of places, but you really do get what you pay for here, they aren't using factory food, the patio area has great seating and benches in the expansive grounds. That being said it's not ridiculously priced either. I think they've really sat down and tried to address all possible visitor types - couples, families, friends, dog walkers etc. Go...