El Chigre — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Went to an authentic tapas with a friend. We booked for 7:30pm. When we arrived there was a good atmosphere and were greeted by the daughter of the owners/chefs. She was a little off hand but it honestly felt like an authentic experience and we were having a lovely time. The place very quickly filled and it was clear they were understaffed for the crowd that were seated at once (all with reservations). We ordered some breads and pardon peppers which arrived after some time. They were delicious. The mains however were taking a long time and after chasing them twice they eventually arrived at 9:30pm, 2 hours after we originally sat down. Unfortunately the paella was overcooked and under seasoned and we were still hungry after but at this point it was too late to eat more. This was a disappointing experience and after expressing this to our lovely waitress (not the owners daughter) she apologised profusely and said she would talk to the owners to see what could be done. To say what happened next was an embarrassment to the establishment is an understatement. The family visibly argued with the waitress and glared at us making us feel very uncomfortable. The daughter then came down and said she believes we were ‘unhappy with the wait but the food is cooked from fresh and they were busy that evening’ she offered us shots to compensate but was condescending and rude. We said to her we didn’t want to drink anymore and said we would pay the bill but were exceptionally disappointed with the handling of the whole situation. The experience ruined what would have been an...

Honestly the meal we had here was laughable. Staff were very unorganised and made us feel uncomfortable when seating us even though it was a reservation and I had already explained we had a baby and a buggie multiple times. Food was very overpriced for what it was, 6 strips of parma ham and sliced cheese £18?! I was advised when I sent it back this was imported straight from Spain and therefore explained the price tag, come on... My paella was rock hard and dry on the top layer like it had been cooked in 1984 and left under a hot plate since, even the lemon was dry and hot like it had been left under there too? I ordered a bottle of coke and it cost me £4.70... Chorizo chewy, calamari rubbery, potata bravas tasteless. I paid the bill nonetheless and explained to the waitress the disappointment I had to which she took it personally as if I'd eaten the meal in her living room. I think I'm justified to be slightly more offended however, after spending £140 and having to stop at Mcdonalds on...

In the last 2 years since moving to Chelmsford I have often visited El Chigre, including booking a large table (10+) for my birthday this year. When my friend was visiting from out of town, it was the natural choice. Having reserved a table for 7.30, the place was clearly overbooked and understaffed and we did not end up eating until 9.30pm. All that would have been forgivable, until we explained our disappointment to our kind waitress. We had to view the managers arguing with her at the back of the restaurant, which became very awkward. They then offered us shots - we explained we were still hungry, having waited so long, and did not want more alcohol - to which we were met with a condescending and intolerant tone, and it was clear they were not willing to accept culpability for the situation. Needless to say, I will not be returning nor bringing other guests there...