Hawk Battlesbridge Wickford — Restaurant in Chelmsford

We've been to here before approx 4mths ago and had an incredible Sunday roast, couldn't wait to come back. Our previous visit was mid afternoon before 3pm and part way through that meal we noted that new arrivals were being advised that certain meat options had sold out. We thought nothing of this. This visit on Sunday just past, we could only get a table for after 5pm, but didn't think there would be concerns. When we arrived we were told there was no chicken (but you would have it in a trio of meats order) and no duo of beef. Disappointed, but understood as it seemed busy. Within 20mins of us ordering, and still a good two hrs left of service, the table next to us were advised that there was also now no salmon, or lamb (special). I must admit that considering you must book to guarantee a table, and you are made aware that it will be required back for a second sitting (we saw at least 3 tables being given their bill during their desserts and being told it was needed back with 15mins) I'd assume the kitchen, chef and overall management would ensure that they had enough meats to cover their expected sittings. I will now unlikely book unless I'm planning on going mid afternoon as I don't wish to be disappointed by a significantly limited menu.

We did not order starters, just wanted mains. Food was served fairly swiftly and waiting staff were lovely but I was not impressed with our food. The roast potatoes that my husband and I had were very tough on the outside and not particularly fresh or warm inside, it did feel as though they'd been cooked much earlier in the afternoon and just "kept warm" for plating up. I noted that the menu says all roasts are served with roasted carrots parsnip and spring greens, my husband had no parsnips and the quantity of veg was varied on both plates. Whilst this isn't a big deal, it's worth noting for feedback. We also felt the Yorkshires had a similar toughness, being quite brittle and flakey and again impression that they were not as fresh as could be. We did not flag this to staff as it was getting late and we just wanted to eat and head home.

Overall it was an acceptable meal, but for my husband and I, I would say it was an expensive option that would felt didn't meet the previous experience and are unlikely to travel the distance we have to...

As you can see from my first review below our first experience was fabulous. I chose not to leave a review the second time as the experience was not great. As for our third visit … This was our third visit—and, it was anything but a charm. While the waitress was very polite and the starters were enjoyable, things quickly went downhill. We waited 45 minutes for our main courses, only for them to arrive completely cold—not lukewarm, but genuinely cold. The vegetables, the meat, the sauce—everything.

The waitress was apologetic, but by then it was 9pm, and we had no desire to wait any longer. We asked for the bill, and what I can only assume was the manager came over and opened with the baffling statement: “It’s not your fault, but there was a power cut which meant the dishes couldn’t be kept hot.” She then added that we’d only be charged for drinks. After that statement, any sentiment of apology or accountability was lost on us

I was too shocked and upset in the moment to even question how the situation could possibly have been our fault. What was meant to be a special occasion was completely ruined—we left hungry and disappointed.

I don’t like to leave negative reviews but sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve had cold food served here, but it will absolutely be the last. We won’t be returning, and I won’t be recommending The Hawk for a nice meal out.

FIRST VISIT The food was delicious and The chateaubriand was absolutely fantastic., however it was the service that really stood out for us. . Cathy was beyond exceptional. Not only did she quickly resolve a small issue with our a starter but also provided superior service. So professional, accommodating and a true credit to the establishment. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. Cathy made...

Really really poor experience from start to finish. We booked a table only about 45 minutes prior to our arrival...they failed to tell us that their grill/extractor was broken which meant they had almost all the children's menu not available...you would think they would mentioned this when we book a table, with a child. The service team really didnt seem to care for it, offered absolutely no work around or extra service, it was essentially a take it or leave it for a hungry 4 year old, who ended up having to order something that she did not like (£8 for just the main of a kids meal, all other local places do a 2 or 3 course meal with a drink for kids at this price).

Service was slow, 1 of the adult pizzas had a base that was so hard the supplied pizza cutter couldnt get through it and the Vegetarian burger as quite possibly the cheapest option they could have possibly found, in probably 50 different meat replacements or veg-burgers this really was cheap and awful...should have known when they told me it's cooked in the oven and not on the (broken!) grill! The rest of the plate was rather miserable to, just some chips in a small bowl...that was it. No salad, no garnishing. For £17 it was very very poor value vs pretty much every other restaurant in the area.

Unfortunately, this really isnt a one off. Come here once a year and never had a good experience for one reason or another. 3.5 rating on TR tells you all you need to know.

Avoid, lots of other better and much cheaper options in the area....i just don't think the staff really care here; never show it in person when things aren't right and never provide a worthy follow...