Smoke & Dough — Restaurant in Chelmsford

This was our first visit to Smoke & Dough, a small restaurant chain with only one other location in Liverpool. The layout still echoed its predecessor, TGI Friday, but the decor had been updated and was much more tasteful. Upon arrival, we requested to see the individual price list before being seated, as the restaurant seemed to focus primarily on their fixed grill and bottomless brunch options. This transparency was important to us, especially as my wife has a gluten allergy. Jasmine, our server, was very attentive and helpful, offering nachos as a substitute for the bread starter and ensuring that the Polish-style smoked sausage was served separately to accommodate her dietary needs. We ordered two fixed grills, priced at £25.99 each—one for sharing and another for our son. When deciding on side dishes, Jasmine informed us that the grill included mushrooms, broccoli, and braised red cabbage. These were not mentioned on the menu, making it difficult to anticipate what to expect. I considered ordering one of the steins of beer, but the menu did not specify the measurement, which I believe is a legal requirement. I hope this oversight does not affect their alcohol licence. The meal began with a flourish, as a section in the middle of our table was removed to make room for the sizzling grill—a theatrical touch that initially impressed us. However, this soon turned to confusion as we tried to determine what each dish was and how many portions we had received. The four thin slices of smoked sausage were easy to identify on their designated plate, but sharing the remaining dishes proved challenging. The mains were accompanied by two sauces: a black peppercorn sauce and a wild mushroom sauce. However, since each dish was already heavily flavoured—rubbed, marinated, smoked, seasoned, and glazed—it was difficult to see how the sauces could enhance the meal. We sampled everything, but even our son, who usually enjoys meat, found most dishes either too rich, overcooked, or lacking the tenderness expected from well-prepared meat. The restaurant was busy and had a pleasant atmosphere, with a steady flow of couples and larger parties. The service charge was included automatically, and Jasmine certainly earned it with her attentive service. Despite the positive elements such as the lively atmosphere and excellent service, we were not particularly impressed with the meal or the high drink prices, which rivalled those found in London. As a result, we do not plan to return in the...

We had such a lovely time here. It’s been a tough year, what with my immune system thinking that my brain and brain stem were invaders to be killed with fire. Its The first restaurant we have actually had a proper sit down meal in with the wheelchair and me unable to use my hands. While we have done this in public with snacks I was particularly concerned with how people would react to The sight of a 40-year-old woman being fed by her husband, we did make a booking and explain the situation, but as always, we turned up a little early.

I was quite surprised to see just how busy it was for a Sunday afternoon and this is only I think down to the wonderful relaxed atmosphere that the staff provide. The staff in - particular Amy and Morfelys who were our servers and the delightfully funny Reshma Who was so attentive to our needs- are divine. The manager/owner was such a sweet man as well. You can tell a lot about a place by how happy and friendly the staff . They made us feel very welcome, and I cannot wait to go again with friends very soon. Staff were so attentive, triple and quadruple checked everything. I had decided I was going to eat most of the bread before we came, but the brioche by virtue of being enriched with egg Was always off the menu. But the attention paid to an intolerance that we are not sure about yet which is a new development blew me away. I was more than willing to have a rash for a few days to enjoy the food Because I was aware that tomato and bell peppers are requisite in barbecue. But they made a special grill just for me, which I did not ask for. The attention and care was spectacular.

The food itself was simply delicious. I’ve been on a very limited menu for over a year and didn’t actually eat for almost 8 months. If you’ve told me five months ago, I would be enjoying delicious smoked sausage and lamb chops with frankly the Crispiest chips I’ve ever had - I would’ve said that is not possible - the chips had this really delicate truffle flavour which can only be from a couple of drops of olive oil with truffle infusion but it is subtle and gorgeous and the mushroom sauce that was served with smoked meat Was a perfect example of an espagnola. The bill for two with an additional £10 tip ( on top of service charge because they are deserving of that at least) with an awful lot of alcohol was £122. I’ve not needed to eat since yesterday (...

I really was expecting great things with this newly open resturant , the staff were great even thoe ,there probably all learning the ropes , the management were on there backs constantly , they were young yes , but well polite and trying there best with the little training they had, we were pleased with our waitress , I hope they enjoy there job and hopefully Management will find another thing to do in the resturant , we ordered drinks, a lager shandy was asked , the guy who brought it said no it wasn't a lager shandy ,just a lemonade shot , well wendid order a shandy , so he saidnwell drink a little and I will fill it with more lemonade ,or if I drink my lager drink now , you can pour some intonyour glass , I was horrified at that , asking someone to do that withba drink , not a great start, we ordered our three meat dishes , we got served warm bread and some dips , three pieces each okay that was nice , the meat platter arrived ,putting it in the middle of the table for a hot plate , , it wasnsuppose to be seasonal vegetables, well for three people there was three stems of broccoli, a few strips of peppers and a mush of onion, with the salad I really thought they were joking , and only bought one very small salad up for three people , I asked for the other two , because surely thus was wrong , the guy said yes he will bring them , no he did not , I again asked the waitress , who got interrupted again by management who said yes bring them two salads , nice and healthy, I guess we really wasn't getting three salads , this was a gift from management , this was poor, the meat bits were some nice and tender but some as tough as old boots , for £25.99 each and pay for extra sides , some will really enjoy , some won't, but I won't, good luck to the young staff , you...