The Blue Lion — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Having visited the pub 3 years ago and leaving shortly after the first drink, we weren't too keen to return. However, having heard some positive feedback locally, we decided to give it another go. We arrived at 12:30 on New Year's Eve and had a couple of drinks in a welcoming environment.

The owner took the time to come over and chatted with us for 20 minutes and talked about the changes they've made, the plans they have and their views on the kind of pub they want to be. Top guy, and a great team working with him.

Luckily enough there was one table available for the evening, and we snapped it up. The food was excellent, and included duck, seabass and a good menu selection. The atmosphere was superb, and although we intended to slip off around 22:00, we decided to stay and see in the New Year.

The Blue Lion sits in the heart of Great Baddow, and with this ownership and vision for service, ambience and local produce, we will no doubt find ourselves to be regulars at this...

I have been local to the area for around 10 years and everytime ive gone past and said to myself I gotta try it one day...I popped in here with my partner for just one drink one evening 3 weeks ago and was blown away with the service. They were so attentive and welcoming, ending up getting more than one drink and decided there, and then this would be my local. I came back a week later with the family, and again, the service was amazing. There was no fault at all they kept coming to check if we needed any drinks or food.

I like the concept of the table service only and how it always felt no bother to them. No other pub offers this in such an efficient manner than these people do.

Absolutely GUTTED to hear this place is now closing down! (Typically) What a loss to the community.

All the best to...

It's some years since I last visited, and The Blue Lion has changed considerably in that period.

No more the stand at the bar and order type of venue, instead you are invited to choose a table and served by pleasant and smartly dressed staff.

Little touches also add to the experience such as napkins rather than beer mats, packets of crisps served with a tea plate and a napkin and a decent portion of mixed nuts delivered in a cup and saucer and the ever present black napkin.

Decor is clean, tidy and varied and the place is frequented by both regulars and occasional visitors such as myself, all of whom were greeted well and made to feel welcome.

Apart from the nuts, I am yet to sample the food, so another visit is on the cards.

All in all a very...