The Orange Tree — Restaurant in Chelmsford

Huge disappointment. Totally Ignored; somebody else served before me despite arriving at bar after me. No people skills it would seem.

Having checked out the positive reviews on Google I wandered over to the OT from my hotel (working in the area), looking forward to a nice cool drink and ordering some decent food.

Standing at the bar waiting to be served after several moments another older gentleman approached the bar after me - a young man suddenly appeared behind bar went straight to other chap - without question, totally ignoring me and served him. No acknowledgement whatsoever. I mentioned this and it seemed to fall on deaf ears apart from another customer who sat at the bar and agreed with me (I'm guessing the fella served before me - despite going to the bar after me was a regular/local). Anyway stood for a further few moments and an older lady then appeared behind the bar..... I made eye contact, I thought great.... perhaps I'll get served now.... nothing. Again totally ignored. A simple "hello", "good evening", "how are you?", "I'll be with you in a moment" (if they were busy) would have sufficed. Not a word from either of them. I don't expect much - but simple, basic pleasantries or acknowledgement would have sufficed.

So I decided to take my hard earned money elsewhere and ironically enough on entering the next place I visited (Cricketer's) the young man immediately greeted me with a smile, a "hello", and an "I'll be with you in a minute"!!

My expectations aren't that high - just simple, good, honest service and sadly the O/T fell down in that very basic of hospitality requirements big time. If this is indicative of how you treat prospective customers then I definitely won't be back.

Thanks for your prompt response Adam - it was last night (10th July)...

Decent pub in Chelmsford. Always about 8 different beers of disparate styles, all well kept. Good cider and a large range of gins and whiskies. Very recently were a definite 5-star pub but changed management recently and working hard to keep previous standards. Definitely a good pub - time will tell if they reach the heights of the town's best pubs (Oct 2022).

A return to glory! Bar manager proving to be a great beer orderer and keeper with black beers always available alongside the more popular golden and pale varieties. More importantly, a new cook has been employed in the kitchen and he is doing a great job. Five of us all thoroughly satisfied with the fare....

Good honest friendly pub not far from the city centre and train station. Great selection of Beers, Ales, Ciders and plenty of variety when it comes to spirits and mixers. Tea & Coffee available, usual bar snacks and pub grub available most days i believe.

Ideal pub to spend time in and an excellent venue when the cricket is on. We had Friday night in there and great timing since it was Tapas night, we tried the whole menu and were impressed. We highly recommend you go in and give it...