Franks — Restaurant in England

Disappointing Anniversary Meal at Frank’s – Great Food, Poor Service

We visited Frank’s today to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary with my wife and our two young children. It’s been our favourite restaurant in Leigh-on-Sea, and we’ve enjoyed meals here before, but sadly, this visit really let us down.

The Good: The food was, as always, absolutely incredible. The kids shared a Tommy pasta, which they loved, while my wife and I started with the chicken tacos and tuna tartare—both delicious. For mains, we both had the Reuben sandwich, which was outstanding! The lychee martinis were lovely too, and the restaurant’s decor and laid-back, elegant atmosphere are still a big draw.

The Bad: Despite paying a £40 deposit and clearly noting on the booking that it was our anniversary, there was zero recognition—why even ask if it’s a special occasion if you ignore it?

But the real letdown was the service, which was poor and borderline rude. When I politely asked how long the sandwiches would be (as they were taking a while), the waitress responded in a patronising, sneering tone, explaining—as if I didn’t know—that "mains come after starters." For a meal costing over £100 plus 12.5% service charge, you expect better.

Frank’s used to be our go-to celebration spot, but after today, we’ll be looking elsewhere. Such a shame—great food isn’t enough if the service lets it down....

Had a great time here, Sunday lunch was a success! Atmosphere was perfect and the service was top notch - young and playful team without overstepping the line. Attentive and topping our wine was a nice touch that sometimes restaurants are too busy to do. Loui made a fantastic impression on us. He managed to keep his distance but was right there the second we needed something, there were times it was quieter in between tables leaving and being prepared for the next reservation but the staff didn’t look bored or hang around chatting, they kept busy and professional. It felt like we were being looked after by a team that wanted to be in hospitality rather than employees in between studies there for the pay cheque. A nice surprise was I always have to repeat my drink twice when I order anywhere we go, as it’s quite old fashioned, and this was the first time in a long time I didn’t have to. I was expecting it to be wrong when it arrived but it wasn’t! And it was served with all the right garnish! Last but not least. The food! Delicious, hot and tasty. The meat was tender. Great portions. I couldn’t fault anything. Well done Franks,...

So excited about going. Menu sounded delightful. Firstly takes alot to get myself and my husband out of Rayleigh...but this was worth a visit. Arrived 15 minutes early. Our table which we were shown was not quite ready. So sat at the bar ordered our drinks then a lovely young lady proceeded to take us to our table. As we went to sit down 2 ladies sat in our seats which the bar manager showed them to. Awkward moment for our waitress who...bless her tried to sort out. I could go on and on and on here. But what is the point. They couldn't accommodate us in a suitable table. We were put in a position by the door and the reception desk with myself a view of a large vase of plastic flowers. So I am not on here to slag of Franks food...didn't get to try it. The waitresses were amazingly 👏 lovely and apologetic. But SHAME ON YOU BAR MANAGER.. couldn't even come over and say sorry. Needles to say ended up in home town of Rayleigh ...tried a little new Mediterranean restaurant which we will review later. All I can say is superb. So Franks basically go it looked lovely. But one stupid yellow bellied man let his whole team down....