San Fairie Ann — Restaurant in England

I recently hosted a surprise 40th birthday party for my partner at San Fairie Ann in Southend on Sea, and it was an outstanding experience. The event included family and friends, with welcome drinks and an impressive Italian-style buffet featuring charcuterie, burger sliders, fries, arancini (including vegetarian and vegan options).

The booking process was seamless. I communicated via email and had a video call with the owner, Harry. He was incredibly helpful, balancing our needs while offering useful suggestions and assurances regarding the food, music, and projector equipment.

On the day of the event, the staff were exceptional. Despite the warm weather, they ensured we stayed cool with a fan, managed the bar efficiently, kept the buffet table tidy, handled the cake cutting in the kitchen, and promptly cleared away.

The venue's amenities were as advertised and perfect for our party. The space was clean, well-decorated, and we added our own balloons and lit number display. There was parking directly opposite the venue, although the sunny day caused some traffic congestion, which wasn't the venue's fault.

Our overall experience was fantastic. I would have preferred the ground floor venue for its brightness and cooler temperature, but it wasn't available that day/weekend. A minor incident occurred when a guest dropped a phone charger cable into the only fan, but Harry handled it without any fuss.

I found the venue to offer good value for money, considering the hire cost, food, and drinks. I highly recommend San Fairie Ann for its unique style, character, and quality, distinguishing it from similar venues nearby.

I would definitely recommend this venue for its excellent service, distinctive ambiance, and the wonderful experience it...

Really disappointed today for Fathers Day today. Service was poor due to not being looked after even though it was not busy, we had to ask to be served and ask for menus after seated for 10-15 minutes. The waitresses weren't cheerful and seemed they didn't want to be there and made that clear. We waited for food for longer than expected. When main courses arrived (roast dinners) it all tasted very bland the potatoes were hard and overall tasted very flavourless. The cauliflower cheese was given to us at the end of my meal and the waitress said "Better late than never!" And walked away without an apology! Due to poor taste of food and bad service we choose to leave before ordering pudding. Overall experience was really bad. I asked if the chef had changed aswell whilst partner was paying and one of the waitresses said yes and asked why and I explained food tasted different and it was alot better beforehand. Also the price went up and paid over £100 for 3 starters and mains which was alot more than we paid before previous. And the 'expected' tip was refused and he had to ask for our change back! Its a shame as on our 1st experience and on mother's day the the food was amazing had so much flavour and we were really cared for. Maybe explains why it wasn't busy as usually it's hard to get a booking. Unfortunately due to today we will not be returning and will no longer refer friends and family...

I'm having to edit my review. Whilst this was previously a unique dining experience, it has lost some of its uniqueness.

Previously there was more of an atmosphere, dimmer lighting, linen napkins, still/sparkling water was offered. More gental music such as some light jazz or something easy listening.

Now the restaurant is brightly lit, the top 40 charts are on the speakers a little louder than "background music" levels. Paper napkins.

The menu has moved away from Say 8oz Sirloin with seasonal vegetables, minted peas etc. And has been replaced with steak and chips.

Now the food is still good! No issue with the food at all. And the price is fair for the food quality! No complaints there.

However, it does seem that ownership has changed summer 2020, and has changed the feel of the restaurant.

For years since the place was named Glasshouse it's been a consistent feeling. A small diamond with a unique feeling.

That feeling has now gone and I am genuinely disappointed to see one of these small great places change.

It's become more common. Not like I'm posh and it's common. But it doesn't offer anything special any more, common.

It's become more Essex.

Reduced from...