The Rainbow & Dove — Restaurant in Epping Forest

Originally, this review was going to be much lower due to an error which was not our fault. The short version is that we booked a table online for Sunday lunch for Mother's Day and had received confirmation etc however, when we arrived on the day we were told that we had no booking and that they didn't accept online bookings. We showed them the confirmation and the owner was very confused and extremely apologetic but couldn't seat us as they were fully booked. We had to find somewhere else which was very disappointing as it smelled amazing when we walked in! Later that day, my sister, who made the original booking, called me to say that the owner had called her as he felt so bad about what had happened and wanted to put it right and offered us a meal on the house, so we booked in for the following Sunday (just gone). We arrived, got seated and they couldn't have been more welcoming. We all had a Sunday roast which was fantastic! Very generous portions, everything was cooked perfectly and tasted great! We also had a dessert which was also very good indeed (lemon cheesecake - highly recommended). All washed down with a glass of red. I have never been to this pub before and after the initial encounter, I probably wouldn't have bothered but the way they dealt with the error is how you retain custom and reputation. We will definitely go back. It's a lovely little place which a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was full too which just shows that these guys are doing a great job. We can't thank you enough. We...

Stopped here for dinner on the way to Dover. It’s 4min of the M11 so not too far off the beaten path, although, as with most pub stops, plan to add two hours to your trip. It’s super cozy inside, there is a nice outside area, and there are loads of blackberry bushes in the garden. The staff is friendly and inviting and the food is made with care. We started with the scallop appetizer and they were tender and we liked the bacon and peas with them. For dinner, one kiddo had a plain burger, which the kitchen was nice enough to accommodate, and the other had sausage and mash. They ate every bite. Similarly, the adults polished off a bbq chicken burger (messy, but a delicious combination of flavors) and a simple stone bass (cooked perfectly, nice and light). We split some chocolate cake and lemon cheese cake. Both were not too sweet and all the right flavors came through. Everything was plated so lovely, which was a nice touch. We finished with a couple strong Americanos and paid what I thought was a reasonable bill for a family of four. Definitely, a pub to try should you be in the area looking for a...

We were on the M11 and desperate to avoid Mcdonalds or Little Chef. I checked out google maps and discovered This little gem just off the junction for Harlow. We intend to go back as we loved it. Its a little place but seems very food orientated. The menu is real home cooking and the choices reflect this - I was delighted to see rabbit and game terrine on the menu along side roast and ham egg and chips! Because we are going to go back we opted for a burger and the Sunday beef roast. Both were good portions! Both tasted great. I was given extra gravy and horse radish. My husband commented it was very filling because it was a really meaty burger and the coleslaw very creamy and the chunky chips perfect! He was grinning! We pass here regularly on our way to family so we are delighted! The car park is big, There is and summer out door area and although the fire wasn't lit it was ready to be. So nice to find real cooking and decent portions and a fair price in such a...