Oyster Creek Kitchen — Restaurant in Great Britain

Myself and my mum decided to visit here Saturday before going to the Cliffs for a show. When we arrived there were a few people seated outside drinking but it didn't look too busy. Inside there were quite a few empty tables so thought we wouldn't have a problem asking for a table as we had not pre-booked. The waitress said to a couple in front of us that they were fully booked for food, however we decided that we would stop for a bottle of wine and then perhaps move on to another restaurant for food.

When it was our turn the waiter asked if we had a reservation to which I replied no but if it was ok we would like to have a few drinks, he went off and came back to say that he didnt have any tables available but we were welcome to get a drink from the bar and he would let us know when there was a table. Whilst walking into the bar we were approached by the waitress who informed that that it was waitress service only. I explained that the waiter had said we could go to the bar to get a drink and he would let us know when a table becomes available. She then walked off. Then another member of staff came over, looked both myself and my mum up and down and rudely said "I dont have any tables for you", i tried to explain what the waiter had said to us but he just repeated what he had said the first time and then walked off.

I found that to be very rude and have never been made to feel so uncomfortable. If we were told that we were not able to be accommodated in the first place we would have left there and then. But the attitude of this man was completely out of order. I felt like you were only allowed to come here if he allowed you to. There were plenty of empty tables inside.

I have never visited Oyster Creek before but wanted to come here as the menu looked good and seemed like a nice place to visit. I can honestly say that myself and my mum will not be returning. It felt like this man was running a bar in Ibiza rather than on Southend sea front and only wanted people there who's face fitted!

Seriously the trip advisor reviews speak for themselves. Go along a bit further to 9 The Arches a lovely family run business food lovely and staff very professional couldnt have made us feel more welcome!! So pleased...

Update to review-

We recently returned to Oyster Creek following a bit of a disappointing visit a few months ago. Jamie kindly reached out after our previous experience and invited us back to make things right — and we’re so glad we gave it another chance!

We ended up visiting twice in two days, and both times were absolutely lovely. The food was fresh and delicious, the atmosphere relaxed, and the service much improved.

Thank you for turning things around — we’ll definitely be back again!

Previous review:

Extremely Disappointing Experience – Won’t Be Returning any time soon

We had a terrible experience at Oyster Creek today. From the moment we arrived, service was slow and inattentive. We had to ask twice before anyone took our order, and we didn’t even receive our drinks until 35 minutes later. They avoid eye contact with you so they don’t have to attend to you and don’t want to have to serve you. The food eventually arrived over an hour and ten mins of us being there – and even then, items were missing.

When I pointed this out to our waitress, instead of saying she would check, she bluntly told me “no there isn’t” – despite the fact that I was correct. She never returned to the table and instead sent someone else to bring the missing item. We left after starters and didn’t even get to order mains as it was just too painful. To top it off, they charged a non optional service fee on the bill. Not sure what service they were actually talking about??

There’s absolutely no excuse for service like this. Busy or not! It’s a real shame because OCK has the potential to be really nice, but they’ve definitely lost a...

It is with a heavy heart that I write this review:( We have been going to the Oyster Creek for the past few years, since it opened really and I have always loved it but I now have to admit that it is some how loosing it's sparkle for me and I sadly shall not be returning. We were there on Friday night with family and friends celebrating my birthday. There was a slight error with what was advertised on the specials board and my friend was told that he could not have Dauphinoise potatoes but could have new pots and order dauphinoise as a side, all very confusing and un-necessary so cost us extra for something already advertised, I found it overpriced although food was OKAY not great but ok. the toilet facilities were diabolical, the gents door handle was broken off so could not be locked, the ladies were a disgrace toilet rolls all over the place and honestly it did not smell good in there:(:(:(. The staff REALLY need some customer care training and advise, a smile and being polite costs nothing, being courteous to people who are paying hard earned money on a special night out deserve to be treated with respect. It is a shame that the waiting staff have let down the catering staff as the food was presented very well (although the Sea Bream was vastly over cooked the rest of it was ok) Sadly I don't feel we were treated in an acceptable manner and really we wont be recommending to friends and family to visit. There are plenty of good restaurants along...