Willow — Restaurant in Harlow

I have been going to the Willow every two weeks for about three months,first review is below this update. Had a meal today,Lisa in the kitchen and really nicely cooked,I had Sirloin Steak,my friend had a chicken dish. Lisa came out to check if my steak was cooked to my liking it was. We had a chat,as I said that while I like the place,I have found it somewhat odd that we have at times been advised that we may have to wait for thirty plus minutes,as the food delivery was being put away... We went two weeks ago,booked 13.45 and told we would need to wait about one hour,as the order was being put away...We went to weatherspoons and when I booked for today I wrote in comments about the above. I spent twenty eight years as a chef,and never in effect turn customers away by being unable to cook a meal at lunch time... A lot of people probably would walk away and not bother to return. I do not intend these comments to be rude in any way,I hope somebody within Willow or Green King can put something in place that stops this practice.... As my friend really enjoys the food here,I am more than happy to return,and have booked for next time already.

I enjoy the banter we have had with staff,it is a friendly place,as others have written... My only gripe is the delay at times. I hope that the issue is in hand and will be sorted... managed better,as customers going else wear when a table had been prebooked two weeks is poor management.

My original feedback below.

I had booked elsewhere,but with roadworks in area,I walked past the pub this morning walking my dog. Looked on website once home,showed to my friend that I meet up every couple of weeks for a meal,we both agreed try this place. What a find! I'm not a pub fan,which is my reason for atmosphere rating,but spoke to manager (David) and chef (Darren) and both were nice and polite. My friend and I had two mains from part of menu,and it came to £11.49.....both on menu separately would cost £15.98,so two of us,having a meal each,with a drink each....under £20. Have booked again in...

The willow at lunch time was good. The bar staff are lovely. The card machine was not working so they set me up a tab. Had plenty of cider as I lost my best friend on the 30 June my dad Albert so had just a few ciders for my dad. He would have been 85 on 31st of this month. The food is very good my wife and I shared the burger stack and the sharer platter. It was very good and tasty and very good value. A few more beers with an old work friend and his lady friend was laughter and tears talking about dad. Both my friends had worked with my dad the same as I had.i popped out and nipped to Sainsbury's about 150 yards away to the cash point then back to The willow to settle my tab. There's disabled parking plus plenty more and no steps into the Willow. Out the back theres plenty of tables and bench seats where children out the back plq1qq1qqw1We had our dog with us and he was really welcomed. This was our 2nd time in The Willow this year with the same friends. I will.being going back many more times to come. Willow I can't wait. Thank you for letting me run up a tab and Your hard work and people skills. ... ...

I'm new in town, and exploring the local pubs in the area, i found the staff at 'The Willow' to be very welcoming, and professional. This has been one of my top 3 pubs to visit for a few beers after work to help unwind from a busy day. At least it was, until I went there for my first time in the evening, and unfortunately had a different experience from overzealous security men Badgering me while I'm trying to have a quiet pint and reading an article on my phone. They were clearly intent, and successful in creating an uncomfortable atmosphere . I've Never experienced anything quite like this before. I became sufficiently uncomfortable, and soon left. The British guy was ok, but the others guys were like communist border guards, treating me at least, with great suspicion.. I am a fan of Greene king pubs but what happened was ridiculous so unfortunately I won't be going back there. Shame because some of the female bar staff were...