VISIT DATE: THU 18/09/2025 VISIT TIME: 12:40 - 13:55 SERVER: Charlotte
This was my second visit to Turtle Bay in Romford, having first been in about 2 years so with work colleagues on a night out, at which time it was packed and busy, but staff were friendly and helpful, making it a pleasurable experience , especially given the £12 all day deal on cocktails! This time, being lunchtime, the place was very quiet and felt really open and spacious, which was probably helped by it being daylight outside!
On entry we were greeted by Charlotte who was already smiling, but smiled even more when she heard me saying the Romford branch is much nicer than the Chelmsford one in terms of the decor! Honestly, Chelmsford have gone too far with the “beach shack” vibes (I was there in April 2025), while Romford are clearly channeling the Caribbean, whilst still looking reasonably classy (which is quite an achievement for any venue in Romford)!
😂
Was with a friend of mine who I don’t get to see often, so it took us a while to chose our options as we catching up, but in the end, we opted for dishes from the “Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch” section. I chose the Carib Roti Wrap with Aubergine and Plantain (£9.50), whilst my friend had the Curry Goat Hash (£10.50).
Both were very nice, but I think my friend made the better choice as, despite the number of calories, my wrap didn’t feel particularly filling (although I’m perimenopausal and I was on a very hungry day).
On the plus side, had room for desserts so, after the disappointment of hearing they were out of cheesecake, I went for the Ginger Pudding with Pineapple and Coconut Ice Cream (£5.90), whilst my friend had the Chocolate Brownie with Coconut Ice Cream (£5.90). Again, both good, but this time, mine was the better of the two!
Drinks wise, we enjoyed the complimentary tap water and took advantage of the £12 for two of the same cocktails offer to enjoy a Passion Fruit Rumtini (£8 individually) which comes with a shot of Prosecco, though the menu says you can try it with Vodka instead - something I must try and remember next time as I don’t actually like Prosecco!
In terms of the restaurant in general, and as mentioned at the start, the decor has a Caribbean theme (obviously, as so does the food), with a decent sized seating area. There is step-free access to the main section and bar, though the door is manual. Reasonable amount of space to get round tables, but could be trickier when it’s busy for wheelchair users, especially getting to the toilet which is a bit further in.
Accessible toilet is shared with baby changing and looked clean and tidy, while the other toilets are through another door and up a couple of steps, with individual cubicles with their own sinks, making this a good option for gender non-conforming people as you get your own space. I also liked the pink and green theme of the walls.
Being situated in the centre of Romford, there is no parking immediately outside, but it is part of the Brewery shopping complex, so there is a large surface level and multi-storey carpark next to it. The area is also very well served by public transport, being a few minutes walk from multiple bus stops and Romford train station.
For those with children, there is a kids menu and staff can also help diners chose dishes that are less spicy.
Overall, I like this chain, and look forward to returning. Was kicking myself for not realising I could have used my Blue Light Discount, but will do so next time as, though the food is average priced, everything seems so expensive now when you look at how much food and drink has gone up in comparison to wages, so that 20% discount would certainly be welcome.
Have also downloaded the app on the recommendation of Charlotte (who was friendly and just the right level of attentive throughout) as this should also give me some great savings in future.
One final note… don’t come here if you’re on a diet… the food is good, but it’s...
Read moreA Fantastic Experience at Turtle Bay: Bottomless Brunch Bliss
Turtle Bay has always been a name synonymous with vibrant vibes and flavorful food, and my recent visit for their bottomless brunch was no exception. From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for a treat. The tropical-themed décor, upbeat reggae music, and warm smiles from the staff set the perfect tone for what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience.
The highlight of the visit was, undoubtedly, the bottomless brunch. For a set price, I was treated to unlimited drinks and a main course from their menu—a concept that not only sounded appealing but delivered on every level. The bottomless drinks option is a fantastic way to test out a variety of beverages without committing to just one. The selection included everything from refreshing cocktails to classic prosecco, beer, and soft drinks. I found myself sampling their famous Rum Punch and a few different mojitos, each as delicious and perfectly balanced as the last. The staff made sure my glass was never empty, checking in frequently with cheerful smiles and helpful suggestions.
The food was equally impressive. Turtle Bay is known for its Caribbean-inspired menu, and it didn’t disappoint. I opted for their Jerk Chicken Wrap, which came perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice. My friends ordered the Big Kingston Grill Down and the Vegan Mother Clucker, and each dish was served piping hot and full of flavor. The portions were generous but not overwhelming, making it easy to savor every bite. The speed at which the food arrived was another standout aspect. Despite the restaurant being busy, the kitchen staff managed to deliver our meals promptly, ensuring our brunch flowed seamlessly.
What truly elevated the experience was the service. The team at Turtle Bay went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and catered to. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations for drinks based on our preferences. It was clear that the staff including Charlotte took pride in ensuring every guest had a great time. Even when the restaurant began to fill up, they maintained their attentiveness and enthusiasm, which added to the overall positive atmosphere.
The bottomless brunch lasted for two hours, and the time flew by in a whirlwind of great food, drinks, and conversation. The ambiance was lively yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a casual catch-up with friends or a celebratory meal. The value for money was outstanding given the quality and quantity of what was offered, and I left feeling more than satisfied.
In conclusion, Turtle Bay’s bottomless brunch is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable dining experience. The combination of delicious food, endless drinks, exceptional service, and a vibrant atmosphere makes it a standout choice for brunch lovers. I can’t wait to return and relive the fantastic experience. If you’re considering trying it out, don’t hesitate—you’re in...
Read moreThis is an update to my previous visit and posting where much was good.
I could not find a way to add a new review as it was just being me back to this one .
So Saturday 20th January 2024 myself and 3 daughters had a 5pm booking .
Having arrived and was seated Took a long time before we were attended to , even for drinks and it only happened after we call out one of the passing servers.
Still took a long time to be attended to as the server we called could not attend as it was not her area. I will say it was very busy so some delay was expected but the wait went well beyond long. Example , we ordered pudding and waited over an hour for it to be served. That was after waiting for the server to come for us to place the order.
Now on to the food. My girls ordered and the dish I wanted , having ordered it they came back saying it was not available. I pass as I did not want nothing else but I did share one of my daughters curry goat , this meal price was refunded because it was very poor quality. My daughter left most in her place and I spat out what I had tried ( it was all grissle) could not find any goat meat in it , the taste was not nice either.
In summary , in contrast to my first visit which was good. This visit was very poor. Timing Service Food
NB the business of the restaurant had eased off when we placed the pudding orders so there is no reason we could see why it took so long to be served . Was not that good either
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Review for my first and previous visit start here
If I were to give full stars, it would mean there was no room for improvements , in most cases there are.
Anyway , took my daughter for a catch-up meal and it’s my first time. It was on the Easter Sunday and she has booked but on arrival about 1pm it was almost empanadas we had a choice of tables but let me just say this right now, by the time we left maybe around 3:30 the place was almost full.
The atmosphere was fabulous , staff friendly and attentive.
How about this 2 drinks for one. It may not be always but we caught it.
I have to say upfront , yes I would go again.
I had fritters but the point is, it was like a meal so some of the main had to be taken away.
Fritters were good and daughter chicken was very good.
I had curry goat for main but I can only give it 8 of 10 as it was quite juicy and the meat for me needed to be a bit more quality and more tender.
I am going to add some pictures so you can see some of the happenings on the day.
It just seem to be a really grounded restaurant with a melting pot of...
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