The Purleigh Bell — Restaurant in Maldon

Food was excellent, especially the main course. But it went downhill rapidly after we arrived.

We were a party of 20 so it might not have been familiar for the staff to cater for that many people in the function room, separate from the main restaurant area.

There were not enough chairs around the table for the number of adults when we arrived so we needed to then set the missing places ourselves.

We ordered some breads for the table, £4 for a small plain ciabatta and a knob of butter seemed a bit steep!

Children's meals did not all arrive at the same time, we were told that some of them were down as "mains" (not sure why, nobody had stipulated this at any point).

Menu was sent out by the restaurant so our party could pre-order. Salmon starter arrived to the table completely different to what was on the menu. Some starters missing, we had to come downstairs to ask for the missing starters twice.

Waiter (young man in yellow t-shirt) was found in the corridor at least 4 occasions on his phone.

We asked the waiter for ketchup for the children's meals, he came back with a single small pot of ketchup between 4!

Children had been waiting a long time since having finished their mains by the time the adults received theirs. Asked for the children's desserts to come as soon as they were ready to do so, we chased this once the adults were finishing their mains to be told that desserts would be coming together as requested (this is not what we asked for!).

We then asked to have the bill and forego our desserts because time was getting on and the young children were getting irritable. We had been in the function room for 2 hours at this point.

Birthday meal somewhat spoilt by the haphazard service. A bottle of low end prosecco was opened and put on the table by means of apology but this was not much of a goodwill gesture given how our booking went and the majority of us were driving.

We asked for a reduction in the bill, this was accepted without question.

Would we recommend this restaurant for a couples or family meal? Yes.

Would we recommend this restaurant for a private party? No,...

The beating heart of Purleigh! The food is absolutely delicious - fresh moules mariniere, the absolute best sunday roasts, burgers, sandwiches, and other specials of the day. All cooked fresh by their very talented chefs 🤤 With a fine selection of beers, ales, ciders, and wines to accompany.

The service is great, and the landlord and lady are the most kind, welcoming people you will ever meet.

Many events are held here such as open mic nights on the 1st Tuesday of every month, board game night on friday evenings, as well as art exhibitions, yoga classes, art classes, history talks, country walks.... So many different things that attract so many different people from far and wide.

The Purleigh Bell is really a true community hub full of vibrancy and laughter, set atop the hill of idyllic Purleigh.

If you haven't visited yet, you have all this to...

We've been here many times over the years but not for a while and chose to return for a family occasion. We were really disappointed. It's definitely gone down hill. Food was decidedly average. Limited menu. I had Daves Gammon Steak. No idea who Dave is but he obviously doesn't know what a gammon steak should be like. I've had thicker and nicer cooked bacon rashers. Chips were very pale and bullet peas. I was the driver so on soft drinks which were flat. Desert menu was a joke. They have it fixed near the floor out of sight. The waiting staff will reluctantly tell you the four things on it if you push them. They've no idea of service either. Leaning across you. Nearly hit one of our guests in the face with a plate twice. Good job he moved quick. Very disappointing. Won't...