Harvester Rayleigh Weir Rayleigh — Restaurant in Rochford

Came to harvester on Saturday afternoon just gone with my wife and elderly mother. Understanding that a walk in table of 3 may have a wait, but for an hour and half to find a table is appalling when it wasn’t even that busy. We had 2 courses, a main and a dessert. My mother had “simply chicken” with sweet potato fries instead of jacket and I’m surprised the black crispy fries they actually were didn’t give her a heart attack. The chicken was next to solid and don’t get me started on the veg. My wife had no complaints with hers, but she’ll eat anything. I had the “ultimate” mixed grill. They must call it the ultimate because of how over cooked and burnt it was, yet coming to the table like it had just come out of the freezer. During our wonderful visit, one of the girls serving must of taken a plate back into the kitchen with a problem, she was met with disgusting comments and shouting from one of the chefs, i overheard the name shamak. If this is how you guys treat your staff head office really need to come have a review. Lastly, in the event of talking to the absolutely rude & uninterested manager, Martin, he reluctantly offered us a free desert because of standards of the meal whilst expecting us to pay full price. I could clearly tell he couldn’t care about us being unhappy. This is somewhere I will not be returning, and I only advise going there if you don’t want to spend a lot or if you’re just...

Our server was efficient was the best thing. The half of chicken was dry and tiny. Chips were was dry and tasted like cardboard towards the end. I think because we were sat under the air conditioning, it cooled our food very quick. For the price we paid, (full price, no set menu available) I think it's poor value for money. If I had the dinner as a set menu, I think it would be passable.

The salad cart was lacking food and was not filled properly and felt uncared for even though the chef had just replenished it. Second time here, first time was better during the week, this time, it was a Saturday so less care and attention perhaps? I realise this is complimentary, however, it could do better. Where was the croutons :( ? I think the cart should be monitored more frequently.

Edited for your reply ... Dear GM Thank you for your amusing and prompt reply in attempt to justify your restaurant comments. Firstly, one does not expect you or any person to physically move air con units. I think, even I a mere paying customer would think this is over the top for one occasion.

However, your comments didn't address the quality of your dry and small chicken and cardboard chips. I'll take it that you are choosing to reply to inadequacies when you can choose to be defensive and sarcastic. A pat on the back to yourself to rebuff and deflect the problem with your...

Staff running round like headless chickens although Sam that served our table was an absolute example of how it should be done, very professional. The food is nice although one of the chefs came out to replenish the buffet salad bar and looked like she had most of the menu thrown at the front of her overalls, what a state and not much of an advert for hygiene. She then got into an argument with two other customers who were disgusted with her appalling attitude. They complained to the manager and then left. The bread rolls can only be compared to rock as they were so hard and the salad bar looked like someone had thrown a grenade in there at some point, it was a right mess and a couple of buffet trays were absent for long periods of time. Noise levels are high and you'll often see kids reaching up for stuff from the salad bar and spilling it, or putting their hands in things with parents seemingly oblivious, which also causes more clearing up for the staff who already look mega stretched. On a positive note our food order arrived in an acceptable time and tasted good, prices are fair but this place really needs some strong management and a review of its hygiene, as it's a long way short of today's standards. On that basis I just wouldn't recommend this place. Hope this helps, please see my...