Hornchurch
The Compasses Harvester

The Compasses Harvester

125 Abbs Cross Lane, RM12 4XS, Hornchurch, United Kingdom

Cafés • Seafood • European • Fast Food


"After a bit of trouble, when one of the wheels on the wheelchair broke, a kind man named John came to our aid. He was a true hero and I am incredibly grateful to him for helping us get D back home safely. While at home, D mentioned that he wanted to go out for fish and chips. He suggested Harvester, recalling that he used to visit there every Wednesday. Although he couldn’t quite remember the name, he did remember the location. I was perfectly fine with going to Harvester, so I called Star Cabs, which I had found while on my way to Hornchurch. I had suggested taking a cab days in advance. The cab drivers were courteous and helpful, and upon our arrival at Harvester, we were warmly greeted and seated by the lovely Sean. Since I couldn’t get in touch with Star Cabs for our return trip, Sean kindly offered to call them for us. Now, as for the Harvester itself – what a wonderful and clean establishment! The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. D shared with the cab driver that he used to come here every Wednesday after his wife passed away, reminiscing about how the waitresses all knew him, but he assumed they wouldn’t be around anymore. How wrong he was! Karen, an absolutely lovely lady who was helpful, accommodating, and very professional, approached us and said, “You used to come here every Wednesday, and just last week we were talking about you, although I couldn’t remember your name.” She was genuinely thrilled to see D and gave him a hug, which really made his day. Our meals were fantastic; we ordered from the main menu. D had the gammon steak with chips and all the trimmings, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had the spare ribs, and they were simply amazing – I even needed a doggy bag for leftovers! Kudos to the entire team, both front and back of house – thank you for a wonderful experience. We will definitely be back! I’ll try to return before Christmas, though living in Surrey means it's quite a trek."

Mandarin Palace

Mandarin Palace

197-201 High St, RM11 3XT, Hornchurch, United Kingdom

Pizza • Sushi • Cafés • Asiatic


"After living in Hornchurch all my life, I decided to try the Mandarin Palace with a friend on a Friday night. We chose the set menu and asked one of the servers if we were able to swap some of the dishes on the menu (for other items which were similar in price) and she said that this was not a problem. When another server came over to take the order we were told that we were only able to swap 2 dishes. The starters were good (satay chicken, seaweed, ribs, spring roll, sesame prawn toast) and so were the duck and pancakes.. the main dishes did not live up to the same expectations sadly. The dessert from the set menu was fruit and a blob of vanilla ice cream and we asked if we could swap this dessert for just some ice cream but this was refused. It was tinned fruit and nothing special, cheap vanilla ice cream with some squirty strawberry sauce on top, surrounded by a grape, a clementine segment and a small square of melon. I did not see how two scoops of chocolate ice cream would have been an issue. It is very clear on the menu that a discretionary 10% is added to the bill, however we did not wish to pay the service charge as we felt that the service was not anything special (and the fact we weren’t able to swap tinned fruit for some ice cream also) and we had already paid enough for our food as it was more expensive than other places in the area. When the bill arrived, I advised that we are just going to pay for our food/drinks and we do not wish to pay for the service charge and the server asked what the problem was. I said that there wasn’t a problem, it is because it is discretionary. She said that she would have to get the manager and walked off. When she returned with the amended bill, this was in a stroppy manner, nothing further was said and we were made to feel unwelcome. We paid the bill and when we left no one said goodbye. We will not be returning sadly. Attitude around a discretionary service charge, when the food is expensive already and average is not really acceptable. Would maybe expect this charge from a restaurant in central London, but not from a local Chinese."