The Bell Chimes - Carte

Vitta Bella East Hanningfield

➤ The Tye, CM3 8AF, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Carte • Pasta • Steak • Italian • Vegetarian

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"Grazie Vita Bella, grazie We’ve just celebrated my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary at Vita Bella at relatively short notice due to some unforeseen circumstances meaning that our original plans had to be changed. However, in hindsight it was very fortuitous that our plans had to be changed and that we ended up at Vita Bella – it’s an absolute gem of a restaurant. Food first: fresh, delicately cooked, extremely well presented – exquisite. The chef and his team are clearly passionate about the menu they deliver. Wines: a varied (but not unnecessarily overwhelming) choice. Stick to the Italian wines though – it feels somewhat inappropriate to choose anything else! Finally, service: absolutely impeccable attentive without being imposing; courteous, efficient and very professional throughout our meal – impressive considering the restaurant was full by 7:30 and remained so until we left just under 3 hours later (which should be used as a barometer of the overall quality of Vita Bella). And if like us, you think it’s only polite to engage with the staff as people rather than just seeing the staff as being there to serve you, then you’d have to go a long way to find a restaurant that you’ll feel so welcome in. To Ciprian and the team, one again – grazie. It was out first visit, but certainly won’t be our last. Cinque stelle signore."

Mexican Kitchen

➤ 9 Runwell Road, Wickford I-SS11 7PS, United Kingdom

Carte • Sushi • Kebab • Cafés • Mexican

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"The food was tasty and portion sizes meant a starter and large main left us feeling pleasantly full however... I would unfortunately say that though the waiters were polite and good with providing drinks (using the service button on the table to get their attention), getting food was incredibly slow. We were a group of 10 and had booked a couple of weeks in advance we ordered starters and mains, but despite having a 7pm booking we didn't get mains until around 9pm. It was fine but noticeably slow with no mention of a wait when booking our table, or updates from staff on how long it'd be. It made matters worse as we saw other people turn up after we ordered, and still receive their starters and mains before we had ours. We'll likely go back, but definitely in smaller groups."

The Whalebone Pub and Scrimshaws

➤ Old Wickford Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Carte • Pub • Cafés • Steak • British

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"We visited today for lunch and we were really disappointed. The garlic bread starter was not toasted/cooked at all and just tasted doughy and dry, the soup had no flavour. The roast dinner was disappointing, the chicken was pink, the roast potatoes were undercooked and hard and the gravy was very thin. I had fish and chips which was ok but it was nothing like we’d had before when eating here. I wonder whether they have changed chef or food supplier in the last few months as the quality has gone way down. I can understand a reduced menu but when the food on that is poor, I’m not sure what the point is. What bothered me most of all though was the fact they had taken a booking for 18 people for a baby shower which goes against all guidelines and was loud and disturbing for everyone else in restaurant. I can’t understand how they thought that was acceptable. While I am all for supporting local, I cannot see us returning again. The wait staff were really nice and helpful at least."

The Folly Bistro

➤ United Kingdom, Chelmsford

Carte • Steak • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

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"beautiful Sunday dinner with friends family. eating was fabulous .we all tried a pretty variation. the roast beef lamb were both full of taste delicate with perfect roast potatoes, a hearty yorkshire steamed veg. the chicken breast was tasted as beautiful as well. the fish was coated in a crispy beacon with chips, which were crunchy on the outside, but soft fluffy tomato inside. we enjoyed a selection at desserts every taste delicious. beautiful atmosphere with great service by friendly staff....a real tasty bites!"

Downham Hall

➤ Downham Hall Farm Castledon Road, Downham I-CM11 1LG, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Drinks • Coffee • British

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"We were looking for a location to host our late mother’s wake and were impressed with the venue from our very first visit. The venue itself is lovely, great interiors, garden and patio area, with lovely views of the surrounding area. From our initial visit and through the many follow-up calls when we were fine tuning the event and seeking their advice, the staff were always very helpful and patient. As we were expecting 80 or so attendees we decided to have the wake in their on-site marquee and this worked wonderfully for us. We spoke to Ben and he helped us plan the catering and the drinks ensuring that we had sufficient options for vegetarians, vegans and those with gluten intolerance. Ben and the other staff really could not be more helpful. The food and service on the day was absolutely excellent with so many of the attendees commenting on how lovely the food and the venue was. A truly excellent venue, I look forward to returning here on a more joyful occasion to sample their afternoon teas and restaurant offerings."