Hippo's of Essex (17 February 2010)

We went to Loch Fyne - Chelmsford this Saturday of February 2010, the Valentine's Saturday if you like. The venue was calm, clean and pleasing on the eye, next home wares would be happy here. Our waiter was young and a little nervous as he had trouble pronouncing the cheese names but we kind of thought that was sweet. His attention to detail was perfect. Both my husband and I had completely different food and both enjoyed it immensely. The surf and turf was outstanding; rump steak and prawns both just melted in the mouth. My chocolate/orange tart was hard work, as it stuck to your mouth as it was very thick and rich but some chocoholics might like that. We will definitely go back again.

Peter Griggs (7 May 2008)

I booked a table for two at Loch Fyne, Chelmsford on a Saturday. We arrived promptly and were told wait at the bar. We sat for about ten minutes, so I went to the barman to order the drinks. He started to fill my order when a waitress came up with wine orders at which point he ignored me until the wines had been given to the waitress. We were eventually led to a table, which was cleaned while we waited. I had to carry both of our drinks to the table. We ordered our meal and then sat at the table for forty minutes till I caught the attention of the maitre d' and she sent a waitress to us. Customers who arrived after us had been served already. The wine that I had ordered was delivered promptly.

The food was inconsistent, my herrings were fine but my wife’s smoked duck had no pancetta and rocket, this was removed from our bill. Her salmon on whiskey sauce with mushrooms was overcooked and had few mushrooms. My moules marinieres too, was overcooked, and served without bread. The bill was presented as a lump sum so presumably service is charged on the food, the wine and the VAT. We paid our bill and left. My wife and daughter ate in Loch Fyne in Cambridge and had an excellent meal, which is the reason that we went to the Chelmsford branch.