The Orchard

Went for an early Sunday evening dinner at The Orchard, not knowing what to expect. The menu was mainly Sunday roasts although there were some other alternatives (eg lemon sole).

The beef roast was outstanding and stands up well against many neighbourhood gastropubs. One of our party had the sole and said it was also excellent.

A simple passion fruit tart plus saffron steamed puddings for dessert also went down a treat.

Our bill four 4 x 2 courses with bottle of wine plus one soft drink came to an average £115.

I noted they serve a range of craft beers - although priced as such. A Barry Island IPA by Brains was just over £4 for a bottle.

Overall a very good experience for a local restaurant and highly recommended to locals.
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Daniel - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 21, 2013

The main problem with The Orchard is that it's always fully booked! I'm a regular and the food is very good and often outstanding- its got better over the last year. Portion sizes are sometimes small and the prices have gone up - but the food is the best around here.
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6 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Friday, April 19, 2013

There's some negative comments about this place on here that I really disagree with, so I'll speak up for the Orchard.

It's improved so much in the last year, and although the prices have gone up, that's to be expected. Food here is better than it was. I haven't noticed portion sizes go down, though I think the Foodies are talking about a recent lamb dish which was on the small side. On Friday the same dish was with lamb chops and much bigger, so if looks like they've listened - which is good! I'm always filled.

Some of the staff changed recently. Maybe that's why service was off for a while - but it seems better.

It's really easy to go online and sling mud. But this place is family friendly, dies very good food and is NOT the same price as the west end. It's popular because us locals like it. If we have a problem we should tell them directly, otherwise we'll lose it and have nothing local. (Look at the Gantry nearby, they listened to customers and are much better.)

Face it folks, food ain't as cheap as it was. We all know that.
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marc - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, March 31, 2013

Been here before and enjoyed it, but visit March 2013 showed poor service, so so food and TINY portions. Portions so small we queried whether we'd been given the kid's meal. Had to go from here to a pizza place to get a meal!
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1 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Saturday, March 30, 2013

We visited this restaurant for the second time, although the food is very good and the service excellent we found that the portion sizes had reduced dramatically - very disappointing considering the price for my main was £17 and all I got on the plate accompanying the dish was a couple of new pots and a smidgin of veg - why skimp on veg when it cost the fraction of the price to meat? This would have made mine/our experience so much more enjoyable - quite frankly we feel ripped off :(

unless the chef expects you to add side orders which would have made my meal cost in the region of a Michelin star restaurant!?! Even my sister has complained about how expensive she finds this place and she is a veggie!!!

Really sad as i would love to go back but just too expensive for us with kids to think of and a mortgage etc...
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The Foodies
5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I visit The Orchard fairly frequently and am surprised to read some of the reviews here as I always find the staff so accommodating. I have a young child and the staff are always really friendly and helpful with us, I have never experienced the bad service mentioned. They can get quite busy at times but I always find this gives the place its brilliant atmosphere. The food is always lovely and fresh and I have had many a good evening there with my husband and friends.

It really is an asset to the local area and I feel very lucky to have it on my doorstep.
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Jill - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 07, 2013

I think that The Orchard is overrated. I have been in there three times, and on each occasion have had issues with the service. They really don't care and clearly see the place as just a job to wind away the hours. They have twice cleared out the diners on account of it being 30 mins to closing. We were once rudely refused entry for a drink as it was an hour to closing. Actually The Gantry 1 min walk away is far better.
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Angela
3 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Personally, I am with 'anon and on'. It is so sad to see this place go downhill so rapidly.

I have lived in Brockley for a few years and have been a regular at the Orchard for the past 18 months or so. I must say, they have really let standards slip over the last few months. There has been a change in staff and there appears to be a surly, unhelpful feeling amongst them. I cannot help but think they sorely need to employ hospitality professionals as opposed to the assorted students the currently have.

A good example of this poor attitiude would be the way they aggressively throw people out at closing time, constantly referring to everyone as 'guys' regardless of age or gender. Quite patronising, especially after paying over the odds for simple fare.

The Orchard charge West End prices for average food and sloppy service. I worked in the luxury hospitality sector for many years and understand that establishments base their prices on the overall experience (including service) and not just what they think the aspirational clientele will shell out.

In fairness, there are one or two good individuals but that is the problem, there is no consistency there. They are coasting along in the full knowledge that there is no alternative in Brockley. Yet.
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Chris - View all reviews by this user
3 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Friday, February 22, 2013

Have to disagree with the review below, not the Orchard I recognise.

Yes it can be busy, but it's a popular place. Staff are always pleasant and friendly, and I don't think the food is average, I think it's good quality.

The Orchard is always reliable.
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James
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 04, 2013

I was very disappointed to be moved from my table for four i had just sat at waiting for my friends by a rude waiter. Claiming that it was reserved when it had no sign on it put a downer on the evening. Food was average and it was too busy for comfort.
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anon and on
4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, January 16, 2013