All reader reviews by Happygit

The Headley

The Headley is a lovely pub/ restaurant not far from Brentwood. Brentwood is a fairly affluent area and this is the market that The Headley is aiming for in its modern, brown leather contemporary look.

In food quality they have hit the bullseye. Both mine and my partners meals were nothing short of excellent.

What lets The Headley down was the service. I have never experienced service like it. It started with us being taken to our table and the front of house literally jogging in front, so much so that we lost sight of him. When we did eventually catch up with him at our table, it was not ready so we had to stand at the table while they set it.

We were not shown a wine list either while waiting for our table or even after we had ordered our food. When I asked for one, the polite waiter just turned round and said he did not deal with that and walked off.

We then waited over 30 minutes for coffee's, which when enquired where they were after waiting about 15 minutes we were sharply told by the front of house man that they would be coming, which of course they didn't for another 15 minutes.

All around us people were argueing with staff over the levels of service, in fact people that were waiting to sit down actually just left due to having waited over an hour for a table they had booked. For the prices they were charging you expect great food and an outstanding service. Both me and my wife were disappointed.

Friday, June 08, 2007
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3

Galvin

If you are looking for authentic French cuisine then this is the restaurant for you. When you enter its like you have crossed the channel. Firstly when taking the booking they were the height of politeness and extremely helpful. Upon arrival they welcome you like your a regular and a close friend. The waiters are attentive and excellent in their knowledge. The food, well who can describe how mouth wateringly brilliant it is. Needless to say I will be back. Dinner for 4, 3 courses each, apperitiffs, wine and brandy to finish was £250. I feel for what you get its a bargain. Go and you won't dissappointed.

Friday, June 02, 2006
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Andrew Edmunds

Me and my wife tried this restaurant after reading all the rave reviews. On the whole I would agree with all of them. The food is good as is the service and is overall excellent value. Our meal came to £93 and for that we had 3 courses each, a bottle of champagne and dessert wines, it also included service charge which is an optional 12.5%. We ate downstairs, even though it is a tiny space it still felt private. My only 2 negatives are that the next day our clothes smelt of cooking amd my mash was terrible, however it is my experience that chefs can not make mash so this was not a great shock.

Friday, February 24, 2006
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8