Halfway House, Southend-on-Sea

We went to the Halfway house in Southend-On-Sea in Essex along the seafront for a sunday carvery at 18:30pm.

Upon first entry we were stood standing at the desk waiting to be seated for a while, we were advised that there was a waiting list for tables so we chose to eat in the bar.

There was only one member of staff serving at the bar so it took a while to be served, then when we were served we were not handed the tickets for the carvery that we had paid for so once again had to go back to the bar and wait again to be served to collect the tickets. Once we made our way into the eating area where the carvery was being served looking around half the room was empty, clearly not overbooked so they had lied about the waiting list for a table.

The chef had to be called out from the kitchen and when finally showed up there was no greeting or smile, instead asked straight for the ticket to show that the meal had been paid for. He was blunt and rude not bothering to speak up so anyone with hard hearing would not have been able to understand. There were four different meats to choose from but was not advised that we could only choose three out of the four and when asked for a bit of each he was very short with his words displaying a disgusting attitude. The parsnips and carrots were hard and under cooked, the gravy was cold and the selection of food was limited to choose from. In general it looked like the food had been sitting there for a while unattended.

The cutlery was sparse and not kept topped up. The butter knives had been mixed in with the cutting knives so you found yourself rummaging around for ages trying to find the right knives and there was only a couple of spoons and forks.

I would certainly not recommend this etablishment to anyone as the service and food was rubbish and far below satisfatory standards. Considering this establishment is a family environment i have seen better service and staff even in Macdonalds!

A truly great carvery experience all the staff are fantastic, myself and family eat here every sunday and sometimes on a staurday night. The main menu is great too!!! I have heard that they are going to launch caberet nights here with the first starting in feb, we will definatley be attending!!!

Was disapointed as was put at a table wich was in the wrong place as it was in the walkway by the till and the bar was drafty as the door was openning every few minutes had to duck every time i got up due to shandolear was right above my head. As this was a christmas treat from our son we put up with it but was'nt happy about it the food was not very hot eather.

A Sunday night - not too busy so I wouldn't have expected the ridiculous wait between ordering and arrival of starter (just one starter), which must have been 40 minutes. Food actually wasn't bad - I took a chance on rib-eye steak and it was fine. Service was friendly but not very attentive. Overall I'm afraid it wasn't a great experience.

empty on asaturday night,we soon found out as to why.

arking and location is fantastic,sadly the food quality s dire.I took a friend there to cheer her up,but confusion was apparent immediately when two waitresses thought they were serving us,and the drinks still got fogotten and one never arrived at all.

Its been 10 years msince i had to send food back,the rump steak was likr rubber and the replacement fish,batter done to a deep brown and very little fish.

the niggles continued,and i wont bore with them,but it spoiled what was to be a special evening,through all this the staff were polite and accommodating,bt management /cook need replacing...i have been in 5 star cating for many years and this is the worst ever and thats saying something

I'd read a few negative reviews of this place, but as I was staying nearby and had been in for a drink previously and thought the place looked good and menu seemed fine I thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt. Big mistake. I ordered my food, a mixed grill, at 7:45; it arrived at 8:30 just as I was getting up to tell them not to bother bringing it. The chicken was very dry, the sausage and black pudding stone cold, the steak which I had requested rare was well done and not once did anyone come to ask if I was enjoying my meal. When I had eaten as much as I could stomach I sat for a further 30 minutes finishing my drink and up to the point of my leaving the dirty plates were still on the table. I eat out regularly due to working away from home and this is one of the worst places I have dined. Overpriced, poor food, abysmal service...avoid. Either of the two Chinese restaurants a few doors down are a much better bet.

we have been going to the halfway house for many years we have always been looked after and had great service.we tried the new menu in a word brilliant.this is the only restaurant /carvery where you can get fresh pigeon Brest that i know of.

my family frequently eat at the halfway house the service is good and has a friendly atmosphere it is always welcoming. the deserts are just heavenly i can not get enough of them

We go to the halfway house to celebrate birthdays and anniversary s i must say the new menu looks great i had the veg lasagne my husband had the cod loan lovely.the waitress was lovely as usual 5 stars

Went last Sunday what a shock staff genuinely really pleased to see us.service was out of this world the waitress got some crayons for our daughter which meant we could look at the menu in peace the food was great the children s menu did the job of keep our little one happy.we will diffidently be coming back