Pinchos, Chelmsford

Pinchos is a restaurant bar that we first frequented 17 years ago in Rayleigh. We spent so many memorable evenings whether it be eating or just having drinks with friends. When the owners moved on it left a big hole never to be filled by any newcomers. Ten or so years on we dropped in for lunch and were met by Beverley who gave us the same lovely welcome as always. The lunchtime special was brilliant, great tapas great value. We are returning this weekend with friends for what we know will be a a special evening and look forward to listening to Juan sing.

John and Di

Mick,

Had lunch at Pinchos yesterday 27th Sept this was the third time we had visited this bar for a lunchtime wine and tapas, we were greeted by the owners Juan and Beverly who made us very welcome, we like to sit outside, it was a nice day but a little chilly at times, Juan laid tables for us under a large canopy and switched on the attached heaters, felt like a summers day.

There were 4 of us so we had a selection of 9 dishes from the extensive tapas menu, (lunchtime special of any 3 tapas for £9.50)we were spoilt for choice, so many options,the food was typically Spanish, cooked fresh, from fresh ingredients locally sourced, we eat Spanish style when in Spain, but Pinchos is as good as it gets.

The owners were friendly and attentive, and were enthusiastic about their Spanish cuisine.

Pinchos is likened to dining in a typical Spanish pavement bar, just chatting with friends, eating, drinking, and watching the world go by, my kind of world.

Apart from 9 tapas dishes,we had 2 bottles of wine, 4 "puddings" (desserts) (bannana filled pancakes drizzled with Maple syrup and vanilla ice cream,) ending up with 4 coffees,total bill, £92.00=£23.00 per head, very reasonable for an enjoyable, leisurely 2/3 hours.

We went to Pincho's last night for my birthday on the basis of all the great reviews online. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the restaurant a pleasant place to sit. We had olives, hot nuts and bread and oil to start, all of which were fine. The main problem was with the main course. We all had the Paella Valenciana which I was convinced was going to be fantastic. Sadly, this was not the case. Lovers of Spanish food will be surprised to learn that it was made with long grain rice, not arborio, and tasted as if it was flavoured with star anise rather than saffron. It contained diced chicken breast, a few tiny mussels, a few squid rings, onion and not much else. A couple of large prawns on the top of each large portion (to serve 2) was all that remained. Where were the other prawns, the chorizo, the peas and the flavour? I had ice-cream to follow and most of the others had warm pancakes with banana and maple syrup. I think there must have been an issue with these as no-one said anything and I imagine this was not to spoil my birthday. I would return to try the tapas as I have heard they are good but my expectations will be lower next time.

We always find excellent food, very good service and this day and age good value for money. The staff could not do enough for us. That's why we come back. KM

Really enjoyed the whole evening, the food was excellent and the staff were so friendly and welcoming. This was our first time at Pincho's, but it won't be our last. The live music added a fantastic touch.

This was a birthday treat and it did not disappoint. The service was perfect and the food superb. It was all freshly cooked, no boil in the bag rubbish and was as good as anything we have had in Spain, if not better. It was really relaxed and altogether splendid!

The service was just about right, attentive when it needed to be and quietly there just in case.

I have worked as longhaul cabin crew for British Airways and dined in the best restaurants all over the world, Pinchos has to be on my list of favourites. The ambience, the warm and welcoming service, the wonderful spanish food and on a Fridays and Saturdays live music from about 9.30 ish to created that spanish atmosphere that only a true Tapas Bar can offer.

In the summer, to sit outside (which is a suntrap) and watch the world go by sipping a glass of cool white wine - a lunch time experience that could last well in to the evening. On Tuesdays - Its Salsa time - a fabulous experience.

I have spent many a lunch/dinner at Pinchos and I would recommend a visit, I'm sure you will be of the same opinion - A Wonderful Experience.

Friendly, good atmosphere, good entertainment on a sat night with a singer. Overall a very good dining experience.

I have eaten in many restaurants in Chelmsford and this one is my favourite. There are so many "up market "restaurants in the vicinity that are so busy looking pretentious, they have forgotten what people are going there for - ambiance and great food without being overpriced. Pinchos does that! Well done.

The food is fabulous especially after dining in tapas restaurants this one stands out by far. The sea food paella [vallenciana] my goodness, fantastic. We had other selections and the chefs specials. COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEFS. The service was spot on. Pinchos restaurant stands out because after a nice meal and good service we get to experience a mellow, exciting mood of the live music. I would recommend anyone to go there and see for yourself.