Hall Farm

Reviews about Hall Farm

• 1 / 5

  By Claire Higgins
  Some establishments just don't deserve the business ... This morning I took a group of 14 cyclists from Clacton Cycling & Running Club over to Hall Farm Cafe for a coffee and cake stop on our 50 mile ride. We ride every Sunday and Hall Farm is one of the only places I use that won't reserve tables for us. Obviously with a large group of cyclists (there can be up to 20 of us) I can't risk getting to a place and being turned away so in order to work around this particular cafe stop I planned the ride so that we would get there 15 minutes before their opening time to avoid the risk of being turned away. We never know if we're going to get a puncture or a mechanical on route, hence the reason I thought it sensible to keep 15 minutes in hand. Yesterday, I rang them to warn them that we were coming and to ask if we arrived early, if we could sit down on the tables and chairs outside. The lady I spoke to asked if we would we just be wanting cake & hot drinks, to which I said "yes" and their reply was "if that's all you want I'm afraid it's not worth our while!" Unfortunately at that stage I wasn't able to change our ride plans (I'd already published them on our club web page) and I thought perhaps the lady on the phone was just having a bad day ... hopefully when we got there we might be made to feel a bit more welcome. Well I got that wrong! We arrived 15 minutes before they opened. I asked a member of staff if we could sit down outside, and I was firmly told "no". The reason given, they were still setting up. Well that was clearly just an excuse (or should I say a lie). From where we were all standing we could clearly view the outside seating area and they had already finished setting up. Condiments were already on the outside tables and between then and when they finally did open the doors, none of the members of staff came outside again. In fact, from what I could see staff were just standing around inside, waiting for the clock to strike 10am and not doing not much at all. I have to say I am very disappointed. I discovered this cafe about 18 months ago and have made several mid-week visits on my bike in the past (when there have just been a couple of us). I have recommended the cafe to family and friends and other cyclists. I was actually planning on taking my parents and some other relatives here for brunch in a couple of weeks. However, I won't be visiting again and it goes without saying I won't be recommending it anymore. It doesn't cost anything to be helpful and my request this morning would hardly have put anybody out. In future I shall use the Garden Tea Room at the Munnings Museum. The setting is equally as lovely, the cakes are delicious and all freshly made on the premises and most importantly, having now spoken with the owner, I know we will be made to feel very welcome. I will also add the food has always been expensive but since last time I visited the cake portion size has diminished by about 50% - value for money is now very poor.
  March 11, 2017
• 4 / 5

  By Sandra Bell
  Lovely farms shop incorporating butchers, deli, gifts and other delicious general food produce. Tearoom/restaurant and nature trail also on sight. Lovely setting and nice service, we were staying nearby and out walking for the day and our purchases were held for us to collect on our return later in the day.
  November 15, 2016
• 4 / 5

  By Thomas Gray
  Great service, great food and lovely location.
  July 24, 2016