I booked this restaurant thinking it would be some top bistro but it wasn't quite that. The food wasn't bad and it well price but it wasn't amazing. I had the scallops for starter which were on the greasy side and disappointing. The cod with seafood risotto and pink ginger was actually really nice. The place lacked atmosphere and it... More

Visited the Essence on Saturday night. Booked a table online through a very painless app and received an email confirmation very quickly. Got to the restaurant and were seated at a nice table downstairs with a view of the bar and kitchen (which allowed a great view of the food coming out!). The 3 key things that impressed me with... More

This is managed in a very professional manner with excellent staff, the decor has been well designed and planned with the tables not too close together and very comfortable seating. The menu is not very big but all the food was very tasty and well presented. I will return.

That just about sums it up. The food is ok - nothing offensive but nothing stood out. The liver and the duck were overcooked. The risotto starter was not freshly prepared it arrived at the table too quick for that, also the boiled egg that accompanied it was stone cold and didn't complement the spicy rice at all. The wine... More

Booked in advance online (no hassle) for my wife's birthday asking for a nice table. Arrived and the manager, as soon as we said the name congratulated my wife on her birthday. It was a nice touch that set up the rest of the evening. The food was excellent, all freshly cooked. I was indecisive about my main but went... More

We went here for our Anniversary and had a great night. It's not the cheapest restaurant you will find but I truly believe when it comes to food you pay for what you get. The meal looked great on the plate, was cooked to perfection and had some nice original touches I've not seen before. The champagne was chilled to... More

Had a good lunch there on Monday, the whitebait was delicious and freshly cooked, the prawn cocktail was excellent. The chicken casserole was superb and the fish and chips was great though the chips were a bit soggy as the fish was on top causing that. Steak and ale pie was delicious, just missing the pastry topping. Lemon tart was... More

Took my mother in law for her 70th birthday. I booked solely on reviews as I had not been to Stratford for years. It didn't disappointed, the food was excellent, good choice and very good value. Service was attentive but not over bearing - it was super!

We went to this restaurant with high expectations and we weren't disappointed. It excelled in every department. My 8 year old daughter really enjoyed her meal, cornflake chicken strips with hand cut chips, my steak was done to a turn and my wife's vegetarian frittata was excellent. Staff we're great, really attentive without being over bearing. We cannot recommend this... More