Harvester Five Bells Vange Basildon Family Friendly

London Rd, Basildon SS16 5LD

About This Pub

You know, when it comes to Harvester Five Bells in Basildon, it's got that reliable pub restaurant charm that's perfect for catching up with family or friends over a meal. I love how they've nailed the food side of things – the rotisserie chicken is always juicy and full of flavour, and that unlimited salad bar lets you pile on the fresh bits to your heart's content. It's clear from the feedback that the service often shines, with staff members making an effort to be helpful and create a welcoming vibe. Plus, being so conveniently placed near local spots like the Eastgate Shopping Centre, it's a great excuse for a relaxed lunch or dinner without the fuss. On the flip side, though, it's not all smooth sailing; there are tales of food coming out undercooked, which is a real shame and could put you off. And let's not forget the odd seating blunder or menu gaps that don't quite cater to everyone, like missing out on certain dessert options. Overall, with a solid rating backing it up, I'd say it's worth popping in if you're nearby, as long as you go in with realistic expectations – the good moments definitely outweigh the bad, but it's good to be prepared for a mixed bag.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is generally spot on, with that mouthwatering rotisserie chicken and a brilliant unlimited salad bar that always hits the spot.
Service can be really friendly and attentive, like when Hannah went above and beyond to make sure everything was just right.
It's wonderfully family-friendly, with plenty of options for the little ones and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at ease.
The location's spot on, right near attractions like Wat Tyler Country Park, making it ideal for a casual bite after a day out.

Cons

There have been a few mishaps with food not being cooked properly, such as undercooked chicken, which is a bit of a letdown.
Seating arrangements aren't always ideal, like being stuck near the walkway with a buggy, which can make for an uncomfortable meal.
Some menu items fall short, like not having pouring cream for desserts, so it might not suit everyone's tastes.
The odd thing like dry rolls can crop up, showing that it's not perfect every time.

Contact Information

London Rd, Basildon SS16 5LD

+441268553162

Family friendly

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 22:00
Thursday	09:00 - 22:00
Friday	09:00 - 23:00
Saturday (Today)	09:00 - 23:00
Sunday	09:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Food was great, can't say we have had a bad meal there ever and we tend to go at least once a month. We had a lovely young lady called Hannah serve us last night and she was so good, very friendly, saw to our needs and was in general very helpful and we couldn't ask for more.

Louis Le Roux

First time attending. Was greeted with oh didn’t know about the buggy to then be placed by front door next to walk way and my child left by window. Secondly everything was going okay until food was served. Got half way through meal to find chicken was pink and raw. When mentioned the sever said that I assure food is checked and this is why he doesn’t choose chicken on menu. That’s not convincing. The chicken was bloody and pink and not to undermine my knowledge of cooking but that was not cooked. Server continued to say that this was how all the chickens looked when they come out. Even though it was pink it was edible. I’m sorry that wasn’t. Got offered a free desert for the distress. I mean thanks for the dessert but don’t undermine me. The chicken was not cooked. Admit it and move on. Lucky it wasn’t my child eating etc. because that’s not acceptable for anyone. Would I go back probably not as I wouldn’t order chicken again.

Sheree Joseph

Service is always good here I came on my birthday and was very much looking forward to chocolate fudge cake but you don’t have pouring cream so I think you could change some of your desert menu to suit everybody as not everybody likes ice cream or can cream

Natalia Anne Henry

Lovely quant little place. We went for a late lunch, shown to a booth, the waitress took our order, we went for our salad, which was all freshly renewed, lots of sauce toppings to choose from, the only criticism was that the rolls were a little dry and hard, but apart from that, everything was fantastic, our meals arrived, they were plentiful, piping hot and soooo delicious, we haven’t been to a harvester, for a few years, and to be fair, we had a really great time, we will definitely, be back again. Highly recommend, give star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Keith Dredge

We had a lovely meal here. Was impressed with the food after having some negative experiences at other harvesters. The service was friendly and efficient. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. Refillable soft drinks is always plus. Thoroughly enjoyed and will go back.

Scott Aquilina