Ego At Running Mare, Chelmsford

Eight of us came for Sunday Dinner, it was very good (much better than expected) Plenty of choice on the menu Our food was well cooked, nicely presented and a good portion size. Service was a little slow but the restaurant was fully booked. A good selection of drinks. All the staff were very friendly and polite. Child friendly. Clean toilets and entry of parking. Recommended. If you sign up to their website, you get 20% off. Conditions apply

Good value if you make use of one of their offers, e.g. Monday lunchtime or BOGOF birthday 3-course a la carte meal, otherwise quite expensive, a place to go for a special occasion. The food is very good and the place is always busy, with a good atmosphere. The staff are always friendly, but if you're going with an offer make sure they know all about it before asking for the bill, or else you will have the awkwardness of getting the bill corrected, not a great end to an enjoyable meal.

I was a lady alone (friends name above not mine Lisa) with my Assistance Dog I came in for Lunch Saturday 30th after 12 noon. I hadn't booked, I tried but was slow online. I was greeted by John very well and was told the dog friendly area is to the right, even with an Assistance dog whom should have most access. I sat at my table, I was treating myself and usually enjoy my time eating out with my pup, I was not told or don't recall hearing it was a 20 min wait. I asked John and Ann Marie if there was another table as it was really quite loud for me. (Having an Assistance dog should have indicated awareness to noise or some issue). I sat as I was told, I ordered my glass of Chardonnay and ordered my Lemon Milanese. I enjoyed my meal, ambiance, service and John said he was glad he hadn't cancelled any staff. I ordered a Eton Mess and Water and my head began to ring due to the noise as previously mentioned, I waited for 20 mins reminded Ann Marie of the water and ordered the bill, I was ready to leave by then. I reminded her I hadn't received my Eton Mess even though I asked for the bill, she confirmed this, only my water came. I thought they forgot, no-one reiterated it would be 20 mins or more for the dessert, the restaurant was getting empty at 230pm. I put my jacket on, left the money, minus the Eton Mess. My hand was on the exit door and Ann Marie came rushing with the Eton Mess. An awkward moment for anyone & rather spoilt my meal because then her voice raised & people behind her turned to hear what was going on. I was embarrassed, she stated 20 mins was told to me, I said I didn't hear as it was loud and it wasn't a good moment for me. Embarrassing sadly, pity coz my heads still ringing at 4pm and also I usually tip well, I have a Degree in Hospitality Management I get it, I will return and thought the overall Hospitality was very professional perhaps just some awareness and training on people with mental health conditions, would be useful as you cannot see all disabilities!

Impromptu visit based on a friend's recommendation & was in close proximity. Set lunch menu good value. Would have expected a 'check in' from staff during meal. Chicken Supreme was tasty - swapped out new pots for extra veg. Mum v much enjoyed King Prawn Chilli Linguine 🌶 Lemon tart & sticky toffee pud for dessert . Tart wasn't packing as much lemon flavour as I would have liked but nice. Pud, I'm told, was delicious 😋 Didn't appreciate young staff talking loudly to each other whilst clearing tables. Unprofessional & adds nothing to your dining experience! 8.9.23 - somewhat baffled by owners response.

Me and my family visited today and we cannot fault our experience! From the booking process to paying the bill it was stress free, easy and the service was exceptional. We brought our elderly Nan with us who is nervous in public places due to her ongoing fear of COVID, the table I booked was semi private and was near a door meaning there was lots of ventilation. It eased everyone knowing that we felt looked after. The staff were so welcoming, friendly and made us laugh. They are a credit to the restaurant! The food was very tasty and good portion sizes, the children were very happy with their food (and they can be very picky!) Another observation was that the loos were very clean and well stocked, which says to me that hygiene is a top priority to the restaurant. We look forward to visiting again soon, I'm keen to try the Sunday roast next! Thanks again ☺️

The place was packed on a Monday night... Generally a good sign for a restaurant... the Monday special offer was unbelievably good. There were four of us, shared starters, 4 mains and shared desserts with 2 rounds of drinks and 2 large bottles of water... Less than £150 inc. a tip. We have had terrible experiences for almost double the price in recent time so this is worth writing about. Service was fantastic (special mention for Sarah who was attentive and knowledgeable about the food). The food was really good and all plates were cleaned. Special mentions for the rotated salmon and the rib eye steak (worth every penny of the extra £4 on the Monday offer) and, on Sarah's recommendation, the Sicilian Lemon Tart was not too sweet, sharp lemon flavour and very light. A great way to finish the meal. There were so many tempting options on the menu... We'll be back... Soon... Thanks for making it a great Monday night out!