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Hours
Sun
11:00 - 23:00
Mon
11:00 - 23:00
Tue
11:00 - 23:00
Wed
11:00 - 23:00
Thu
11:00 - 23:00
Fri
11:00 - 23:00
Sat
11:00 - 23:00
Ratings and reviews
3.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Is this restaurant good for large groups?
Details
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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3.5
440 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
119
Average
63
Poor
40
Terrible
57
Terri D
Walton-on-the-Naze555 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I had the liver which was on the specials board and my husband had a burger. He liked his meal but mine was not nice at all. The liver was really, really hard and I could not eat it. The gravy was too thick and had a thick skin on it. The waitress did take the price of our drinks off of the bill to compensate when I told her that the liver was hard and she did offer to replace it. We had waited quite a while for the food so I wasn’t going to wait for another meal to be prepared.
Would I return? Not in the near future.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea G
Essex15 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We joined the queue outside (because of social distancing). I didn't think it would take long to get inside and seated and I was right. I noticed that after some time, my partner and I were the only table without drinks. Finally, the waitress came over and took our drinks orders.
I enjoyed my meal and would have had a dessert too because there seemed to be a good choice but I was too full!
I was glad that we had decided to come to the Lock and Barrel, because the last time we had been was back in 2014 and I remember enjoying my meal then too.
The eat out to help out scheme meant that our bill was very low priced and I was very pleased about that.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter K
7 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
On high street,with on street parking had 2 physically impaired relatives,so handy.Arrived just after 14:00 on Wednesday 6th December 23. My first visit to venue, inside was clean ,spacious, not loads of dining tables and was quarter full of customers eating. Starters 2 out 3 don't have grilled prawns as not done look like frozen stuck on a bit of salad( not worth it) .Main meals were Okay, shepherds pie was tasteless according to my relative, my pork loin was good apart from pok chou could of been pan fried,grilled, as near enough raw, daphanaise potatoes was nice another 5mins cooking would of been better as potatoes were a bit hard. Deserts good. The staff which was mainly 2 serving, did apologized for delays and waiting time as it did take long time for ordering, getting meals,drinks, paying for bill, was getting concerned at a point as 2 hours on blue badge running out of time. I would also state that we didn't know the procedure for ordering saw food menus on bar,not on tables, no daily specials/offers, had to keep getting member of staff attention or going to bar for services. The toilets could be more cleaner,smell nicer,as dirty,wet floor completely freezing as outside ammindites. The worst thing I saw as where I was sitting,see in the food service area were members of staff taking chips? Off customer plates then munching when plating on table with customers meals. The pricing is at a peak as stated home-made, I guess cooked to order(fresh)? I don't think I be returning as first impression and standards were poor, couldn't figure out if trying to be a first class restaurant or local pub missed view of business impression. I would email the establishment with review , don't have....
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gillianna
Clacton-on-Sea4 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
If you like to be shouted at and embarrassed in front of other diners, this is the restaurant to go to.
I was taking my friend and her husband on their first visit to Frinton and after a lovely walk around the town, decided to stop here for coffee and snacks as I had previously been here before lockdown and all was good. We entered all wearing our masks and chatting about what to order, and did not see a sign saying wait here to be served. We were only a couple of steps inside the restaurant when the waitress bellowed at us "you must wait by the sign, you are not allowed to just wonder in", she came rushing over to us as if we were naughty school children, loudly asking" what do you want". I saw other diners looking at us, and decided that I didn't wish to be embarrassed any further so told her we would go elsewhere.
I completely understand that we should have waited by the sign but we were all wearing a mask and all wearing glasses that steam up as soon as you enter somewhere warm so simply did not see the sign. We ended up at a café just a few yards further up which was lovely coffee and cake at half the price we would have paid and didn't get shouted at which is always a bonus.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielNistor
Hello, this is the answer of the waitress who served you that day.
"I just want to let you know that this was me yesterday - they walked in and I went over and said ‘do you mind just waiting at the door guys I’ll come over to you as we need to take contact details’ not shouting, they said rudely ‘oh well we didn’t see that’ and then they went over and I said ‘were you looking for food or just a drink’ and they went oh we won’t bother and stormed out".
I really need to add to this. There is a massive A board at the door. As you walk in. Be safe.
Kind regards
Written 1 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron W
Frinton-On-Sea17 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
I give up on this pub. We keep on giving this pub another chance, but each time we are so disappointed, there was 8 of for Sunday lunch, after having to wait quite a time it rolls up Luke warm on cold plates, I had beef, I think it was beef, it was horrible, others had lamb and that was no better, it’s such a shame it’s the only pub in Frinton, how can they get it so wrong, plus I don’t know where the manager is but he is never to be seen. We will try again in 6 months to see if it as improved
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda F
London39 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We had a table booked for lunch . We were sat at a table and told they would take drinks order and give us menus.This did not happen so after 20 mins ( and desperate for drink very hot day ) I had to go and ask .
In the meantime people sat outside ( no table booked ) and had drink and food order taken
We finally got drinks and had to wait 40 mins for food
My calamari was in a bowl with half lemon on side no tartare or sweet chilli on side as stated on menu or even a garnish
The food and drink wait totally unacceptable and people off street get served before those that have booked
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielNistor
Hello.
Service is provided on a first come first serve basis, regardless of the fact that people have booked or not. If "people off the street" entered the premises before you they will be served first. Simple common courtesy.
Regarding the calamari if it was a problem regarding quality then complaints would be handled by the staff on the spot and any issues would be rectified asap if a complaint was made at the first opportunity.
As for the wait i'm sure it was quite apparent how busy we were, we are not a fast food establishment nor a drive through so i'm sure you can appreciate that fresh food won't be ready in 5 minutes especially when busy.
Regards.
Written 15 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RGBarG
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
Frinton is a lovely place and it deserves better than the Lock and Barrel. Nothing about it reflects the character of the town with disinterested staff and second rate food. None of the dishes look like they had been prepared by a chef and instead appeared more like an exercise in heating up food in a microwave.
My daughters steak was incredibly dry and tough and looked like it had been in the fridge too long. It was rump steak even though the menu said sirloin and we were told the cost was the same. She wasn’t even offered the children’s menu which we discovered later.
My Green Curry consisted mainly of rice and naan bread with the almost non existent curry hidden underneath. The naan was extremely dry and none of it seemed freshly prepared.
It was a Eat out to Help Out night and luckily it was discounted because there is no way I would have paid the full cost of the meal.
Its a great venue for eating out sadly spoilt by a poor attitude towards the quality of the food and it’s customers.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littlemisssdc
Essex2 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Food was AMAZING!!! Huge portions and so much choice! Something for everyone.! We had our lunch at 1pm, and with a large family of particularly fussy eaters with very high standards; we were all very happy. Absolutely no complaints.
Peaceful and calm atmosphere. Friendly staff. Clean, and welcoming.
We are definitely going again.!
Footnote: although I’ve been here for a drinks before I had never eaten so that’s another box ticked for the Lock and Barrel.
Would absolutely recommend. Big thumbs up!
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian
United Kingdom2 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We came in here for some food.
My wife ordered the ceasar salad.
When it arrived Lettuce was brown on edges croutons were home made toast cut into squares not crunchy at all .
No parmasan cheese with it and very little else mixed with it .
Waitress was very apologetic and went and got a new salad but still was overpriced at £7.95 for the amount of salad in bowl.
Do Not order this for sure.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielNistor
Hello
I know that we had a complaint about this..
I don't really know what you are referring at when you say "very little else mixed with it".
Normally the Caesar Salad, comes with croutons, lettuce, parmesan shavings and Caesar Dressing..
Nothing else.. i am really sorry that we are not putting any onions, tomatoes or "something else" in that salad, as you were expected.. and i can assure you, that your Caesar Salad had Parmesan shavings on it.
Hope that next time you will choose something else from the menu.
Kind regards
Written 5 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annette H
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
We had booked prior to arriving,for a Sunday lunch before going to a Spa. Having been here before,I had rated the food to my mother as good. However, today that was not the case at all,my mother ordered the Roast Beef and I ordered Chicken pie.
When the food arrived the almost not existent vegetables were mushy, consisting of 2 slices of carrot, 1 piece of broccoli and cauliflower. When my mum tried to cut into the potatoes,she was unable to cut through the potatoes, the skins were very hard layer (not crispy) and leathery.
My pie collapsed as it was so soft and clearly had been microwaved.
We raised our concerns and were given the opportunity to change the meals,I opted for the pie but to be baked rather than microwaved and my mother chose Speghetti bolognese. Once again when the food arrived it was very much below par for my mother,it was not speghetti but tagliatelle and a mass of mince stirred in, this did not resemble a bolognese at all and it was luke warm.
My pie was better but by this time we had lost our appetite and once again raised our concerns we were encouraged to complain by the restaurant staff.
We were also told that the regular chef was not in today. Whilst we could have understood if this chef was untrained with the delivery of this food, however the person was the Chef for the whole restaurant!
We were not offered any money back,just a free coffee and we decided to decline the offer and by which time we just wanted to leave.
We would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia W
2 contributions
May 2020 • none
Collected two roast lamb sunday roasts from Lock and Barrel today. Got them home and plated them they were absolutely amazing, they even gave us mint sauce and gravy cannot fault meal at all was delicious would certainly recommend trying them. Looking forward to them opening up again all meals are great
Written 10 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lewis
Frinton-On-Sea6 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
The Pub itself is nice. The lad that served me was polite.
We went here for the food. Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as i expected. My partner ate her hunters chicken purely out of hunger. I also had hunters chicken however unlike my partner i didn't enjoy it. I certainly wouldn't call it hunters chicken.
Hunters chicken has bacon on it, some form if hunters/smoky bbq sauce. Even a smokey hunters sauce. That was lacking. IF any was there. It had a LOT of cheap cheese on top. An what looked like ketchup on top too. The side salad presentation was... well. There was none. It looks like it was mixed in a bowl and just spread over a section of the plate. For £11.95 this is unexeptable to be honest. I used to work in a pub in Hertfordshire an we did a hunters chicken dinner for £6.95 including a free dessert plus i made the hunter sauce myself, compared to that, the meal at lock an barrel was shameful.
Its a shame to be honest, the chicken breast itself was decently cooked.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie S
4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
My partner and I spent a pleasant day on Tuesday at Frinton on sea. We found a lovely pub called the Lock and barrel. we were greeted with warm friendly welcome. we were given the menus great variety of choice, we opted for the sea food platter.
The food came and what we was amazing a good size hot and presented professionally.
Overall a friendly place welcoming and great food and value for money.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
4 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
I have visited the lock and barrel on and off for a couple of years. During the COVID-19 pandemic I was a little apprehensive of visiting establishments again and mixing with individuals. I happened to be passing the pub and decided to go in and was instantly put at ease. All tables were spaced out appropriately, with the track and trace in place. Everything was clean and tidy (as it always had been), but it made it feel safe to enjoy our afternoon.
The staff were very attentive, continuously checking to make sure we were ok and if we needed anything and even giving recommendations.
When the food came I was amazed at how much was on the plate for the price. It was super delicious and I highly recommend the Lock and Barrel if you are ever in the area 😊
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David T
Hullbridge8 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
My wife and I had a lovely meal here today. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The social distancing hygiene measures were well implemented and the food was amazing! My steak was cooked to perfection and my wife really enjoyed her chicken burger. The deserts were amazing too! Pity I don’t live nearby as I would eat here regularly. Well done everyone! Keep up the good work.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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