The New London Restaurant & Lounge
+44 1245 266288+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 17:00
Wed
12:00 - 23:59
Thu
12:00 - 23:59
Fri
12:00 - 23:59
Sat
12:00 - 23:59
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
European, British, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
Located on New London Road in Chelmsford and extensively refurbished in March 2018, The New London Restaurant offers an enchanting setting, elegant surroundings, with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, effortless, yet impeccable, service. Their seasonal menus change every 8 weeks and are inspired by the team of chefs and Justin Cracknell, Director of the New London, who has a passion for first-class contemporary cuisine with a classic twist. The venue prides itself with quite few awards including the Restaurant of the Year (Essex Life Fine Food and Drink Awards 2016), the Best Newcomer and the Head Chef of the Year (Essex Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2015).
CUISINES
European, British, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
708 reviews
Excellent
518
Very good
107
Average
51
Poor
14
Terrible
18
chelms4dian
Chelmsford90 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Last night we attended their special tasting menu with wine pairing which proved to be an evening of total indulgence. The food was of an extraordinarily high standard to the extent that we considered it superior to both The Kitchin in Edinburgh & Paul Ainsworth at No 6 Padstow. It is little wonder that at the end of the evening the customers asked to see the kitchen staff in order to give them a resounding round of appreciative applause. Combine this with some excellent wines which we were introduced to by someone who knew how to describe them with eloquence & wit in a totally unpretentious way, throw in service that was highly efficient & professional whilst retaining a relaxed atmosphere and you have a totally triumphant evening.
Written 19 October 2024
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.
LetsCelebrate070886
London3 contributions
May 2023 • family
We celebrated my wonderful mum's 60th Birthday here with close friends and family.
I made a group reservation for my mum's 60th Birthday. The initial contact with the restaurant was very good, friendly, welcoming and helpful. I popped my head through the door and met the manager in person to help make a decision if this was the right place to host.
We pre ordered from a menu (up to date seasonal menu) with a nice selection to suit everyone's needs. The service was great, I found the manager and staff organized and accommodated the special occasion. Guest names placed at the table and food was served smoothly to each guest at the table. The wine was served. It was the perfect venue for a small intimate celebration. We were in contact regularly with the lead up to the big day to ensure all went as well as possible.
The food was delicious, cooked well with nice flavours. Side were a good portion. We had a section at the back just for us. Had a very small table to put our birthday cakes on. All guest had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food and venue. Its a lovely modern, contemporary and cozy venue with a nice ambiance.
We felt somewhat rushed to leave 20mins before our time was up, which put pressure on the person organising the party. As a result it ended promptly and would have been nicer to end our time at the venue without rushing out the door.
Saturdays are their busy days at the restaurant. Booking ahead strongly advised.
We were able to pre order food and wine - they had our Prosecco on ice when we arrived.
There was enough space to put a large number 60 balloon display at the corner of our area, which added a special touch. The organisers was ok with that.
After the meal the group went to a nice pub, only minutes walk away from The New London Restaurants & Lounge which was recommended by the manager. Thank you for that!
I would recommend this restaurant to my friends and family and I would love to go back there myself again one day.
Thank you to all staff who worked that day (20th May 2023)
Special thanks to Justin and Andy
Written 26 August 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.
J Cracknell
Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are pleased you enjoyed your 6oth celebration here , at the New London, and carried on your celebrations at our sister venue - The UB pub in Chelmsford.
We are looking forward to welcoming you back here soon!
Kind Regards,
Justin
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rasmussen66
Chatham12 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
We were looking for somewhere to celebrate a relation’s 80th birthday by organising a Sunday Lunch for the family.
We initially sent the enquiry online and received a prompt reply. A few phone calls and the booking for eighteen of us was made and the deposit of £10 pp was made over the phone.
The staff were friendly and the food delicious.
Highly recommended and we’ll definitely be going back!
Written 14 November 2022
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.
justin c
Thank you so much for taking time in writing your lovely review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your Sunday lunch and cannot wait to welcome you back.
Kind Regards, Justin
Written 24 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie
Essex6 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Visited this restaurant a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Being Coeliac it’s quite tricky finding decent restaurants to enjoy a special night out in. Sadly tonight I feel bitterly disappointed with the meal, the lack of attention to detail and the false claim that whole dishes are gluten free. I looked on line before our visit then asked for a gluten free menu on arrival. I chose the steak as my main then the waitress came back and explained I couldn’t have the crispy potatoes or onion rings as they were cooked with gluten containing foods, I was then offered an alternative of jersey potatoes. No substitute was offered for the onion rings but I was happy that at least it was checked. Then came the ‘gluten free’ dessert menu. I asked for the lemon posset with the poppy seed shortbread. The waitress put it down in front of me and walked away. As she passed me I asked about the shortbread. She replied that I couldn’t have it as it contained gluten.
I feel as a restaurant with a decent reputation you need to make clear that you don’t provide gluten free but you CAN offer gluten free options. You should also deduct a nominal amount off if meals are not as advertised. For some gluten free is a choice, in my case it’s a total allergy and serious. Very sad that we won’t be returning and based on reviews I’ve read where you are critised and don’t take it well, just think about what you are offering to people that are eating at your restaurant and come there with confidence after checking on line first. Frustrating.
As a last point, the lemon posset was way too runny.
Written 29 June 2024
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.
justin cracknell
Thank you for taking the time to write your review regarding your recent visit. As a restaurant business we take allergens very seriously and endeavour to cater for all guests with allergens as best we can, and I am sorry that you feel bitterly disappointed on this occasion.
We do have an allergen version of our A la Carte menu which highlights what dishes can or can't be made without the specific allergen, in this case gluten. Therefore items containing gluten were removed from your Fillet Steak main course and the dessert in order to meet your necessary requirement.
The menu does state on the first page "some dishes may differ from the description to accommodate allergens". Certainly no false claims being made, some dishes are fully gluten free and some are not, and the dishes you chose had to be altered. We do not claim to provide a gluten free only menu, it is an allergen menu to guide our guests, I apologise that our waitress on this occasion hadn't explained this in more depth with you when ordering,
Thank you again for your feedback which I will communicate with all staff members to avoid any future misunderstandings in the future,
Kind Regards,
Andy Pearson,
Restaurant Manager
Written 6 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hadley K
1 contribution
May 2022 • couples
Their website says they "strive to bring you a truly enjoyable experience from the moment you walk through our doors" This was far away from the experience we received when we arrived for our pre booked midweek lunch. On walking through the door there was nobody to greet us and we were ignored completely by the gentleman standing behind the bar despite my saying hello as we walked in and our being the only customers in this area. We had made our booking online and felt awkward standing waiting so we both took a seat at the bar. When eventually the bar man looked towards me I said we have a table booked and gave him my name and the time of the reservation and said we were 10 minutes early and would like to have a drink at the bar first before going to our table if that was okay. He said well first you have to give me your name. I gave him my name again and he told us to take a seat over there. I thought we had already chosen our seats at the bar but obviously we were not welcome to sit there so we sat where directed. There was no friendly chat, no smiles and a very cold atmosphere. We dine out regularly twice a week and have never encountered feeling so unwelcome in a restaurant before. It was so bad that we did not stay for dessert or coffee. As we left another couple also left and we asked if they had dined there before. They said no and we will not be returning. Clearly we were not the only people to have not enjoyed The New London Restaurant and Lounge that lunchtime. We will also not be returning.
Written 24 April 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.
J Cracknell
Hi,
we have sent you a private message but still waiting to receive your response. I must admit - I am amazed by your efforts to describe an experience over a year ago but your account was created within last few weeks. As much as your memory is absolutely fantastic - we have checked our bookings system and we cannot locate your booking? In fact, your name doesn't seem to come up on our guest list at all. Are you sure you are reviewing the right restaurant?
Please do get in touch as we would like to investigate this further as some facts are not adding up?
My team and I work very hard to deliver the best service through the moment someone walks through the door and I am saddened to hear that we have not achieved this. Please email us and we will get in touch asap - justek@limeberrygroup.co.uk
Kind Regards,
Justin
Written 9 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LynkayLangdonHills
Thorpe Bay143 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
What a lovely place to have a catch up with a friend. The staff are lovely and cannot be more helpful. I have a severe nut allergy and it was catered for. Also with the cheese course I asked for something other than crackers and a little bucket of cucumber sticks was provided. My friend and I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant and we will certainly return. Thank you for our visit, By the way I think our lunch lasted for a LONG time
Written 22 June 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.
J Cracknell
Hi, thank you very much for your lovely feedback. We are very pleased you have enjoyed your lunch here at The New London Restaurant and we looking forward to welcoming you back.
Our kitchen team works very hard to cater for all allergens and dietaries and we are pleased to know we were able to deliver this!
Kind Regards,
Justin
Written 27 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bowring14
Stowmarket211 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
Visited with friends for a mid-week lunch. Our Waitress was friendly & efficient & the food quite magnificent. The Smoked Leek & Potato Soup was delicious & the Steak cooked to perfection. The side orders of Carrots & Parsnips were totally delicious & the bill at the end surprisingly reasonable. We very much enjoyed our visit to The New London so thank you all!
Written 17 February 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.
justin c
Thank you so much for taking time in writing your lovely review. My team work very hard to deliver delicious seasonal food and outstanding service.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit here and cannot wait to welcome you back.
Kind Regards, Justin
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris W
36 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Went with the wife for lunch on father's Day. I think the best way to sum it up is actually my wife's comment to me which was simply 'I can't fault any part of it'.
The Sunday Roast was absolutely excellent (beef, and lamb), and the starters and desert were equally good. This was complimented by faultless friendly service, and no adverse comments when I asked for mint sauce, AND horseradish with my lamb!
My only regret is having driven past it many times I didn't try it before.
Highly recommended.
Written 16 June 2024
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.
justin cracknell
Thank you Chris for your lovely review for our Fathers Day Lunch. So pleased that you and your wife both enjoyed our Sunday Roast on this day. I hope that we will be able to welcome you both back again soon,
Best Wishes,
Justin
Written 6 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie M
Kenilworth17 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Went to dinner for a family birthday celebration. The party included a number of people with allergies and distinct food preferences, The staff were courteous and helpful. Food was really wonderful - the men all had steaks and they were fantastic and cooked exactly to order from well done to medium rare. Fish was also fantastic. Excellent value for such brilliant food and wine.
Written 8 January 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.
justin c
Thank you so much for taking time in writing your lovely review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your birthday celebrations here and cannot wait to welcome you back.
Kind Regards, Justin
Written 19 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Belinda S
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • business
Went here today for lunch and the food was absolutely superb. I expected the fillet steak to be as I have had that before and always melt in the mouth good. Tried the Smoked paprika potato hash, chilli honey cured egg yolk, mushroom ketchup as a starter as it sounded interesting and it was so tasty it's hard to do it justice. Lovely to have a restaurant of this quality in Chelmsford.
Written 21 November 2024
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.
Tim G
Chelmsford191 contributions
Aug 2024 • business
Last time we ate in The New London we were slightly disappointed - but not this time - it was excellent.
The only slight downside was that it was empty, apart from the 3 of us, and so we do hope it survives.
We chose the set menu and every dish was lovely.
All 3 of us had the smoked salmon starter which was really delicately flavoured and the baked capers were a tasty addition.
The fish of the day, the risotto and the steak were all delicious - and just the right size helping.
The desserts were all well presented and tasted good.
The service was excellent.
All in all a very enjoyable meal.
It is not cheap - but worth the price.
Written 29 August 2024
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.
justin cracknell
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review from your recent visit with us at The New London.
I am so please that yourself and guests had an enjoyable experience and look forward to welcoming you all again in the near future,
Kind Regards
Justin
Written 8 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ford1990
8 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
We've tried the New London on a few occasions and every time we've been underwhelmed.
Chelmsford is in desperate need of a decent restaurant but this isn't it.
The wine list is terrible, service and food average.
If you want a meal for a special occasion this place disappoints every time. Get a cab to the Flitch of Bacon or train to somewhere in London.
Written 25 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.
justin c
Thank you very much for your time in writing this review. I am extremely sorry to hear you have not enjoyed your meal here, at the New London Restaurant. We work very hard to deliver the best dining experience to everyone who comes through our doors.
I cannot really respond or explain why our restaurant is "not good enough" as you have not given particular reasons. Please feel free to email me if you wish to discuss this further.
I do not really understand your comment about terrible wine list as there is no explanation why you thought so? We offer unique and premium wines from all over the world to match everyone's palate and our seasonal food.
Again, I cannot explain much about service or food issues as you failed to mention what was wring with it. I would like to assure that my team and I work really hard to deliver the best seasonal produce, innovative dishes and outstanding service. This can be seen from previous feedbacks too.
I am always open to all my guests' feedback as it always helps us to improve but I do not appreciate this poor scoring with no explanation. For future reference, I would highly recommend to raise your feedback on the day with a manager/waiter so the issue could be solved/discussed there and then.
I am very pleased to know you have other places to dine in mind so please enjoy your meals there!
Kind Regards,
Justin
Written 28 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josephine D
3 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Sunday roast such a disappointment. So many good reviews, perhaps we were just unlucky. Roast beef was inedible. I like rare beef but this was so raw I couldn't even cut it. We noticed others had left the beef as well. Roast potatoes tasted as though reheated. Starters mediocre.
However, the cauliflower cheese was exceptionally good.
Would we go back? No
Written 17 November 2024
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.
tinchysara
10 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
My partner and I have had a wonderful experience enjoying a three course meal with fantastic cocktails and wine at The New London.
The service was faultless from start to finish and we both felt very special the night of our visit.
All three courses were phenomenal, whichever dish you pick you cannot go wrong.
Perfect place for celebrating special occasions.
We will definitely be returning.
Written 30 October 2022
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.
justin c
Thank you so much for taking time in writing your lovely review.
We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit here and cannot wait to welcome you back soon!
Kind Regards, Justin
Written 31 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane S
10 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Food and service, exceptional. Such a great restaurant; staff really attentive, without being intrusive and food was absolutely spot on. Thoroughly recommend scallop starter and chateaubriand definitely worth every penny. The epitomy of 'you get what you pay for'. Can't recommend enough.
Written 30 October 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.
J Cracknell
Thank you so much for taking time in writing your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed you meal here and cannot wait to welcome you back.
Kind Regards, Justin
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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