Elevating the art of dining
For over 28 years, Russells Restaurant has been delighting the people of Chelmsford with its exceptional food, wine, and service. Nestled in a magnificent timbered tithe barn, Grade II listed for its architectural and historical importance, our restaurant is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Chelmsford area. The barn, which dates back to 1372, boasts a spectacular high vaulted ceiling with magnificent beams, creating a dramatic and elegant atmosphere.
Our Story
Russells Restaurant was established in 1989 and was taken over in 1991 by Barry Warren-Watson, the present proprietor and executive head chef. With his excellent team, Barry aims to maintain the highest standards of quality and service, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one. The restaurant's commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation for serving the finest cuisine, carefully prepared using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Options
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or celebrating a special occasion with family and friends, Russells Restaurant offers a range of dining options to suit your needs. From our themed nights to our a la carte menu, we cater to all tastes and preferences.
Themed Nights
Join us for our themed nights, where we transform the restaurant into an immersive culinary experience. Enjoy special dishes, music, and atmosphere that will transport you to another world.
A La Carte Menu
Indulge in our extensive a la carte menu, showcasing the finest ingredients, carefully prepared by our executive head chef. From classic dishes to innovative creations, every bite is a culinary masterpiece.
Sunday Lunch
Join us for our popular Sunday lunch service, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in the warmth and comfort of our restaurant. Our Sunday lunch menu is designed to delight, with a range of dishes to suit all tastes.
Kids Menu
We understand that family dining is important, which is why we have a special kids menu designed for our younger guests. Our kids menu is carefully prepared to ensure that every child leaves the table with a smile on their face.
Events
Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday, or corporate event, Russells Restaurant is the perfect venue. Our expert events team will work with you to create a bespoke event that exceeds your expectations.
Drinks List
From our extensive wine list to our creative cocktails, our drinks menu is designed to complement our exquisite cuisine. Relax in our lounge area and enjoy a drink with friends or indulge in a cocktail after dinner.
Gallery
Take a step back in time and explore our gallery, showcasing the history and charm of our restaurant. From old photographs to eclectic furniture, every detail has been carefully curated to transport you back in time.
Outside Catering
Russells Restaurant is happy to cater to your outside catering needs. Whether it's a private dinner party or a large-scale corporate event, our team will work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is taken care of.
Food Quality and Taste
The food at Russells offers excellent quality and taste, according to many reviewers. The dishes are described as "unreal", "exquisite", and "delicious", with a range of options available to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.
Service
The service at Russells is also highly praised, with staff described as "attentive", "professionally friendly", and "knowledgable". Reviews highlight the excellent communication and attention to detail provided by the staff, making sure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Russells is also a significant selling point, with reviewers commenting on the lovely setting, quaint decor, and historic charm of the venue. The venue is also well-suited for special occasions such as weddings and birthday celebrations, with excellent service and attention to detail provided by the staff.
Mixed Reviews
However, not all reviews are entirely positive. One reviewer described the service as "clueless", with a long wait to be served and food that was not up to scratch. Another reviewer expressed disappointment with the lack of fuss for a special occasion, such as a birthday.
Overall
Despite some mixed reviews, the majority of reviewers have had a positive experience at Russells, praising the food, service, and atmosphere. Reviews recommend Russells for special occasions, and several reviewers state that they would definitely return to the venue.
