Passing Thyme - Rochford

Called in checking on reduced Christmas decorations but the restaurant seduced us and we entered for a quick coffee. However after checking the menu we decided... read more Called in checking on reduced Christmas decorations but the restaurant seduced us and we entered for a quick coffee. However after checking the menu we decided to eat. The soup, ceasar salad were both very nice however the cod and chips stole the show, lovely! We had quite a wait but it was well worthwhile. Glad we called in, not cheap but a fair price and very nice. Service was also worth a mention, two very pleasant ladies and a chef who appeared to be coping well although on his own. We will return

I made reservations for Breakfast with Santa at Passing Tyme Restaurant in September. My husband and I brought our daughter, her husband, and my 15-month-old gr... read more I made reservations for Breakfast with Santa at Passing Tyme Restaurant in September. My husband and I brought our daughter, her husband, and my 15-month-old grandson. The entire experience was wonderful! The servers, both girls and ladies, were outstanding and the full English breakfast we were served was delicious. We had a choice of tea, coffee, and fresh juices as well. When Santa arrived, my grandson was initially hesitant as he was not used to meeting Santa. However, Santa quickly picked up on this and gave him some space before coming back later, making the encounter not pushy or scary at all. The gifts that all the children received that morning were fantastic and clearly well-thought-out. They were suitable for each child's age and definitely not cheap junk. In fact, all the children seemed very impressed with their presents! We will definitely be booking again for next year. Thank you Passing Tyme for a lovely experience!

We had a fab breakfast this morning, both of us had the full English, it was lovely. The bubble and squeak was gorgeous, as were the sausages. A really good fil... read more We had a fab breakfast this morning, both of us had the full English, it was lovely. The bubble and squeak was gorgeous, as were the sausages. A really good filling start to the day, and good value. All washed down with a pot of tea each. The garden centre is also worth a trip, theres a great choice if garden furniture and the people working there couldn't be more helpful and friendly. We brought a lovely corner suite that was great value, and free delivery on some items. Just need a great summer now to enjoy it ! We will definately be back, they got great gift ideas and we didn't even start on the plant section. Thanks, Steph Tony

After the cook's outburst, he continued to make loud comments and slam doors and food around in the kitchen. This went on for a while, with the staff looking em... read more After the cook's outburst, he continued to make loud comments and slam doors and food around in the kitchen. This went on for a while, with the staff looking embarrassed. When our drinks arrived, I asked the waitress about the person in the kitchen with the attitude. I was informed that it was the chef, named Roy. I politely requested that the cook stop creating a hostile atmosphere or we would leave. This seemed to have an impact as the tantrums decreased. Our food arrived, and while it was acceptable, it didn't stand out in any way. The portions were average and served promptly. However, the prices were quite high for a cafe in a garden center. It seemed like they were trying to be a high-end restaurant, which didn't quite work in that setting. Paying over £20 for a quick lunch was unexpected. Overall, it could have been a more enjoyable experience without the chef's aggressive behavior. He definitely wasn't Gordon Ramsay.

We were surprised to find that there was no menu specifically for children, and when we asked our server about it, we were told that they only offer smaller por... read more We were surprised to find that there was no menu specifically for children, and when we asked our server about it, we were told that they only offer smaller portions. The server was unfriendly and showed no interest in taking our order. The food itself was basic cafe fare, with wilted salad and frozen chips as a garnish. It was clear that little effort was put into preparing the dishes. To top it off, my black filter coffee was served lukewarm and tasteless. When I mentioned this to a staff member, I was given another lukewarm and tasteless cup. Overall, we were very disappointed with our dining experience and are unlikely to return.