We visited The Wooden Fender in Ardleigh, Essex. The food was good, but where we were seated had a big impact on the overall experience.
Address
The Wooden Fender
Colchester Road
Ardleigh, Colchester
Essex CO7 7PA
United Kingdom
Food
The food scored 7 out of 10. It was good and enjoyable — a solid pub meal — and this was definitely the stronger part of the visit.
Service
Service scored 4 out of 10. We were seated right beside a door next to the kitchen service area, so there was a lot of movement around us and it felt hectic while we were eating.
That table position made the service area feel much more intrusive than it probably would have from elsewhere in the restaurant.
Would I go back?
Yes — but with a different seat. The food was good enough that I would return, but next time I would definitely ask to sit away from the kitchen service door.
Photos
These are illustrative images for the guide, not photographs from this visit. I can replace them with your own photos at any time.
Good food, but choose your table carefully.
The meal itself was enjoyable, but being seated immediately beside the kitchen service door made things too hectic. I would go back — I’d just ask for a different table next time.