GreyFriars Hotel & Restaurant

What has happened to grey friars?? We watched this place being built in anticipation of it being another great place to eat in Colchester. During the first couple of years it didn’t disappoint! Beautiful restaurant, gorgeous cocktail bar, fabulous food and great service. We would be met in the reception area and taken to our area of choice (usually the bar!). After ordering drinks we would be given olives and nuts at the table and then taken through to the restaurant to have a pretty unbelievable meal with an excellent choice of wine. However...Now???? Xmas eve ruined by poor service and confused staff. Do they communicate with each other? No. Firstly we arrived to an empty reception and waited for 5 minutes before going to find a member of staff We were put in a back room which was dark and cold, and then ignored. Found someone to take our drinks order only to be told told our table was ready...outside on the patio. I had clearly stated when booking that we would be dining in the restaurant, so this didn’t go down well! Especially as it was freezing. Eventually we were given a table in the restaurant but “only for an hour” Once in the restaurant our bar drinks turned up with the wine. Food was good, apart from a steak that was so undercooked it was cold in the middle. Staff were apologetic about the whole thing and they were charming. Individually. But as a group they really need to get it together. We probably won’t be returning. Such a shame!

We had the most lovely stay. The staff is so nice and attentive to every detail, the food is amazing and the rooms are beautiful and so welcoming. We really enjoyed. A big thank you to everyone

Popped in for coffee and scones with the family. The hotel is lovely and the staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and made you feel at home. Would certainly return for food and even an overnight stay in future!

Fantastic establishment, nice fittings and decor of its origins but with a modern clean touch. Food is fabulous and the rooms are amazing. Look forward to returning.

An amazing evening eating on the terrace. Ben our waiter was incredibly attentive and professional. The food and service was faultless. Beautiful place. Highly recommend