The Blue Toad, Latchingdon

FOOD QUALITY AND SERVICE WAS EXCEPTIONAL EVEN DOWN TO THE CHOICE OF BACK ROUND MUSIC WE WANTED.THE OWNER WAS VERY HELPFUL AND APPRECIATIVE OF OUR NEEDS RGARDING OUR FOOD.WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND TO ANY-ONE.

Being local we had heard that the food at the Blue Toad was good and we found ourselves in the vacinity and hungry. The welcome we recieved was great, the place itself was clean and tidy although reminded me of an upmarket cafe. We were offered a seat and menus were given to us in the lounge area, I thought that the prices were on the higher side for the venue we were sitting in but waited to see if the reputation the Blue Toad had warranted the price. The food arrived and it was nice, hot and home cooked. We asked for the bill and was very surprised to see our bar tab was £9.00, baring in mind I had only 1 large glass of white wine and my husband had a coke, we questioned the bill and was told it was correct, the glass of wine was £6.50 and the coke £2.50.

This really dissapointed me as I dont think I have ever paid £6.50 for a glass of wine. I thought it was exessive and at no point were we offered a wine list or told what the price would be so I felt like I had been ripped off. (There are no price lists or menus outside either) So my tip is to ask for a price list before you decide anything. I have never filled out a review or generally complain about anything but was cross enough to write this review this morning, I just hope the proprietors take note. For reference: a large glass of wine at the Galley in Burnham is £4.40, Prince of Wales, Stow Maries £3.95, Three Rivers Golf & Country Club £4.85, The Contented Sole at Burnham which is a fine dining restaurant only charges £5.25 for the most expensive wine on the menu ???? So I am assuming that the prices are expensive because it is a motel? Either way, a dissapointment not to be repeated.

I've ever had a bad meal, or bad service at The Blue Toad in Latchingdon and I tip these guys every time I go. It has to be the best kept restaurant secret in Essex. Lovely!