Just visited Turtle Bay in Chelmsford after hearing it had a refurb. The place looks great – fresh, colourful vibe, comfy seating, and nicely styled tables. Staff were friendly and helpful too. But the food was a big letdown. The menu’s been seriously cut down – no brown chicken, no hash, no mac and cheese, no salads or bowls. Even the little extras like the pickles with the goat curry are gone. The cocktail list is shorter now, and bottomless brunch has gone up in price with just a 2-hour time slot. We both had the goat curry – it still had good flavour, but wasn’t anywhere near as spicy as before. They now serve it in separate bowls (one for the curry, one for the rice, and a small side plate to put it all together), which just makes the portion feel smaller. It costs the same as it did before, but you’re definitely getting less. Plus, you have to pay extra for sides that used to be included. Only curries on the menu are the goat curry and a fish one – that’s it. No 2-for-1 cocktails either. We left hungry and disappointed.
I would recommend checking the menu online before booking – it’s changed a lot and honestly just isn’t worth the money anymore.
Mr P
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March 29, 2025
One Love, One Restaurant—The new Turtle Bay Brings the Caribbean Vibes!
From the moment you step inside the reimagined Turtle Bay, you feel the island energy—Caribbean flavours, refreshing smoothies.
The breakfast? Wicked! They bringing the fire early with breakfast roti packed with all the good stuff. Jerk sausage and egg? A proper wake-up call! Smoked bacon and egg? Pure comfort.
And let me tell you, the service? On point! The staff got that warm island hospitality—smiling, friendly, and making sure you good from start to finish. You feel like family the second you walk in.
Turtle Bay ain’t just serving food, they serving culture. It’s the kinda place where you come for the meal and stay for the vibes!
Benite Whiles
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May 24, 2025
Recently ate here on a Sunday afternoon. Wasn't too busy so easy to get a table. Food was very good, curry goat croquettes to start and the bay burger for main. Wife had fish tacos and monkfish skewers. Passion fruit rumtini to drink which was excellent, also 2-4-1 on cocktails which was nice. Service charge 12% is added to the bill. Staff very friendly. I was probably most surprised by the side of broccoli, assumed it would be fairly bland however it was delicious. Plenty of seasoning and butter. Would definitely go again.
Ian Bryce
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December 16, 2024
Impressive! I was initially doubtful that a chain could deliver quality Caribbean food, but the goat curry exceeded expectations. It was authentic, especially for a chain restaurant, better than many independents. The only thing missing was the bone and a touch of marrow. The service from Brooke was outstanding, and the cocktails were excellent. Highly recommended!
Stacey Craig
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April 05, 2025
Haven’t been to Turtle Bay before, but came here for the first time with my partner this evening and honestly can say we’ve had one of the nicest evenings!
Our servers were absolutely fab, we didn’t catch their names but a young guy and young girl (absolutely amazing and so attentive!!) we then moved to the bar tables to finish our drinks and had a lovely experience chatting to the bar stuff, it was honestly a breath of fresh air speaking to Alfie and Ollie, absolute 5 star to the both of them, fantastic members of staff who actually leave an impact, what a team!!! Thanks guys
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22-24 The, Barrow at High Chelmer Shop Exchange Way, Chelmsford CM1 1XB, UK
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Just visited Turtle Bay in Chelmsford after hearing it had a refurb. The place looks great – fresh, colourful vibe, comfy seating, and nicely styled tables. Staff were friendly and helpful too. But the food was a big letdown. The menu’s been seriously cut down – no brown chicken, no hash, no mac and cheese, no salads or bowls. Even the little extras like the pickles with the goat curry are gone. The cocktail list is shorter now, and bottomless brunch has gone up in price with just a 2-hour time slot. We both had the goat curry – it still had good flavour, but wasn’t anywhere near as spicy as before. They now serve it in separate bowls (one for the curry, one for the rice, and a small side plate to put it all together), which just makes the portion feel smaller. It costs the same as it did before, but you’re definitely getting less. Plus, you have to pay extra for sides that used to be included. Only curries on the menu are the goat curry and a fish one – that’s it. No 2-for-1 cocktails either. We left hungry and disappointed. I would recommend checking the menu online before booking – it’s changed a lot and honestly just isn’t worth the money anymore.
One Love, One Restaurant—The new Turtle Bay Brings the Caribbean Vibes! From the moment you step inside the reimagined Turtle Bay, you feel the island energy—Caribbean flavours, refreshing smoothies. The breakfast? Wicked! They bringing the fire early with breakfast roti packed with all the good stuff. Jerk sausage and egg? A proper wake-up call! Smoked bacon and egg? Pure comfort. And let me tell you, the service? On point! The staff got that warm island hospitality—smiling, friendly, and making sure you good from start to finish. You feel like family the second you walk in. Turtle Bay ain’t just serving food, they serving culture. It’s the kinda place where you come for the meal and stay for the vibes!
Recently ate here on a Sunday afternoon. Wasn't too busy so easy to get a table. Food was very good, curry goat croquettes to start and the bay burger for main. Wife had fish tacos and monkfish skewers. Passion fruit rumtini to drink which was excellent, also 2-4-1 on cocktails which was nice. Service charge 12% is added to the bill. Staff very friendly. I was probably most surprised by the side of broccoli, assumed it would be fairly bland however it was delicious. Plenty of seasoning and butter. Would definitely go again.
Impressive! I was initially doubtful that a chain could deliver quality Caribbean food, but the goat curry exceeded expectations. It was authentic, especially for a chain restaurant, better than many independents. The only thing missing was the bone and a touch of marrow. The service from Brooke was outstanding, and the cocktails were excellent. Highly recommended!
Haven’t been to Turtle Bay before, but came here for the first time with my partner this evening and honestly can say we’ve had one of the nicest evenings! Our servers were absolutely fab, we didn’t catch their names but a young guy and young girl (absolutely amazing and so attentive!!) we then moved to the bar tables to finish our drinks and had a lovely experience chatting to the bar stuff, it was honestly a breath of fresh air speaking to Alfie and Ollie, absolute 5 star to the both of them, fantastic members of staff who actually leave an impact, what a team!!! Thanks guys