Fête in Chelmsford is a game-changer for the Essex dining scene. This unassuming restaurant, tucked away in a cobbled courtyard, has won over locals with its inventive menu, which effortlessly blends international flavors. While traditionalists may scoff at its eclectic offerings, Fête's bold approach has earned it rave reviews and a devoted following.
Walking into this tiny gem is like stepping into a different world. The spacious upstairs bar area doubles as a yoga studio, adding a unique twist to the dining experience. It's here that patrons can indulge in spicy potatoes with tropa onions and roast chilli, before surrendering to 45-minute flow yoga sessions led by instructor Amanda.
Word has spread about Fête's culinary prowess, which earned it runner-up status in Essex Life's 2025 food and drink awards last month. Locals flocked to the restaurant on Friday nights, ordering matcha margaritas and maple martinis alongside dishes like Taiwanese chicken bao and Kashmiri scallops. Chef Tobias Godfrey's passion for global flavors shines through on every plate, with generous portion sizes that leave diners wanting more.
Godfrey's menu is a love letter to the world of cuisine, featuring everything from burrata with figs and hot honey to beef tartare with mayo – yes, really. Each dish is designed to tantalize the taste buds, with added touches like crispy kale and wobbly egg yolk. It's clear that Godfrey has no qualms about throwing caution to the wind and serving up a culinary adventure.
The restaurant's front-of-house team is warm and welcoming, reflecting the friendly atmosphere of the kitchen. The chefs are clearly having the time of their lives, and it's infectious. While not every dish hits the mark – some flavors clash, and presentation could be improved – Fête's commitment to creativity and enthusiasm makes up for any imperfections.
Desserts are a highlight, with sweet treats like banana parfait, sticky toffee pudding, and house sorbet. It's here that Fête truly shines, offering a hedonistic experience that's impossible to resist. By the time we finished our meal, we'd eaten far too much, but there was still room for the decadent chocolate fondant with honeycomb ice cream.
In short, Fête is an unpretentious haven of culinary happiness, a welcome respite from the pretensions of the dining world. If this restaurant were in Essex, I wouldn't have complained – it's that good.
Walking into this tiny gem is like stepping into a different world. The spacious upstairs bar area doubles as a yoga studio, adding a unique twist to the dining experience. It's here that patrons can indulge in spicy potatoes with tropa onions and roast chilli, before surrendering to 45-minute flow yoga sessions led by instructor Amanda.
Word has spread about Fête's culinary prowess, which earned it runner-up status in Essex Life's 2025 food and drink awards last month. Locals flocked to the restaurant on Friday nights, ordering matcha margaritas and maple martinis alongside dishes like Taiwanese chicken bao and Kashmiri scallops. Chef Tobias Godfrey's passion for global flavors shines through on every plate, with generous portion sizes that leave diners wanting more.
Godfrey's menu is a love letter to the world of cuisine, featuring everything from burrata with figs and hot honey to beef tartare with mayo – yes, really. Each dish is designed to tantalize the taste buds, with added touches like crispy kale and wobbly egg yolk. It's clear that Godfrey has no qualms about throwing caution to the wind and serving up a culinary adventure.
The restaurant's front-of-house team is warm and welcoming, reflecting the friendly atmosphere of the kitchen. The chefs are clearly having the time of their lives, and it's infectious. While not every dish hits the mark – some flavors clash, and presentation could be improved – Fête's commitment to creativity and enthusiasm makes up for any imperfections.
Desserts are a highlight, with sweet treats like banana parfait, sticky toffee pudding, and house sorbet. It's here that Fête truly shines, offering a hedonistic experience that's impossible to resist. By the time we finished our meal, we'd eaten far too much, but there was still room for the decadent chocolate fondant with honeycomb ice cream.
In short, Fête is an unpretentious haven of culinary happiness, a welcome respite from the pretensions of the dining world. If this restaurant were in Essex, I wouldn't have complained – it's that good.
they have this upstairs bar area thats also a yoga studio?!?! i mean what other restaurant does that? its like nothing i've ever seen before. the food is SO GOOD too chef tobias is a genius or whatever he's doing with those flavors, idk how to even explain it but trust me when i say ur taste buds will thank u afterwards i was a little skeptical at first cuz its in essex and all but fête def doesnt care about that its just a foodie paradise 
I'm literally drooling thinking about this place! Their menu sounds insane, like who serves beef tartare with mayo?! 
The desserts alone are worth a trip to Fête, I need that chocolate fondant ASAP! 
The front-of-house team seems so down-to-earth and welcoming too. Can't wait to try it out and see if they live up to all the hype 
. The fact that they're getting rave reviews is no surprise, though - the menu sounds incredible. I'd be all over trying that spicy potato dish and 45-minute flow yoga session 
. Still, Fête seems like the real deal, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this Essex gem 
.
I mean, who wouldn't want to try Taiwanese chicken bao or Kashmiri scallops? The fact that they're serving burrata with figs and hot honey is genius 
And have you tried their desserts? Game. Changer. 
The yoga studio upstairs is such a cool touch, and I love that they're not afraid to be creative with their dishes. It's clear that Chef Tobias Godfrey has a passion for global flavors that shines through on every plate 
Overall, Fête is a must-visit for foodies in Essex. Have you been? 
! And can we talk about how cool their yoga studio upstairs is? It's like, who needs a regular bar when you can have a flow class while you sip on matcha margaritas? 
! Now, if only they could perfect those desserts... but honestly, everything else is just perfection 
i mean some dishes might be a bit weird, but trust me those spicy potatoes with tropa onions are the real MVP 
who wouldn't wanna do flow yoga while sipping matcha margaritas? 
fete is defo not pretentious at all, it's just a happy haven of foodie bliss 
! Tobias Godfrey's menu is literally a love fest for your taste buds 
. My only gripe is that some dishes can be a bit hit or miss, but who cares when there's so much love on every plate 
?
Who knew yoga and cocktails could be a thing? 
. My only nitpick is that some flavors clash and presentation could be improved, but honestly, it's a small price to pay for all that creativity and enthusiasm 
. Desserts are next level 