Array Essex has been a mainstay in Harold Wood since it was opened by Love Island star Kem Cetinay in 2021, but has always seemed like more of a night time destination than somewhere for a casual lunch.
However, with the venue’s new owners aiming to move away from the “nightclub” image, I decided to venture in and try the lunch menu.
The light and airy rear seating area(Image: Charlotte Anderson)
As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm welcome from the staff and taken through to the light and airy – but still impeccably stylish – conservatory area at the back of the premises.
Here, I noticed couples and families enjoying lunch and, with the mouth-watering scent of food wafting through, I couldn’t wait to get my order in.
READ MORE: Array Essex new owner: ‘We’re moving away from nightclub image’
The set lunch menu is pricey – at £29.90 for two courses – but you get a choice of hot or cold starters and a range of main items, including burgers, chicken wings and kebabs.
The starter… for one??(Image: Charlotte Anderson)
Admittedly, as a vegetarian, there was only one main option for me to go for, which was stuffed portobello mushrooms.
I paired this with filo pastry parcels to start – filled with feta, red onions and spinach with a homemade sweet chilli dip.
When the food was brought out, I realised you really do get your money’s worth: it was enough for two people, with four feta parcels, three stuffed mushrooms and a whole basket of bread on top of this, plus dips.
Portobello mushrooms stuffed with peppers and a LOT of cheese(Image: Charlotte Anderson)
I only managed one of the mushrooms – which were packed full of halloumi, peppers and onions – but luckily was able to take my leftovers home.
This hearty, warming lunch was washed down with a berry crush smoothie, and shortly followed by a stroll around Harold Wood Park to walk all the food off.
READ MORE: ‘I escaped the A127 at newly-opened Hornchurch restaurant inside luxury hotel’
A berry smoothie to wash the food down(Image: Charlotte Anderson)
Overall, I was impressed by the speedy service and filling food, and will definitely be returning – although perhaps with someone to share my lunch with.
Dining and Cooking