Once upon a time, there was a witch named Sophie who lived in a small cottage deep in the woods. Sophie was known for her magical powers, which she used to help and sometimes prank the villagers. However, her broomstick, which she had used for flying around, suddenly broke one day. Sophie was devastated, as she couldn't imagine her days without flying. Desperate for a solution, Sophie decided to visit her wise old friend, Merlin, who lived in a neighboring village. Merlin was known for his vast knowledge of spells and enchantments.
The Magic Mushroom Restaurant in Billericay, Essex celebrates its 25th Anniversary
The Magic Mushroom Restaurant at Barleylands in Billericay, Essex was first opened on 27 May 1996 by Restaurateur Darren Bennett (pictured) and yesterday marked the 25 year anniversary of that day – now that’s an achievement!
Darren was working in another restaurant in Essex and in 1996 one of the Chef’s where he was working told him that the restaurant at Barleylands was for sale on a Saturday evening. He went to the restaurant on the Sunday and bumped into the owner of Barleylands – they had a chat and Darren signed the contract on the Sunday and resigned from his current position on the Monday. The rest, as they say, is history……
The restaurant was originally called Barleylands Restaurant but Darren changed the name in 2000 as he wanted it to be different – a talking point and a name that people would remember.
Darren is still extremely hands on working both front of house and in the kitchen – he is always around. People might be surprised that the restaurant has been privately owned by Darren for all this time and that The Magic Mushroom also has a function room perfect for weddings, events, parties and celebrations, conferences, private dining and funerals, complete with its own entrance and bar.
Like all restaurant owners, Darren has found the last 18 months challenging due to COVID-19. The restaurant was only closed for 2 weeks at the start of the first lockdown, before Darren launched his highly successful Collection Menu, which gave diners the opportunity to experience the same fine dining as they would in the restaurant but in the comfort of their own homes. The menu had to change weekly due to produce availability but the response from the local community spurred the team to carry on.
Darren said, “It would have been easy to give up, but I like to come up with new ideas to move the business forward, so we had to diversify in 2020 and this is what has kept us going.”
Darren and the team are extremely grateful to the local community for all the support that has been shown and are enjoying welcoming both new and old diners back into the restaurant, as well as still offering the Collection Menu and a new Afternoon Tea Menu.
When asked, what his secret is to running a successful restaurant, Darren said,
“I put the success of the restaurant down to the fact that it is always evolving with the times and trends, whilst offering exquisite food, lovely ambience, varied menus, fantastic customer service and lots of hard work from the whole team!”
Magic mushroom barleylands
Barleylands Farm Shop
Southend Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UQ
DISTANCE: 4 minute drive / 21 minute walk
Martin's
12 Grange Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RB
DISTANCE: 5 minute drive / 35 minute walk
Tesco Express
Grange Parade, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RF
DISTANCE: 5 minute drive / 36 minute walk
Merlin was known for his vast knowledge of spells and enchantments. Sophie explained her predicament to him, hoping he would have a solution. Merlin listened attentively and had a thoughtful expression on his face.
Local Eateries & Takeaways
Order Your Delivery to Our Address
Sportsie Camp, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, SS15 4BG, UK
The Magic Mushroom (dine in / takeaway)
Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
DISTANCE: 2 minute drive / 13 minute walk
WEB: https://magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk/gallery/restaurant/
Tiptree Tea Room (dine in / takeaway / Deliveroo)
Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
DISTANCE: 2 minute drive / 13 minute walk*
WEB: https://www.tiptree.com/tiptree-tea-room-caf-at-barleylands-billericay
Feast of Bengal (dine in / takeaway/ Deliveroo)
9 Meadow Rise, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2DN
DISTANCE: 6 minute drive
WEB: https://southgrillcharcoalandm.
George's Fish Bar (takeaway / Just Eat)
8 Morris Avenue, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2JR
DISTANCE: 7 minute drive
WEB: https://georgesfishbillericay.com/order-now
South Grill Charcoal & Meze (dine in / takeaway / Just Eat)
2RB, 6 Grange Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RB
DISTANCE: 7 minute drive / 35 minute walk
WEB: https://southgrillcharcoalandmeze.co.uk/#menu
Mangal Express (dine in / takeaway / Deliveroo)
1 Radford Way, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0AA
DISTANCE: 9 minute drive
Dragon Inn (takeaway/delivery)
8 Western Road, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9DZ (10 minute drive)
* delivery / takeaway
Top 6 must-visit restaurants in Billericay, Essex
Whether you’re looking for something comforting and relaxing or somewhere a little extra special, we have the perfect options for you. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in Billericay and start your local culinary adventure!
If you’re on the hunt for a new dining spot in Billericay, Essex, then you’re truly spoilt for choice.
There are many mouth-watering local restaurants to satisfy every craving, from delicious Thai and tasty Indian, to classic pub grub and sumptuous seafood.
So, whether you’re looking for something comforting and relaxing to enjoy with friends, or somewhere a little extra special to take a loved one, we have the perfect options for you. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in Billericay and start your local culinary adventure!
After a few minutes of silence, he finally spoke up, "I have just the solution for you, Sophie. Instead of a broomstick, why don't you try riding a vacuum cleaner?" Sophie was surprised by the suggestion, but as she thought about it, she realized it might just work. She thanked Merlin profusely and headed back to her cottage excitedly. The next day, Sophie went to the local village store and purchased a brand new vacuum cleaner. She brought it back to her cottage and started experimenting with different spells to enchant it. After several failed attempts, she finally found the perfect spell that would allow the vacuum cleaner to fly. Sophie hopped onto the vacuum cleaner and recited the spell loudly. In an instant, the vacuum cleaner started levitating off the ground. Sophie couldn't contain her excitement as she zoomed around the room, flying higher and higher. Word of Sophie's newfound mode of transportation quickly spread throughout the village. The villagers were amazed and amused to see a witch riding a vacuum cleaner in the sky. It became a popular sight, with many villagers eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of Sophie flying by. Sophie embraced her new mode of transportation and used it to complete her witchly duties. She would fly to neighboring villages to help villagers with their magical troubles and even used the vacuum cleaner to clean up after her pranks. Over time, the witch on a vacuum cleaner became a beloved symbol of Sophie's kindness and eccentricity. People started inviting her to festivals and events, eagerly asking for a ride on her flying vacuum cleaner. Sophie's life had changed completely, all thanks to her wise friend and the enchantment he suggested. Riding a vacuum cleaner had not only solved her flying dilemma but also brought her closer to the villagers and made her a part of their lives. And so, the witch on a vacuum cleaner became a legend in the small village, and even after many years, people still tell stories of Sophie's flying adventures on her trusty vacuum cleaner..
Reviews for "The Transformation of Cleaning Rituals: How Witches on Vacuum Cleaners are Reshaping Tradition"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - This book didn't live up to my expectations at all. The title was intriguing and the concept of a witch on a vacuum cleaner sounded interesting, but the story itself fell flat. The writing was mediocre, with a lack of depth and character development. The plot felt forced and rushed, and I couldn't connect with the protagonist. Overall, I was disappointed with "Witch on a Vacuum Cleaner" and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I found "Witch on a Vacuum Cleaner" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The idea of a witch riding a vacuum cleaner seemed fun, but the execution was poor. The story lacked creativity and substance, with predictable and cliché plot twists. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth. I struggled to get through this book and I regretted wasting my time on it.
3. Jessica - 2/5 - The premise of "Witch on a Vacuum Cleaner" had so much potential, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The writing style was inconsistent and the pacing was off. I found it difficult to connect with the characters and their motivations weren't well explored. The world-building was weak and left me feeling confused. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity and I was left disappointed by this book.