Charlie Bigham's Reviews 

1,192
•
TrustScore 4 out of 5

3.9

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 204 reviews, reviewers had a great experience with this company. Consumers frequently praise the delicious flavours and restaurant-quality meals that make quick weeknight dinners feel exceptionally special, convenient, and satisfying. People often mention the thoughtful packaging presentation and reliable fresh ingredients that elevate everyday dining right at home. Some reviewers were not happy with the declining portion sizes, noting that recent meals contained noticeably less meat or fewer seafood pieces than originally expected. Consumers also mentioned that the creeping price increases significantly reduced the overall value for money, making frequent purchases much harder to justify over time. Additionally, a few buyers experienced overly strong spices or occasional recipe inconsistencies that detracted from enjoyment.

What people talk about most

Product

Users describe ambiguous feelings about the product, with many consumers praising the delicious flavors,... See more

Quality

People report ambiguous experiences with quality, as many reviewers enthusiastically praise the delicious... See more

Price

Reviewers mention deep dissatisfaction regarding the expensive price and shrinking portion sizes of the... See more

Value for money

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of value for money, with many consumers praising the delicious flavours... See more

User experience

Consumers find user experience to be ambiguous, as some reviewers describe overall satisfaction and praise... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Tasty meals, much better than many takeaways and cheaper too, although prices have crept up lately. Have also noticed the high salt content of many meals; this may be to compensate if they have starte... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I have always rated your products very highly and kept a few in my freezer for emergencies or when i am busy and want a tasty meal. More recently things have changed -not with the product quality bu... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

We've been buying Charlie Bighams meals every now and then for years and have always been very happy with them until recently. Today we had the Chicken Tikka Masala and noticed a significant decline i... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Red Thai Curry had too much chilli for our liking, although good quality, which killed our apetite and resulted in food being thrown away. Also a pity that ready meals everywhere (although not this o... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Food Manufacturer

Written by the company

Ever since 1996 we've been making delicious food with all the care that you would if you had the time. After all, what better way to spend an evening than chatting, laughing and sharing a wonderful meal? Turn off the phone, dim the lights and crack ...


Contact info

3.9

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

1k reviews

5-star
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1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 98% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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3.9

All reviews

(1,192)

191 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I can make a better fish pie than a…

I can make a better fish pie than a Charlie Bingham £8 fish pie made 'in my own kitchen' . More pie than fish and no sauce. Same for the Shepherds Pie.

14 November 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Christine. We’re really sorry to hear about your experience — that’s certainly not the standard we aim for. We’d really like to look into this and make things right.

If you could please drop us a quick email at hello@charliebighams.com, including the use by date from your packaging if you still have it, we’ll be more than happy to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Paella was delicious.

The Paella was delicious. Serves 2 big appetites. We actually got 3 servings out of it (but had, had a big lunch earlier).
The paella has a real depth of flavour. I've bought supermarket own brands before but this was better. Will definitely buy again.

12 November 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Aly. That’s wonderful to hear — we’re so pleased you enjoyed our Paella! It’s great to know you found the flavours rich and satisfying (and even managed to stretch it to three servings!). Thanks so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback — we really appreciate it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Empty little wooden boxes

I chose Chicken Tikka Massala for 2.
It was my first and last time.
Those little wooden boxes work out very expensive because they are practically empty.
Thin watery sauce over 5 or 6 tiny pieces of chicken the size of the top of my thumb and a box of rice.
Chicken Tikka Massala for 2?
Ha ha. 2 mice perhaps

12 November 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Jacqueline. I’m so sorry to hear that you were disappointed with our Chicken Tikka Masala — that’s definitely not the experience we want anyone to have. We’d really like to look into this and make things right for you.

If you could please drop us a quick email at hello@charliebighams.com
, including the use by date from your packaging if you still have it, we’ll be more than happy to help.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Fish Pie

Fish Pie. Overpriced, lack of fish, no prawns whatever is that all about? Not a proper fish pie and not enough for 2 people. So Wish I hadn’t wasted my money and cooked myself or bought a supermarket own brand which probably would have been better. So disappointed

7 November 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

We’re really sorry to hear your Fish Pie wasn’t up to its usual standard. It should contain a generous portion of hake and salmon, with smoked haddock blended into the sauce — so it sounds like we didn’t get the balance quite right this time.

Our Fish Pie doesn’t include prawns, as we like to make sure it’s suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

I’ve seen your email and have already replied directly, but if there’s anything else I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch — I’d be very happy to assist.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

lacking the tikka masala

love the above dish and regularly buy it as a treat -imagine my disappointment when i opened package to find two trays of rice and no tikka masala -wondered whether the package had been tampered with but there was no evidence of this -seems to be a supply issue from the factory

1 November 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

We’re so sorry to hear this — it’s certainly not the experience we’d ever want you to have with one of our dishes. We’d really like to look into what’s happened, so if you could drop us an email at hello@charliebighams.com
with a few details (such as the use by date and batch code printed next to it), that would be a huge help. This will allow us to trace the dish back to the day it was made in our kitchen and understand what went wrong.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Charlie you have come up trumps

Charlie you have come up trumps , I have wanted to go out for a green Thai curry for a long but think eating out now is so expensive. I had your GTC tonight and can honestly say it was better or just as good as a Thai restaurant curry . Absolutely delicious 😋

30 October 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Audrey,

Thank you so much for your lovely review — we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed our Green Thai Curry! It’s wonderful to know it gave you that restaurant-quality experience at home.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Crap, crap, crap

Bought a very expensive salmon paremitier with which I was really looking forward to, I have purchased many of Charlie Bighams meals and they have all been perfect over the years, this was CRAP on on a plate and just a plate of salt, vile and a waste of money, I need to drink at least 3 pints of water to survive 😳 don’t waste your money

26 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

So sorry to hear of your experience with our Salmon Parmentier. This is not at all what we would expect from this dish. We'd like to look into this a little further, so if you would drop us an email directly at hello@charliebighams.com with any details of the dish you are able to provide (e.g. use by date, batch code next to the use by date) this will be really helpful, as we can trace each and every dish back to the date it was made in our kitchens and understand what may have happened on this occasion.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cottage Pie……delicious

I have to say, I love Charlie Bighams ready meals. They are priced higher than your average ready meal, however worth every penny. Delicious……my favourite is the Cottage Pie.

11 August 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Toni

Thanks so much for your lovely review - we are thrilled to hear how much you like our Cottage Pie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The food was delicious

The food was delicious.
I have bought Charlie’s meals many times and always found them delicious. The are a cut above the rest
Well done Charlie !!!

22 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Jacquie, so pleased to hear you enjoy our meals. Thanks so much for your kind words!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

The prawn and chorizo paella is absolutely delicious one of my favourites dishes
I am so happy that my local Sainsbury's are finally widening their Charlie bighams range as it gives me the privilege of trying all of Charlie Bighams amazing dishes
Their customer service is 10/10
I will always be a loyal customer I love Charlie Bighams meals

20 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Caroline - so pleased to hear how much you enjoy our paella - thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I'm not usually one to write a review…

I'm not usually one to write a review about something like a ready made meal but these impressed me so much that I just had to. Without a word of a lie, these are the most delicious ready made meals I've ever had. For not even £10 they're seriously better than some restaurants I've been to. Full of flavour, good portions and such good variety. Thank you Charlie you've changed my Sunday nights forever!

19 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Aymen,
Thanks so much for your taking the time to write how much you enjoy our meals - we have a huge range of meals so plenty more for you to try and enjoy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Charlie Bigham’s new Brasserie Beef Wellington …

We just tried the new Charlie Bigham’s Brasserie Beef Wellington. Crispy pastry on the bottom and top. Tender beef with a delicious filling! Excellent!

16 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed our Beef Wellington which is part of our brand new Brasserie range - would highly recommend either our Duck Confit or Venison Bourguignon next!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An example of excellence to follow ! Best ready meals on the market!

Harry Bingham’s delivers food that truly stands out. The taste is second to none — every bite is balanced, full-flavoured and thoughtfully seasoned, with clear attention to the small details that lift a meal from good to exceptional.

Beyond flavour, the quality is what all food should be judged by: top-grade ingredients, consistent preparation, and honest cooking that respects provenance and technique. Whether it’s a simple dish or something more elaborate, the care shows in texture, presentation and that enduring sense of good value.

If you want reliable, memorable food that tastes as good as it looks, Harry Bingham’s is a go-to. Highly recommended.

15 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoy our meals - thank you so much for taking the time to write this review!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Underwhelming

I have tried most of the range only when they are reduced which I have to say is quite often, not a good sign.
Very underwhelming, had the chicken ham and leek pie, very sloppy filling and what do you do with the ceramic dish??!
Far better a foil one that an be recycled.

12 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Frank so sorry to hear you have had this experience with our chicken ham and leek pie. The filling should be lovely and rich in texture, without being sloppy or runny so sorry to hear of this. If you could drop us an email at hello@charliebighams.com with details on the dish - eg use bar date and code next to the date, we'd like to investigate this further for you.

Meanwhile, you can keep and reuse the ceramic dish, or you can take this to your local Oxfam where they will take this off your hands and re-sell for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

There are currently a few supermarkets…

There are currently a few supermarkets offering Paella. Personally, this one sits at the top of the heap for me.
I cook my own Paella as well, but if time is a factor this is my favourite.
What sets it apart is the amount of oil from the Chorizo, coupled with the Lobster sauce which infuses into the rice that gives it an amazing base for the whole dish, as well as really big prawns. Will always be my first choice.

9 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Derek
Thanks so much for such a lovely review - we are thrilled to hear how much you have enjoyed our paella!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Charlie Bighams range of meals are…

The Charlie Bighams range of meals are simply the best!
The quality,fillings and taste wipe the floor with other supermarket top brands without a doubt.
Yes a little more expensive but great offers on them regularly.
I order my mother's weekly shop on Ocado and she loves the CB for one meals.
Keep up the amazing work guys and gals.
You're top of the shop by far!

8 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review for us - we are thrilled to hear how much you and your mother enjoy our meals!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dear Charlie Bigham team,

Dear Charlie Bigham team,

I just wanted to drop a quick message to say how much I enjoyed your Chicken Jalfrezi & Rice—it was absolutely fantastic! I’ve worked my way through nearly all your ready meals, which I pick up regularly from my local Waitrose, and each one has been delicious.

But last night’s curry really stood out—flavoursome, perfectly spiced, and just the right balance of comfort and kick. It honestly tasted like something from a great restaurant.

Thanks for consistently producing such high-quality, satisfying meals. Keep up the amazing work!

2 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thanks Ian we are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed our Chicken Jalfrezi!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CONSTANT SATISFACTION.

We know that Charlie's preparation is always meticulous and delicious and a time-saving oven ready.
Dateless satisfaction.

3 October 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thanks so much for such a lovely review Martin - we are thrilled to hear this!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not what it says on the packet

I bought chicken and ham en croute . Expensive but I thought it would be worth it , however there was not one piece of ham I any of them shame cause the rest of it was good , but definitely not what it says on the packet for the money .
Maybe change your wording

26 September 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Sarah sorry this has happened - there should be a good sprinkling of ham in this dish - so sorry this has happened. Do reach out to us at hello@charliebighams.com as we would like to look into this further for you

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