Charlie Bigham's Reviews 

1,207
•
TrustScore 4 out of 5

3.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 207 reviews, reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers truly love the delicious flavors and wonderful convenience of these ready meals, frequently comparing them very favorably to dining out. People find the simple oven preparation completely straightforward and appreciate the thoughtful paper packaging and neat presentation boxes. However, some people mentioned that prices have steadily increased over time while overall portion sizes and meat content have noticeably shrunk. A few reviewers also felt that certain premium dishes lacked sufficient main ingredients relative to the expensive cost involved. Many consumers also enjoy purchasing these convenient items when on special offers to better manage their household budgets.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with product, often praising the delicious flavours and... See more

Quality

Clients share ambiguous opinions on quality, with many reviewers praising the delicious taste and... See more

Price

People report negative experiences with price, noting that the meals are quite expensive and that costs have... See more

Value for money

Customers had ambiguous experiences with value for money, with some reviewers praising the delicious homemade... See more

User experience

Consumers find user experience to be positive, appreciating how meals save time and make life easier without... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

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 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 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

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


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

3.8

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

1K reviews

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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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3.8

All reviews

(1,207)

196 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great ingredients well cooked

February 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Peter,

Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear you’re enjoying the quality of our ingredients and cooking.

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Charlie Bingham's customer services department , five stars!'Meatballs Al Forno'…

I had bought the 'Meatballs Al Forno' for one, but it had fewer meatballs in it than I had expected; and I'm not a big eater. I contacted the customer services department just to give feedback, and they were brilliant. I received vouchers, which I spent on Charlie Bingham's Chicken Kiev's which are very tasty indeed. Overall, a very positive experience.

February 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello again Arwel! Thank you so much for your lovely review — we’re really pleased to hear you had such a positive experience with us and enjoyed the Kyiv too.

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and support.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best shop curry I've ever had…

Best shop curry I've ever had delicious. I bought one 1. For 2 people curry enough for 1 person rice cut it down by half maybe put a nan bread with it instead. Well done you

February 21, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Patricia,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we’re delighted to hear it’s the best shop-bought curry you’ve had!

We really appreciate your feedback on the portion balance too, and we’ll be sure to share your suggestion with the team.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Charlie Bighams dishes

Charlie Bighams dishes that can be bought at supermarkets are the best and thoroughly recommend. We eat them a lot as so good Not on one day as in experience

February 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Ann,

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we’re thrilled to hear how much you’re enjoying our dishes!

It really means a lot to us that you’d recommend us and that we’re a regular part of your mealtimes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Big fan of Charlie Bighams meals since…

Big fan of Charlie Bighams meals since I first found them in Tesco years ago. Not cheap but always flavourful and plenty of meat, they also seem to be open to new ideas and have responded as positively as they can to suggestions. I look forward to new culinary delights from them

February 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thank you so much for your continued support James, it really means a lot! We’re delighted you’ve been enjoying our meals over the years.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Used to be good quality… Slipping

These at 1st used to be good quality but the contents and the quality seem to be slipping now , seems they’re now slowly starting to sacrifice the quality

February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello, Hi Arry, we’re really sorry to hear this.

We’d love to look into this further for you — if you’re happy to email us at hello@bighams.com with a bit more information (such as the dish and use-by date), we’ll be very glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My first try with Charlie

My first try with Charlie, I was NOT disappointed, yes it's a little expensive but you definitely get what you pay for, I had cottage pie and that was the best ready meal I have ever had. I will definitely be trying the rest if the range. It Was a delicious i would rather stay home than go to a restaurant with that quality well done

February 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Trudy, thank you so much for your fantastic review — we’re delighted your first Charlie Bigham’s experience didn’t disappoint!

We hope you enjoy exploring the rest of the range just as much.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Yummy curries, expertly prepared and easy to serve at home

We love our curries and my wife really enjoys cooking them when she has time. We know how hard it is to develop the right flavours and textures but with Bigham's everything is done for you. To perfection. On your table in 30 minutes. Absolutely delicious. Thank you Charlie!

February 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Julian, thank you so much for your wonderful review — we’re thrilled to hear how much you’re both enjoying our curries!

It means a lot to know you appreciate the flavours and the convenience, especially when you know first hand the care that goes into cooking dishes like these.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

More Salty Than Before

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 started to use cheaper ingredients. Anyway, the high salt content makes them a less healthy option.

February 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Stephen, thank you for your review — we’re really pleased to hear you find our meals tasty and great value compared to takeaways.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Always good

We find C B’s ready meals are superior to anything else. Curries are often better than a “fresh” Indian takeaway, such a shame they don’t do Bombay potatoes anymore they were exceptional.

February 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Helen, thank you so much for your fantastic review.

We’re sorry to hear you miss the Bombay Potatoes — we know how disappointing it is when a favourite is no longer around. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and your kind support.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bakewell Heaven

Had your Cherry Bakewell for dessert tonight, just divine and such good value, will buy again

February 10, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Christine. Thank you so much for your lovely review — we’re delighted you enjoyed the Cherry Bakewell!

Great to hear you found it such good value too. We really appreciate your support and look forward to you enjoying it again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We don’t buy any ready meals apart from…

We don’t buy any ready meals apart from Charlie big hams . We like to have an easy meal in the freezer and every one we’ve tasted has been absolutely delicious. It’s quite a compliment to say we couldn’t make it better ourselves ( and we do cook ) They are pricey but worth every penny !!!!

February 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Tracee — what a compliment!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our favourite Fish Pie was once again…

Our favourite Fish Pie was once again enjoyed! Hearty meal, good flavour and always a winner!

February 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Jill. Thank you so much for your lovely review, we’re delighted to hear our Fish Pie is still a firm favourite!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Red Thai Curry had too much chilli for…

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 one) contain Cheddar - a cheap ingredient - which is not good for dairy intolerance. Sicilian Chicken is very good, but flavours over-strong.

February 4, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Elizabeth, thank you for your feedback — we’re sorry to hear the Red Thai Curry was too spicy for your taste. We’re pleased you enjoyed the quality overall and the Sicilian Chicken, and we’ll be sure to share your comments on flavour levels and ingredients with our team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Delicious and Restorative.


The Charlie Bigham Sicilian Chicken is
A Wonderfully Delicious and Welcome
Dish.

It fully restored my elderly mother's appetite. She had not eaten properly for a week following the sudden death of her
youngest son. But this dish has truly helped
her to regain more of her taste buds.
And strength.

Thank You very much all at Charlie Bigham.
Really grateful for your super cuisine.

February 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thank you so much for letting us know, Seta — that’s really kind of you to share.

We’re so glad the dish was able to bring some comfort, and we’re sending our warmest wishes to you and your family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We regularly buy these pies they are…

We regularly buy these pies they are fabulous.
Our favourites are the fish pie and the Kate and Sydney.
Always well filled with sizeable pieces

February 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Wendy. Thank you so much for your wonderful review — we’re delighted to hear you regularly enjoy our pies!

It’s great to know the Fish Pie and the Steak & Kidney are your favourites, and that you’re pleased with the generous fillings and sizeable pieces. We really appreciate your lovely support

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Tried Charlie Bighams new chicken…

Tried Charlie Bighams new chicken parmigiana.
It was flavoursome, good quantity and as always excellent ingredient quality.

February 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Kathryn. Thank you so much for your lovely review — we’re delighted you’ve tried our new Chicken Parmigiana and enjoyed it!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Try harder with the gluten free options!

Next to nothing in the Charlie Bingham's range is gluten free. The 'next to' bit is your two Thai-style curries - tasty enough but so are several other brands that all do the job. I'd love to try your Fish Pie, Cottage Pie etcetera but can't because you haven't considered replacing the relatively small amounts of wheat in your recipes with glten-free alternatives.

February 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hi Frank,

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and share your feedback with us.

While we do offer a small range of dishes that do not contain added gluten ingredients. If you’d like to pop us an email at hello@bighams.com, we’d be very happy to talk you through the options we do have available and help further where we can.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Charlie Bigham good for those living alone

Charlie Bigham produces several delicious “stand-bys” for one diner, shame you can’t freeze them but they are useful for a quick grab on the way home, that is if you can find them now that my local Tesco have reduced their offering to a single shelf in a chill cabinet. Waitrose stock the more exotic recipes but not in single servings.
Sometimes I wish the packaging might suggest what might be a good vegetable accompaniment to the meal or even which wine!

February 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Thank you for your thoughtful review, Andrew.

Thank you as well for your suggestions around accompaniment and wine pairing ideas — that’s lovely feedback and we’ll be sure to pass it on to the team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The fish pie experience

The fish pie - well I thought nothing could beat mine but , Charlie’s is on another level. Lots of chunky fish , not scrimping on the salmon, and a delicious creamy cheese sauce. Fantastic.

January 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Charlie Bigham's logo

Reply from Charlie Bigham's

Hello Mrs White, thank you very much! This is great praise indeed, thank you for the great review.

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