We spent the day in Saffron Walden and ended up walking in to the Eight Bells early just because we were done walking. At first the service seemed to be very attentive, but we could tell a clear shift in mood when we decided to go with a starter first and then order mains and dessert later since we came in so early (it was around 4pm and the barn section just cleared with the last remaining lunch folks, so we weren't worried about holding a table for too long as it was that weird time between lunch and dinner where restaurants are typically empty. If it had been crowded we would have obviously ordered and eaten a lot faster). After that, we were pretty much ignored - we asked for the drinks menu which we got, but had to flag down service after 30 minutes to actually order, same happened with the dessert. I get that service loves to see people eat, pack up and go but I still spend almost 50 pounds each and order starter, main and dessert I do expect good service no matter how long I spend in the place (unless, of course the table has to be cleared for another reservation etc - but that clearly wasn't the case). Food was really good though, we had the sourdough + fish pate which was heavely, our mains were veggie risotto and fish & chips. Fish & Chips were very well seasoned and crispy and the tartare sauce was amazing. The risotto was a bit runny, but had a really good taste to make up for consistency. The sticky toffee pudding was bigger than expected and was amazing as well! Overall, a good visit with great food but unfortunately not so great service - which is a shame when a place has a service fee included (which we paid, but tbh it wasn't well deserved).
JP
Booked for Sunday lunch a few weeks ago and were excited as we'd not tried The Eight Bells before. Our table wasn't ready when we arrived but we ordered drinks and sat at the bar. Very quickly, though, a table was cleared in the barn/hall (which is absolutely amazing, though it took us a while to realise the plants were plastic). I'd book the whole barn for any special events (weddings, etc) if I could.Service was very, very slow (a bottle of wine ordered with the food materialised as we were all finishing up) but the food was excellent, including being able to choose how the meat for the roast was cooked, so it can't have been pre-made. It took ages to order, for the food to arrive, and to pay.. it didn't seem that busy, but perhaps it was behind the scenes.Toilets were ok, and there are a few tables outside and a car park.It's probably the kind of place you'd have a special meal, or take out-of-town friends. It's not really a pub, but a restaurant.. or gastro-pub, perhaps. They do have a decent selection of drinks (including a good wine-list, though as we found out, not every bottle is available all the time).We'll be back again.
Aname Surname
Very cool spot, loads of character. Food was delicious, sunday dinner with the fam. The rice pudding was very nice, bit random to focus on, but loved it.Chefs a cool fella - David. Met him and his good lady outside after the feeding frenzy died down. Was kind enough to give me a bottle of the beer he'd brewed himself and big batched with Barsham brewery - Eastern Gold.Proper nice drop, really enjoyed that. Thanks David. Will be dropping in for a pint of that again?
Adam Gatto
Had a great last minute visit to the eight bells yesterday and was really impressed - the barn was an amazing location to dine and really well decorated. Wasn't expecting that from the outside. Our server was very friendly too.Portions were of a good size and great quality, we opted for the fish and chips and enjoyed having fish and chip style chips rather than the usual thick cut ones you tend to get in pubs.10% service charge added automatically to the bill. AMEX accepted.Parking: Parking is behind the pub, reasonable amount of spaces but I can imagine it fills up when the pub gets busy.Public parking is nearby also
simon cooper
Food pretty good but the service was awful staff more interested in chatting by the bar or looking at their phone. Dessert menu provided but no one came to take an order for more than 30 minutes by which time we were ready to head home!
Gary Victor
Stopped in for a light lunch bite and some refreshments during the week with our dog on a rainy day, very friendly staff, beautiful old building, excellent wine list, very dog friendly had a great time; one of the best pubs we have been to for a long time (not counting the Cricketers near Clavering which we visited the day after, same chain of course!). We both have been talking about this pub since, and will be looking for an opportunity to come back soon, love it.
Anne Heaton
An absolutely delightful place to visit for a meal.Delicious freshly cooked food, varied menu and a good range of drinks.The only downside is that we had to wait over an hour for food to be served after ordering.
Chris Fischer
Really good food in a cozy
Kristen Lum
I came here yesterday in a group with myself and my friend who has a baby under 1. The baby changing facilities in the woman’s toilets was appalling. It was a mat which we are expected to put on the dirty bathroom floor. Yesterday was raining, which mean the bathroom floor was extra wet / dirty. Logistically it should also be noted that even if the floor was spotless. Both the bathroom doors swing outwards, to where you’re meant to change the baby, thus is wouldn’t work regardless.This is extremely disappointing for a family friendly pub.Sunday roast was lovely and the service was slow but friendly.
kankana paul
Great food, great place and friendly and very welcoming staff. We were served by Ollie today who was very warm and welcoming. We will definitely visit again.
Great atmosphere and staff but food pretty good but not superb, especially for the money paid... Would go again for a drink and for the atmosphere but wouldn't eat.
Tom McGarry
Perfect experience great old
Karen Roper
Beautiful
Hari Ramanathan
First-time visitor to Saffron Walden. A wedding seemed to be going on. Seemed like a huge space. Cute little pub. If I ever return to this place, would definitely drop by for a pint.
We spent the day in Saffron Walden and ended up walking in to the Eight Bells early just because we were done walking. At first the service seemed to be very attentive, but we could tell a clear shift in mood when we decided to go with a starter first and then order mains and dessert later since we came in so early (it was around 4pm and the barn section just cleared with the last remaining lunch folks, so we weren't worried about holding a table for too long as it was that weird time between lunch and dinner where restaurants are typically empty. If it had been crowded we would have obviously ordered and eaten a lot faster). After that, we were pretty much ignored - we asked for the drinks menu which we got, but had to flag down service after 30 minutes to actually order, same happened with the dessert. I get that service loves to see people eat, pack up and go but I still spend almost 50 pounds each and order starter, main and dessert I do expect good service no matter how long I spend in the place (unless, of course the table has to be cleared for another reservation etc - but that clearly wasn't the case). Food was really good though, we had the sourdough + fish pate which was heavely, our mains were veggie risotto and fish & chips. Fish & Chips were very well seasoned and crispy and the tartare sauce was amazing. The risotto was a bit runny, but had a really good taste to make up for consistency. The sticky toffee pudding was bigger than expected and was amazing as well! Overall, a good visit with great food but unfortunately not so great service - which is a shame when a place has a service fee included (which we paid, but tbh it wasn't well deserved).
Booked for Sunday lunch a few weeks ago and were excited as we'd not tried The Eight Bells before. Our table wasn't ready when we arrived but we ordered drinks and sat at the bar. Very quickly, though, a table was cleared in the barn/hall (which is absolutely amazing, though it took us a while to realise the plants were plastic). I'd book the whole barn for any special events (weddings, etc) if I could.Service was very, very slow (a bottle of wine ordered with the food materialised as we were all finishing up) but the food was excellent, including being able to choose how the meat for the roast was cooked, so it can't have been pre-made. It took ages to order, for the food to arrive, and to pay.. it didn't seem that busy, but perhaps it was behind the scenes.Toilets were ok, and there are a few tables outside and a car park.It's probably the kind of place you'd have a special meal, or take out-of-town friends. It's not really a pub, but a restaurant.. or gastro-pub, perhaps. They do have a decent selection of drinks (including a good wine-list, though as we found out, not every bottle is available all the time).We'll be back again.
Very cool spot, loads of character. Food was delicious, sunday dinner with the fam. The rice pudding was very nice, bit random to focus on, but loved it.Chefs a cool fella - David. Met him and his good lady outside after the feeding frenzy died down. Was kind enough to give me a bottle of the beer he'd brewed himself and big batched with Barsham brewery - Eastern Gold.Proper nice drop, really enjoyed that. Thanks David. Will be dropping in for a pint of that again?
Had a great last minute visit to the eight bells yesterday and was really impressed - the barn was an amazing location to dine and really well decorated. Wasn't expecting that from the outside. Our server was very friendly too.Portions were of a good size and great quality, we opted for the fish and chips and enjoyed having fish and chip style chips rather than the usual thick cut ones you tend to get in pubs.10% service charge added automatically to the bill. AMEX accepted.Parking: Parking is behind the pub, reasonable amount of spaces but I can imagine it fills up when the pub gets busy.Public parking is nearby also
Food pretty good but the service was awful staff more interested in chatting by the bar or looking at their phone. Dessert menu provided but no one came to take an order for more than 30 minutes by which time we were ready to head home!
Stopped in for a light lunch bite and some refreshments during the week with our dog on a rainy day, very friendly staff, beautiful old building, excellent wine list, very dog friendly had a great time; one of the best pubs we have been to for a long time (not counting the Cricketers near Clavering which we visited the day after, same chain of course!). We both have been talking about this pub since, and will be looking for an opportunity to come back soon, love it.
An absolutely delightful place to visit for a meal.Delicious freshly cooked food, varied menu and a good range of drinks.The only downside is that we had to wait over an hour for food to be served after ordering.
Really good food in a cozy
I came here yesterday in a group with myself and my friend who has a baby under 1. The baby changing facilities in the woman’s toilets was appalling. It was a mat which we are expected to put on the dirty bathroom floor. Yesterday was raining, which mean the bathroom floor was extra wet / dirty. Logistically it should also be noted that even if the floor was spotless. Both the bathroom doors swing outwards, to where you’re meant to change the baby, thus is wouldn’t work regardless.This is extremely disappointing for a family friendly pub.Sunday roast was lovely and the service was slow but friendly.
Great food, great place and friendly and very welcoming staff. We were served by Ollie today who was very warm and welcoming. We will definitely visit again.
Restaurantji Recommends
Stunning interior in a great
Great atmosphere and staff but food pretty good but not superb, especially for the money paid... Would go again for a drink and for the atmosphere but wouldn't eat.
Perfect experience great old
Beautiful
First-time visitor to Saffron Walden. A wedding seemed to be going on. Seemed like a huge space. Cute little pub. If I ever return to this place, would definitely drop by for a pint.