October 2024 by Alfie Noller
My partner and I stayed here last year and loved the place, so decided to rebook it again. Unfortunately, after staying this time we were extremely disappointed that it didn't live up to the standards of our previous stay.
The room we stayed in (room 8) was advertised as a Deluxe King room, but unfortunately is much smaller than the Deluxe King room we stayed in last year, so much so that it feels quite unfair to charge the same price for both. The room itself was cold, and the aircon/heater unit had been deactivated. Also, the bedding from the previous night had been left on the floor, so had to be collected by the staff member upon entry.
On the plus side, the bed was soft and comfortable, and the room was clean and nicely presented.
We booked a meal in the restaurant, and was disappointed to see that there was only 1 chef working and 2 inattentive staff members serving the tables. This meant that despite the restaurant being basically empty, the food took a long time to come. My partner ordered the calf's liver, which was served as a big slab, and had not been prepared correctly so was full of tubes. It was cooked well, but unfortunately was practically inedible.
I ordered the Pie of the day, which to be fair was delicious, but the seasonal veg left a little to be desired.
The young female staff member who served us was very pleasant, however the young male who was also serving had no interpersonal skills whatsoever.
Breakfast in the morning was very nicely prepared, although once again even though the restaurant was basically empty, the service was incredibly slow. That being said, there was only 1 person serving tables. Out of all of the staff members we dealt with, he seemed to be the only competent one, being very friendly and polite.
However, as the people on the other tables were leaving, the staff were happy to leave their dirty plates etc on the tables instead of clearing them away. I assume they all got cleared at the end of the breakfast service, but it's not nice to sit in the middle of a row of dirty tables.
It is sad to see somewhere that we stayed and loved just a year ago be so disappointing, and so we will not rebook in the future.
October 2024 by Nicola Hawkins
Whilst the menu isn't huge the food was tasty and reasonably priced. Have to say the service was great too.
October 2024 by Michael Wilson
Efficient and welcoming manager and staff, very good service, lovely breakfast, well maintained and clean, would thoroughly recommend.
BUT a cold night, no heating in room, very thin duvet, no extra bedding in cupboard.. We slept badly, wearing our day clothes and puffer jackets in bed!
Returned from concert too late for staff
Will stay again, but check warmth arrangements !!
Mary Wilson
( stayed 29.9.25)
October 2024 by Mary Unknown
Meal only. Not staying in hotel. 2 of us had excellent lunches. The other 2 definitely did not. Slow service and the trainee waiter had never heard of filter coffee. After simplifying this to black coffee I received a flat white?. Much more training needed.
October 2024 by David Evans
Excellent hotel, brilliant staff, great food and drink. Perfect location for Audley End and to mooch around Saffron Walden. Definitely come back
October 2024 by David Clark
The room was very cold with no means to warm it - The airconditioner had been disabled! I couldn't climb over the bath stuck in the corner of the room and why anyone should think that someone wants to be visible whilst showering is beyond me? And the toilet with only opaque screen was an even worse idea. Fortunately the duvet was good and enough to keep us from freezing. I ordered for breakfast half an English - egg, bacon and mushrooms the egg and bacon fine the large mushrooms soaked in oil - which did not taste very fresh were awful. Staff polite but made a complete mess of my friend picking up clothes left behind - I think you have discussed this with him. Altogether a poor experience for such an interesting old building - Sorry you need to do better!!
Rooms: as above trying to be chic - failed
October 2024 by Stephen Thompson
A very enjoyable mini-break in Saffron Walden. The staff were welcoming and helpful, hotel was comfortable and the restaurant was well accomplished. Overall a great few days.
Rooms: The rooms are well furbished and comfortable, even though in the town centre we slept well each night.
Nearby activities: Saffron Walden is an interesting town both historically and architecturally. There are many things to see in the town itself and a number of suggested walks to take these in. See the Tourist Information Office in the Market Square. Further afield is Audley End House, a stately home of national stature and well worth a visit.
Food and drinks: The restaurant is cosy and comfortable. The menu is wide and of good quality, as is the wine list.
September 2024 by Darrell Chart-Boyles
A beautiful pub and the food was pretty good. Terrible service though - very slow and we had to keep asking for basics (taking our order, where a missing dish was, condiments). It seemed like there was no manager on duty (for a busy Sunday lunch) and the young staff were a bit out of their depth.
September 2024 by Carole Lewis
I would definitely recommend this lovely hotel,we stayed there for a night as a wonderful present from our daughter for our ruby wedding anniversary,the hotel
is beautiful ,the rooms are full of character,have all you need ,the staff are friendly, helpful and nothing is too much trouble ,we are in their restaurant the food was delicious loads of choice ,the whole hotel is beautiful ,again with lots of character definitely going back
September 2024 by Pietro Johnson
Lovely place food food
September 2024 by Rosie
Rooms: Tudor style rooms with comfortable beds, tea making facilities and a VERY SMALL TV! Bathroom was small but fine for one person. Toiletries supplied.
Rooms were a good size for a short stay.
No air con but rooms have a fan.
Nearby activities: The hotel is along the high street so very close to local shops and restaurants.
Food and drinks: Good value breakfast. Cereals, toast and juices available as well as a fantastic breakfast menu including cooked breakfasts, porridge, avocado toast etc.
Noteworthy details: Not the hotel for you if you want a lay in. The cleaners of the pub / restaurant below start at 7am and the Henry Hoover will wake the heaviest of sleepers! A colleague complained she could hear the music playing which starts along with the breakfast.
Car Park is available a short 4minute walk across the road. Can use a parking app to pay - not cheap but safe and many spaces.
September 2024 by Anne Simpson
Beautiful ancient building in a convenient spot in the pretty town of Saffron Walden.
Very good breakfast and lovely room reached from an outside spiral staircase.
Rooms: Very comfy bed
September 2024 by Mo Bacon
Historic hotel with modern comforts. Top rate beds, duvets & towels. It was an unusually cold night in early September that I stayed and heating not yet on so although there was a plug in heater in bedroom, bathroom was very cold. Nice restaurant but, again, cold. So much is good here but it would be good to see heating levels react to unusual temperatures ! That would?ve got full marks!
Rooms: See above. Old building so rooms smallish. Good en suite bathrooms and facilities
September 2024 by Sharon Liggitt
Beautiful place with lots of character, excellent food and service! will definitely return.
Nearby activities: Market in square on a Saturday and funfair on green
Walkability: Right in the middle of town close to shops and car parks
September 2024 by Paula Loh
Had an enjoyable dinner in the restaurant with my daughter. The pork belly skewer and the fish & chips from the prix fixe menu were tasty and well-presented (I heard they have a new chef who has just started). The service was excellent.
