Axe & Compasses

4.7 ( 268 reviews )
Checking... 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
£30–40
High St, Arkesden, Saffron Walden CB11 4EX, United Kingdom
+44 1799 550272

Axe & Compasses, nestled in the picturesque village of Arkesden, Saffron Walden, is a delightful pub that has captured the hearts of many, as reflected in numerous customer reviews. Patrons rave about the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends and family. Laura Dennis encapsulates this sentiment, noting the friendly staff and cozy ambiance that made her dining experience memorable.

The culinary offerings at Axe & Compasses receive high praise, with diners highlighting the exceptional food quality and presentation. Dishes such as the garlic prawns and the unique Greek options caught the attention of reviewers like Lyndsay Prewer and Keith Pooley, showcasing the pub's diverse menu. Chris further notes the delightful dessert trolley, which adds a sweet finishing touch to the meal.

Ultimately, Axe & Compasses stands out not just for its excellent cuisine but also for the warm, inviting environment it fosters. With a commitment to quality service and an ability to surprise diners with its distinctive dishes, this charming pub is a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
  • Highlights
    • Fireplace
    • Great beer selection
    • Great coffee
    • Great dessert
    • Great tea selection
    • Great wine list
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
    • Spirits
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Seating
  • Amenities
    • Bar on site
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Romantic
  • Crowd
    • Groups
    • Tourists
  • Planning
    • Lunch reservations recommended
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • High chairs
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed

Reviews For Axe & Compasses

Laura Dennis
May 27,2025
We had a great evening at the Axe & Compasses with friends for dinner. Really friendly staff who made us feel welcome and were attentive throughout our visit. It is a lovely pub that has a nice cosy feel and good atmosphere. The food was cooked and presented very well and we were impressed with the red wine also. Would definitely return here and recommend.
Joanne Mowbray
May 23,2025
So glad that this lovely pub has reopened. Has always been one of favourites, we had a superb meal with fantastic service and cannot wait to return.
Lyndsay Prewer
May 14,2025
Went here for an early dinner with my wife and 80 year old mother in law. Food, service and ambience was all great. The staff were very friendly and helpful. For food we'd particularly recommend the prawns in garlic sauce (we had it as a starter) and the figs.
Keith Pooley
Apr 9,2025
Lovely pub in a lovely village. Friendly welcome, super food with some great Greek dishes. Highly recommended.
Chris
Apr 4,2025
Excellent meal with friendly service. Unexpected and unusual to find Greek food in a very old traditional country pub in a pretty Essex village. We all loved the dessert trolley and will return again soon
Robert Talks
Mar 31,2025
Wow, what a fantastic Sunday lunch here! A lovely friendly welcome. An excellent menu, delicious food cooked very well. We had a super time and will certainly be returning. The car park was very busy - a true sign of success. Very much looking forward to returning again soon. Thanks for an enjoyable visit.
Suzanne Andrews
Mar 29,2025
Wow! What a wonderful evening being able to dine at the Axe once again. Such a warm welcome in every sense from David and Emma and the rest of their team. The interiors have been so lovingly and sympathetically restored and the food continues to be excellent. How fortunate to have such a gem of a pub on our doorstep. Thank you
Tim S
Mar 11,2025
Nice little village pub not far from Stansted. The village around it is really pretty and photogenic! The food was great - a bit more upmarket than standard pub food, I had trout with brown butter and capers which was delicious!

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