Cross Keys in Newark and Sherwood

A most welcome spot after a visit to the nearby museum. The fire was most welcome on a damp misty day. Lovely welcoming staff who couldn’t do enough for you. The group I was with all enjoyed our food. Typical pub food menu, but all cooked perfectly. The scampi were lovely. I didn’t have room for a pudding, but those who did said they were delicious, especially the cheesecake. Portions were generous. Wish I lived closer!!

Very friendly owners. Welcoming. Nice, homely, down-to -earth, traditional pub. Excellent home-made food - generous portions. Great value for money. Real fire in the winter months. Recommended.

Thank you for a fabulous meal last night, meet some friends here for dinner and couldn't recommend enough, fresh cooked food good choice ,and very friendly owners , nice dog friendly pub as well , so will defiantly be back, many thanks

A real gem found by chance. . Friendly independent local pub with welcoming hosts. Good selection of home made local food with plenty on the plate. Good value. Will be back again when next in the area!

Third time back since the restart and just as good. Varied menu, generous portions, very fair prices, nice location. What's not to like!! Recommended.

Not been to the Cross Keys since the restart. Decided to pay a visit in late October and we were most impressed. The menu is varied and includes dishes beyond those normally available in pubs. As well as the pub favourites there are currys, pasta dishes and other specials. Portion sizes are also quite generous. Tables arranged around a nice, welcoming fire place and the wine is very good. Finally, the price was most reasonable for the dishes and the wine we had. All in all a very good evening out. I would recommend paying a visit to the Cross Keys.

Nice little pub great food and friendly staff ! Beer was good , nice chilled atmosphere! highly recommend for food , or just some casual drinks

We’ve not been to this pub for years and it’s certainly changed. Out has gone the country chintz feel and it now has a distinctly casual and relaxed vibe. Greeted by lovely friendly landlord and lady. Menu has pub favourites plus being Sunday, the traditional roast. We went for that but I guess for families the fact you can actually have what you want rather than a roast must be great! Our roasts were lovely, more than we could eat consisting of fresh cooked meat accompanied by 4 veg and both roast and mashed potato. Not forgetting of course the Yorkshire pud with thick lovely gravy. Desert was equally delicious Great place, great food and nice people for a very fair price We’ll go back

Excellent sirloin steaks, all our meals were fantastic including the gluten free homemade scampi.will definitely return.Drinks , service and a warm welcome made this a lovely night out.

Having moved a couple years ago from South Wales, I truly lucky to live in a village with a fantastic pub on my door step. With recent restrictions and lockdowns being in place for over a year, it has been a difficult and sad time for many businesses. But The Cross Keys Pub in Upton has a great sense of community and fantastic atmosphere. And thanks to the staff and local community, it’s heartwarming seeing such a good place on my doorstep thriving. My family & I, always enjoy our evenings here. (Including two young boys, who are usually bored very easily). The staff are attentive and friendly.. The food meets beyond the expectations of just pub food! Ingredients are fresh and everything is made to order. All round service is faultless! Highly recommend: the pizza, scampi & steak 😀 The Landlords really have done an excellent job! But not just a job, they are a great asset to this establishment.

We went for a birthday celebration and did not realise the pub had recently changed hands. The food was some of the worst pub food I have eaten with the emphasis being on quantity not quality. The dishes had obviously been frozen and the steak was overcooked, tough and tasteless. In the pub's favour was a good beer selection.

Menu looked pretty good for choice, but I just fancied some scampi....Worst I’ve ever had, it was basically mulch shaped into large prawns with that awful orange dye coated onto it. Superb batter I must admit but there was sod all flavour to the fake ‘scampi’, the chips wernt great either. God knows what the other food on the menu is like. I didn’t think u could get Scampi wrong so i won’t be going again. Decent service, so credit for that at least.

We had passed The Cross keys earlier in the day and kept it in mind for the return trip. Good call. Amazing value for money, we all had the mixed Grill which was amazing. The staff were really helpful and when we were unsure which beer to go for we were offered samples to try! Great pub good food excellent beer.

Called in here on our way to Newark as it WAS our favourite eatery. We sat down and checked the menu....it had all changed plus was so plain! All the beautiful fish dishes were no longer there! Everything seemed to be focused around quick easy meals sadly. We asked what had happened to the old menu & were informed that the old people had left and they had employed a new Chef.Big disappointment, I asked if they had gone local but was told the previous owners had retired but didn't know where they had moved to, and the chef had moved to a new pub but didn't know what it was called or where it was So we thought we would give it a go seeing we were there. Big disappointment sadly, we decided to have the sausage and mash as everything else sounded deep fried or frozen. The sausages were very nice but the mash was watery and the gravy tasteless!Sadly we won't be returning when we pop down this way, but if anyone can enlighten where the original Chef has moved to can you drop me a message.

Lovely pub, the staff were welcoming and the atmosphere was warm and pleasing. Great seating. The food was out of this world. The portions were just big enough to fill you but nor bloat you like a lot of places seem to go for now days. They have good portions and top quality, tasty food. can't wait to go again. Big thank-you out to the staff who was warm, welcoming and made us feel welcomed to be there.

We travelled over an hour to join friends for lunch and we were told they were no longer serving food! There was nothing on the website about the fact that they were no longer serving food and it allowed us to book! Not acceptable. It was to be a special birthday celebration and this pretty much ruined it .

we went to visit the Southwell workhouse,when we left by the exit we saw a small sign for the cross keys,we are very glad we did,a short drive up the road we saw the pub/restaurant,it was 5pm,when we asked if they cooked food we were told not until 5.30,but if we had a drink the chief would soon arrive.What a find even had its own brewery"mallard"now as it happens im a bit of a real ale nut so I had a very nice pint,the food is really excellent,vegetarian friendly,all I can say,the owner excellent,beer excellent,food excellent in fact every thing excellent.Well worth seaching out

This was my second visit to the Cross Keys this year and it did not fail to come up to expectations. The menu is imaginative and there is plenty to chose from, but on this night they were doing burgers as a special. It was a good one, with crunchy, home-cooked chips. Pudding, likewise. As for beer, the choices are nearly overwhelming, but I stuck to two of the three that are apparently made there by the landlord, which are well worth trying. It was busy midweek, so booking for food is advised.

When we arrived we weren't given a welcome. Two young females were working and they gave the impression they would rather be somewhere else. As for the pies there was a choice of 3 - 1 being a veggie, it was some meat with a bit of pastry put on the top!! When we paid and left we said thankyou and goodbye and it was a strained mumble from the staff. Won't be going back!!!

Had lunch at the Cross Keys on two occasions in March. Nothing to add to my previous reviews - the welcome, the beer & the food are still all brilliant & we will definitely be returning. Our only complaint is that it is well over 100 miles from home so we have to wait until we happen to find ourselves in the Newark/Southwell area!

My friend suggested The Cross Keys at Upton, what an excellent idea, we were booked in for 2.30pm for Sunday lunch, we arrived and the place was buzzing, there was a welcome open fire making it cosy and warm. Our meal was fabulous, my friend had the beef and I had the chicken... both were melt in your mouth, the roast potatoes were perfectly cooked as was the veg, the entire meal was piping hot and enjoyable, sticky toffee pudding to finish was the icing on the cake. Worth a visit.

We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed Sunday lunch at the Cross Keys yesterday. The food was excellent, a good choice of roast meats, a lovely selection of well cooked veg and extra roast potatoes and gravy provided on request. They were also happy to accommodate one of our party with an "off menu" selection. The small touches can often make the difference and it was nice to see a selection of fresh sauces on the table served in individual dishes.Good beer,good wine and a very good selection of gins :) together with excellent friendly service and a well priced menu. We will certainly return.

Had my first visit there yesterday. Pie was epic. It was very busy but the team on the bar and restaurant handled it and the service was great.

It’s been a few months since I last visited as we have moved to Oxford, but after visiting friends we decided to pop in to our ‘old local’ on Saturday lunchtime

Reserved a table busy little homely pub having Sunday lunch around lincs and notts this is the 2nd best we have had so far good service good value meat served good only slight criticism is a little bit more veg required and pot of gravy bur overall well done

Went for Sunday lunch on 22nd with a couple of friends who were visiting and had a beautiful meal.

Took my elderly parents and two young children for dinner in Friday night . Table for six booked at late notice and the food and service was excellent. Very relaxed atmosphere and personable service. Large varied menu amazing food . Highly recommend.

A magnificent oak pew greeted us on entry - what is the history of that? - before walking into the small bar where a round table for the six of us and very good ales awaited.

Based on comments from friends who had eaten here we booked for Sunday lunch after the England/Panama match! 4 of us ate, the value was very good at 2 courses for £12.95, and the house wine was very quaffable. The quality of food and the service were both of a high standard.

Visiting friends living locally they suggested we all eat Dinner here. Good Choice!!!

Went with friends on a Friday evening. Great atmosphere and beautiful food. Very clean and old fashioned with nice staff. Would definitely recommend.

We meet at The Cross Keys for lunch every week after tennis, and we look forward to a warm welcome from Alison and a delicious meal.

We've just been for lunch - our first visit. Great atmosphere, cosy and, despite being busy, not too noisy to hear each other. Excellent menu choices and the food was amazing and reasonably priced for the quality. A relaxing place with a warm welcome. Definitely one to return to.

A very friendly village pub, well frequented by locals, that provides excellent fare in a warm and cosy atmosphere. There is a very wide choice of food available, including an amazing £10 for 2 course lunchtime offer. Alison and Steve run the pub with the perfect blend of friendliness and efficiency and the pub is definitely worth a good drive to visit. Do book though as it’s invariably very busy.

We haven’t been out for a while but decided to book for Mother’s Day for 4 of us and what a treat it was

Excellent food, very varied menu, helpful staff. Would have given five stars but I was quite cold in there. Okay if you can sit near the beautiful fire.

been before and went again last sunday to celebrate wedding anniversary , its a pub that does what it says on the tin, good fare,good food good ales,warm welcome very well worth the visit. john f

Thanks Alison for a really super lunch, thoroughly enjoyed it so much we’ve booked for Mother’s Day 😊 xx

We try to eat here at least once a month but it’s been about 6 weeks this time and it’s still the best place around Southwell Newark and the whole of Nottinghamshire!! It was extremely busy with Christmas parties and we didn’t book.. so apologies...

It was my birthday celebration again what happened to that year? Naturally we chose to go to the Cross Keys (all 6 of us). I previously discussed it all with Alison and explained that we just wanted "nibbles" and left it up to her and the chef. When we arrived yesterday a round table had been set up for us with crackers and Christmas decorations. When the food came we had homemade pate and bread, pigs in blankets, warm camembert cheeses, 2 bowls of chips. The spread was fantastic as was the food all at a very reasonable price. Once again we have not been disappointed and we shall be back soon. Well done.

I have visited this pub several times before and decided to try it for my staff Christmas lunch. 6 of us attended and were greeted warmly, we were led to a table in a small alcove which allowed us to see the rest of the dining area but gave us privacy as well.

Visited yesterday with family for Sunday Lunch, really disappointed at the very restricted menu for non meat eaters. My husband eats fish - the only fish on menu was scampi? Really? Also the only vegetarian option was sausage and mash (which basically is processed ready made food pretending to be meat!) -it's 2017 not 1975! For the prices they ask surely the food should actually be prepared by them and not just taken from a freezer? Starters were OK, but teensy portions with just two tiny squares of breaded brie for £4.25. Other family members reported the meat options as delicious so I guess it's just those of us who don't eat meat who missed out.

Frank has perfected something so simple, scallops and tiger prawn kebab with hollandaise sauce. Just amazing. If I could have I would have licked my plate but instead I wiped it up with one of my husbands amazing crunchy fluffy chips!

Having read a recent review I felt compelled to write a review about my evening at The Cross Keys. To be fair I am a regular as this is my village pub, but equally I eat out very regularly across a varied range of restaurants from michelin starred to chains. Every other Friday, at the end of a long week my husband and I walk up to this lovely village pub. Without doubt the fish and chips are really great and I feel very qualified on this one as I tend to have them on most Friday evening visits! Steve and Alison are fantastic hosts who go out of their way to make everyone welcome and have a positive experience as do their staff. All in all a lovely way to start the weekend!

Called in our way back again from Newark hospital on Wednesday lunchtime and it was really busy with a great atmosphere.

We decided to change our Wednesday food venue and traveled twenty miles to this pub and found a basic food menu attempting to be inspired.We opted for a safe dish- fish and chips The chips were supposed to be twice cooked but I doubt whether they were home cooked or doubled cooked just tasted reheated. The potato content was hard and not moist and fluffy. The fish batter brittle and the taste did not reflect the menu description The not particularly large fish - it kept easily within the plate came with the skin on and tasted bland and pre frozen..The only complement to the meal was a pot of pureed peas which were ok but why was there a need to add taste? I have had better fish and chips and if a basic pub meal cant be cooked tastefully I see no point in trying the rest of the menu.The decor is homely but the car park is unlit

Three of us booked lunch on a weekday, and the place was pretty full, with a great atmosphere and friendly welcome. The two-course menu was only £10.00, and the food was really very good. However, the main course took 40 minutes to arrive after was had ordered, and the dessert took nearly half an hour. It was worth waiting for, but it did mean that lunch took two hours altogether, which we hadn't expected. Oh yes, the locally-brewed 'Mallard' craft beer was superb.

We booked originally as a group of 15 and then on Saturday 3 more joined our group. Alison happily accommodated the extras even though the meal had been pre-booked.

We had a lovely meal in a warm and welcoming pub. Highly recommended, good value. Everyone enjoyed the visit and another table booked for next week.

A lovely pub with friendly staff, great food (I had the fish pie) and great beer, thank you Cross Keys

Called in after a few weeks break and as usual everything was excellent and even more fish dishes on the menu! Much to my husbands delight! It must be the best pub around Southwell and certainly the best fish dishes we have ever eaten in the area so if you haven't tried this cosy, friendly pub then you must... they never fail to impressWell done once again

Popped in on our way home for a meal.What a lovely, cosy pub with welcoming, friendly service and lots of lovely Gin!A wide menu selection at value for money prices.I had the moules, which came in a humongous casserole, cooked to perfection with lashings of cream and big juicy chips. I asked for a side order of vegetables and was knocked out by the selection of red cabbage, haricot vert, cauliflower, broccoli and swede mashed potatoes, again cooked beautifully.My hubby loved his fish and chips with a light, crispy batter.A rustic cheese and cracker awaited visitors at the bar, the house wine was good. Locals obviously enjoy a catch up there. What a super pub! :)

We decided to have a reunion here with my university friends. The food was superb and the service was attentive but not intrusive. The range of fish dishes on the specials board is excellent. The landlord advised on choice of dishes and made several recommendations on his favourites and there is a vegetarian selection beyond the normal aubergine stack! This pub personifies what British pubs are about, friendly, comfortable and authentic. It is not like the clinical large chain 'pub and kitchen' brands appearing in our towns and villages. A thoroughly delectable evening, I will be visiting again.

We have been here many times for Sunday lunch and always enjoyed our meal. Alison and Steve make you feel really welcome as they do to everyone who comes in. Lovely atmosphere. It's not only the lunch that is good we have tried pie night which was equally as good and I had a big birthday family meal of 20 of us which went superbly. Highly recommend

Thought we would, for me at least, try somewhere new. So, we tried "The Keys" at Upton. I had grilled Swordfish, with stir fried vegetables. Loved it! Really loved it. Lovely atmosphere, full of character and something more than mere charm. This area is blessed with excellent restaurants and "The Keys" seems to specialise in seafood, at least to some degree. Try it. Try the swordfish. Super.

We were recommended to visit here by our neighbours so decided to ask them to join us for a meal on a Saturday evening. The menu choice was very limited and had little choice for vegetarians. I was amazed to see starter and main course items shuffled around on the menu, which made it difficult to choose. We asked several questions but received poor help.Our neighbour ordered cajun chicken, which was a starter, as a main course and complained when the plate was collected that it was way too fatty and had no cajun taste at all. The waitress was not bothered or interested at all.My wife had the veggie breakfast and she was very happy with it, but should this be the best veggie option?The desert choice was limited and I did ask if the lunchtime crumble was available. I ordered this and it was the saving item of my night - it was great.We did not receive a bill at the table and realised the waitress had gone home. At the bar we were given a bill and when we started to look through it felt uncomfortable as the landlord asked if we wanted him to go through it. We paid and left. We still feel that the drinks were charged wrongly but what's in a few pounds?At no time were we asked if our meal was okay and felt throughout that we were outsiders and an incovenience. Not a good customer experience.

I have been going to the Cross Keys for a number of years and it has been consistently good. Beer is available from their own brewery, which makes it interesting for beer lovers and the food is generally excellent.

Had another be awesome meal but this time with my daughter & 2 grandchildren who loved the smaller portions of the adults meals. Plenty of fresh vegetables were on offer and my youngest granddaughter loved the squeaky green beans practically eating them all to herself It was a beautiful day and were tempted to eat outside but decided for the cooler interior of the pub. We were again served efficiently and fast even though it was quite busy and as usual service with a smile Thank you hopefully see you next month

Never ceases to disappoint in this lovely little pub!! Food once again was amazing and not your average 'pub grub' even at lunchtime! Everything is cooked from scratch so it does take a teeny bit longer but trust me it's well worth the wait. My husband is slowly working his way through all the Mallard beers so each time we go I end up driving. A word of advice make sure you don't have any breakfast as the portions are ample and you also have to try the puds So if you want to have a gorgeous home cooked meal with great beer, lovely bar staff and peaceful surroundings give it a go! I can 100% recommend!!

We called in on our way to Newark station. Lovely pub, how they used to be, that is friendly , nice atmosphere and good food. Plenty of menu choice , super meal and great home made sweets . We had a great meal and relaxing time , thank you. Will visit again

Thanks to the Cross Keys we had a great Mothering Sunday, There were 12 of us so a large party, they asked if we would like the 'room upstairs', I was thrilled she suggested it as it worked out great for the children. The Food was Excellent and nothing was too much trouble for them. cant wait to go back again, only wished I lived closer xxx

Visited The Cross Keys on a Saturday afternoon with a family party of 10 (7 adults 3 children). Staff were friendly and efficient and the food was excellent. I was very pleased that the kids menu on offer was smaller portions of the adults menu (They loved it!). £150.00 for 10 people, drinks, dinner and pudding. Excellent value! Will re-visit when not driving as the beer was excellent!

Another fantastic meal again. This time we took my parents on a Friday lunchtime and I cannot praise this lovely pub enough! The food was delicious and the puddings are to die for!! Mum is very fussy with her puds and very rarely eats them when we are out as she prefers homemade and not 'frozen microwave rubbish' as she calls them! So once she was told all the puds were made fresh by the chef she ordered the crumble and custard and we all had sticky toffee pud which came with the most mouthwatering toffee sauce, mum gave everything the thumbs up and even managed to help dad finish his sticky toffee pudding

Well worth seeking out, great atmosphere and a good menu. Staff great too. Some times you can walk into village pubs and feel it's just for the locals but this place was warm and inviting.

We have just had the most amazing Fish dish I have ever tasted at any restaurant... and we have eaten at the best! It consisted of huge chunks of salmon cod prawns and was in the most delicious creamy smoky sauce... & so much care goes into the presentation as it looked beautiful with a lovely curly garnish of veg. I swear if the restaurant hadn't been so busy my husband would have licked the plate clean!! I did take a photo of it but am having trouble uploading it but I will try later. The service again was faultless & the wine perfectly chilled. A very enjoyable evening & I cannot recommend it highly enough!! Thank you

family of 5 had the 2 course sunday lunch option £12.50, busy is always a good sign & we were not disappointed. Roast Pork was lovely with plenty of veg, roasts & great gravy!highlight was the bread & butter pudding! oh my! just the best pudding ever!! will highly recommend!!!

We called in here two weeks ago for lunch and didn't even get to sit down. We were told by bar staff that we were too late for lunch as they stop serving at 2pm after much scrutinising of the bar clock. It was 3 minutes past two. OK so they have rules but the website clearly states lunch time food served until 2.30.I did check this out before we left home.Very disappointing, left after being made to feel awkward and embarrassed.

A beautiful traditional pub with a lovely atmosphere. Perfect for a Sunday lunch with friends. We look forward to going back.

Following my birthday celebrations in December I was one member of the team missing due to ill health on his behalf so he and I decided to have a celebration lunch yesterday. I asked Alison the landlady if she could reproduce the birthday meal to which she said yes. So two of us sat down to lunch yesterday of Tiger King Prawns, Moules a la crème, French fries with mayonnaise and lovely bread. It was as delicious as ever and I came home very satisfied. The service was as good as ever and I can't wait to go back. Everyone should go and give it a try.

Visited with my wife and elderly mother in law on spec. Were made very welcome and the food was excellent. The landlady suggested a small portion main for my mother in law, a good suggestion duly accepted. Will pre-book next time. Recommended.

Yummy!! Called yesterday on the off chance of a table for Sunday lunch as we were feeling like a treat it was busy but they found us a table for 2. Absolutely yummy! The beef was slightly pink and was so tasty with lots of veggies and mashed swede and carrots... I'm afraid I didn't manage a pudding myself but my husband had nougat glacé which he said was a beautiful light sweet! This is now becoming top of our list when we need a meal out, thank you

Returned again with a family friend for a lunchtime meal just before Christmas and although there were a couple of Christmas parties in we were again given fantastic friendly attentive service by Alison the landlady. We were told it would be a little longer than usual as the parties had just ordered, but it arrived piping hot within 15 minutes of ordering and this is the third visit to this lovely village pub and once again the food and presentation was outstanding!! Thank you

As it was my 75th. birthday yesterday a party of 7 of us arranged to go to the Cross Keys for lunch. We had pre- booked and ordered having decided on a fishy theme. The chef presented us with moules, tiger prawns, French fries and fresh bread. The whole meal was beautifully presented and every thing melted in the mouth. Alison's (the landlady) attention was faultless. I cannot wait for my next visit which is not very far away. If you have not been it is time you did!

I love cauliflower so had no hesitation in going with cauliflower and saffron soup, sadly the main taste was a peppery hot broth. The main Salmon with veg very pleasant, and my partner enjoyed his venison casserole. The atmosphere is perfect country pub,up to date yet traditional. My one glass of wine(much cherished) however was barely chilled !- not quite there on this occasion.

I really really wanted to love this place. Great location, wonderful decor, great ambience, brilliant hosts....but the food was a let down, and I'd go as far as to say poor. Greasy, overpowered with salt, not very well cooked, and, well, it just didn't work. Such a pity. This would be five stars if it wasn't for the food which left us disappointed. We'll maybe try it again in a few months and hope that our culinary experience was a hiccup in what is otherwise a great little pub.

We called here after having a Saturday lunch a few weeks ago so decided to give it a try for the evening menu. Absolutely amazing food and lovely hosts! I opted for the fish ragout as I'm a fish fanatic... it was the tastiest fish dish I have had in a long long time and was full of a wide variety of different fish and prawns, it was served with rice and lovely spiral veggies. My partner went for a crispy belly pork and he was more than impressed!! Thank you cross keys! We have now booked for Sunday lunch so see you soon

What a wonderful experience I had at such a welcoming, warm and cosy pub. The food is outstanding , all local fresh ingredients with such an array of flavours. I have eaten at many top quality restaurants and this is up there with one of the nicest meals I have had . I highly recommend the cross keys if you are looking for quality and a tasty experience !

I had heard about this lovely little place from some friends who visit regular so we gave them a call to book for Sunday lunch but sadly they were full so we booked for the following Sunday and I can see why they are so busy! The service is quick and the food is fantastic! My husband noted all the 'home beers' on offer so I knew who was driving home. We were handed the menu and I chose the lamb and my husband had the beef. The plates were full of thickly sliced meat roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding even with my lamb! we had a separate bowl full of veggies including my favourite mashed potatoes and carrot! The gravy was delicious and so thick and when my husband cheekily asked for some more it was bought straight out. We enjoyed it that much we booked again as we left.

My family and I decided to take my mother here for her birthday on Saturday. We are not locals, so we only visit on special occasions. As per my previous review, this place still has that wow factor. As a huge fish fan, it certainly didn't disappoint. Generous portions, tasty dishes, loads of choice of high quality food, all at prices that are extremely reasonable. The Cross Keys is certainly a family favourite of ours. Keep up the great work...

Called into this lovely little gem of a pub Saturday lunchtime, glad we were early as we hadn't booked and it soon started to fill up. The landlady was very attentive and knowledgable regarding the many ales on offer. My meal of Hunters Chicken was served with beautiful creamy mash and a tasty BBQ sauce all cooked to perfection. I can't fault the service given and the high standard of food served. This little gem is definitely worth a visit.

We dropped in here after the fireworks night display for a friends/family meal. Lots of choice and prompt service. Dog allowed to join us for dinner as we didn't want to leave her with fireworks going on.

We arrived here completely by chance after changing our plans at the last minute. Eight of us turned up mid-afternoon on a Sunday hoping for a bite to eat. The place was clearly packed but the manager was able to accommodate us by carrying down an extra table from upstairs and squeezing it into the snug for us. The waitresses were lovely and very efficient. The food was unbelievable for the price. I had the whitebait, which I haven't seen for years and it was beautiful. For the main course I had lamb, and I have never seen so much lamb on one plate! In addition, there were six different vegetables as well as potatoes and Yorkshire pudding and lots of gravy. We couldn't believe that we had been so lucky to come across this place by chance! I couldn't recommend it more highly, and would definitely visit again if I was in the area. A real gem and not to be missed.

Called here on Saturday lunchtime and what a gorgeous lunch we had! We noticed a lot of tables were reserved but the lovely landlady found us a table by the window. There was a specials board & also a menu at our table. My sister & myself both opted for the Hunters Chicken which was served with mushroom, tomato & creamy mashed potatoes, I asked if it was possible to change my mash for a jacket potato which was no problem at all I was told, the food arrived in no time at all and was smothered in the most amazing BBQ sauce which we were informed was homemade and it was delicious! The pub soon filled up as we were eating & to be honest I could have sat there all day just watching the food come out. We will certainly be returning in the very near future!!

We've been meaning to try the food (and beer) at The Cross Keys, but for some reason just never got round to it. Well, we've certainly been missing out, because we had a wonderful pub lunch and the service was exceptional. We'll definitely be going back to try their evening menu and just wish we'd been sooner.I'd 100% recommend it's a real gem of a pub.

I visited the Cross Keys again on the 25/09/16 only intending to have a couple of pints of their Mallard Ale but having watched all the lovely Sunday food passing before my eyes I became tempted. Millie the waitress was working like a whirlwind and Alison and Steve were keeping all the customers happy including me!!! Then a beautifully presented plate of whitebait passed before my eyes and I was sold again. Alison assured me I could have that on its own so I did. It was definitely the best whitebait I have had served on a small salad. Well done to the whole team you cannot fail at this standard. I have already provisionally booked a table for me and my buddies for my 75th. birthday at Christmas.

Had a really good dinner plenty of meat and root mash was lovely had apple crumble for pudding the staff were also very friendly will be coming again

Just had a very nice Sunday lunch but the the land lady is awful she asked if wanted a sweet after waiting for 15 minutes we decided 2 leave and when we said we wasn't happy she stached the money and through the change on the bar this is a shame as we have been before and enjoyed but do not like being treated like dirt

Used to visit this place quite regularly, but it went through some changes of ownership that didn't work out too well so we stopped going. Popped in on the off chance for Sunday lunch and the place was packed.... Just managed to squeeze the car into a parking spot and gave it a try. Landlord and staff both very accommodating, and found us a table straight away. Excellent home brewed ale, (Mallard) and a good range of other drinks. We both went for the traditional Sunday roast, beef (served nice and pink) and my wife had the chicken which she described as delicious.... Vegetables really good, home cooked and generous portions. Great value at less than £9 each. Really nice, traditional pub serving good beer and quality food.Only slight disappointment for us (and it's not the management's fault) was that we were seated next to a party with probably the worst - behaved toddler in the world, who screamed and ran around the place throughout our visit to the complete oblivion of it's supposed guardians..... It's a family pub so you expect families, but some people are just so selfish they have no respect for anyone..... The staff are in a difficult position really, as saying anything would obviously cause offence, but they have to decide what does or does not constitute a "nice atmosphere" ....... and ignoring the problem certainly doesn't. We know for certain that several other parties, who would have lingered for desserts or more drinks, left because of the "screamers"...,. (we overheard the comments outside) but I suspect that they may have been regulars (and could have been "locals") so it's a balancing act...... had to knock a star off for that part of the experience, but we'll certainly be back and I recommend the place highly....

Really lovely Sunday dinner, beef was excellent, a good portion, and delicious. Service was brilliant, the couple who run the pub were extremely helpful, polite and lovely, certainly worth a visit!!

Cross Keys is a superb country pub, a friendly welcome from entering to leaving... The hospitality is perfect, staff are attentive without being intrusive!!I've been several times as I love the home good food & the Sunday Crumble... Today we took my mother & father-in-law who can be very critical!!! They loved it & want us to take them againYou must try their own brewed Ale, my favourite is Duck n Dive...This place is a must, I promise once you've been you will return... I recommend you book ☺️

I think it's very easy to be impressed buy one visit however haven't been recommended this pub by a complete stranger to my father-in-law we have now been there twice. The first time we loved the food and the Welcome we received. Particularly cheese and biscuits at the bar for all to snack on. The first time we went I had my usual state which was extremely well prepared and perfectly cooked and the second time (last night) I went for crispy belly pork which really was delicious. They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we both had a pudding that literally tasted like Christmas lol. It was served by pleasant staff and a very welcoming landlady. The beer was good and the food was hot. I have to say I thoroughly recommend at least trying something new and I doubt you will be disappointed. A very well deserved five stars from me and this is fast becoming yet another of my favorites... it is also a nice quiet pub and they don't mind the odd well behaved pooch which is a bonus as the first time we went it was sunny and mine was in the car. I did note they do a lunchtime two course for a tenner menu so we may try that one day soon... although the ala carte is reasonably priced they don't do pub chain discounts but you will get more than value for money!

Our party consisted of 4 adults and my two children aged 7&9yrs. All 4adts opted for the Roast Beef with trimmings. My 7yr old had veggie sausages with mash and red onion gravy, my 9yr old a roast chicken dinner both of which were good sized child portions. Our meals came with a Yorkshire pudding in which were 3 medium sized potatoes (on arrival I was upset at the lack of potatoes but they proved sufficient), amazingly cooked lean beef and veg sides: 1 bowl with cauliflower cheese and broccoli (my sister doesn't eat cooked cheese so requested additional of the other veg which they happily obliged to), another bowl with swede & carrot mash and green beans. Additionally there was a glorious homemade gravy both on the meat and an additional gravy boat (much to my husbands joy). I hasten to add nothing was frozen, it was all fresh and the gravy homemade. This is a rarity these days and I am so frustrated I can't visit more often but with a 3.5hr distance between home and the Cross Keys not even such an amazing roast warrants the occasional visit. However when I next visit my sister in sure a return visit will be on the cards! I should add great value, or at least vs where we live as roasts exceed £15 for this quality.

We visited following a visit to Southwell Workhouse. We did call beforehand to reserve a table for 4 adults & 2 children and I would suggest this was best as it was very busy. All of the adults had the beef which was delicious, there was plenty of it. One of the children had chicken and the other vegetarian sausages which must have been good as the plates were empty. Will definitely visit again and with pleasure would recommend it.

My husband and I popped in last Sunday on our way to the Southwell workhouse. It was fully booked but decided to eat outside in the sunshine. The food was well cooked and HOT! really tasty and very reasonable, two courses for £11.50. If we are driving by this way again will definitely go back. 10/10.

A glorious hot evening and although we sat inside there was plenty of room for families with ankle biters to sit outside and for Dad to enjoy the home brewed and excellent beer whilst the kids played. Here with a friend for a quick supper - sirloin and rib eye steaks cooked as we had requested - slightly apprehensive when told the chef was French ( thinking of Michelin again) but no, good wholesome home cooked food at a very reasonable price. My regret is that with the car we could not do the wonderful beer full justice since with a couple more pints we could have been outside looking at the stars and putting the world to rights - Oscar Wilde said" we are all in the gutter but some of us can see the stars" and next time I would like to see the stars from the X Keys and walk home.

Taken here by my Mother and partner for a birthday lunch. What a great surprise! Some gastro pubs are a let down, not this one. Huge Salmon starter with prawns was a delight and so continuing with the Fish theme I plumped for the Mussels. As has been mentioned before ,very big and very creamy. Will definitely go again and would highly recommend at any time of the day. Landlady and Lord were very friendly and the ambience was perfect, country pub feel not too big not too small.

took Wife for lunch today 20-07-16,enjoyed a very nice meal,and had 1 pint of Mallard brewery Drake bitter,very drinkable,and we will be back,very shortly,friendly owners,and good surroundings.

Back again for Franck's mussels which were particularly good today. Very big and very creamy! Others in the group had fish and chips, duck in orange and honey and a rump heart. Four very clean plates and happy tummies. Alison delightful as usual, great beer. Lovely time in a lovely pub

Having not visited the Cross Keys for several years (when it was under different management) and having read the positive reviews on this website, we decided to "give it a go" last week. We were very glad we did. The ambiance is nice, with the "old world pub" features of split level floors, beams and an area for locals to have a drink still retained.We were given a friendly welcome by the landlady and shown to a very adequate, rustic style wooden table, in a sunny window. There was a printed menu, plus a blackboard full of extra suggestions. We chose from the fish options. The food arrived in a reasonable time and was excellently presented and well cooked. Price-wise it was not "pub grub", yet not "bistro dining" either. Most items were in the £mid-teens range.All-in-all a very nice experience: we shall add it to our list of good places to eat locally and intend to return before too long.

Great food, great service. This is now firmly on our "go there lots" list. You must give it a go. The food is way above pub quality but not at silly restaurant prices.