Parrishes in Uttlesford

Seriously top quality food here , only ever had a breakfast last year here , was staying local again so had the cod loin, wife had pork belly . All so flavoursome, plentiful and succulent. All homemade and it shows , best meal eaten in a long time

Nice Town with a great history. Parrishes is situated in the centre of Thaxted, so its more than handy. Decent enough service and generally all home cooked on premises. Fair prices and generally quite friendly. Would recommend.

The food is good quality but in my view too expensive. I regularly pop in for a morning coffee though which is excellent.

Cappuchino was dark dishwater covered in chocolate. The "cake" was a piece of stale sponge coated in lurid icing. Totally inedible, However could be weaponised as an unpleasant sugar fix for unmanaged children, or to register dissatisfaction with custody arrangements

Really good food, 2 full English breakfasts and scrambled eggs with toast and bacon. Lovely lattes too. Friendly service. We have also recently had lunch here and the sandwiches were good too.

The food and service was ok, but I am disabled and the only entrance was via a step and the only toilets were up some narrow steep stairs. Not good at all!

Having moved to the area recently we’ve visited a number of times for breakfast. The staff are all so attentive and kind. The owners always treat our dog so kindly, offering him treats and water. The breakfasts are good and the cost is reasonable. Thaxted is lucky to have such a lovely little place to stop off in.

Nous sommes allés pour déjeuner avec mon mari, nous avons pris une soupe tomate basilic accompagnée de baguette de mauvaise qualité réchauffée au micro onde. (6.95 pounds la soupe) Nous n'avons consommé que la soupe donc. Puis nous avions commandé des sandwiches au fromage avec du thé. Le thé n'a jamais été servi (oublié semble -t-il). Le sandwich quand á lui, était fait d'un pain de mie mauvais (premier prix probablement), et de fromage rapé (?!) tout aussi cheap en qualité mais pas en prix. Bref, je ne recommande pas cet endroit, qualité de la nourriture inacceptable selon moi et vraiment trop trop chère.

It would be more customer friendly to have a ‘sticker’ on the menu cards (rather than re-printing the whole set of cards) saying that the price of coffee (and perhaps other drinks!) has been increased, rather than being told, when going to pay, “that’ll be another £1 please”, having proffered what was thought to be the correct amount. “There is a card on the end of the bar saying that prices have gone up”. Not a very professional way of doing things .

Popped in for a generous full English and some whitebait and chips. This isn’t gastropub cuisine but it is generous, hot and tasty. Excellent service, big portions and very reasonably priced.

£14.50 for two drinks. Joke. Lasagne burnt and dry. Burger dry as a bone. Service excellent though. The waitress was wonderful and happy. Hope she gets the tip!

Went in today for Sunday brunch. 6 item basic breakfast and toast looked a bit pricey at £10.45. Went for a coronation chicken jacket potato at £8.90 which looked better value for money and a hot chocolate. Friendly staff, piping hot food and drink. Generous helping of filling. Nice crispy side salad. All round pretty good.

Excellent food. I very much enjoyed the duck and the pork belly dishes. The potato dauphinoise and other vegetables were cooked perfectly. Friendly service.

I just went on for a sandwich and a pot of tea , early afternoon. Very pleasant atmosphere - spacious, friendly and unpretentious. Very good service. Personally I’d prefer no music, or at least for it to be quieter, but all in all a very good place.

Nice staff with quick service and nice milkshakes. The standard of food and drinks here is good from my experience and has lots of outside seating areas.

As the subject says, Two visits, two completely different experiences The second was prompted by the excellent service and tasty food that I'd had a fortnight previously but it was well off the mark.I was hoping to find somewhere close that I could regularly enjoy a tasty snack but that isn't guaranteed!

We popped in on the off chance for a drink and ended up eating because the food looked so nice. Great friendly service. Nice atmosphere. We'll be back!

Food ok, pretty average, average portions a little overpriced. Needs a good clean and upgrading, can be disguised at night but very noticeable during the day. Shame because it could be really popular if the surroundings improved.

Great quirky setting with smiling staff and very good value food. Well worth the visit with no fuss and no feeling that the table was to be turned soon. Will go back.

What a lovely restaurant! Looks out directly onto the Moot Hall in the high street. We just had a couple of coffees and a scone with Tiptree jam. Price was reasonable and the coffee and scones were good. Nice atmosphere with ancient timbering inside. Menu looks very interesting and we’ll definitely be back to sample it properly. Toilets are upstairs but very clean and stylish. Staff were helpful and friendly. I accidentally left an expensive camera under the table but a member of staff caught me up in the street and returned it. I liked the chalkboard menu idea which was pretty huge but added to the atmosphere. Close to the parish church as well and nearly opposite the composer Gustav Holst’s home for eight years.

I have only been for breakfast or lunch but I have been several times, each time the food has been lovely. Really friendly staff and large menu to choose from. Will 100% be back (the homemade chilli con carne is amazing!!)

Great little cafe in a perfect setting right in the high street. Great menu, something for everyone. Good customer service also.

Stopped here for tea and cakes but menu looked good so decided to have lunch. There was lots of choice from an excellent menu. Had home made soup and bread and pot of tea for two. Very tasty parsnip and potato soup with baquette. Excellent food and will be back to explore rest of menu. Very good staff.

Popular cafe/restaurant in the middle of Thaxted. Very extensive menu but plain cuisine - nothing exceptional here. Service polite but slow. Somewhat overpriced i.e. prawns in garlic cream sauce at almost £7.00 for five prawns! Not somewhere I would return to but obviously a good meeting place for locals.

Stopped on way to Stansted Charming village Pub lunch a curry Delicious Staff friendly Other customers chatty and welcoming Charming place Highly recommend

Warm and welcoming. Much more welcoming than my last visit (on a bike) some years back. Unexpectedly varied menu.

Friendly,relaxed atmosphere. Good coffee,meals seem a tad expensive tho. Good selection of food,cakes, coffees &alcohol.

orderd a full breakfast which was fine and inlcuded toast. Butter was brought out but no marmalade. so asked for some marmalade.

We recently visited parishes for a family meal, before arrival I was surprised at the very short and basic menu, a poor selection of mains, only two selections for children, the deserts were from the 80’s, but, we made our choices and went along.

I gave Parrishes a try with my partner. For some reason they must have thought I was on a diet as I was presented with my main course of wild mushroom risotto in a tiny breakfast bowl. Quite how they imagine this portion size is remotely adequate for a grown man, or a restaurant meal I have no idea - The fact that it costs just as much as a meat based main, which is not the child portion they are giving vegetarians, simply beggars belief.

Both the places we have eaten at previously in Thaxted have closed but we spotted Parrishes in the High Street. The name board added 'established 2004' so perhaps that is an indication of longevity for eating places in the town. What struck me as we walked in were the large blackboards covered with menu offerings. The place was half full at lunchtime. We ordered tea and sandwiches. The tea arrived quickly in a huge china teapot, so rare these days to be offered the means to have that important second cuppa. The sandwiches came shortly after. I chose a sausage sandwich that I have not had for many, many years. The sausage came from a nearby farm. Marie had brie and bacon, the latter still hot from the grill. I was intrigued by one of the desserts on offer: apple & parsnip loaf. It was very nice; dark, moist and tasty.

Lovely place , friendly folk and food is lovely. Plenty to choose from . Daily specials and vegetarian board with lots of choice.

Never go to Thaxted usually but rode by and thought that looks nice so stopped for a pint just to be nosey. Menu looked very good with a huge choice and a good selection of beers and wines. Will return one day to eat. Might be worth updating those tired looking tables and chairs outside a small price for a big impact.

Lovely wee eatery in Thaxted serving very tasty food at reasoable prices. Cakes amazing especially the mango and passionfruit one. Staff generally friendly. Definitely recommend a visit if ever in or around Thaxted.

Had a lovely hot chocolate and sausage sandwich at Parrish cafe. All the food looked lovely and extensive menu on the boards to suit everyone's taste. Friendly staff but wish I had seen the board offering Westons cider, my favourite! Hope to visit again when in the area.

"Parrishes" , we had an amazing dinner there and they also have vegan food. I highly recommend the vegan apple pie - is simply divine.

Enjoyed a really lovely early Saturday meal at Parrrishes whilst visiting our daughter.

Now a favourite whenever we visit Thaxted for lunch, I can't recommend Parrishes enough. The food is excellent, the staff helpful & friendly & the atmosphere extremely amiable (at lunchtime). So many diverse dishes to choose from including vegetarian & vegan- definitely worth a visit & just a pleasant change from the lovely pubs in town.

Just stopped in for a quick drink but the bartender was very friendly and accommodating and the pub was busy with diners and looked like a proper English pub.

Parrishes have the most lovely, warm and friendly staff and make a most delicious hot chocolate. We sat at the window table enjoying the warm sunshine. A smashing drink in very pleasant surroundings.

Great night out for family birthday. We had a variety of dishes all served piping hot and all served together: Great service and atmosphere. Good selection of drinks including the wine.

Set in the stunning Thaxted (airplane noise aside) we had tea and lovely cake x2 for less than £10. They were really accommodating and helpful for our baby and really friendly - top service. Lovely old building too. Thoroughly recommend

Popped in for lunch on the 23rd December.

I visited here for coffee three times on my travels for work. Despite by the end generally having a good experience, first impressions were not the greatest. The waitress on shift wasn't that welcoming and she didn't seem interested in the slightest in providing good customer service. I found this to be the case on every occassion I was in. It's a shame for that to linger in my mind because everything else about Parrishes was pretty damn good. The Vanilla Latte I had on two occasions was simply perfect. I had Carrot Cake, Millionaires Shortbread and Scones with Jam. All of which I can recommend although the Millionaires Shortbread was the highlight.

Had a wonderful meal! Everything cooked to perfection. Such a lovely atmosphere. Will definitely be returning. My daughter will also love it as have Great vegan options

I usually really like Parrishes but I visited today to have lunch and a gentleman had his dog sitting on a table that people eat off and then he kept the dog on a chair where people sit. I have no objections to dogs being in there really but totally object to them on the tables and chairs. I did complain but really did not feel that it was being taken seriously. The other thing I found very unusual as the scampi had sesame seeds in it but it was not mentioned on the menu.

We are regulars for breakfast , great to h@ve within walking distance ...great lunches too loved the burger with bacon and Stilton...

We went to Parrishes last night for supper with a group and found them to be very friendly helpful and accommodating and we enjoyed a delicious meal. In particular as a coeliac I was totally reassured that they knew how to deal with this and the menu choices were lovely including GF puddings such as apple crumble and cheesecake rather than the usual fruit salad or chocolate brownie! Bravo and thank you. For once eating out was a pleasure not a stress.

We returned as we promised ourselves and found the welcome and service most warm and friendly. The coffee was very well flavoured and again we were asked if we wanted hot or cold milk in my Americano.

Had lunch here today. Staff were really friendly and service good. We both had jacket potatoes which arrived hot and nicely presented.

was there twice early August...place was never open and when it was we were told that we had to leave as it was closing early evening ..no food on offer...in the Height of summer as well,literaly turning punters away !!!! , young girl there was just not Interested in customers,, we wont bother again......will go to the Swan just up the road !!!!

Stopped off at Parishes whilst travelling through the town. There is short stay parking right outside on the main street. Really warm welcome and excellent service through. Some outside covered seating and plenty of tables inside.

We dropped in here for a quick mid-afternoon refresher. It is friendly, slightly quirky, and not large bar-cum-bistro-cum-cafe more in the continental style than an English pub or tearoom -- this should be encouraged! We settled for a non-alcoholic drink and cake. And the cake was just brilliant: lovely sponge, with super flavourings -- and some unusual flavourings too, like lemon & elderflower. On top of that the staff gave us excellent directions to a nearby, good farm shop.

Very friendly accommodating staff that understood Coeliac Disease. Food cooked fresh to order and choices were ran by the chef to make sure they were safe.

We sat outside, bathed in glorious warm sunshine and I am pleased to report the service and the full flavoured coffee matched perfectly. They again asked if I wanted hot or cold milk, always a good sign.

Went for lunch today to lovely Parrishes, really unsure if the place will be good at all. We chanced it seeing a lot of locals going there, really. We were 4 adults and a kid: we had the soups of the day (carrot and coriander, chicken and veg) full English breakfast, sausages baguette, bacon sandwich and a local ham sandwich. Service AND welcome were spotless. Attention excellent. Food arrived within a fair amount of time for something that looked made from scratch (and with local suppliers/farms etc) Final bill was correct and honest for all what we had. We will come back to see you folks, you really helped us to finish our escape to Thaxted on a fabulous note! MERCI! (PS If I may, would be great you supply ENGLISH beers in the future :-))))

We pass through Thaxted many times but stopped yesterday to find somewhere for a light lunch and found Parrishes. What a super find. Great deco, great atmosphere, lovely staff and our baguettes were delicious. Prices were reasonable for light lunches, the main meals looked a bit pricey but a lovely place to eat

Sandwiches, jacket potatoes and chips are fine. You won’t go wrong.

Stopped mid ride for a refuel (50 miles in and 40 miles home) so had coffee and beans on toast.

We went for a lunchtime meal on Monday 18th December with friends en route to Audley End House. Plenty of choice on the menu, good quality and reasonable prices. Normal every day food and choices of specials. The restaurant was clean and the Christmas decorations looked great.

Highly reccomended, we visited as a group, food was brilliant and plentiful, service was very attentive, good for a meal out or just a few drinks, very nice atmosphere and many options to choose from, there's something for everyone. Will be back again

Arrived in Thaxted this afternoon. Hungry, thirsty and generally in need of a rest/refreshment. Saw Parisshes and it looked pleasant and was the only available eatery in the immediate area. Parked and walked in - pleasant decor, people sat round etc but not, by any means, busy. I went to sit down in the window area. My husband greeted the waitress who replied that 'just to let you know, there is no food for 20 minutes as the kitchen staff are having a break.' We looked around the eating area and the majority of the customers seemed to be just talking - there was no evidence of anyone actually eating. My husband asked if there were cakes etc and tea and there was no direct answer. We left Parrishes confused, to say the least. Welcome to Thaxted seemed to be the unspoken response - where our custom is obviously not wanted! Left Thaxted still in need of refreshment!

Great menu with good choices, excellent, friendly and welcoming service and excellent food. Really enjoyed our meals. Well done and thanks.

delicious massive range of fresh dishes to suit all tastes and budgets. great deserts too and super cosy atmosphere. Strongly...

I took an American lady and her two late teenage daughters for lunch (and you can guess how picky Americans...

En realidad, tomó santuario en aquí debido a lluvias torrenciales. Tomamos una copa para esperar el tiempo pero en mirando el fabuloso menú y especiales eran atraídos a comer. No nos decepcionó. Comida deliciosa, servicio amable, menú increíblemente interesante.

La comida deja mucho que desear, el personal están dispuestos, pero les falta la experiencia. El personal del bar es buena y amable, pero realmente la sensación de que no vale la pena ir allí para una comida.

Comimos aquí antes de ir a una velada musical en la iglesia. No habíamos reservado pero el tipo camarera propusieron establecer mesas fuera para nosotros. Nos acababa de recibir nuestro pedido de beber cuando el director salió y dijo que podía acomodar dentro ya salíamos hacia el concierto. Hay menús preconcert y también un montón de opciones de tablas de tiza. La comida era deliciosa y el servicio eficiente y amable. Recomiendo encarecidamente una visita. Lástima que no viva más cerca!

Pleasant enough. Service a tad slow; drink order not as requested but simple baguettes well served and tasty. Would visit again but probably only for a quick lunch bite.

This is a cosy and clean restaurant/bar in the centre of this small town and opposite the old Guildhall. I can not comment on the food as we only had coffee but there was an extensive menu on boards around the walls. Coffee was lovely! Pop in if you're in Thaxted, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

We have just returned from a weekend in Thaxted & could easily have walked past this place. I'm glad we didn't - we absolutely loved it! Inside is a beautifully decorated, cosy and welcoming bar/restaurant. The staff are friendly and sociable and the twinkly lights throughout give a magical feel to your visit. We booked a table for the next night & enjoyed good food & service. When you leave one of the staff opens the door for you - wonderful old fashioned manners not experienced much these days. This is a 'must visit' if staying or passing through Thaxted.

We have used Parrishes for a few years now and have never been disappointed.There was however, earlier this year an article on Facebook that gave a bad review by another group of cyclists. This went around the cycling community and it makes you question your choice. That said, we planned our Sunday ride with a view to stop there and decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. There were 10 of us, we turned up and sat outside, after a couple of minutes a young girl came out and took all our orders quickly and efficiently, went in, came out with cutlery for those that needed it and within 5 minutes all our drinks were out, shortly after, cake, toasted tea cakes and scrambled egg on toast were all served up! We would like to say a big thank you, great service and we will question anyone who says otherwise!

A lovely place to spend some time. Home cooked food, friendly staff and dogs welcome. Good choice of wines and drinks. Nice coffee.

For an attractive old market town, we didn’t find as many teashops as usual and this must be the best. Outside tables facing the Guildhall and another ancient building, and biscuits for our dog without asking.Very good coffee and friendly service.

Went here today after having a previous ok visit.Service oppressive once seated, no time given to view the many special boards which hold the main menu. I had Caesar salad £8.95, chicken was only just warm and very small. The sauce was dolloped in the middle and was a cloyingly bad mayonnaise with garlic that tasted synthetic and was so white it could not be homemade as expected. The salad was mixed leaves, 1 tomato, a couple of slices of cucumber, and a few mass produced mini croutons. I left most of this and complained but was told they'd "tell the chef". No apology or discount offered.The only reason not marked as terrible as my partners chilli con carne £10.95 whilst small was quite tasty.2 small meals and 2 coffees, which were lukewarm, was £25.00. Too expensive for the quality and quantity.

After having visited this establishment for a number of years and having been happy with the service we arrived as a group of 5 cyclists last Sunday to be told that cyclists aren't welcome. We thought we had miss heard but no apparently we are now not allowed to sit inside and use the café. This makes no sense. it was a beautiful day so we weren't muddy or wet, the restaurant was near to empty in side and as I said we've been going there for years. Why are we being excluded because of the method of transport we used to get there? Very bizarre don't go there. we went to the Blue Egg instead.

Cyclists are obviously not welcome at this establishment. Spurious reasons were given for not being able to cater for a group cyclists (given the brush off). This seems to be pretentious discrimination and a poorly thought out business decision to turn away valuable trade. This is unusual considering that various establishments in neighbouring villages welcome cyclists and value their year round custom.

Cyclists; don't plan to come here. I've been visiting over the years but cyclists are now asked to sit outside. Go somewhere where you're welcome.

A friendly welcome at this olde worlde café and an extensive range of reasonably priced 'specials', steaks and desserts in addition to the regular café menu. My cod dish was delicious; the service was good and I would certainly go back again. Some might find it a little dark inside (but there are some tables outside in good weather) and toilets are up a steep flight of stairs - not sure if there was a disabled one at ground level.

they are helpful, friendly, food good, utilitarian tiled floor, solid wooden tables easy going, friendly, fair prices, on scrubbed wooden table tops. everything good for lunch in February 2017

Return visit after many years. Very good food - quality and quantity. Service was excellent and they also made our dog feel at home. We only had a baked potato dish but will return for a full meal soon.

We were passing through Thaxsted and in need of a light lunch at approx 1.30pm. Upon entering the cafe and approaching the bar we were told that they were full and could not help us. We could see at least 4 empty tables including 2 in the window but not wishing to stay anywhere we were not welcome departed. This upon reflection and reading other comments on this site our experience is out of character and comment should be made. The most disappointing aspect of this was that at the point we were told they were full we had not said what we wanted. A coffee and round of sandwiches would have met our needs and I find it extraordinary that this could not have been accommodated even with a delay in service. Sadly we were not given this option.

It was bleak outside but stepping into the warm and inviting atmosphere it was definitely the best move.Ordered a coffee and the girl asked me if I wanted hot milk or cold. This I find a nice touch. The coffee tasted good, was hot and filled to the top.The menu board looked extensive with a definite leaning towards local produce. We couldn't eat this time but we will put on the list for 2017.

Lovely food and fab staff well worth a visit. Comprehensive wine list and overall great value for money. Always great when you can walk to it too !!

Have used Parrishes for years, from just a coffee to a family Christmas dinner. The building is characterful, mine host welcoming, his staff friendly and efficient. Christmas dinner 2016 was a relaxing experience and the food lovely.

We eat and drink at Parrishes frequently and it is an excellent place for breakfast, dinner or a coffee/drink at all times of the day.Breakfast is particularly good value and service is always good.It has become very popular with the many amateur cyclists who travel around the Essex/Hertfordshire countryside at weekends and thus you need to keep your wits about you as they occasionally invade in their multi coloured lycra and dominate the outside seating.Overall good value fare from a friendly and well regarded establishment in a pretty Village.

My friend and I have often been to Parrishes. The staff are lovely and friendly and the food is good. I have to say though that recently we have found it to be very cold. We had a drink followed by a tasty lunch and gradually began to feel quite cold. We left the restaurant to have a walk around Thaxted and warm up. As we walked out I felt the radiators and they were stone cold at 2.30. The temperature outside was 6 degrees! Come on guys, don't spoil a good restaurant for lack of heating!!!!!

A real pleasure & a great find. We waited a while for our food but when it arrived it was delicious & the staff were pleasant and friendly. We will definitely be going back!

Met friends here recently for lunch. On entry it has a 'bar' area but it is not a pub; however one can buy alcoholic drinks. We all wanted to order the soup but it was late on and there was only one portion left. The waitress kindly suggested we share it which we did. It was delicious - spicy pumpkin and bacon! I then had a coronation chicken baguette. There were plenty of options for meals and a specials board but we only went for a light lunch. We had a glass of wine and ended with a coffee. Prices are very reasonable. The cafe is decorated in keeping with the ambience of Thaxted itself. Exposed beams, exposed walls and farmhouse tables. We enjoyed it!

Friendly service, good value and delicious cooked breakfast. Located in the centre of this beautiful town.

Small friendly restaurant with ample food portions. Waiting staff were very attentive and friendly throughout our meal. There is great variety on the menu from tapas or soup to speciality steaks or fish dishes, giving excellent choice to suit all appetites. Free parking available in street outside- well worth a visit if you're local!

6 of us ate there last Saturday... The food was good and very reasonably priced. Great Atmosphere and great service with special mention to out waitress Penny... can recommend the Whitebait and the Lamb Shank.

Our first visit to this very interesting restaurant, good food, good portions, quick delivery to the table and best of all great table service (something that is often missing from restaurants)

We had the tapas and refreshing elderflower cordial on a warm autumn day, which was just right for lunch after a full English brekkie.

My wife and I were driving through Thaxted in Essex and noticed Parrishes Restaurant and Bar in the High Street. We parked up and ventured over. Taking a table outside a young lady appeared and asked if we would like to see the menu which had a good variety of everything from sandwiches, breakfast’s, lunch’s and dinner’s. We decided on the local smoked ham sandwiches with salad and a pot of tea. The sandwiches were delicious and very reasonably priced. This is not à la carte but the service is good and in friendly surroundings.After seeing the other dishes on the menu we will defiantly return soon. Thaxted itself is lovely place to visit. It has a fully restored Windmill, beautiful parish church and Guildhall, which is opposite Parrishes Restaurant. Also one of Britain's most celebrated composers, Gustav Holst, who composed many of his best works in Thaxted including his most famous “The Planet Suites” lived in the High Street.

Lovely staff, plenty of laughs and what a place to watch the world go by.Just popped in for a whistle stop in between attractions and would have had a snackeroonee had we not had breakfast an hour or so before.Lattes huge and flavoursome - ideal spot for checking out the high street. Is very popular with cyclists and so I think that that says it all!Has been noted for a return visit.

Moved to Thaxted 4 months ago, and this has become a regular venue for us to eat, and sit outside with a cold beer and watch the world go by. This is never boring as Thaxted always has something going on nearby. We are working though the menu and they have been superb. Really pleasant atmosphere, Can't wait for Christmas.

The place was charming, the food excellent piping hot large portions and great value for money, the service was fantastic

A welcoming 'olde worlde' tea room/ restaurant, with an unbelievable amount of dishes to choose from. Well cooked , presented and a great deal of it on your plate, for a very reasonable price. Worth a visit.

Thaxted is very lucky to have such a great little restaurant We came across it when visiting the Windmill and beautiful church and actually waited after coffee for the lunches to commence!! So glad we did I had the brie and beetroot tart with herb potatoes and salad.My husband had the braised butternut squash with stilton and spinach risotto We are not vegetarians but thought this was a delicious lunch choice.There were many other veg. options and a steak board with the usual soups,sandwiches and they are open all day every day.Fresh scones and a cake choice is also available.The girls were pleasant friendly and the place was busy.