The Axe and Compasses in East Hertfordshire

Had a great Saturday lunch at just £9.99 for two courses and the food was absolutely delicious. The place is charming and quaint and the young man serving was friendly and welcoming whilst being knowledgeable about the food and drink menu.

We had a meal as a family earlier this month and it was extremely disappointing. The service was very, very slow. The food was mediocre and in my opinion overpriced. We paid £8 for cheesecake and it was the smallest slice of cheesecake I have ever seen! Absolute rip-off in terms of value. I’m guessing the vegetables were intended to be al dente, but there is a difference between al dente and raw! All in all I would not go back as the food is too overpriced for what is offered and the service is too slow. The menu is also very limited. Disappointing I’m afraid.

Really good value lunch. £9.99 for 2 courses. squid to start and a small (but big enough) home made proper pie, mash and veg. open on a Monday too 👍

A group of 15 walkers went to the Axe & Compasses for a mid-week lunch. Everybody enjoyed their lunch and the cozy wood burner, which made for a rewarding finish to our walk. The interior of the pub is rustic and charming, the service was excellent, and I heard several positive comments about the quality of the food and the choice of beers. The two-course lunchtime menu is very reasonably priced. In addition, most dishes on the a la carte menu include the choice of a smaller portion. The pub is tucked away in the historic heart of the lovely village of Braughing, opposite the Church Green, yet close to the A10 and the A120.

Food less than average. Meal completely ruined by dog wandering around pub then pooing close to where we were eating. Totally unimpressed !

We went there for lunch and ordered paninis which came either with chips or salad. In my opinion it doesn't cost much to put a bit of salad on a plate so should have been served with both. In other local pubs I have been to you would normally get chips and salad and maybe coleslaw with your sandwich or panini . At £8 each for cheese and tomato panini I definitely think it should have come chips and salad. The chips were quite hard, just about edible and as we were starving we did eat most of them but they were all undercooked. Shame as I have had lunch there before a while ago but it was nice.

Friday lunch with some friends - lovely setting, friendly barmaid, pleasant decor but oh dear ... food was dire. £18 for a 'grass-fed' 8 oz rib eye steak. 'Steel wool-fed' might have been a better description. It was so tough we really struggled to cut through the meat. Fries were ok but veg cooked to death. Might just have a pint and bag of crisps next time.

Lovely food and very friendly service. The sausages were just right. Prices reasonable too, as well as option of smaller dishes.

Absolutely stunning country pub, very welcoming and accommodating. Staff very professional and friendly. Varied food menu. They were busy on arrival with food orders but took our order and advised it would be started in 15 minutes, which it was and served very much quicker than expected. Piping hot absolutely delicious, I cannot fault it. Will definitely eat there again. 10/10

My 93 yr old disabled father had just come out of hospital and we were hoping to find a nice place for lunch so we came off the main road and came across the Axe and Compass. They couldn’t have been more helpful and patient in accommodating us, enabling my father to easily gain access when walking with crutches and assisting wherever they could. The meal was delicious and the service we received was top class. Although the axe and compass is quite a distance from where we live we do intend to try to go there again.

Really lovely, mushroom vegan pie with roast potatoes, veg and gravy. Finished with a rhubarb crumble and vegan cream. Worth asking for veggie options as not detailed on the menu. Great beef roast and king prawns starter too. Very accommodating staff. Recommend. Will be back.

We had prawns in garlic chili with homemade bread.deep fried brie not greasy with a cranberry jam.mains sasauge chips and 2 fried eggs.sasuge poach eggs and salad .deset foundant choclte with icecream.cant fault the meal.service was pleasent friendly .lovely and clean.nice outside plenty of parking.lively village .

A family Sunday roast. Delicious and impeccable service. Really love this pub and would highly recommend. All good is cooked to order. Lovely afternoon spent. Will 100% be back.

The sole barman/waiter/cleaner and his politeness and efforts to serve were the only sad highlight of this evening. On arrival there was evidently no staff other than one man, who spent most of the time apologizing for drinks or food that was not available on the menu. The table we sat at was sticky and the food ordered was almost inedible. My wife had deep fried brie (no issues) I ordered home made pate which was so solid trying to get it on the homemade (maybe 3 days old) bread was impossible. My wife had ordered the tiger prawn salad only to be told there were no tiger prawns. They offered to serve additional prawns but they were hot and cold suggesting a defrosting at haste. My liver and bacon highlight was the mash. The bacon was fried to a crisp and the liver so over cooked it was like gristle. On complaint the waiter deducted my starter and my wife's main from the bill which was an appropriate gesture. Very disappointed given previous reviews. Clearly they are not ready for post Covid service. If you book here make sure they have waiters and bare staff not to mention food in the kitchen that is fresh.

We booked Sunday lunch and were shown to the restaurant area towards the back of the pub, where it was quiet, and the two of us were seated at a table that could sit 8. The food was great and the roast chicken succulent, no complaints. My only observations were that firstly there was no stuffing with the roast, an omission that is a simple addition. Secondly we could not have roast beef as it had been pre-booked for everyone on a table of 11 who had not even arrived when we left. So it was a choice of chicken or chicken. It was slightly annoying that I was not asked what meat we would like to order if this is their policy, although that is not noted on their web site. Normally it is first come first served at a pub and items naturally run out on a menu rather than being put aside to the detriment of earlier diners. We will definitely return as the food and service was good, but will ask to reserve our choice of meat in advance next time.

Family group of 5 plus dog enjoyed the warmth of both the fire and the landlord Brian. Food was excellent and sat perfectly alongside the service. A cracking location on a wet Wednesday. Will be back again and again I’m sure as it impressed adult kids and parents and in laws. Very kindly supplied water for the dog and joked along with guests. Magic

We popped in after a long and muddy walk with our 2 dogs. They made us and the dogs very welcome and also supplied them with some water. We sat next to the cosy log fire and ordered the soup plus the steak, stilton and onion seeded roll with chips. Our food was very tasty and well cooked. We would definitely come back!

Impromptu decision to pop out for a quick bite to eat and, not for the first time, we head to the Axe and Compass. Why do we always go back? Because they care, they care about the service, they care about how their pub looks, they care about their customers and they definitely care about the food - which was 'only' normal pub grub, but its really nice, freshly cooked and decent but not ridiculous quantities.The best I can say about the Axe is walking in their is like walking into your home. Love this pub.

Knowing that we would be in the area, I took the trouble to read reviews of the various places in and around Ware to eat and the Axe and Compasses kept cropping up with consistently good reviews, so we paid it a visit.It was a bright but bitterly cold day and as we entered, the landlord suggested we should sit by the fire. Oooh that was good !Having ordered our drinks, we pored over the menu and being spoilt for choice, it was difficult to know what to have. In my case, he suggested the home made steak and Guinness pie and it was really good. For dessert, I then chose the home made ice cream - which was to die for !You MUST visit this place if you're in the area and as for us - we'll definitely be coming back.

Perfect evening meal in lovely traditional village pub.Food was excellent, the staff were great, very welcoming, friendly and attentive throughout the meal.A very simple traditional honest pub menu with a good selection of specials. More pubs need to sort their menus out and get back to proper pub grub.Good selection of ales and wines and a couple of roaring log burners.Support great pubs like this one!

My wife and I stopped at this pub while out visiting the area and looking for Braughing sausages.The butchers had gone, but on a rainy day, salvation was found in The Axe and Compasses. Sandwiches were great and the chips well cooked.Very friendly landlord and a good atmosphere.We will return if in the area,

Yet another amazing meal in this quaint village pub. Having visited all 3 pubs, this is yet the best by far!!! Beautiful food!! Would highly recommend.

We visited here as the reviews were all good. It did not disappoint , great food, great service and lovely setting . Would highly recommend.

Delicious choices and all cooked well with reasonable portions. Very friendly welcoming pub with helpful staff

Very friendly and welcoming. Brian the Landlord made me very much at ease as I went solo. The food is excellent. A great menu all freshly cooked. Felt very comfortable would highly recommend whether it is for a quick stop for drinks or a relaxed meal.

Arrived on a bank holiday Monday without a booking, looking for somewhere pleasant to have lunch with our elderly pooch in tow! Spoke to the Landlord who was extremely friendly and confirmed that the pub was dog friendly and that we were all most welcome. Moreover the kitchens were still serving food at 2.30, which was a relief.

The ‘Axe’ was my teenage years pub, now living in Canada, it is my return to destination. On this visit it was my special birthday, we made the arrangements in advance by phone with Sandra, we would be a party of 25+.

We have eaten in this pub on many occasions and found the food and atmosphere fantastic. We also booked out the entire restaurant for a birthday celebration, Sandra cooked an amazing selection of home made food at a fantastic price per person. We had no negative comments from the 50+ guests we invited I would highly recommend this pub for any occasion.

My wife and I went to the pub on Valentines Day this year. The owner and his colleague could not have been more polite nor more attentive to good service.

Braughing is an interesting and beautiful village and the pub enjoys a good setting therein.

In the area geocaching and decided to stop here for lunch. Very friendly welcome, food delicious and freshly prepared. Choice of portion size for adults which was a real bonus as left room for dessert! Car parking available. Dogs welcome. Would return without hesitation

Our second visit to this lovely cozy pub with friends for a birthday lunch. Lovely warm welcome & nice atmosphere. Absolutely delightful & attentive waitress who was consistently smiling & helpful. The menu is limited (only 2 starters today) so be aware of that before you decide to visit. Gorgeous pie & sausage & mash as per our previous visit. Yes, expect to wait a long while for the food to be freshly cooked but it’s worth it. Great, well kept ales & reasonably priced wine. Only 3 puddings available, but all well executed & homemade - the apple pie was a great hit. We will definitely return again. Thank you to the lovely waitress.

We've had some fairly nice food here once previously so booked to go at 12pm one Thursday in December 2018.

Well as I eat here on December 28th, I can honestly say ‘Best Pie of the Year’. Brilliant home cooked chicken pie, the cauliflower cheese with herbs was excellent too. Friendly welcoming staff. Not much more you could ask really.

A nice welcoming fire and staff made me feel at home straight away our friends had two dogs and it was no problem but phone to make sure before visit as can get busy.Our waitress was a delight and helpful with food choices.

We stopped here this evening after a bit of a road trip. My husband popped his head in to see if we could take our dog in and yes we could! We ordered our drinks and the dog was also given a drink which was really kind. The barman was really friendly and attentive. We both had pie which was chicken and asparagus, mine with mash and hubby had chips. A proper individual pie with veggies and gravy, it was delicious. If we are out that way again we will definitely pop in. Thankyou!

I live in the village since my last visit in the summer the vodka and tonic has nearly doubled in price!!had to query it great landlord great food but I'd reccomend saving up before you go as it's very expensive but the food is quality just not an everyday pub. The garden is lovely so is the hospitality just in shock at the increase in price

Having not eaten at this pub for a while we were pleased to enjoy a very good meal, the best we have had here for some time. The Lemon Chicken Salad was excellent , the pies, as always were very good and the battered Cod and Chips were enjoyed too and sadly we had no room for desserts!

A very pleasant experience. Attentive staff who made us feel really welcome as we arrived without a booking. Although the menu is fairly broad in choice we all decided to go for the Sunday lunch option. Very nice it was and to finished off with the bread and butter pudding, the best I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely go back...,

We booked our table for 2.30pm and we did arrive a bit early. 2.08. I had ordered my roast chicken dinner on the phone. We ordered our chicken starter only to be told “ There is no chicken at all” my daughter ordered a burger with cheese. We waited just over an hour for our food. My roast was warm not hot and frankly mediocre. I did pass comment and was told “ well everything is cooked to order” I’m disappointed as we have eaten there before and it’s been much better. There must have been something going on as they had no cheddar for the burger and the wait times were ludicrous. It wasn’t particularly busy for a Sunday. Maybe just a bad visit?

This us probably the worst meal we have ever had the misfortune to encounter eating out. Our local pub... shocking. The drinks were fine though ordering a cocktail it came without ice. Would have been nice to know there wasnt any on ordering.

We visited the pub today and were disappointed with the quality of the food. We waited nearly an hour for food and it was very quiet. I had a cheese ploughmans, which was served with stale sliced bread which had been warmed up to soften. This was also served with a limp bean salad, not the usual crunchy salad. My husband had sausages, eggs & chips and the sausages had been cooked more than once and were hard. The chips had lots of small 'bits' that are normally left in the pan, they are not chips. The food is expensive if the quality is not there. A glass of Pimms was served with tinned strawberries, not good. I told the lady who served us that we were disappointed with the food and she just said sorry.

We were recommended this pub by another one down the road and were delighted to find a warm welcome, great atmosphere with the World Cup playing in the background and really delicious traditional pub food. My husband had excellent crisp fish and chips and I, a very tasty chicken pie and fresh veg. We will definitely come back. Big thank you to everyone

Really buttery shortcrust pastry pie, filled with succulent chicken pieces, bacon, asparagus and delicate sauce. Plus Sandra's chips - no others yet found to equal them - and vegetables. Just cannot go wrong with this food and this pub.

We had food and drinks here after a funeral. The pub was lovely and cosy with a gorgeous resident cat.

Excellent food and service in a lovely pub. Sunday lunch was fab and really good selection of beers.

A while back I visited the Axe and Compass for a few drinks with a couple of friends. I decided to go back again one evening and I wasn’t disappointed! The food was lovely and prompt and the staff were friendly and chatty. The Apple pie and the homemade treacle tart are delicious! Would defiantly go back for these alone. As the evening progressed and we decided to hit the road. After dropping my friends back to the neighbouring village I realised I have a flat tyre. At this point it was pretty dark and I was on my own. To my luck, the lights were on at the pub and even though they had finished work and were ready to call it a night, both Patrick and Brian, offered to help me change my tyre. The service even after we left was still fantastic. Thank you both for all your help that night and going above and beyond! (Friday 13th) I will most certainly be back and telling people to visit. Plus I’m pretty sure I owe you both a drink!

Hadn't been to the Axe for the best part of 10 years as at one point it was at low ebb. Called in with a friend last Friday and was very pleasantly surprised. Had the garlic and chilli prawns to start followed by a 12oz rib eye steak. Really first class, especially the steak which was cooked to perfection. Good food efficiently served so this place is back on my regular list.

We were a party of ten and had asked to be sat in the front bar near the log burner - nice and cosy and everyone was pleased with their meals. Good attention was given by the staff who were pleasant and helpful.

Chose for a half way meet-up with a couple of friends. What a find! Traditional favourites like steak pie (proper individual pie, not just a pastry lid), brownies (moist and light) and sticky toffee pudding (with a fab black treacle sauce and creamy home-made ice-cream) were all excellent - not the disappointing cliches you often find elsewhere. Can also recommend the veggie tomato, brie and pesto tart. Lots of variety, all beautifully done. Something for everyone in a friendly, traditional pub.

We went with another couple for Sunday lunch, having placed our order the previous night (important if you want something in particular). Having overeaten the previous day, we only wanted the main course. I had the grass-fed ribeye steak, with field mushroom and melted stilton, cooked medium rare. Only one word for it - perfect. My wife had the roast beef, which she said was the best she has had for years. The chips, roast potatoes and mixed veg were all very good too. Everything is cooked to order, so don't expect fast food! We were really sorry that we could not stay for dessert - the choices looked wonderful. But we will return!

I visited this pub a couple of weeks ago with friends on recommendation and was so impressed with all aspects that I went back with my wife for Sunday lunch.

This is a first class pub. We stopped in for lunch on a circular walk from Standon. Good beer and food. Bar staff most welcoming as were the locals we talked to at the bar THANK YOU

This was our first visit to The Axe and Compasses, lured by the numerous complimentary reviews in Trip Adviser. The village is delightful with plenty of parking space. The pub is comfortable and the staff are welcoming. The menu variety is quite small but adequate. Service was prompt and cheerful. A good number of cheerful villagers were at the bar. We enjoyed our evening and we have no significant criticism of the pub. However, it is 18 miles from our home and not sufficiently attractive to justify the drive.

After a long walk we enjoyed the great service and very generous portions of home-cooked food. American visitors were just leaving and we were proud that they had come across such a great pub in such a lovely setting...well done

Nos topamos con este pueblo encantador en nuestro camino de vuelta de Bletchley Park por la ruta panorámica. No habíamos reservado una noté que había un número de mesas reservadas y teníamos simplemente aparezca en la oportunidad. Sin embargo, pedimos el caballero del bar si podíamos comer y dijo que no había problema y les preguntamos lo que quiere beber. Nos sentamos y nos trajeron los menús a los que había una variedad riquísima variada de comidas y fue difícil elegir. Elegí el bacalao horneado con langostinos, alcaparras, mantequilla de ajo, patatas fritas y ensalada, mi marido eligió el pescado y las patatas fritas, uno de los niños queríamos jamón y patatas fritas (menos el huevo, ya que no me gusta) y nuestro hijo adolescente tenía la salchicha y puré. Todas las comidas son recién preparados y cocinados a la orden, así que tuvimos que esperar que está bien. Nos trajeron todas las comidas juntos, pero por desgracia la mía estaba equivocado, señalamos a los demás caballero que estaba sirviendo, etc. y se disculpó sinceramente y mi comida fue eventualmente reemplazada con la correcta. Valió la pena la espera, estaba delicioso! ! Y lo más seguro es pedir de nuevo, el resto de la familia de acuerdo con sus comidas. Entonces decidimos ir para los postres. Tuve la tarta de manzana, esperar 20 minutos (que este estado en el menú) y merece la pena, mi marido tenía el budín de verano y dijo que estaba delicioso, los niños tuvieron el fondant de chocolate y estaban 'correcta' donde tenían el medio perfecto. Me entristece que la gente en otras críticas se han quejado sobre el servicio o esperar porque creemos si tienes excelente, deliciosa comida, entonces vale la pena la espera. Si tienes prisa, seguramente eso es lo que restaurantes de comida rápida se inventaron para así te sugiero que comas en este tipo de lugares, y no quejarse de un encantador establecimiento con excelente comida. Sin duda volveremos de nuevo, gracias por la preciosa bienvenida y nos complaciente con poca antelación y por la deliciosa comida.

Had Saturday Lunch at the pub and with the great weather we have had of late sat outside to enjoy a very good lunch and good guest ales, we have been coming to the pub over the last couple of years since our daughter moved to Braughing and this pub serves the best food out of the three pubs in the village and will be back when we visit next.

Great pub dining with anexcellent host & the best liver& bacon for many a mile highly recommended good ale served

What a fabulous place, full of character with delicious reasonably priced food and great service. Definitely worth a visit.

I wrote a review of this perfect village pub when I first discovered it two and half years ago. I've been back several times since. I haven't written a second review about anywhere I've visited but want to now. Four of us had the fish and chips today and it was as perfect as the pub - proper homemade chips, the freshest fish and the lightest and crispiest batter.

Called in here for lunch after a country walk to be greeted by two young very enthusiastic and very friendly bar staff.We sat in the bar and food was all home made and was delicious - you don't mind waiting a bit longer for good fresh home cooked food!Good beer as well.Service throughout was very friendly and efficient.

We followed a country walk around this delightful, well - kept village before calling at the Axe and Compasses for a light lunch.The young bar staff were excellent - friendly, efficient and helpful.The pub has several different areas, a couple of log burners and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.We particularly enjoyed a cod and king prawn starter and delicious home made apple pie. Food is cooked to order and delicious.( We were not conscious of having to wait for our food). Prices are reasonable given the high quality.We will definitely return.

I have been coming here for years. Great food, great service and great neighbours. Drink, food or takeaway / Brian and Sandra always delivered superb service.

Visited today with the family for Mother's Day dinner, despite booking we still had to wait 40 mins for our table. Once at our table we were offered menus even though we had pre ordered roast dinners, offered water which didn't arrive. Waited a further 45 minutes for dinner to arrive and didn't get offered any drinks and when we asked for some they did forget them so had to be reminded. Food came out and it was delicious :-) offered the dessert menu to be told they only have two items on the menu left but would we like to browse the menu anyway lol I mean seriously would I like to look at a list of puddings that I cannot have! Decided that we didn't fancy waiting for desserts and didn't get offered anything else so we collared someone for the bill. I would like to have blamed the long wait on the place being busy but there was about 4 other tables. Shame as food was good.

We visited this lovely little pub for the first time for Sunday Lunch.We had a lovely warm welcome, there were 2 log burners and it was so cosy and warm, we immediately felt at homeThe food was freshly cooked and cooked to perfection. The beef was so tender and the roast potatoes and vegetables were delicious.My husband had Sticky toffee pudding and he said he it was the best ever. I had the homemade ice cream...... delicious We can't wait to return to try their Steak. I can't recommend this pub highly enough, a must to visit!!

Siamo andati a mangiare buone salsicce in questo pub. Delizioso il paesino di Braughing e molto caratteristico il locale, con ottimo servizio e soprattutto ottime pietanze, ben presentate e squisite. Specialità, le torte e i dolci, fatti al momento dalla moglie del proprietario. Da ritornarci, con meno fretta

The Axe and Compass has a variety of food and all of it is very delicious. I came here with my family and the service was great and the staff were very helpful this pub also has wifi. I live Very near this pub and would recommend it to people who want a family meal or people who want a drink late a night

Excellent food, lovely pie. Service was friendly, pub was warm and welcoming. What more could you ask for from a country pub.

Eight of us had the most lovely night. Not one of us was disappointed in our meal. Service was friendly and efficient. Looking forward to the next meal. We are all from nearby villages and don't know why we haven't been here more. We will change that. Karen and local village friends

Fantastic food and great atmosphere. Nothing like a lovely village pub with smashing food to enjoy a family evening out. Thank you

We have eaten at this pub quite a few times over the last few years with largish family groups as well as just as a couple and have recommended it to various family and friends. We have always used this pub on a Sunday and usually have the roast. However, last Sunday will have been our final visit this pub. Three of us arrived at the pub at 3 PM after a very stressful morning flying into Stanstead airport after a substantial delay. We were all starving and looking forward to a roast dinner. Once seated we were kept waiting for 20 minutes for the waiter to come back for our order, at which point we were told that there were no roast dinners left! The pub was not that busy so we were shocked that at 3 o'clock, they had run out already when they serve lunch until 6pm. We felt that we should have been advised of this before being seated. We all ordered ham, egg and chips as we thought this would arrive quickly as we were so hungry but were kept waiting for 45 minutes. When my husband asked how much longer our meals would be and commented that we should have been told that there was no roasts left, the owner became very rude. Needless to say we will not return and have passed word on to our friends and relatives.

The fresh homemade dishes are always well presented & served by friendly waiters.A wide selection of well kept real ales, lager & Guinness are always available & never a disappointment.This friendly village pub will always be at the top of our list for that special occasion.Keep up the good work guysChris & Kate Cook

Wow wow wow, visited for a 80th birthday party and was the best decision we made. From the food to service it was all amazing. Yes you have to wait for the food but it is worth it as it is all cooked from fresh. We can not wait to go back

Recently ate here with two friends, I have to say I was very disappointed. The restaurant/bar was very busy and there was only one member of staff serving and taking food orders. We waited nearly an hour to order our food. I chose to have the local sausages but when my meal arrived the sausages were so over cooked that I couldn't cut them or even get the fork to pierce them. After a complaint the price of my meal was taken off of the bill (the only good thing that happened). Safe to say that I will not be returning.

Went with my partner for midweek lunch. The pub was not very busy so we did not expect to wait nearly 1 hour for our meals. However when they did arrive we were both very happy. My partner had steak & onion pie home made which was excellent, I had roasted cherry tomatoes, pesto & Brie tart served with the Axe salad, But the vey best thing about the pub menu is that you can have just about any main course as a small portion. That always suits me as I have a small appetite. The service was friendly and it is very much like an old fashioned pub, few and far between these days. We shall return to sample more of the excellent dishes on the menu.

Lovely cosy pub, great food and incredibly accommodating for gluten free, they even made gluten free tempura batter for the prawn starter! Great service from Josh and his lovely mum did a stunning job with the food, will come again soon, thanks!

My friend and I went to The Axe & Compasses a few weeks back on a Friday evening for dinner and got so much more than pub grub. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly owner and sat in between the bar and restaurant area. We really felt like were being given special treatment as we had table service throughout the evening, which was very much unexpected. Amongst the many aspects I loved - excellent food, brilliant and friendly service, great atmosphere and a fantastic NZ white wine - is the care and attention taken to cater for anyone with food allergies and also those with a tendency to eat past comfort (me every time) and offer a smaller portion which is a perfect size and also means you can fit in dessert! We each had the chicken and ham homemade pie in a smaller size and then the sticky toffee pudding (shared!) - both were just delicious and speaking as no fan, the homemade ice cream is just the creamiest I have ever had. Be patient, the food can take a little while longer than your average pub i.e. not within 10 minutes because it's been nuked or reheated, and it's worth the small wait. You probably won't notice unless you're looking for a quick bite and go - why would you want to do that anyway?!? Can't rave about this lovely place enough and have been doing so to anyone who will listen! Go - you won't be disappointed!

Went this evening at 8.35 to be told we needed to order by 8.45 (even though sign at front said 9). Terrible!I ordered a burger -they had run out.I asked what a super salad was -they didn't knowOrdered a Brie tartlet -they had run out of pastryOrdered vegetarian parcel - they had run outI asked what the other vegetarian options were & was offered a cheese roll.Simply unacceptable, although waiter was very sweet & apologetic.Will def not be returning! We had gone to visit it to see if it had potential to host a 50th birthday celebration -but obviously not! It couldn't host a meal for one!

Came for lunch , the food was lovely, good choice home made and they use local produce I believe where possible.Friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely visit again.

This was our second visit and it was just as lovely as the first time. The food was great and plenty of it. The staff are very friendly excellent service.

I had the baked cod. It was simply perfect. Followed by freshly baked apple pie with ice cream, then cheese and biscuits. It really was beautiful food, simply presented in a lovely, Hertfordshire country pub. Doesn't get much better really.

If you want the typical "Brakes Bros" re-heated food then don't come near this place because they cook to order. This means that your food may take a while to arrive but the wait will be well worthwhile. The pause also gives you the chance to enjoy a beer, or two, from the well kept cellar.I would be ready to travel to visit this pub again.

Called in for a mid week lunch whilst in the area. Would highly recommend both their fish and chips and also their sausages and champ with onion gravy. Both dishes are available in small or large portions. My very generous small portion of sausage and champ was more than enough for a normal appetite, and I really enjoyed it. The fish portion was huge, well cooked and flaky as it should be, the batter was not over-whelming at all, it was very light. We forced ourselves to share the home made apple pie and home made custard for afters, despite being full up - it was fab, one of the best I've ever had. Will have to go back if only to try their home made bread and all the other desserts!

Well, after a hard week at work , I said to my Wife shall we go up the Axe to eat on Saturday night & she agreed.We walked up the road at 8:00pm only to see and hear that the bar was packed out with England fans & a few girlfriends and wives !It was quite noisy in the bar and my wife said that we wouldn't get a table, I said it will be fine so we walked in found a table easily and sat ourselves down. I then made my way to the bar to get some drinks only to find it was three deep, I could see the bar manager was struggling to serve everyone. In the meantime 'Josh ' the Landlords eldest son had found my wife welcomed her with a kiss and asked where I was, she told him I was at the bar getting a drink, he swiftly found me told me to go and sit down whilst he got us some drinks and a menu.One minute later our drinks arrived along with a menu.The 1st time I had service that good was in Dublin many years ago. Normally it is Brian the Landlord who gives us such excellent service at the Axe & Compasses. He and his wife happened to be in Ireland visiting family.Josh told us about the homemade pie of the day and apologised as all the bread ( home made in the kitchen ) had been used, as a table of 16 had turned up earlier and cleared them out. Apparently Connor his younger brother was cooking some more but it wasn't quite ready. We decided to share the Tempura prawns with chilli dip - perfect again, when Josh told us that the bread was now ready.... To late already decided !Anyway I opted for the large Rib eye (medium rare) with home made chips, mushrooms and freshly made battered onion rings. Oh and of course I had to have a large glass of Malbec and another pint of Cornish ale just to wash it down with, followed by a few more , I didn't have to go to the bar once all night !Well when it arrived it was a feast before my eyes, it had to be the tastiest steak meal I've ever had. Eve my wife didn't want a lot to eat so opted for the a sausages and egg with chips, for a cheap meal it was also cooked to perfection. We forced our selves into a desert. I had the homemade bread and butter pudding with cream, ( I could have had the homemade custard) next time ?My wife had the homemade ice cream. She loved it, I loved it.We wandered home very very happy after our most enjoyable night out at the Axe & Compasses. Braughing To conclude I watched the Bar manager & Josh run a very slick operation all night Thanks Josh you really are a chip off of the old block ! Great service, well done. See you again soon.Best wishes Bob & Eve

I booked a table for 10 the day before for lunch on a Saturday. We were doing a charity bike ride and I said I expected us To be there around 1 and we would just want sandwiches so no pre order was needed.We had a few hiccups on the ride, punctures etc and we didn't arrive until 2. I had been told that the kitchen closed at 2.15 so as soon as we arrived at the pub I went in to let them know we were there, I apologised but the bar manager was really unwelcoming and made me feel like I had really caused him a problem. I asked if we could have jugs of water on the table and before I could say that everyone would order their own drinks (they were still outside sorting the bikes) he said to me "are you serious" in a sarcastic tone. He made me feel like a little girl being told off in class. I tried to be polite and made conversation with a couple of locals at the bar about our trip. When I told the bar man we were biking 50 miles he replied with "is that it?!" Thanks mate, made our hard work feel really worthwhile!! Anyway, the bread was stale and the service was poor, I will definitely not be going back there and I'm annoyed that miserable man took over £150 of our money which would have been much better spent elsewhere!

A last minute decision to dine out locally, led us to this quaint little pub. A really friendly, comfortable pub with great food and service (thanks Josh!). Will definitely be going back.

The food was well cooked and presented. The staff were friendly and efficiently took our orders. I had the baked cod, it was a generous portion of lovely flaked cod. the drinks were fine. Book a table at weekends as it gets very busy.

Visited this beautiful country village pub with on old school friend for a pint and a bite to eat on a Tuesday evening and was not disappointed. The bar staff were friendly and most helpful and the owner made light conversation making the place feel relaxed and comfortable. We chose a pint of local beer that was delicious and clearly well kept. The food was of very high quality, we chose rib eye steaks that were beautifully cooked and and served. Great pub, great beer, great food, can't say any more than that. Well worth the visit, will return.

Popped in for lunch with friends and had a great meal. Better than your standard pub grub, cooked to a high standard. Warm welcome and food came quickly.

The food in this pub is interesting and clearly freshly prepared, but it did take a while to appear, which considering there were only two other diners was a little frustrating. It was overall good value as the mains were generous. Home made bread was a nice touch, but the loaf that I bought to take home was undercooked. Not expensive. Pleasant dining area.

The original intention was to stop for lunch at the end of the hike but we really made a fabulous snap decision to stop half way. Lovely service from a friendly barman, log fire burning, and even the little extras in the toilets set the scene for a great relaxing lunch with friends. We all ordered different dishes and I had food envy of everyone else's meal but was not prepared to share mine either!The food was a little slow to arrive but that was understandable as it was so fresh and flavoursome from the simple ham and poached (to perfection) eggs to the grilled cod with tiger prawns, garlic and caper berry butter. Portions were very generous (the chicken Kiev was massive!) and reasonably priced even fine detail added to the side salad which was topped with olives and diced sundried tomatoes (going to do this at home now!) and seasoned skin on chips.Thank you, I will be back!

Thank you for another excellent meal. We worry sometimes that our continued expectations will not be met, but you have never let us down. Always a very friendly atmosphere and good service. Thanks again and hope to see you again, soon.

The "Axe" has come up trumps again. Another superb meal for our party of 13. We have eaten here on numerous occasions and have to say the food has always been great. Brian is wonderful front of house and Sandra serves up some very appetising dishes.

We booked a table for 4 and visited on Saturday evening.As always we got a very friendly welcome and the log fires were burning nicely.Brian & his staff always go the extra mile when it comes to service.We were told of the latest recommended home made specials, Tempura prawns with a chilli dip, broccoli & stilton soup or home cured gravlax for starters, then Game pie for the main course. Well I tell you they were all to die for !Then of course was the bottle of Argentinian Malbec.We all went home very satisfied and will be back very soon.Thank you for fantastic food and service

Just had a super lunch at The Axe and Compasses. Really fancied ham egg and chips. Not only was I offered two sizes of meal, the ham was home cooked as were the chips and I chose how I wanted the eggs cooked. Perfect. Brian was in charge and when I mentioned a chocolate would be nice with our coffee, low and behold a home made truffle appeared. Who could ask for more. Thank you Brian and staff.

Visited for lunch. Brian made us very welcome as did the log fire. The food, all homemade and locally sourced, was to die for. Try the goats cheese ravioli and roasted vegetables; you won't be disappointed. Fast food it definitely isn't - cooked to order and well worth the extra few minutes wait.

We arrived last Saturday for a meal after a day of shooting. The pub has open fires and comfortable armed chairs and beautiful character. The staff were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The Christmas trees were well decorated as well as our long elegant table we sat at to eat our meal. The food was absolutely lovely, "chips were to die for, triple cooked and scrummy". Wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff, superb food and overall great night. Thank you and welldone.

We finished a nice walk around the local area with a meal at the Axe and Compasses and feeling particularly hungry and thirsty we weren't disappointed. There was a small but well chosen selection of beers which, I was pleased to see, on our visit included Harveys IPA. The roast chicken was perfectly cooked and we followed it up with a couple of tasty puddings including an exceptional apple pie with custard. The food was all homemade and prepared with a great deal of care. Also notable was the friendly and efficient service, we felt welcome and unhurried. The pub itself is cosy and clean, well decorated and furnished with a traditional feel. I hope to return soon and would recommend the pub to anyone looking for a proper pub with great food.

Love this pub. We're local to the area and have had lunch, dinner, drinks, roast - all manner of things from the menu over the years and never been disappointed. The menu is varied and you can be as traditional as you like or go for something a little different. There's something for everyone. Sandwiches are made with homemade bread, which is delicious, and the presentation is great. Small plates for the smaller appetite and for kids and locally sourced produce which I love. Thoroughly recommend.

We came to the Axe on Sunday for lunch and my girlfriend is vegan. I phoned the day before and although they didn't have vegan on the menu, the chef went out of her way to get the ingredients and put a great dish together, which my girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed. For me, I had a steak and Guinness pie which was delightful. Will be going again very soon.