The Cricketers in Uttlesford

A good range of tasty wholesome pub food available. Ambience attractive but let down by poor service. It wasn’t that there wasn’t enough staff it was the fact that they decided to use the venue as a social occasion ignoring the customers.

We stayed here for one night, in the adjacent room complex, booking last minute as we found ourselves in the area. Cosy and characteristic place, the staff were friendly and helpful, in particular the gentleman (possibly the owner) who arranged a charcuterie board for us even though, as it was late, the kitchen was closed. The room was very pretty and very clean. We will definitely return.

What a magnificent place with such character, sublime food, beautifully hosted by the lovely Jemima. Thank you so much, we will be back!

We stayed in the outside accommodation ‘Edgbaston rooms’ . We had an evening meal and Breakfast both of which were really good . The accommodation rooms were just opposite the pub and whilst very good , has started to look a bit worn . Sadly the shower floor grout was dirty and thick with black mould which came off when rubbed with the towel. Bedroom carpet was also marked . Pity really as looked rather nice .

Had a late check in but was shown to our rooms without a problem. Beautiful clean room and a very comfy bed was thrilled to see a decent fan in the room with the weather we’ve had recently. Breakfast was really good I had the breakfast bun. Would definitely stay again if in the area

We had Sunday roast the portion sizes are very small and most of the meat was fat we were given 1 carrot which is a joke for £23. Avoid this place if you want a good decently sized meal

We stayed there for three nights and also at at the restaurant. Great food in the restaurant. We had two dinners and two breakfasts. Dinner was great, service as well. Breakfast was very good as well. The pub is part of the restaurant and we and there every night. Locals are extremely friendly (shared their homemade carrot cake) and they gave us advice about Scotland (our next stop) that we found invaluable. Room we had was extremely large and well appointed. Comfortable bed and very clean. We stayed in the deluxe and they are in a new building across the street. Overall we loved the old world charm of the pub and the new world room.

Comfortable room . Beautifully decorated. Outside seating area and pleasant view. Staff friendly and helpful. Good pub food.

Excellent food, wine and great service from friendly staff. Lovely setting. Would recommend to family and friends. Will be going back.

Unprofessional and chaotic from start to finish. We arrived early for a check-in but was not worried about getting a room was going to sit in the pub and have a drink. When entering we stood at the hostess station for a good five minutes but no one came We couldn’t get into the bar to speak to someone as we was caught in the middle of a wake, this was unfortunate and not anyone’s fault but surly that many people shouldn’t be in the main entrance blocking anyone from entering Finally, a member of staff spoke to us and someone took us to our room which was ready early. We decided to go out for the day and come back in the evening for dinner. Dinner was okay wasn’t made to feel very welcome. Everything seem to be about the locals at the bar. Food was okay just basic Pub food. Breakfast was completely chaotic disorganised and one woman doing absolutely everything we stood at the hostess station again for a good five minutes before she called through to take anywhere we were not ask our room number or our name we helped ourselves to orange juice waited a good 10 minutes for a cup of coffee and then another 10 minutes for her to take her food order. Breakfast was good and freshly cooked but by the time we had got it already spoilt occasion the table next to us waited so long they actually left without getting a hot drink or any breakfast just had toast and orange juice. When I wanted to check out again waited ages at the hostess station then finally someone came to help and it was the same lady that was doing everything for Breakfast. She gave me my bill and I explained that I had a voucher for bed breakfast evening meal the value was £240, she questioned me and said did I forget to tell them about the voucher on booking which I said I didn’t as they even took the voucher number on the booking the Lady didn’t know how to process the voucher and was phoning someone to help but no one was picking up Bill came to £200 just under was not offered a voucher for the rest of the money that was left. It seems like that just gets lost. We would not be returning and would not recommend this to anybody.

We had a fantastic stay at The Cricketers on NYE. The staff, service and atmosphere along with the pacing of our meal were perfect. The pub is lovely, with a log fire and welcomes dogs if you have one. Our room was clean and tastefully decorated though the building it was in was less so - it was in a purpose built building a little like a mobile classroom, not a problem but just to manage expectations for anyone staying in the largest rooms. All in all it was the really lovely & festive way to bring in 2024! We would definitely return & recommend :)

The service was ok but not on the ball with catering for children. The spicy cauliflower soup tasted bland, no spice at all. The steak was tough and over cooked when we requested medium rare. The sea bass was overcooked and the kale was chewy and old. The chips were reasonable and pie ok. Fish and chips average. I rang to speak with a manager but not available or not interested to make some improvement.

The evening food was awful not cooked properly, glasses dirty and the fire in the bar was bellowing black smoke so we came away smelling of bonfire . Breakfast food was better although the dining area very dirty lots of dust and dead flies in lamps above the table . Room for overnight was good value for money but not really on site. Wouldn’t go back not correctly portrayed on their website

Really disappointed with our meal and experience. We had roast dinner - I had pork and all we got was one slice of meat, one thin carrot stick, a couple of roast potatoes that were hard and not seasoned at all, a teaspoon of puree and some red cabbage, on top of all that was a spoonful of watery see-through gravy. For the price you are paying I would save your money and go elsewhere - could possibly be the worst roast I've had. Also, the staff left us with a dirty plates for the whole wed sat there we had to ask for the bill and they still there until we left.

We have eaten here fairly frequently over the last 20+ years and even being it’s a good 1h round trip from our home it was always worth it, very consistently good. When we heard that the Chestnut group had taken the place over a couple of years ago we were very sad, they own a lot of foodie pubs in the area and they are all average at best. But we continued to come and for a little while after their take over things remained the same at the good old Cricketers days however on our last visit it had just seriously gone down hill :( Chips looking like the scraps from the bottom of the frozen McCains bag, fish full of bones, slow service (our deserts were completely forgotten so we sat waiting an age) Certainly no longer worth the drive, we can get mediocre Chestnut food 5 minutes down the road. Big shame.

We were really disappointed with our meal, we had 3 roast dinners one chicken one pork and one beef. I had the beef, it came with one skinny carrot a small spoonful of red cabbage one piece of beef that I had to cut the fat off of, 3 roast potatoes that were hard and not roasted at all, a cold Yorkshire pudding & on top of that the gravy was like water. The price point for a roast is £20-£25 depending on the meat you choose, it was probably one of the worst roast dinners I have experienced.

Warm welcome at reception, lovely rooms and delicious meal. Breakfast very good, poached eggs exactly right.

Everything was not as we had previously enjoyed at The Cricketers Clavering. So disappointing , Now, as it really could be any cheap village pub but at a higher cost. Cannot be bothered to comment further as we will NOT return -End…

This is our third visit for an overnight stay but the first since it had new owners. My wife and I stayed for one night with an evening meal and breakfast. The room staff and breakfast were all very good. Unfortunately our evening meal was disappointing. Our starters and my steak were all good. However my wife ordered triple cut chips and fish. The fish was fine but the chips were soggy and very dark brown. They tasted like they had been cooked in old oil that was overdue for a change. These were so soft and not at all like triple cooked chips. We raised the issue with the waitress who replaced them without any fuss. Unfortunately she did not listen to the problem and brought another bowl that were just as bad. Not wanting to let this spoil our meal we did not complain further. I did however ask the waitress to inform the manager of this problem as we were paying the bill. Overall our visit was very nice but could have been much better if it was not for the issue over dinner.

We stayed here for a concert at Audley End and it was perfect from the minute we arrived. Sunday dinner was beautiful, staff friendly and happy, rooms clean and cosy and breakfast was lovely! Definitely coming back!

Pulled into the Cricketers to use their EV charging point and broke down metres from it nearly blocking the entrance to their car park. Staff were lovely and understanding. Would break down here again 🤗

Excellent place to stay. Good atmosphere, food and nice clean room. Great value for money. The hotel is in a charming part of the world , ideally placed to visit sites of interest around Cambridge and Saffron Walden. Audley End well worth a visit.

We were extremely disappointed with our dinner experience on Sunday. With guests over from Germany we thought this would be the perfect place for their first meal in the UK and a great Sunday roast. We ordered x4 pork roasts as the sirloin was all sold out but these took ages to arrive. The 2 thin pork slices were mostly fat with very little meat, maybe 20% was meat and the rest fat! The potatoes were soggy and nowhere near crispy and tasteless. The Yorkshire pudding was also soggy and over cooked. Such a massive disappointment and I wish I hadn’t paid the service charge !!!

Really lovely hotel rooms great for a stay before flight from Stansted airport - a lot better than a hotel airport and free parking. Staff really friendly and helpful. Breakfast wasn’t the best, sausages were hard and the bacon was smoked and we prefer back bacon but croissants we’re beautiful. Would definitely stay again.

I haven't been to The Cricketers since it changed owners and was very impressed with both the food and the friendly, helpful staff. Nothing was too much trouble for the young lady who took care of us and we were made to feel very welcomed the moment we stepped through the door. The Cricketers still retains its delightful charm with a cosy fire, comfortable seating with cushions and cheerful staff. My sea bass was very tasty and I'm definitely having the burger next time I visit as that was a big hit with my husband. Or maybe the chicken pie as apparently the pastry was amazing...spoilt for choice! I love nice glasses and thought the glasses used in The Cricketers were very stylish - especially the Prosecco glass. We look forward to return visit:-)

Food was ok but just pub grub you can get anywhere. Rooms off of main site excellent. Not sure about those in main building. Staff and atmosphere quite pleasant. Not what I had come to expect and very disappointing.

Had a lovely meal yet again at this delightful pub. So nice to find a pub with several choices on the menu for vegetarians too! My husbands whitebait starter was cooked perfectly, the taramasalata was homemade ,& delicious. The Sunday lunch with the vegetarian pie...

3/4hr wait for a meal just isn’t acceptable! Food ok but certainly not amazing and even if it had been it would of been ruined by the really slow service. Staff friendly the ambience was nice.

We met our cousin here on Saturday 6th August as we hadn't seen him for two years. This was half way for both of us. We had a superb meal which started inside and due to the flies, we went outside. The staff were very...

We love it here and come in for food a couple of times a week but think the menu needs changing. Sunday roast is always good!

A good lunchtime menu for Summer, reasonably priced. Being out in the country, there’s little or no passing trade so it has to live and survive on its reputation. It must be goo, as it was packed on Saturday.

Had a lovely meal. My daughter ordered the sausage and mash and it was delish (anyone else end up eating their children leftovers so the food isn’t wasted?!). I had the ham hock and chicken pate for starter and then the sea bream. I can’t...

I discovered this restaurant thanks to Juliette, my Air B n B hostess. On a trip to the UK with my son, I wanted to take him to the Brewery tap where we'd eaten last time, only to learn that it's closed on Mondays. But...

We'd read good things about this pub - its food - and decided to try it out en route to Audley End. A beautiful setting/location and very quaint inside. The staff were delightful, especially the waitress who served us on the day (I think Maria...

We had an overnight stay bought for us here. The room we had was the best thing about the stay. It had a beautiful view over the fields. Pity the food didn’t match up. Went to order our starter but they had run out, so...

I’m not someone to write negative reviews about restaurants. I’d always prefer to tackle the issue at the time or privately afterwards. We did so on this occasion but the reply from the general manager left me with little choice. Here is our tale. We...

As a long standing customer of over 20 years, we wanted to post this positive experience under the new owners, so here goes.... My husband and I have a long history with the Cricketers having had our wedding breakfast there 20 years ago, frequent visits...

We have visited here quite a lot in the last ten years and always enjoyed the food and service. This visit was the first since the Cricketers changed to new ownership. We had a very good meal and the service was adequate. It didn’t feel...

Stayed for 2 nights midweek recently, firstly was quite apprehensive after reading recent reviews but we decided to go and find out for ourselves. I'm glad we did, very comfortable and large room with a coffee machine and great selection of teas and coffee/hot chocolate....

Visited with a friend, unaware no longer owned by Jamie OIiver's family. We were told when our orders were taken that 3 things on the already limited menu weren't available. The starter, a healthy vegetarian option, sounded lovely but was bland, uninteresting and well over...

The entire meal was so appalling I am kicking myself that I actually paid anything. The menu is very limited, the starter of soup or beetroot were both bland and tasteless and then literally an hours wait to get our main courses, having to repeatedly...

There was not a good lunch selection. Too many fish options in mains. We came a month ago and the menu was virtually identical. Which was disappointing as we were previously advised that it changed weekly or was it daily. My wife had a burger,...

Nice place and friendly staff, but the chef appeared to be not as good as the menu promised; food was poor to average. My steak wasn't very well cooked, portions were small, chips had obviously been cooked earlier and kept warm and my desert wasn't...

Such a shame. We love going to the Cricketers, the staff are very friendly and welcoming, it is the kitchen that is letting everything down. The food has been getting worse and worse. Husband asked for well done beef, it came out rare, so that...

We have been going to the Cricketers for many years so was really looking forward to going on Christmas Eve as it had been a long time since we had eaten out due to covid. The staff were welcoming and friendly as we would have...

Food was really tasty with some interesting flavours. Was very well presented. Staff were excellent as was the service. The tables were all spaced for covid and all staff wore masks which was good. Hadn't been here in a while but will definitely be coming...

Had a fabulous stay and dinner here. Dog friendly rooms and restaurant is a plus too, we go out of our way for such places. Really warm, friendly and welcoming on arrival, served promptly at the bar, great range of drinks and food on offer...

We had the most wonderful family reunion at The Cricketers. The welcome and service were friendly and professional and the food absolutely delicious! Thank you for making this occasion so special!

What exceptional friendly service from all those serving us. Visited today in a group of 8 and, even though there was a group of about 30 in the other section, could not fault the service we received. The food was plentiful and excellent. One of...

As part of our Dinner B&B stay we had a 3-course dinner. The food was well cooked, presented, served and overall we had a very nice experience. We would happily visit again. Our breakfast was freshly cooked to order and excellent.

I very rarely do a review but felt compelled to do so in this instance. On arrival I asked could we move tables - this was met with a raised eyebrows look. Not the best start - however, we carried on and ordered. I asked...

The Cricketers is a local institution and we live nearby. The restaurant refurbishment is great - fresh and an improvement on the previous decor. The service is generally pretty good. HOWEVER, the menu does not appear to have changed for two years or so, which...

We picked this restaurant as it was a mid travel point to meet friends. I have eaten there many years ago and enjoyed the meal then, so felt confident that it would be a good choice. The food was nice but certainly not Michelin graded...

Friendly welcome on arrival, shown the room . Room was gorgeous we had the best rooms . Very clean, really nicely decorated , lovely toiletries and so nice to be given fresh milk. Beautiful village , lots of cottages and good to walk around. Dinner...

Food was nice enough, everyone enjoyed their mains. Burger and steak really nice, but chips could have done with some crisping. Deserts were okay. Service was lacklustre. Glasses on table but not offered water, got some on second time of asking. Were not offered sauces....

so looking forward to lunch at The Cricketers not having visited for many years when we had a really bad meal, who would have thought it would be lousy againMy husband's steak pudding was a strange yellow colour which he covered in mustard to try to improve the flavour. I ordered lamb rump at £26 for 2 slices it was expensive which is ok if it tastes good, it arrived very under cooked, I asked for it to be cooked a little more, when it was brought back, it was so tough I couldn't chew it, we decided enough was enough and asked for the bill, no -one noticed or commented that the lamb was left but we did ask for a doogy bag four our Schnauzer, a round trip of 100 miles for what ! Will never go again

So nice to be back in the real world again. Sunday lunch at the Cricketers was delicious. The massive Wigwam in the car park was nicely decorated and the heaters and blankets made it very cosy. Staff very friendly and efficient. We had roast beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by a gorgeous lemon curd pavlova. We will definitely return.

So glad this pub has reopened. The effort has been great providing a Tipi and heating. Being April it was freezing though and the heaters were more decorative than warming. There were blankets provided. We went on the first day and it was very busy. The service was quite slow and not terribly organised. We still enjoyed the experience. Sadly even though the fish and chips looked amazing, the bottom was a soggy mushy mass and not crisp at all. We will most likely have drinks again. It I am not sure the food is worth it at the moment.

Good to see this restaurant in the hands of Crafted Hospitality. Magical warm and inviting teepee with twinkling lights, heaters and sheepskin rugs to keep your back warm. Excellent customer service from friendly efficient staff. Good food, delicious flavours, attractively presented. Why you ask have I not rated this excellent. Whilst my crab starter would be an excellent, my main was very rich - just too much cream that slightly overwhelmed the fish, my chocolate bread and butter pudding was a little dry despite the ice cream - this could be my choices - but for me that is why I did not give it an excellent rating. I would definitely go back - I like the Crafted Hospitality offering.

Great service, friendly and efficient. Good number of wines by the glass - sensible as most people would need to drive here. Nice meal out overall, much enjoyed by the 4 of us. Food: Crab crumpet starters were a generous amount of dressed crab literally on a supermarket type crumpet which was a bit odd vs in the shell with bread or with a salad but Pork belly on noodles and asparagus/egg were fine. Burger and pork mains were excellent. Good choice of deserts. Tepee ‘outdoor’ seating worked really well. 6 deg outside but blankets and heaters were fine.Well done on getting up and running again to a high standard.

Fantastic to be able to visit the Cricketers again. The Tipi is great..and all the staff did a great job..bit cold..but it is April. Only let down was the very limited menu; only one vegetarian main dish - cauliflower... Not sure of the thinking here..but the new owners should realise quite a lot of people don't eat meat these days...and want a choice..it's not the 1970's anymore...! Still well done everyone...

We booked to have Sunday lunch in the restaurant, and only after making the booking did we find out that the Oliver family no longer have an involvement with this establishment, and that it had been sold to a chain of hotel/restaurants. So it was with a little trepidation that we kept our reservation, and hoped for the best.We had no need to worry - we were greeted with a very warm welcome and what followed by the efficient and friendly staff was the highest levels of enthusiastic and attentive service.The food was absolutely top-notch - we could not find fault, and was reasonably priced.The ambience in the restaurant is excellent - with a very cosy and traditional feel.There is no question in our mind that the excellent reputation that this restaurant has had for many years, is being more than upheld, and we look forward to returning again soon, Corona permitting.

We visited on a Sunday teatime for early dinner to this immaculate well maintained in this lovely tradition village pub. Covid practices were in place.and we were greeted by friendly staf. and a roaring log fire. We had a table in the bar area. The service was very good with the menu varied and interesting with many classic pub meals too. The food ingredients were of the best quality.

3 off us went for a small birthday party (Sunday lunch) quite a good menu selection but would have liked a better veg selection I know seasonal veg is the in thing but it does not suit every body having said that nice tasty starters good selection main meals apart from the veg and tasty selection of sweets.The staff were attentive with out being over the topWould I go again yes

Four of us went here for a birthday lunch Both couples shared a starter of buffalo mozzarella and fig dish which we agreed was delicious Three of us went for the pie of the day (steak and ale) and one had the calves liver and all mains were greatWe were informed that the pies would take half an hour but this wasn’t a problem as we had another pint of Adnams while we waitedWe all had a dessert but my sticky toffee pudding was judged to be the best ever tasted Having been here several times we we a bit worried by reviews about rude staff etc but our servers were very friendly and helpful as usual Cost of our lunch was for a plate of olives, two starters, four mains, four desserts, four beers and a Botticelli Prosecco was £154

We were staying in a hotel close by and we met a couple who told us we should come for a meal here. It was a great tip! Lunch today was excellent. Service was polite, on time and with a smile... Katsu chicken is amazing and deserts are definitively worth saving some space for :-). Will for sure come back!!!

My daughter took me here for my 50th birthday as a special treat! We booked. Walked in and two ladies looked at us like we had two heads not sure why but made us feel so uncomfortable. Lady pointed to a table but I was a little unsure what one so she re pointed but made no effort to show us which one. Young girl polite gave us the menu! Most of which is fish which I love but daughter allergic so not much else on this expensive menu. No one came over for ages so we got up and started to walk out and again women looked at us with a strange glare! We only live in Newport so would’ve been a regular but no thank you as spoilt my birthday thank you

We meet a couple for lunch and we recommended to meet at The Cricketers because we thought it was nice. Sadly the two Haddock and Chips were just average and my Salmon with Stir Fried Veg was swimming in some tasteless sauce and fat. I ate the Salmon but left the rest it was not very nice at all. Service was good and waiting staff were pleasant would would not rush back.

Excellent stay, as always. Have stayed eight times now. Always good quality food. Great bar service. Lovely clean room. Will be back next year x

I’ve visited this restaurant twice and have experienced excellent service and food on both occasions. My second visit was during the COVID-19 pandemic but the staff went to great lengths to ensure the experience was as normal as it could be. Will definitely be back.

Lovely meal, very good service. Maybe a little pricey for location. Jamie’s katsu curry was amazing 👍

Had a lovely meal with my family, apart from the discreet perspex screens between tables (which are professionally fitted and actually add some sound proofing too) you wouldn’t realise we were mid covid pandemic. Staff were really friendly, service was good and the food was delicious. I cannot daily anything, definitely coming back.

We cannot argue that the food was absolutely fantastic and cooked to perfection but it's such a shame that the service wasn't up to the same standards. Having received our starters in good time, we then waited nearly 40 minutes for the main courses to arrive. This for us wasn't a particular problem as we had plenty of time and don't mind waiting for good food. What really let us down was that nobody offered us another drink in that time. We tried to get the attention of staff but seemingly went ignored. We found it extremely frustrating to watch all the tables around us being served while we were walked passed and ignored every time. To make eye contact with a customer who clearly would like service I find extremely insulting. We eventually got the attention of a staff member and to his credit he seemed to take ownership of the situation and made sure we were served from then but unfortunately the attitude and service up to that point had already spoilt our evening. In our view the member of staff who took responsibility for us deserves full credit and the others can certainly learn from him! Having recently moved to the area we will not be returning after this experience unfortunately. In the words of Gordon Ramsay.... don't p**s off the locals.

We choose The Cricketers for an overnight stay to celebrate my husbands birthday and took advantage of the amazing mid week offer of £150 for dinner (complete choice off the menu), bed and breakfast.From the moment we arrived the staff were fantastic, very professional, friendly and helpful.We stayed in a “best” room, number 18, which was huge, spotlessly clean and a very short walk across the road from the pub. The bed was massive and the decor quirky and top class.Even with the Covid restrictions the restaurant was very busy whilst adhering strictly to the regulations, with clear Perspex partitions between tables and also at the bar, this definitely did not detract from the experience and actually possibly enhanced it with conversations being more private than before.The food was fabulous. Very tasty, beautifully presented and even without the midweek deal we would have happily stayed and paid full price for everything....we plan to return.Special mention must be made of Joe, who handled our initial booking, Suzy for answering other queries, the lovely gentleman who served us champagne on arrival and lastly the beautiful blond waitress (hoping to go to Nottingham university) who was absolute ace!I cannot recommend this place highly enough...it had been probably twenty years since our last visit when our breakfast was cooked by Trevor Oliver and he gave us a loaf of walnut bread to take home!We were also publicans and we retired four years ago after 45 years in the same pub, so especially appreciate the standards set by The Cricketers.

It was good to be able to be given a table for Sunday lunch without having to wait and without having booked in advance.Parking facilities were good and convenient.The place seems to be thoughtfully Covid preparedWe enjoyed the foodThe staff were courteous and friendlyService was slow and therefore, despite the pleasant smiles and polite words, we felt unattended

Really nice restaurant pub. We loved the choices on the menu and the food did not disappoint. The atmosphere was great with a lot of tables. Places that are dog friendly are usually good and this place was just that. Our dog loved it as there were dog biscuits inside the front door.

Having cycled past The Cricketers several times and hearing about it's unique connection we thought it was time to pay a visit for a weekday lunch. The building itself has an air of old England with it's low ( even for me at 5ft 8) beams and congruous decor. The welcome was immediately warm and friendly, the waiter service prompt and professional. Even the not quite too stern matron like manner of one waitress seemed to fit the occasion. The Pea soup was tasty and the Lamb was although very well presented on a bed of roasted peppers, goats cheese and salsa verde, the combination wasn't to my taste although I'm sure others would enjoy it. I would definitely revisit but choose something else next time.

Beautiful place to stay excellent food and simply good value for money. We have stayed there 5 times over at the willows and we have one more room to go until we go into the main building.x

We have stayed at the Cricketers numerous times and always have a fabulous time however this time it was exceptional. We took friends for a pre christmas get together and was not disappointed. The pub was beautifully decorated with a stunning roaring fire and the added bonus of arriving to carols around the piano which appears to be an annual tradition. We stayed in one of the beautiful cottages across the road with stunning views of the countryside. The food as always was absolutely delicious, and the service was top class. We had a lovely waitress called Crestsa who despite it being an extremely busy night was so informative and friendly as was all the staff. We cannot recommend enough and cannot wait to return again very soon.

Having booked a table a few weeks back we were excited to be meeting family who we are unable to see at Christmas so all are looking forward to a xmas dinner.However on arrival we were given a menu which had no xmas food on it all. Funny... it's only 1 week to xmas and all restaurants seem to have a xmas menu at this time of year. On asking I was told we had to ask at the time of booking ! ! I really feel this should have been explained when I called to make the booking. However the waitress said she would ask if it was possible but that everyone on the table would then have to have it which seems a funny rule as obviously not everyone wants to eat the same when out in a restaurant.The Menu that we were given was quite limited and focused very much on fish dishes. Having said that the food was very tasty and nicely presented.The waiting staff were not the most friendly I have come accross and one made it very clear by her facial expression that she wasnt happy when we pointed out that our drinks order wasnt correct. Plates were also whisked away very very quickly making us feel that we needed to hurry. Some may say this is better than being too slow but it really did make me feel uncomfortable. I know they were busy so can sort of understand this manner but never the less this does not help create a relaxed atmosphere.In fact the whole ambience was not very christmassy at all. Very little in xmas decoration, no xmas background music and a candle on the table that nobody bothered to light.

Four of us travelled over to Essex to savour the Cricketers. We Paid £185 per couple for the evening meal, breakfast and accommodation. OMG we had an amazing time. The food was fab. The people and service was amazing. The room was new, clean, warm, quiet with a field for a view and the Super King bed fresh and comfortable. They even had sherbet lemons in the room. It’s no wonder that Jamie Oliver turned out so well with a grounding like this. We will be returning soon.

Great venue with super food, piano music and a Rapid car charger!We picked this out as it was almost on route from York to Maidstone and it had a BP Chargemaster fast charger for the car! We didn't book but I would recommend you do as it was very busy. Thankfully they fitted us in.The food was excellent and had it not been for the charger, we would have never found out.Will definitely go again!

We were lucky to be fitted in at the last table with only 2 days notice for a SUNDAY LUNCH. Great food choices included traditional beef roast. Diverse others, huge helpings, imaginative sweets and really GREAT service even tho they were super busy. Yes, it’s a big thumbs up

This is my favourite pub around. The food is always delicious and the service attentive. I started with a potato and leek soup which was delicious and served at perfect temperature. I next moved on to a steak and ale pie which was amazing and the pastry was so flaky! And an amazing rice pudding to finish off a wonderful night in the beautiful countryside. I would highly recommend this pub to families, couples, and for Birthdays!

My turn to pick lunch this month so I picked here. I have not been here for a few years now so I had heard good reports so I selected it for my turn. It’s still as it was before, very good service, excellent food and reasonable prices. Some of our party were late but we were not hurried at all. Some of us wanted the pies and we were informed of a wait for it to be cooked fresh but everyone who had them said it was with the weight. I had the sword fish which was superb. My friend had the vegetable Wellingtons which he said was lovely. All seven of us were all very happy and I can certainly recommend this place. I must say it was very busy which showed it was popular. Other places we have been on a Friday lunchtime they have been half full.

I was recommended this place by a colleague for my partners birthday. Recently we’ve had a couple of disappointing meals out but The Cricketers was just amazing! The service was memorable in particular as all the staff were so attentive and friendly. Every course we had impressed us- This doesn’t happen too often! The vegan brownie pudding was just amazing and we’ll definitely be back! Quite simply my new favourite restaurant.

Couldn't fault the food - absolutely outstanding. All staff were knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming!

We had a lovely evening at The Cricketers. The pub was bustling even though we had arrived just after 6.00 pm. It didn’t take long before all of the tables were occupied. There were only a few tables that were available for people drinking and by the time we left these were occupied by diners.

We visited the Cricketers for a midweek stay and it far surpassed our expectations. We were on the mid week offer of £300 per couple for dinner, bed and breakfast and it was amazing value for money. The room was simple, but tastefully furnished and had everything you would need from an iron and board to a kettle. Complimentary coffees and teas and bottled waters were replaced daily. The breakfast was delicious with their home made sausage , fresh fruit and juices. The dinner far surpassed anything we have had at this price before. We both loved the Smoked Haddock Scotch Egg and my partner raved about the Mango Semi Freddo. It was fantastic value as you could choose anything you wanted from the A la Carte Menu. The restaurant staff were very pleasant and helpful and one particular lady went out of her way to tell us about the local attractions. We will certainly be returning.

Pleasant lunch spoilt by unwelcoming unfriendly and unhelpful staff. I echo other reviews condemning the level and standard of service. We recently visited mid week for a lunchtime drink and sandwich, when we walked in the lady behind the bar gave us a cold stare and rudely said “what do YOU want”. After we admitted to not having made a booking, we were reluctantly found a table. We ordered drinks and sandwiches (we had to ask about bread choices - brown or white we were simply told) Lovely sandwiches did shortly arrive on quality granary bread which far exceeded the description given by the waitress. The main chalk board menu looked most appetising and I would like to return for a proper meal when we have more time however feel that it will be difficult to persuade my husband to go back on account of the attitude of the staff.

We have now visited here on two occasions. Firstly, I have no argument with the food. However, the staff disappoint greatly. From the lack of welcome, attitude, waiting time to order was greatly disappointing. There’s no welcome here, service at best being poor and general feeling of being unwelcome, we won’t be returning. Shame, as obviously lot of passion going on in the kitchen but poorly trained and unmotivated staff and it shows!

Had an overnight stay at the Cricketers before flying from Stanstead. Only positive comments on the accommodation and staff.

My husband and I had to find a place to stay near Debden where our family live. We discovered The Cricketer and couldn’t believe our good fortune. Close to family and a lovely place to stay. Our room wasn’t the most modern but proved to be very comfortable. Bed linens lovely quality. Bathroom facilities more than adequate. Quiet good sleep but most importantly the breakfast and dinner five star plus. Service fantastic and choices the best ever from homemade yogurt to the best bread yet tasted. Can’t say enough what a lovely place this is for an overnight stay or simply a great meal.

Can't remember how many meals I've had at The Cricketers over the years but it's a lot, some pre-booked larger groups but usually just the two of us pitching up without a reservation at the last minute if we haven't been able to get into one of the more local pubs. Whilst the Cricketers is invariably fully booked, especially on a Friday night, if they can squeeze you in they will - don't think we've ever been turned away and we weren't last Friday when we turned up at 20:30 or so.

We have been here several times recently and each time the food has been amazing and staff professional. Thank you. Very recommended.

From what I understand, the restaurant manager was the chap with the formal, long sleeve, button down collar, white shirt? We'll call him 'Bob' for the purposes of this review. We had previously booked a table and duly arrived on time. We then waited an age to be served at the bar whilst 'Bob' seemed to be hastily (ish) walking from the restaurant to the bar area yet seemed totally oblivious to the amount of people now waiting to be served drinks?

Stayed here 5 times now but several meals ... standard room this time but that was good. The welcome wasn’t as good as on other occasions, usually nice gentlemen, but they were not at the bar when we arrived. Food in evening good, didn’t think the steaks were as outstanding as they usually are. Noisy people in the room next to us but you can’t blame hotel for that. Great breakfast, lots of healthy choices. On the sat night Craig and Nicole were excellent, attentive. Will be back.

Cosy traditional pub, very low ceiling for tall people, watch your head ;-)

I have been going here for a decade- it was the pub you would want next door. Food has always been excellent and service has, without exception, been great.

Been coming here for years . Live an hours drive away . Food always good hence been back for so long . However today has been awful . Service has been terrible Rude staff plates not cleared . Asked for deserts when not had mains served . in front of customers obvious discontent amongst themselves . I’d be here all day ranting to list everything that was wrong with today . I am gutted as liked coming here but will not be rushing back anytime soon it’s been that bad . Food was ok . But service diabolical . Jamie sort it out mate .!! Please