The Cross Keys in Braintree

We had a wonderful roast dinner with our family of 9. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The food was amazing. We had starters, main and dessert, pork belly was a great choice, everyone loved their mains and the Oreo Cheesecake was definitely a winner for the children. Thank you again for your hospitality and laughter. We will see you again very soon.

Really disappointed by our visit for a Sunday roast. Table wasn't ready at time of booking due to a large table that had overrun; with no real apology for the delay and a more relaxed 'oh well it happens' kind of attitude. Once seated 30mins later, we had to ask for a menu after being left to our own devices for a further 15mins. Then had to flag down a staff member to 'ask' to place our order. One of us ordered the only vegetarian option, only to be told 10mins later that they didn't have any left. Food eventually arrived - was ok/average/a little cold in places - certainly not worth the wait! Appreciate there may have been a staff shortage but the staff didn't appear to be working at a faster speed to accommodate this. It was very laid back and underwhelming.

Just had the best Sunday lunch, food, service and staff were absolutely fantastic- will definitely become a regular visitor

We haven’t visited this pub for a while as previously the food wasn’t great. However, under new management that seems to have all changed. We all had different things and all were made to a high standard. Really good quality food. Well cooked and nicely presented. All very reasonably priced. The food from around the world offered something a bit different to the normal pub grub. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. What more can you ask for? Highly recommend visiting.

Cross keys has a friendly and warm atmosphere, staff are helpful and polite and the food is lovely! New menu is very exciting and tasty. Today I had the pork baguette with roast potatoes and gravy and very scrummy! Well presented and tasty! Really enjoyed it x Thank you 😊

When I booked the restaurant I advised them one of us is vegan. On arrival 4 of us were given 1 menu between all 4 of us & almost immediately then asked if we were ready to order, we hadn’t even seen the drinks menu or had a chance to pass the one menu around. I ordered one of only two vegan choices, the moving mountains burger. I was advised that they didn’t have that burger but had a different vegan burger. I asked what it was made of but the server couldn’t tell me. As I didn’t want pasta, the other potential vegan meal, I ordered the vegan burger. Disappointed to find when it arrived it was basically a cheap mushed up vegetable patty & bore no resemblance to a moving mountains burger. For desserts, 2 of us requested the vegan Bakewell tart. The server came back to say there was only one slice left, so we both went without. All food was hot & edible but nothing particularly tasty or special. Disappointed that despite advising on booking that 1 of us was vegan the few vegan items on the menu were either unavailable or replaced with an inferior product. However, on receiving the bill I was still charged for a moving mountains burger despite being given a cheap veggie patty.

Fantastic hospitality allround 👍🏼, the landlord & staff can’t do enough for you however big or small the ask, will be visiting regular and feel assured of the same quality when we return 🤩🍻

I visited with my sister today for lunch. Such lovely little village, so picturesque with beautiful lavender along the front, which was teaming with wildlife and happy bees. I’ve driven past many times and always wondered what it was like inside. We weren’t disappointed - Great garden space front and back, plenty of tables to choose from and surprisingly spacious. We had amazing, friendly service and felt very welcome from the moment we walked in. Bar and waiting staff were attentive and food was delicious. First time I’ve tried cucumber tonic, and bottomless pizza and Prosecco sounds amazing! Very reasonable prices and we were spoilt for choice because it was my idea of a perfect menu! - lots of sandwich choices, and all of my favourites such as olives, calamari, whitebait etc… As I understand, the owners have not been here long, but they have a great place and we will definitely be back for the warm welcome, chilled atmosphere and to try more great food off the menu.

Lovely ambience, the food was delicious- all fresh veggies and proper roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings 😀 staff were very attentive- will definitely be going back 😋

We booked a table for three up an arrival we give our name then we was pointed to a corner to go to our table around the corner we could see toilets no one to show us our table we have to figure it out ourselves we sit there for ten minutes no one came after the staff came over to take order we didn't even have a menu so we didn't even know what to order we get up on just walk right out I never felt so discrimination in my whole life I would not even recommend anyone to such place especially if you are black you would look down on worst pub I ever been

Went for Sunday Lunch with our little Cavapoo pup. The food was really tasty and well presented. The service was quick and friendly and we were made to feel really welcome with our doggy who also got a treat from the kitchen. There were a few people in the bar area where we were sitting and the place seemed homely. We will go back for sure.

We have been here numerous times over the years but after today, never again. The service was slow, no atmosphere whatsoever and the Sunday Roast was one of the worst we have eaten out. Half a slice of bread with the prawn cocktail. No offering of butter and very bland sauce. The Roast was very poor. Watery Gravy, boiled parsnips that hadn’t been roasted and the roast potatoes were awful, not roasted as they were meant to be. Half a carrot each and some cabbage. We ordered a cauliflower cheese side dish which was lovely before. But today I think the chef forgot the cheese. It was just a watery white sauce. We didn’t hang around for dessert. And even after expressing how dissatisfied we were with the meal we were offered no discount like other restaurants would. I thought maybe it was just bad luck today but I have seen other reviews with similar POV regarding the Sunday Roast.

Went in for Sunday roast, meat was ok, veg was ok, but quite a few of the roast potatoes were black In the middle, we told the bar staff who offered an apology but we thought it should have come from the chef. Would not rush back

Last visited in 2021 which was great. Now under different management and we were very disappointed. Choice was limited and two of us chose the Fish and Chips which was extremely poor. Batter was not cooked and the chocolate brownie, didn’t look or taste like a brownie and was served cold with a cold chocolate sauce. We were not charged for the fish and chips but we will not be returning.

On Saturday 22 April The Cross Keys did a special Indian food evening based on recipes from 5he Dishoom cookbook. We had a selection of very well cooked dishes, not too hot but all very aromatic and different from the usual Indian restaurant menu. Highlights were spicy lamb chops and the Aloo chaat, but everything we are was delicious. Service as always was very friendly and efficient. Look forward to more one off evenings at The Cross Keys.

Greek Night on Friday evening - delicious food with both veggie & non-veggie options - dips, fries, kebabs, moussaka & salad. All very colourful & tasty .

A small village pub / restaurant that’s located off what I’d call the beaten track. Plenty of parking to the rear in their car park. Was very nice and quiet in there and staff were very friendly and helpful from the moment we walked in the door. Drinks orders were taken promptly and food orders shortly after. Food arrived within about 10 minutes and really was very nice. Can recommend the Burger and Lasagna. Desert was offered on clearing the plates which was very good although we didn’t have any on this occasion. Payment was taken when asked and overall a really good experience. Would definitely eat there again.

We ate for the first time today at The Cross Keys and I'm sure it won't be the last. Both food and service excellent L

Sunday Roast I am sorry to say but the Sunday roast was average. On reading other reviews i have a. gone on a bad day or b. high expectations ( if a "chef" cant cook a good roast then go get a different job), Watery gravy, the beef was tough and chewy and the pork was bit tasteless. I have to say I was disappointed and dont feel this was good value shame as this is such a lovely little country pub. Cant knock the friendly and good service.

We went here again today and once again had a great time. Consisantly great food, really friendly and helpful. Top beer choice as well.

The Cross Keys describes itself as 'a small country pub.' Don't be fooled by the implied underestimation! Stylishly and comprehensively refurbished over recent years it has evolved into an establishment that could equal fine gastro/country house restaurants. The vibe relaxed and understated. The staff are passionate and knowledgeable, offering guidance with menu selection. Guest ales from small independent breweries change regularly make for lively conversation at the bar. The wine list is well considered and of really good quality. The food is all freshly prepared and an absolute foodie's dream. The Specials are particularly one's to watch out for. The chef really flexes his culinary dexterity and pushes the boundaries of flavours, treating the diner to some 'wild card' flourishes. Instagram needs to be watched in order to get the booking in speedily.

What a lovely local pub offering great service and food, whilst maintaining that village pub feeling. Friendly, attentive staff serving a great range of food and beers. Despite our best intentions we did enjoy three courses on offer , excellent in quality and quantity

This pub is awesome, the staff are friendly and welcoming, they have a guest ales which they rotate regularly and the food is excellent. I cannot fault this pub.

Popped in at short notice with my neighbour. Food excellent as always. Plus a great selection of ales.

Went here for Sunday lunch called and booked around 12pm for 4.30 to 5pm. When we got there at 4.50 she told us we were roo late!! Website clearly states they serve food until 6 and someone there took our bookinb and didn't mention 5 is too late! Eventually they said they can make up two portions of roast beef! They couldn't they made up the smallest portions of roast dinners I have ever seen in my life at an embarrassing £15 each! The beef was sliced so thin you would think it would be easy to cut but if you thought that then you're wrong! It was like trying to raw vegetables with a spork!..... It wasn't just the portions or even the essence of beef they gave us the roast potatoes were not roast potatoes, the parsnips were a cm long each and in a soggy goop on the side of the plate and the Yorkshire which was probably cooked many many years ago would have broke my spork had I made the effort to cut into! At the end of the meal I politely queried the ridiculous portions and leftover quality of the food and all the woman did was ask for the money! £42 for two drinks and two barely edible meals! I called up after we had left and queried why they've charged so much for the drinks and was told they must have hit the wrong button!! I asked for my money back and she point blank refused saying all she'd do is give us a free drink when we go in next! Like we'd ever go back to this hole to give our money to people like that! What type of person admits to 'accidentally overcharging' but then tells you they won't give the money back! You should be ashamed of yourselves I wouldn't come back for all the money in the world although I may send you a summons for the accepted overcharge you refused to pay me back!

Called at 12pm to book a Sunday dinner for 4.30-5pm as ses on website they serve food till 6pm! When we got there it was pretty much empty and silent and we were told they finish at 5pm! Lady behind the bar made out it was our fault for leaving too late and the younger girl there said there were still two servings of the roast beef left so we ordered at £15 each!! 🤣🤣 We also ordered one bottle of Rekorderlig cider and a pint of Stella, any guesses how much the drinks were??! You guessed it £12!! 🤣🤣 under a mile up the road the same two drinks are £8.35!!!! Seriously no idea how they have the nerve clearly they only care about the money being the only pub in walking distance for the village they have you over a barrel! The left overs they have it had two overcooked and shrivelled yorkshires that were inedible, two long halves of carrot, some kale, the smallest parsnips which were scrapings of pieces of parsnips soft and sparse. The beef was exactly like that paper thin beef you get in Lidl’s for sandwiches! They told us there was enough beef for two but there wasn’t even enough for one they just spread the paper thin meat over two plates and despite it being nearly transparent it was as tough as old boots I wouldn’t have fed to our dogs!! Finally the alleged road potatoes were like boiled potatoes that were carried past an oven ever so quickly and not many of those to boot/beef……… Can you guess how much they charged us when we mentioned how poor and sparse our food was??! Yes you guessed it full price, £15 each for a meal the size of an OAP meals on wheels portion! I said to my partner there’s no point saying anything because the person serving obviously knows what they’ve given us but unlike me she believed the people there may care! She mentioned politely how poor the food was, how there wasn’t enough for two and the reply from the lady behind the bar I hear you ask??! You guessed it £42 please! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Honestly I’ve never in my life paid so much for so little to people with no regard for the customers they’re fleecing! Maybe it will be better if you’re a local as it feels like that sort of place but I wouldn’t go to this rip off, uncaring hole of a place again for all the money in the world! When we mentioned the website ses they serve until 6 there was a silence and she said ‘yeah we’ll that’s wrong’ another long silence whilst she searched her deep memory for any customer service skills and she finally said ‘thank you for letting us know we will have to get that changed’. I mean come on did you guys ever think you’d get more business from outside the village if you at least pretended you cared?? I mean you don’t need to worry about us I’d rather pay the £42 just to know never to come back again but for everyone else reading this my suggestion is try any other pub nearby than this! ANYWHERE else! 😬

Child free night, so thought we would try the cross keys and glad we did. Very friendly service, really nice food and both said we will definitely be returning.

A warm welcome and an extensive choice of lunch time meals made a good impression. Then the food arrived and it was a succulent rump of lamb with fresh vegetables and delicious gravy. Highly recommend this pub for the food and service.

Just perfect, worth a mention was grandson didn’t want a starter on the menu but chef served him a plate of nicely displayed cucumber, just brilliant! All food and drinks excellent, thank you.

The menus was small, but their was a specials board, what I would say is that the meals that we had were all very nice, and the staff were friendly and very helpful very enjoyable lunch.

Dissapointed with quality and availability of food - mediocre- no ambiance. pleased we tried it again but alas will not be retuning. food we had was exceptable and edible but nothing we couldn't have purchased from supermarket and prepared at home.

Just been to the cross keys for a wonderful meal. Service exceptional and the food was exceptional. I shall be returning

Went at lunchtime today - 2nd Very poor standard of food . Presentation was awful . No choice for children at all Ordered chicken croquets and asked what was in them . The girl didn’t really have any idea but never said they had mushrooms...

The food here is delicious all fresh homemade and made to order! I had the chicken Kiev it was amazing. The chef said he is in the process of launching a lunch menu which I think would be great as sometimes you just fancy a...

I visited this pub on Friday with some friends (it is their local) and they kept raving about the food, so we decided to try it out. We were really impressed with the quality tasty food the pub has to offer. The scotch egg and...

very disappointing, starters were fine .main roast pork very fatty and veg limited to carrot potato parsnip and Kale !! roast pots ok not a great lover of Kale pork slices were very thin and 50% fat not very good value for money attitude of...

We phoned to see if there was a table Available which there was and it was in the garden outside ..perfect As it was a hot day, We ordered our drinks and food, I’m On a no carb diet so ordered steak and seasonal vegetables...

Lockdown Valentines Day cook at home dinner. Absolutely delicious lobster ravioli with lobster bisque followed by beef wellington, dauphinoise potatoes and broccoli. To finish an excellent chocolate fondant with creme anglaise. Detailed cook at home instructions and everything cooked perfectly. Cannot wait until we can...

This is our local and are regular visitors. Food is always superb and the current tenants/chef have taken it to the next level. Friendly, polite staff. This evening we ate from the Christmas menu. Thoroughly recommend the beef cheek and the mince pie apple crumble.

What can I say .. WOW! Amazing local small business. Famous for their scotch egg and I can see why! Friendly staff and a great atmosphere! Highly recommend.

I would highly recommend, leaps ahead of your average pub grub. Will most definitely be back again!!

With all the positive reviews, and with what’s going on in the world we thought we would head over to the cross keys to support local businesses. To start it all off we had to wait ages for drinks (and it didn’t look very busy) They had hardly any starters. The main was a sorry site to see! The stake was mostly fat and gristle and was pretty much stone cold. My partner had the pie which the pork which was really tough to eat and was served with no gravy. When we asked for dessert (even asking the waitress to save us some) they were out! A really disappoint meal, sadly we won’t be back!

We have been visiting The Cross Keys for a number of years, and the current management are the third people to manage the pub since our first visit. The food was as good as it has always been, great menu, specials board with extras. Generous portions and perfectly looked. That's the positive and why I have rated 4 stars. Sadly the rest of this review isn't so good. We arrived and were standing in the bar area for some time. It was apparent there was a wedding reception being held in a marquee in the garden so there were a fair few people at the bar. As nobody appeared to notice that we were waiting we walked round to the restaurant and were quickly seated. We had to ask for our table to be moved as the outer door to the garden area was open for wedding party to get into the bar and our table was immediately next to the door and it was very drafty, but the draft continued so the staff were very helpful in moving table along a bit. Sadly the restaurant area did not seem as clean as when we have previously visited. My mother in law visited the ladies and said the soap dispenser was virtually empty and the dispenser itself was very grubby. All three of us chaps visited the gents and all noticed it was quite dirty. I would be surprised it it had been cleaned today at all, but appreciate a wedding party had been in. It was a shame as we had always recommended this venue to friends but don't feel we could again. I would suggest for such a small pub, you should host either a wedding reception, or open the restaurant. To do both seems a tad greedy. In the current covid climate, cleanliness in very important.

Thought we'd give the Cross Keys another go as heard they had just re-opened the restaurant. Didn't disappoint. My husband and I shared starters of scotch egg with pea puree and caramelised onion and salt and pepper squid with lime and coriander dip. Both were delicious. The scotch egg is actually better than it was last time, when it was served with piccalilli. For mains I had ribeye steak with a side of creamy spinach (highly recommend) and my husband had the pie of the week which was steak and chorizo. One might think a strange combination but wow, I had a mouthful and wished I had ordered it myself ! It was outstanding. My husband even recommended it to another couple that came in after us and they ordered it themselves. So much better than the brought in pie that used to be served. No comparison. If they sold that as a takeaway snack in a smaller version they would sell out every day. Too stuffed to have dessert ! Apologies, photos don't do the food justice. Waitress was lovely too :-)

As soon as we can we will return there . It is a nice and cosy place to eat. Food is good and reasonable value. The atmosphere is lovely , you are made very welcome every visit.

We had an amazing evening here at the pub and as soon as we walked in we received a very warm welcome. The food was lovely and cooked to perfection. I was recommended to eat the steak medium and the owner was right it was just wonderful. We cannot wait to come back again!

We visited the Cross Keys for a family meal and enjoyed it so much we returned for lunch a week later.This is a relatively small place with a lot of character, the selection of beers is very good and the food is excellent, very fresh and served good and hot.The hosts are very friendly. Thoroughly recommend a visit.

What I like about this pub is the food they serve is nothing too fancy, traditional dishes, but really well cooked and presented. We haven’t been here for about 18 months and it that time the owners have changed. The menu hasn’t changed that much still serving the popular dishes. Our recent visit we ordered the deep fried Brie and beetroot capacio followed by steak and ale pie and liver and bacon. Really well presented and very tasty. Washes down with some red and white wine for a perfect dinner. Many thanks.

I haven’t been to the cross keys for years, went there tonight with friends and I would highly recommend, the food was amazing, very friendly staff and the decor is lovely. Thank you for such a great evening. Definitely go again soon

The Cross Keys offers a great vegan option with no advance notice and even better vegan options with advance notice when booking. I've eaten at The Cross Keys a number of times and have had no issues with requesting a vegan option although I can absolutely recommend giving advance notice and they will pull out all the stops!The New Years Eve five course menu was adapted to be suitable for me and was truly delicious and very generous!I recently went for my birthday and had three courses made specifically for me and they were all divine! The chef's friend is a longterm vegan and the lady in the kitchen also knows how to cater for vegans so they absolutely know what they're doing. No processed food and all seasonal veg.A great pub which allows everyone to eat and drink together. Wonderful service and a beautiful pub. Be sure to ask about the paintings in the restaurant and whether the pub is haunted...!!

It took over half an hour to be served with any drinks, which might have been understandable had they been busy but they were not. The staff seemed oblivious. The roast, which seems to have rave reviews was edible but nothing to get excited about. Very large plates, not so large portions. Some dishes were far better than others. Give the desserts a miss. Nice decor but better value to be found elsewhere.

Havent eaten at the Cross Keys for a while. Decided to spend our New Years Eve here due to a lovely looking menu which was advertised. 5 courses for £45 which I thought was great value, if food was as good as I had heard. It was stunning. A beetroot dish to start followed by the most amazing scallop dish you could imagine. This was the dish of the evening. It was mind blowing. I'm still tasting it now as I type this. Needs to go onto the every day menu. Scallops with bacon jam. Stunning. Then we had beef wellington which was cooked perfectly, served with dauphinoise potatoes. Totally delicious. A chocolate fondant followed with liquid popcorn which oozed from the centre. Finished with a cheese board which was yummy. Can't wait for the next 'event' they do if it is as good as this. Very talented chef. Highly recommend.

I don't really write reviews but I have to say that the 5 course meal at the cross keys (news year eve) was stunning. The scallops were to die for. The beef Wellington was 10 out 10 and the chocolate dessert was heaven on a plate. Invited 3 of our friends whom also enjoyed the meal. 2 very talented chefs didn't disappoint

Excellent food, attention to details fab! Flavours amazing! Staff ace very attentive & accommodating. Atmosphere friendly & relaxed! Definitely be back.

Yet Another Perfect meal, I can't praise this place enough, attentive and pleasant, food was as expected, hot and sufficient, served with a smile. This place just keeps on giving us a happy experience

An amazing pub, amazing staff, amazing food and an amazing atmosphere.

Four adults and one under 9 all of whom had a delicious meal. From the moment we arrived we had a friendly welcome, waitress finding time to consult with the youngster over his game on his device. Service was prompt, but not rushed and informal. Excellent selection of gins and the guest beer was very pleasant. The food was amazing, we all had something different and we could not fault anything. The youngster started with onion rings with enough for adults to share followed by macaroni cheese which had the thumbs up. All of us enjoyed the food which was delicious and well cooked.

We went with four friends (pre booked) plenty of choice on the regular menu and a lot of specials to choose from. All of our meals were really good, my wife had the liver and bacon and said it was the best she'd had in a long time. Really happy waitress, so all in all a good pub for food and drinks

Great food, nice staff and pleasant atmosphere. We were well looked after and had a great night out. Excellent value for money.

First impressions was lovely pub and a lot of money been spent on the car park however the Sunday Roast was very disappointing, the starter to be fair was nice although was slightly warm, when the Roast Beef arrived although tasty was cold, when we complained I was told I should have let them know at the start of the meal. When the waitress arrived with the plates she used a cloth, when I touched the plate it was stone cold. The beef was so rare it was still mooing! Not for me I won’t be returning such a shame!!

What an absolutely gem of a pub never been before new it was there but never tried. Well the food and service was brilliant top Mark's to the chef andrew I believe was his name not to much choice on the menu but enough for what you want I had lasagna my husband had the belly of pork. We will be calling again thank you it was lovely

Amazing food. Everything freshly made. Lovely staff. And a lovely old pub and location. Best food ive had in a long while. Even better the ivy in covent garden. We will be back x

We went here to celebrate my birthday, it was our first visit and we will definitely be back. The staff are so friendly and professional and we were made to feel very welcome with our two young children. The food was exquisite and Dailey priced. All of the ingredients looked and tastes fresh. It was refreshing that they do not have a children's menu as our children chose adult food, served on a smaller size.

This time, just my wife and I had lunch at the Cross Keys. If anything, our experience was even better than our last visit. Friendly staff, a thoroughly decent house red, a superb meal, hot, generous with immaculate presentation and delicious.

Thought we would try The Cross Keys for a change as we all live locally Witham, Silver End and Wickham Bishops and we were not disappointed we found it very clean and friendly, efficient service with a lovely atmosphere. Toni was attentive made us feel very welcome. The food was outstanding and varied. Most enjoyable will definitely be returning.

We've been using the Cross Keys for a number of years, but we can honestly say, since the arrival of the new chef, it's now at it's at it's BEST EVER! ALWAYS a warm welcome from Toni and Trevor, ALWAYS a great selection of ales, ALWAYS a menu with a great selection that makes you spoilt for choice, NEVER a cause to complain. Try it yourself!

Came here on the off chance of getting a table for dinner. From the minute we walked we were made to feel very welcome. The food was amazing and the staff very friendly. Highly recommended... We will be back!!

We meet up with our friends at Braintree for lunch and have tried quite a few restaurants in the area, this time they booked us in at The Cross Keys. It is the first time we had visited and it was refreshing to see the results of what must have been a complete re-vamp for the new proprietors in their first year. Everything was clean tidy and uncluttered. Service was excellent and friendly. The lunch menu was varied, we tried their fish, steak, and Lasagne, all superb. Really did enjoy it and will definitely come back on our next visit.

We dined here last week, and the food was incredible. The pub itself is cosy, with a nice garden at the rear and local beers on tap. There was so much delicious food to choose from on the menu, and they had a specials menu too. We had the beetroot carpaccio, scotch eggs, calamari and the baked Brie then for our mains we had the risotto (a must have), chicken wrapped in Parma ham and the sea bream all of which were amazing. A cross between fine dining and good ol’ British pub grub. We’ll definitely be back again!

We hosted a summer BBQ for around 40 people, and asked the team at The Cross Keys to do the catering. The team was excellent - very polite, friendly and professional. The food and drink was spot on - local meats used for the BBQ, great vegetarian alternatives, and the beer was sourced from the local brewery. We would really recommend the Cross Keys - both eating at the pub and for where catering is required for an event.

Pulling in to the car park, only having visited once before, I remembered why I like this place. I can always find a space. A 12.45pm Sunday lunch visit should, I thought, have less parking space than this. I'm thinking I've found one of those best kept secrets. It did, inevitably fill up by 1.30. The set Sunday lunch is as good as I've had and the previously enjoyed à la carte quality has a superb local butchers ribeye and a perfect on the bone skate. 10/10 Service, a very drinkable merlot, beer, a proper pub.

I visited the Cross Keys yesterday evening with my family and friends as we were aware of there being a new chef and a new menu! Wow, what a beautiful dinner we had. 5 x homemade scotch eggs and 2 x beetroot carpaccio for starter- amazing! Highly recommend the scotch egg, the homemade piccalilli was the best I’ve ever had!! Followed by, 2 x pork belly, 2 x Hake & chorizo, 2 x mushroom risotto and 1 x steak. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious. We all went home with full happy tummies. I have already booked to return next week!

First visit to this pub with friends. The landlord was very welcoming and what a lot of different gins he has and he was very knowledgeable about them . The food was good. The Yorkshire puddings were delicious and definitely not frozen ones as described in a previous review. The veg was plentiful and because one of us didn’t like parsnips they brought out peas . We asked for more gravy and a jug appeared. Fantastic. The desserts were yummy. Unfortunately the young waitress brought us soup spoons to eat with but it was quite funny so we didn’t say anything. The biggest let down was the coffee. Not nice . Overall a really lovely meal and we will be going back.

Having seen the reviews and photos, we were a bit disappointed by our Sunday Roast. The Yorkshire puddings were obviously frozen pre-made ones, the veg was just boiled carrots and cabbage. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t amazing either.

'Twas a family affair! Lunch with my lovely daughter, her husband, our 3 year old grandson and my son-in-law's mum and dad. The reservation was made for 15.30 which was actually too late in the day as I would have been ready to eat my arm by then but the Cross keys very kindly shuffled some bookings around and we were re-booked at 13.30. Wonderful!

Our friends took us to lunch at this beautiful characterful pub. The food was really good the four of us all enjoyed our meals. Obviously a good chef! Lovely friendly staff. Wished we lived nearer!

Popped here for a bit of lunch with a friend. Have driven past hundreds of times before. The food here is really nice. Good quality, attentive and friendly staff and very nice clean decor. Will certainly come back!

We have tried a great deal of Restaurants in the area over the Years and for some strange reason hadn’t given The Cross Keys a look.

My wife and I led a party of 18 Maldon Ramblers on a circular walk from Terling to White Notley and stopped for lunch at The Cross Keys on the way. The pub doesn't normally do food on Tuesdays but they were happy to arrange for extra staff to come in so they could.

Just had a fantastic Sunday lunch here! Set menu had a good selection with 2 having whitebait, 1 pate plus 1 potato skins. Then came the huge mains.1... roast beef with all the trimmings, liver & bacon, fish (aka a whale) & chips plus sausage & mash! All too stuffed for puds!!! Service was friendly and accommodating. Thanks for a lovely meal, we will definitely be back x

After a long day at a meeting in Felstead, we asked for a recommendation and was guided to The

Treated my mother to dinner out for her 76th birthday at a pub restaurant we have been to many times, but our first visit since change or management. Please to say the welcome was the same as ever, and the food as good as always. The previous incumb sent a of our dining table were a tad behind, and Trevor offered to seat us in the bar area but we were happy to wait. Starters of Tomato and Basil Soup for bit t bday girl and hubby, patè for me. Generous portions and great taste. Mum had Fish and chips for main, huge piece of Haddock who h she said was amazing. Hubby had steak and ale pie, always a favourite and still as good as ever. I opted for steak but enquired about a mixed grill which wasn't on the menu today, but I'd seen on a previous visit. Our very friendly and helpful waitress enquired of the chef, and I was in luck! Steak, chicken, sausages pigs in blankets, bacon and black pudding - plus chips, tomato, mushroom and a fried egg. Superb. Sadly we ate so much we couldn't fit in dessert. So pleased to have returned and found this place as good as before. Just wish I lived in the village.

Our family came today, we enjoyed our visit. Nice clean, spacious pub/restaurant with clean toilets and plenty of parking. Lovely, friendly staff. A lot of choice on the menu and unbeatable value. Our food was well cooked, nicely presented and served on hot plates. Large portions and lots of vegetables. The only downside was that there was not a great choice of menu for vegetarians.

Went with a large party for birthday celebration. Very good value for money and roasts were very good. Service very friendly. My only criticism was no vegetarian on the menu for my husband who had to have fish and chips as this was the only choice for him. Would be nice to see a nut roast or other veggie options.

Looked at reviews and seemed like a nice place for Sunday roast Lovely little old pub with very friendly staff Food great definitely be coming back with grandkids next time Thanks

Old world pub which serves good quality food and friendly service from the owners. Highly recommend steak pie. No signs of pouffe pastry tops here; just good real pastry pie with an excellent filling. Excellent chips and the plates are hot.

Very good communication by email confirming they could cater for me as a coeliac with a gluten free dinner. I missed out on the stuffing, Yorkshire Pudding and the Pig In Blanket so my meal was a bit small. The other meals were huge though and they did provide me with gluten free gravy. Food was hot and tasty. Sadly not much choice of dessert for coeliacs but the list for the others in my party was varied. Very friendly and welcoming with lovely staff.

Absolutely fantastic food, great value and the staff are so lovely .. we will definitely be back :) So much choice on the menu and clean plates all round!

Service very good. Mains flavour good but one dessert was dry and flavourless. Also not sure that they are really geared up for vegetarian dishes. Might give it another go but not sure.

We visited the cross keys for sunday lunch and it was fantastic. Great selection of starters and mains. The food was delicious and plenty of it. Excellent service and a really lovely old pub with a good selection of ales. Will definitely return.

We popped into the cross keys today to grab some lunch.

The Cross Keys was our first choice for my Grandads wake in February.

Lovely friendly atmosphere..warm welcome, staff friendly and made to feel very relaxed... very accommodating for my dietary needs. Would deffo go back and would recommend a visit!!😀

Yesterday evening my wife Kirsty and I had a lovely Valentines experience. The service was flawless, the food delicious, the beer and wine top notch and the bloke with his guitar added nicely to the atmosphere.

The atmosphere and welcome could not have been warmer! Wonderful choice of menu,top class roasts,fabulous fish and brilliant burgers.Imaginative starters and desserts,a great experience.

Went with family and friends for birthday celebration, fantastic food and friendly atmosphere, staff could not do anymore to make it a perfect evening.

We visited The Cross Keys for a family celebration. All were very impressed with the quality and taste of the food, and the menu had a nice range of dishes on offer. The staff were all very friendly and the pub had a really good “feel” to it; indeed, it was bustling on a Thursday lunchtime. We will definitely return.

First visit, warm welcome, friendly and efficient service.

Had a fun Burns night, great food and very friendly and welcoming place, with wealth of tudor charm. The menu changes daily depending upon what's in season and fresh so quality is assured.

Went to the Cross Keys Witham recently. Had a great meal in the evening. Great choice of food, and lovely hosts. Will certainly return again. Highly recommend.