The Plough at Great Chesterford in Uttlesford

Very nice pub, service with a smile and good beer

Absolutely amazing food and amazing people , the servers were lovely ladies and had an amazing attitude, absolutely amazing food , best pub meal we have ever had and extremely fresh and delicious, we will definitely be coming back!

The guy called Ben is a very rude person, treating people in a very wrong manner, do not feel safe with him behind the bar, bad language, needs to have words with him

We met friends for dinner. The menu which is small anyway was missing a few items, meaning the options were burger and chips, fish and chips, or pie and mash. Everything we ordered was premade from a packet and heated. It wasn't inedible. I just resent paying £15 for a pukka pie and smash. Especially as the impression I got from the website was it was home cooked. The coffee they served was a joke, the latte and cappuccino looked exactly the same extra hot milk no foam. We got asked to leave at 9.20, because they were closing, having only opened at 6, and yet when it came to pay they were very keen to make sure we paid the full 12% service charge, which again I resented, as I believe the tip is discretionary based on your experience. Overall we definitely won't be going back. The advertising for this place is super misleading, and because of the food quality I believe is overpriced.

We went out to eat with two kids under three. The landlord was so helpful and accommodating, a really lovely guy. The food is good pub grub at a reasonable price and the friendly welcoming atmosphere make it a lovely place to eat out.

Kitchen closed on Saturday at 2.30pm. what a disappointment!

Friendly attentive staff. Food was nicely presented, well cooked and ample portions. Great space outside if it was warmer.

Called in for lunch after a long walk - we were welcomed with dog in tow. We sat outside as it warm enough but would have been very welcome to sit inside. Food was lovely, fresh and tasty and very reasonably priced. Staff were really pleasant and accommodating. A great experience at a friendly, traditional pub.

Turned up on a Thursday evening with family at 7.20pm to be told that the kitchen was closing? There were a couple of tables eating and one with a couple looking at the menu (work that one out) I thought businesses were struggling at the moment but hey if you want to turn away customers. Just don’t rely on it being open when you get there!

Dreadful Waited for a good 20minutes after 6.00pm Only to be served cold vegetable chilli con carne. I remarked to the waiter and he returned it to the kitchen waiting for over 20mins before being served hard congealed. Rice then it had to be returned again to the kitchen This is unexceptable to be subjected to serving below standard food. I found the whole ordeal appalling. And was told they have had a few issues with the chief. Incompetent staff in my opinion.

Under new management 2024. Food much, much better. Young efficient polite staff with team attitude. No service charge automatically added to bill. Excellent selection of ales and lagers. Superb wine list for every taste and price range. Large car park to the rear and sunny terrace ! A cosy village Pub on the way up !

Went for Sunday Lunch Good selection of food However some the food was served lukewarm. One was sent back for reheating, another was reasonable warm but the gravy which accompanied it was almost cold and ruined the dish The staff were excellent - very helpful and apologetic Overall not a enjoyable experience

Food was not very good, but expensive. Burgers seemed to have been made with cheap meat and buns. We visited at lunchtime in the middle of winter and it was quiet, with no heating, which was not pleasant.

Came to the plough with my family, have been here a few months ago and it was ok but we were a tad disappointed. We saw the advert on Facebook about them looking for a new chef therefore my mother suggested we give it another try. I was a bit wary as I didn’t want to have to pay out for a disappointing service, but we were happily pleased the food looked amazing and tasted great and the service was good as well the young girl kept was always on it as soon as we had finished. The only comment I would have is with the apple crumble perhaps the custard could come separately. However we will definitely return!

We have returned after hearing about the new chef and I have to say myself and my husband had a very pleasant experience. The food was brilliant and the staff were awfully friendly which made the atmosphere a very enjoyable experience. I highly recommend and we will be returning!

Since our last visit this seems to have had another change of management and not a very good one !! Totally agree with the previous reviewer (Peter W£ … staff pleasant but very poor management and food very disappointing. Will not be returning

This was a bad experience for the following reasons: 1. Vegetarian main courses that, on booking, were said to be available, were not on the menu on arrival. 2. On arrival, we discovered our telephone booking had not been recorded. 3. They forgot our starter and when, after at least 40 minutes, our main course arrived, they acknowledged their mistake but suggested we have the starters after the main course! 4. Empty plates were left on the table for far too long - waitresses not keeping an eye on things. 5. No mid-meal enquiry as to whether everything was OK. 6. Food quality not good. Starter: Manky looking olives, thin balsamic vinegar and olive oil and non-absorbent bread. Main course: Pork belly very tough (knife could hardly cut through it) and skin leathery instead of crisp. Some veg overcooked and some undercooked, cauliflower cheese just a mush - I could go on. 7. If I order a G & T, I expect to be the one choosing how much tonic to add, not have it all sloshed in the glass for me! Or at least to have the option of doing so. 8. Despite being aware of our discontent, no attempt was made to rectify by enhanced speed of food arrival - after the main course debacle, we didn't expect to then have to wait almost another quarter of an hour for our simple starters (we all had the same one) to arrive at the table. Also, no bill reduction was made, so no appreciation by the management of the need to compensate for their errors. The management and operation of this pub needs a thorough management review in respect of: (a) Its booking system. (b) Liaison between serving staff and kitchen staff. (c) Better training of serving staff - willing, pleasant and nicely dressed (and full of their own apologies), but very inexperienced and seemingly unaware of what the job entails. (d) The quality of the chef's output. (e) Its food purchasing sources in order to improve basic food quality. By and large, I would leave this venue well alone for the moment until they have had the opportunity to improve on almost every front. Is there a funding problem higher up the line, I wonder - certainly a couple who left at the same time as we did discovered that chef retention was an issue and certainly the food quality was sub-standard. The had (like us) used the pub in times past and liked it but, on this occasion, were very disappointed.

Ordered lasagne which came with garlic bread and side salad, Lasagne was a tiny child size portion and only just warm. Salad was literally a small pinch of leaves Garlic bread came as a soggy piece of shop bought white sliced sandwich bread ( see pics) I sent garlic bread back and said that’s not acceptable - the waiter bought same but back but toasted !!! The waiters were young boys didn’t seem very experienced told them we weren’t happy but just said he’d let chef know. Sticky toffee pudding was just a lump of dry cake.

I really liked the vibe of the place. We visited the pub for food and drinks and the service was excellent, let alone the warmth of the staff and their kindness.

We stopped on our way to the airport. It was a Friday night and only one other couple eating. The pub was cold , shame that they did not light the fire , we kept our jackets on. The server told us that there was no pies or veg lasagne or sirloin steak (it's not a big menu anyway). We ordered pork belly with crackling, mash and peas, and a chicken burger with chips. The pork was ok but had been microwaved so that the crackling was just a soggy fat lump. The mash was lumpy and tasteless. The chicken in the bun was pieces of breast just flattened down and the chips burnt. Who does that. We tol the server and she said that's how it's done! We sent it back and got another pot this time under done. It's just simple pub grub guys, how can you mess it up???

Lovely girls who tried their best but dreadful food. Two of my friends chose the lasagne, which was burnt and dry...basically inedible, so it was replaced with a seafood linguine which they said was ok. I had gnocchi with aubergine and pine nuts. No pine nuts and the aubergine wasn't cooked so it was really bitter. No pies or vegetarian lasagne were available, and no dessert menu was offered because the dessert chef was unavailable...it was just Christmas pudding, ice-cream or bread and butter pudding which after the lasagne we decided against. We opted for hot drinks instead...my hot chocolate was tepid chocolate and the coffee was not drinkable. The mint tea was fine.All in all very disappointing. We all felt sorry for the girls who had to serve the food...they were pleasant, helpful and tried their best.

Service and atmosphere were good. As a vegetarian, I had choices and the prices are very reasonable.

Not a good experience. Poor service, dim lighting because of broken lights and greasy fish and chips. Also peas like bullets and armour-plated fish batter. Altogether a big let down.

Lovely little pub serving excellent food. We asked to preorder our food and they did this without question, serving it to us almost immediately after serving our drinks, amazing!

Worst roast I’ve ever had. Portion was very small. It came with hardly any gravy. Cauliflower and cheese came with no cheese and most of the food was cold. Service was fine but when the food is bad it doesn’t matter how good the service is.

Great little village pub with friendly staff

My family held a wake here for 100 people. We researched local venues and picked this one. I’m glad we did. The manager Sam was friendly, professional and respectful from the first meeting, consultation and during the event. Everything we discussed, he delivered on, from providing a TV to show a slideshow of photos, the great variety of food to suit all palettes and the amazing cakes. The staff were extremely efficient and non-intrusive. The plough had plenty of parking and space inside the pub for the amount of people present. Thank you Sam to you and your staff for making a hard day that bit easier.

After an 8 hour journey from Cornwall, we were made so welcome and had a fantastic meal. The real ales were good. We liked it so much we came back two days later and had another lovely meal.

We both enjoyed super meals in a lovely atmosphere with excellent friendly service. Will definitely be going back soon.

We were there as a family on Thursday evening and had dinner - best burger I have had in a long time! New management so I think it’s a learning curve but new chef and new menu and basically a great village pub with great potential - just needs some customers!

Brilliant pub. We came as a group and they were more than accommodating. Drinks were madely professionally and properly. Food was offered in good time - we didn't get any. Atmosphere was lovely, you're by a road but you don't notice it. All round a nice place to visit

Improved compared with my last visit about a year ago.

We were travelling back from Stansted and had been here once before when it was heaving and the food was great. Today was a different experience. We were aware that this had new management so wasn’t expecting the same but due to this you would expect their standards to be higher if they want to gain or keep customers. We arrived for opening today at 12pm looking for food. They had just opened 15 mins earlier so why would the toilet have 5 or 6 empty toilet rolls and rubbish on the shelf and on the floor with a dirty marked mirror as you walk in? Wouldn’t the place have been cleaned from the night before ready for Sunday lunchtime opening?? If this is how the cleaning is then how is the quality and cleanliness of the kitchen? We had already ordered which was a roast as nothing else available. It was perfectly fine for a traditional roast. Fairly bland and not much beef but we ate it. We were bought a dessert menu but gave up waiting for someone to take our order after 15 mins so we left. Shame. We won’t be going back unfortunately.

We came here for a wake following my father’s funeral at Cam Valley Crematorium which is just up the road. So it wasn’t an easy day, but everyone at The Plough was lovely- they took really good care of us and the food and drinks were excellent. We’ll be back under happier circumstances

I love the staff! I love the coffee and atmosphere.

Stopped here for lunch on route as it was mid-point for us. Turns out, new proprietor had taken over just the previous week! So the menu and facilities weren't as shown on Google! However, the food they had was great, the staff friendl, and the toilets clean. Dog friendly. Nice garden to sit in with the dog while you eat. They offered to receive the dog inside but it was a nice day so we sat in the garden.

My wife booked a table of 8 for my 50th birthday. We've eaten here a couple of times so didn't expect the experience we had. Started with drinks, a drink accidentally missing - no problem. Had to ask for the menu, they forgot about us. Still, I'm alright with this But when they eventually took our order we were told there was not enough lamb for all 8 people (despite its ordering in the morning).. I'm still holding my cool. So we ordered 2 lamb and the rest beef and received such tiny portions, the children's portion was the same as an adult's and cost £18 each. There was very little, veg or gravy... and it's not as though this was a gourmet menu. So we didn't eat anything. I wasn't happy and shared my opinion with the manager, who was OK with this.. I said I'd pay for the drinks we'd have and that's it.. When he totalled the bill an extra wine was accidentally added to our list which came up to £80. Had to complain again and seek correction. Apparently, they are new management Service was poor. Portions too small. Expensive for what you are consuming.

Old village pub with a lovely atmosphere and friendly service. We had steak, gnocchi and fish + chips and all were very tasty, well cooked and excellent price.

Had a great meal at this lovely village pub tonight. Food was fantastic and atmosphere was friendly.

Great country pub good food, outdoor seating area, large car park and dog friendly.

Tiny fish and chips, though the quality of fish is good.

New owners just took over so just settling in. We had one vegan choice so we took it lucky we like mushrooms. Husband had a roast said it was ok. Cane away thinking beautiful place lovely setting but our meals should have been cheaper. Menu was on a chalk board with no prices! Saying that I'd go back

Lovely gastro pub, good food, good service and good prices. We have been meeting friends their 4 /5 times a year for several years and will continue to do so as long as it continues as it is. Great place to enjoy a meal with friends.

Excellent good and service lovely place

Very sad. I have been here before and had a great meal but this time there were new people moving in to take over the pub and it was very disappointing.

Its a great place to eat. My wife and I love it.

This place has really gone down hill FAST since the owners left , very sad to see as it was once a great place, very poor the way its now run .

A great pub in a picturesque street, small car park and no disabled parking though.

Lovely pub, great food, fantastic staff!

One of the best roasts I’ve had in a very long time! Good portion, excellent flavour and every item made perfect individually.

Nice place. A bit to cold inside.

Great place we searched for as a place to stop and have lunch just off the M11 having landed back at Standsted a short time before. Like a different world and so much better than stopping at the services. Serves lunch 12 till 3. Good choice of food, beer and wine. Friendly staff. Will definitely come again

Lovely place, great aunt and uncle and family hired the whole pub out 10+ years ago and we all had a 3 course meal. Lovely pub staff and drinks. Very well supplied with drinks and food. Lovely family memories from here.

Had an OK sunday lunch here. Food was good but pub was playing the radio 1 disco anthems REALLY loud and killed the vibe. Really wasn't relaxing listening to thumping music whilst trying to enjoy a relaxing meal.

Lovely place to have a drink and eat

I feel bad writing this review because the owners and staff were lovely and we felt very welcomed. The menu is also a good selection of dishes. But I feel I must let them know that they should change kitchen-wise. The main dish was fine and desserts were very good, but the sides and the starters were pretty disappointing. An example: the olives. For over £7 you expect good quality olives with good quality bread. Instead you're given the cheapest green and black olives, and the bread is like a frozen baguette that has been heated in the microwave, because instead of crispy is chewy. Main dishes are around £15 and you're served with frozen chips. I didn't like that. I am aware other places do it, but they don't charge you £15. I honestly wish this pub the best and I think for that the would need to invest in better quality food and a good chef.

Excellent pub. Didn't eat here, but the food that was being served looked good.

We went for lunch today at the plough for a team members birthday. Not only was the food great. So was the service. We had pre-ordered as there was 13 of us and it worked perfectly. They even let us bring in a cake to celebrate. I will be coming back in my own time. Thanks so much again.

Sunday lunch. Good value , friendly service reasonable value. Nice atmosphere.

Very nice pub friendly staff ceiling was low okay if you're not 6fthaha I would recommend it

Great food, friendly staff. Definitely going back.

I BOOKED A TABLE FOR 10 PEOPLE AND WE WERE ALL SERVED AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOOD WAS SO TASTY, SAMATHA AND SIMON WORKED SO HARD, THEIR YOUNG STAFF WERE BRILLIANT SO THEREFORE WE WERE ALL ABLE TO HAVE A LOVELY OCCATION, AND ON ONE OF THE COLDEST DAYS THE PUB WAS SO WARM AND WELCOMBING.. I WILL GO AGAIN.

Really great food and atmosphere

Great food, great atmosphere, highly recommended

Why I've never been here, I do not know. Yet again, I find that pubs across the border, in Cambridgeshire provide warm and friendly service with great real ales and, on this occasion, excellent food.

A very nice pub to spend an evening in. Lovely atmosphere, good food, reluctantly knocking a star off because the serving staff, whilst lovely and friendly, weren't especially knowledgeable about the food or which beers were on tap.

Visited The Plough one evening whilst working in the area. Friendly staff and great food. The chef even came out to see if we'd like some apple flavouring to the gravy &/or mash to compliment our pie main course. Nice décor / atmosphere too. Definitely recommended if you find yourself in the area, or live around Great Chesterford.

Wow! What a gem of a find, Go here if you are ever in the area, The pub itself is beautiful, lots of space and an amazing outside area if the weather permits. The staff - The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble, we really felt like we had been going here years. The food, is a 10, that's the only way to say it, we returned for a second evening we were so impressed, first night was steak and it was cooked to a steak house level the quality of the food is superb, on the second night we had a variety including the best baked Camembert I have had outside France and the local sausages were fantastic, try the Shepherds Pie.. WOW! The beer is well kept and poured perfectly and never once did we have to wait for service. We will be returning. Oh yes - Say hello to Oscar while your there...

Lovely food. Very cosy trad pub.

Very nice place to visit, if not indoors you can sit outside too and lovely parking on the righthand side facing The Plough through to the back.

We stopped by the pPlough for an impromptu bit of lunch. The food was ok for the price charged, although could have benefited from another side (coleslaw/salad). The house served Sauvignon was not pleasant at all. We asked the waitress to switch it for a Malbec, which was responded with a grunt and sigh. Instead of acknowledging the dissatisfaction, the bill came and we were asked to pay for both glasses of wine and simply told the Sauvignon was their best selling wine! A real shame as being a local business owner often asked for referrals for lunch from customers, this one will be sure not get a mention. It’s amazing how much damage a business is prepared to cause over a £7 glass of wine….

Food is good and service efficient,

There is no need for this place to receive anything less than a 5 star! Food and service absolutely exceptional. Both managers and staff alike extremely welcoming and gave fantastic service and knowledge of products. I urge anyone and everyone you must have a Sunday roast here it is cooked beautifully and tastes delicious. Thank you to all. We will be sure to visit again next time we are in the area. Best wishes.

The most welcoming and accommodating pub I have been in for a long time. The food The ale and the staff are first class.

Called the pub to find out if we could book a table as was local. Was told no need to book as walk in was fine during the week. Arrived there within 30 minutes and when we arrived was told the kitchen was closed today due to an event (could clearly see there was a wake happening). Was a little annoyed, they could have told us that on the phone to save us driving down there. Shame because it looked like a nice place.

Very very good food. Will return.

Family meal for 6 today and we were left disappointed. Staff didn't know what wines they had available and no wine list. We had to request food menus 15 minutes after receiving drinks. Children's menu had only one option that could be made diary free by removing some of the items, no replacements / alternatives were offered. No diary free desert options on the menu. Adult sirloin beef at £18.50 roast dinner arrived cold and had to be sent back to be heated up and when it came back it still wasn't hot. Food was average at best and not worth the price we paid. An extra 10% service charge is added to the bill for group over 6 persons which the service was not worth this charge. Sadly we won't be rushing back.

Very disappointed first pint didn’t taste right chemically changed beer next one flat. The food under cooked and left a greasy Taste. Complained about food no apology.

Lovely little pub with amazing staff and good food

Great food, great people, great dog.

Lovely local pub, we came as work colleagues and had a nice lunch and drink whilst sitting in garden. Go there and support local business.

Popped in for lunch and shared a different and delicious calamari. The prawn salad and the risotto were super and have not ha a Fosters for ages which was cold and refreshing. The glass of malbec hit the spot too. Engaging service and well done team.

We came here to eat a few weeks ago now as a party of 5. It had been booked by our daughter for mine and my husbands birthday/anniversary. The owners/staff were very polite, affable and helpful from the outset. They were training up 2 new workers. The young female was wonderful and had a great sense of humour. We didn’t realise that on a Friday night it was Mexican food only. This though wasn’t an issue for the owners and the chef came straight out to tell us what we could have instead which we appreciated so much. My mother and I didn’t have the Mexican food though the rest of the party did. It was all beautifully cooked and very generous portions. My husband and I are looking to come back this Friday so that I can try the Mexican food and so that my husband can indulge in it again as he LOVED it. Many thanks for the wonderful service and food. See you again soon.

A fantastic country pub,very friendly and helpful staff. Good selection of food which was well presented and very tasty. A excellent choice of craft ales.

Traditional British pub with beautiful wooden beamed interior.. Friendly staff. Drinks were a bit pricey however

Such a shame there's not an option to give a 10 star review, good food & friendly people. Table for three please.

Great buffet for Mary's party arranged by Mark and Clare!

Although I went there after a funeral, not the happiest reason, the food was really good, as was the atmosphere. Nice sunny day and after the food, sitting in the well appointed beer garden. Will probably visit again but for a happier occasion next time.

Very comfortable place to rest your weary bones and have a few tipples. Staff are very welcoming, friendly and helpful. It's a dog friendly pub and the house dog is very welcoming too. Fantastic food at good prices. Well worth a visit.

Lovely pub with great garden. Food excellent and staff friendly. What more can you ask for?

Been twice for lunch, and both times have been amazing. Good food, friendly staff, reasonably priced

I believe 2 stars is fair for the reasons below. My fathers wake was held on 21/04/2022 from 3PM onwards. We had asked The Plough to cater for 51 people at £10.50 per head, however, judging by the dried sandwiches and shop-bought sausage rolls, this price was clearly unjustifiable. Therefore, we were disgusted at what this venue charges for such an occassion. The oldest gentlemen, serving behind the bar, complained about the amount of people that had attended the wake (100) when he thought there would only be around 50 - However, I am sure hw would not have complained about the hundreds of pounds worth of drinks going through the till that afternoon... We are not expecting a serving for 51 people to fill 100 mouths - it is the fact that a member of staff is complaining amount having to get an extra pair of hands to work that afternoon and explained ''We usually close between 3pm and 5pm''... Which we answered ''Why did you book us in for 3pm then?'' The second star is given as they have a great outdoor area for a large number of people to mingle in, which allowed our loved ones and closest friends to celebrate my father's life together. However, this has been slightly overshadowed by the fact we have been ripped off and a number of complaints (by the oldest gentlemen behind the bar) had been overheard by our family & friends attending my fathers wake. In conclusion to this, I would urge anyone looking to have their loved ones wake at this venue, to go elsewhere. Thank you.

Nice spot, full character and good beer.

Sorry to say not the best. Had great meals there in the past. Maybe it was just a bad day. Wife had pork VERY fatty. Old man had beef just couldn't cut it. I had fish and it was sloppy.

An authentic decent country village pub with a pleasant atmosphere. The food is very good, prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and helpful. Good sized car park.

Food is good, beer is lovely, the staff were pretty attentive and fast. The pub dog was quiet and didn't ask for too many snacks. A good stop. Will be back.

The food was amazing! You can tell it's freshly made with handpicked ingredients. The service was fantastic! The people were lovely and we were always served with a smile. Once you step in, you'll feel welcomed for sure! A little bonus as well is their pub dog, Oscar who seemed to have taken a liking to us as he sat right next to us during our meal. I would definitely come back again! We came for the first time not knowing anything and we walked out, happy and stuffed!

Totally worth a visit in my Opinion, had a great time and there were Many great options for food on the Menu. Would I go again? Yes!

It's a beautiful place. Sam is so lovely. We had a wake booked here, and everything ran very smoothly. The food was amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a dog friendly, happy little retreat.

A beautiful sunny day for an Al fresco lunch with my hubby. Delicious Cajun chicken burger with chips and Beer battered cod and chips followed by to die for Double chocolate brownie and Sticky toffee pudding. Staff are wonderful and Oscar the dog a perfect host!