the punch bowl in Uttlesford

For a set price you get three exceptional courses. The price we paid was £49.50 per person. The host Peter is a warm friendly person. Ideal for front of house. His wife is the chef. After an appariteth we were shown to our table. My wife and I both had prawns as the starter. They were huge and very meaty. Next we had chateaux briand for two. The meat was excellent. Finally my wife had two sweets from the sweet trolley both excellent. I had crumbly stilton and biscuits.My wife liked white wine and I prefer red, so Peter opened a bottle of each and we only paid for the amount we had drunk. A nice touch.On the down side the restaurant is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. Also as it is very popular, when full it is quiet noisy but don't let that put you off a fabulous restaurant.

Tuvimos una comida de domingo familiares increíbles para mis sobrinos 30 cumpleaños en el tazón de ponche esta tarde. La comida era increíble y muy generosas raciones. Tuve el cangrejo deliciosos para comenzar seguido por la magnífica carne asada. El desierto del tranvía ha sido realmente tiene que verlo para creerlo. Fui a pasar el Pavalova que no era delicioso. Teníamos 3 niños con nosotros uno de los cuales estaba en una silla alta y el personal era muy amable con los niños hicieron que nuestro día. Vivimos en Berkhamsted pero me encantaría viajar a alta Semana Santa nuevamente a un restaurante maravilloso gracias a todos!

He estado en el Punch Bowl en ocasiones Numerus y siempre he tenido

Food: No more than nice but with Michelin star pricing. You can find food of this quality easily elsewhere in the area but at a fraction of the cost. Service: if you look past the charismatic owner the service is average. At £50 a head before drinks I would expect the waiters to know who ordered what and not have to call out to everyone. Had fishy oil dripped over the handbags at service as well. Reading other reviews there seems to be a trend of overcharging which happened to us as well. Conclusion: Average food and service at inflated prices... And on that basis, I'm out!

The food, service, wine were amazing. Considering we were in birthday party of 19, the service and food delivery were excellent from the sumptuous menu. Very special restaurant. If you have any visitors from overseas, this location would not fail to impress. Situated in the English countryside with the village church next door. We must return again in daylight!

A group of friends who like to have a special pre Christmas dinner. Lovely olde world building. Red carpet and champagne bottles outside. Nice touch.We were offered drinks as soon as we arrived and the owner took our food order. He took great care to tell us about the fresh food and where it had been sourced from. Lovely home made crisps to have with our pre dinner drinks.It was clear the resturant thrives on repeat business, not surprising as the owner takes personal interest in each group of people o every table. It was a set menu at £49 per head for three courses. Traditional food, but plenty of choice. The portions are large, we saw several people leaving with doggy bags. The food is prepared and cooked beautifully. However, the vegetables were on the plate, I prefer to serve myself and they were watery and overcooked. This was the only negative, apart from the waiter who served the wine, who was a bit casual with the speed of service and his approach. An old fashioned sweet trolley with an array of home made desserts. The ones we tried were all lovely, as was the cheese.Great wine list. The owner took us into his wine cellar. Wow! What fun! He was very knowledgeable and interesting.We will return, but please sort out the vegetables.

Very overrated in my opinion.Welcomed by host at the door and offered drinks like they were free! Food and service OK but nothing special. Sweet trolley was impressive. Overcharged at the end and the Host had a hissy fit!!At £50 per head and a made up bill at the end of the evening will not go back. Went to the Boat House at Dedham yesterday and what a change a top notch meal and friendly service a 100% better!

thankyou for everthing yesterday superb in every respect great setting good service early christmas feeling looking forward to returning soon best wishes garry parker and friends

For the price the food wasn't outstanding and not as expected and didn't live up to it's reputation. After we had finished our deserts we were promptly asked to vacate our table and sit in the reception area to let the next party sit in our place, the host/owner wasn't rude and did ask politely, but not used to that in a restaurant I guess, they were very busy so it was ok.We asked for the bill and it was incorrect with wrong drinks and extras. We told the host the bill was incorrect and he took the extra wine off failed to take the£4.89 for mineral water that we hadn't ordered, the waitress gave us chilled tap water (free?!!) on questioning the host again, he didn't apologise and seemed put out that we had queried it even though the bill was incorrect! He walked away with my husbands card in the card machine which is not on. When he returned the card to my husband, he strutted off with no apology for the bill discrepancy or thank you and hope you enjoyed the evening. Won't be returning. I urge you to check your bill when you leave the restaurant! My suggestion to the host is when things don't go the right way be gracious and apologetic and look after your customers until they leave! Real shame the evening ended on a sour note, it was embarrassing having to question the host twice about the bill, if the host ever looks at trip advisor he really needs to take on board what people say.

My husband and I have been coming here for over 20 years for all our special occasions and we have never been disappointed. Someone commented that they didn't even ask their name when they arrived - they never do but we love that, we feel like friends arriving for dinner! Sitting in the bar area sipping champagne cocktails and eating home made crisps is a great start to the evening. The atmosphere is always great and David is the perfect host. The food is always fab and the dessert trolley a dieters nightmare! I love this restaurant - it will continue to be my first choice!

Booked here on recommendation and for my wife's birthday. Arriving at 7.30 we were greeted by a very busy bar area and were not really made to feel totally welcomed. No one asked our name, or really took time to welcome us properly. There was very little room and we were seated at a table in the bar for drinks with another couple....not too much of a problem but still not particularly welcoming or personal. We were offered drinks and had a very pleasant champagne cocktail with crisps and fresh peas in their pods for nibbles...nice and different.We were presented with the menus and given some time to peruse. It all felt a bit hectic. Wine list was pretty good and some help re a particular Meursault was welcomed. Orders taken, we were shown though to our table. Starters were lovely....scallops for me and figs for Mrs H. Service was ok but felt a little less than wholly professional. Mains again were good....my wife had pork belly which could have done with being a little smaller and the provision of a sharper knife would have helped....very picky I know.,....but it is the little things. I had salmon which was very nice. Wine was kept topped up throughout although we did have to keep asking for water.We then wanted a break before desserts. In the 20 minutes wait that suited us fine we were asked at least 5 times if we wanted sweets.....it felt that we were a little bit of an inconvenience. We asked if they wanted the table and were informed there was no problem the first time and then as the table next to us was cleared (the staff started moving chairs around us...not very pleasant) were were informed that our table was needed (9.15 now). It was again all a bit hectic and rushed. We finished our desserts and as we ordered coffee were swept away to the bar area again to a shared table for after dinner coffee. We were offered the Port with our coffee on the house for having had to move......which again was nice but the whole evening by now was feeling a bit like a rush. Not what you want when you are paying £200+ for 2. The maitre d' was pleasant enough but it transpired that much of the rush was brought about by regulars being facilitated tables as they turned up or booked late. Now as a regular at a couple of restaurants I certainly would not expect to turn up and have other customers rushed out just because I cannot organise my dining habits. So in conclusion...nice food, lovely surroundings, quite expensive (but I certainly dont mind paying for a really good meal and evening out) but we really are not sure if we would recommend unconditionally or indeed if we would return in a hurry. For us a bit more focus on the personal touch, slightly less rushed service, a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere and then maybe they would have some more regulars.

The punch bowl is a fantastic restaurant in a beautiful village setting, we have been going here for years, we have been to a wedding reception and the whole experience was superb, we had a 60th birthday party arranged and David the owner could not have done enough.Again we had lunch there on Sunday never got rushed David's daughter presented the sweet trolly with great enthusiasm running through every possible available option, we took the option try a bit of everything which was no problem.We finished of lunch with a trip to the wine cellar through the kitchen and stocked up on some good and reasonably priced wines.The whole experience each time we go is nothing but superb hence we booked another birthday party there in August.Places like this are hard to find a truly family business full of pride and passion.

Used to go here a lot, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Not any more. Last time we went we arrived and were dismissed by the owner (David) almost straight away. Were given a seat and a bowl of home made crisps as usual except they were all burnt this time.My wife and I both ordered a starter and main course. My wife finished her starter, I was still eating mine when the main course arrived!I explained that I was still eating my starter and that it was normal to have a break between courses - the waitress just said "well its ready now" and left it.As a rule I never return food at a restaurant or complain until after I have eaten as you hear so many horror stories of disgruntled staff in the kitchen, so we had to put up with it. The restaurant used to give you a break between starter and main course and serve a sorbet with champagne poured over to clear your palate - that no longer happens.Desert was fine, cheese board unremarkable.When the bill came the price charged per head was £2.50 more per person than was advertised on the menu, so I regarded that as their tip.Although I see they now have a top government hygiene score of 5 at the FSA website, when the site was first launched they had a 1, which also put me off.It's a shame that in a bid to maximize profits, this restaurant has sacrificed the very thing that brings people there in the first place - good food and service. I used to recommend this place to everyone but instead now tell everyone how much it has gone down hill. Being a local black cab driver - that is a lot of people!!Obviously not been back, and no plans to either.

After a stressful day shopping with the family, (Yes Xmas shopping) it was a relief to entry into the comfort of the Punch Bowl. Had a light snack from the lunch menu, and a few drinks to relax after the credit card had been destroyed and was pleased when the bill came over.Great price, for a great pit stop, and will definitely return soon, for a longer stay.Thank you for saving the day...

Traditional service, hospitality and excellent food and wine. We have visited twice this year and have not been disappointed on either occasion. We regularly eat at Michelin star and other top London restaurants and are delighted to find this gem only a few miles from home

I was being treated by my parents to a meal to celebrate my birthday at my step-fathers favourite local restaurant which we’d heard such good things about. We arrived at the booked time but the restaurant was packed; as was its 'bar / entrance' area - rather than greet us and apologise and say 'we'll be with you in two minutes' we where ignored and when another party arrived behind us they to where ignored and the muttering started. The owner / manager then invited those sitting to come to their table making space for us - I expressed my frustration at being kept waiting, no coats being taken, no apology and that fact that my 7 month pregnant wife needed to sit down but instead of I'm sorry for the delay I got a very angry, aggressive "I'm busy" from the owner in my face. I was so taken aback that I was lost for words - I have never experienced such rudeness in any restaurant - totally in excusable. This isn't a greasy spoon but a fine dining, £50+ per head restaurant - I was astonished. Had we been on our own I would have walked out.The food was very good but the damage was done.They'd squeezed too many tables into the space available, had too few staff on duty and the noise levels made it a little to uncomfortable to have a conversation. Our table which was design for 4 had 3 of us down one side - we had to rearranged the table ourselves as there was no elbow room to eat - again no apologyLooking at the other negative comments on this website they all seem to be linked to the owners attitude - why go into a people / service business if you have a short fuse; just a little apology would have made all the difference. We will not be returning to this restaurant as I will not be spoke to like that particularly from someone who should know better and makes a living out of being a host. This episode was disappointing and so upsetting for my mother who'd planned the meal at what had been till that point their favourite restaurant. One bad review is so much more damaging than 10 good ones. This gentleman was let down his restaurant and his team and chiefs.

I was taken here on my birthday by my boyfriend. For atmosphere, food and experience I cannot fault it! From the second you walk in David the owner makes you feel welcome offering you a drink or house champagne cocktail and are given things like hand made crisps in the bar area before you are taken to your table. The food is amazing but not small portions either. David knows his wine very well and the wine cellar he has there is amazing! So yes the wine did go down extremely well! Whilst you are there David makes a real effort with all the tables and you don't just feel like any old customer in just any old restaurant. The whole night was an experience which is what really makes this place so special and the hand made chocolates ON TOP of desert were lovely.This is why this is my favourite restaurant! The food isn't cheap, however for the quality of food and evening you get I think it's a fair price. I hope to be back again very soon.

David and his staff are warm, attentive, polite and have a sense of humour. The ambience is wonderful without so much noise that you can't hear. There is a good range of food; I had halibut to start and pork belly for main, both of which were melt in the mouth tasty. There is a sweet trolley with enough choice for every pallet. And then there are the wines. The wine list has something for everyone, from connoisseur down to someone like me. The restaurant is certainly a favourite I look forward to returning soon.

We Held our sons wedding at the Punch Bowl on Saturday 21st September, and what a fantastic day it was. David and Penny made the day so special, great food marvelous flowers. Service was impeccable and nothing was too much trouble. They married in the St Mary's which was next door what could be better. I would recommend this venue for a party or a wedding.

Dining at David Kelsey's Punchbowl is never dull and Sundays lunch on the 22nd was no exception.David is a master at front of house, but be prepared for the occasional bit of Basil should anything go wrong.He berated several of his staff for not clearing a table which virtually silenced the whole restaurant. which was followed by a diner standing up doing his Pavorotti bit, which did silence the whole restaurant. The atmosphere is really buzzy, almost manic at times as David and his young staff do very well to keep everything running,with Penny running the kitchen like a military operation. The food is good old fashioned British with the odd surprise special on offer,The New York scallops this Sunday were superb. The wine list is as good as you will findanywhere and David is always on hand to guide you through. 2 things to remember, go hungry.and always be prepared for the unexpected entertainment.Terry BartlettChelmsford.

Arriving at the punchbowl your seated in the bar with some lovely homemade and crisps and a cocktail or drink if you prefer. It's 3 course and set price. Starter and main a really nice but not really great. Food fresh and well cooked I've just had better courses elsewhere! The desert trolley is superb, generally 6-8 to choose from you can have seconds and all homemade! For the price for 2 again there are other restaurants I would rather go to which is personal preference. The service is top class very attentive and overall it's a great experience

Lovely homely restaurant with a wonderful welcome and wholesome food. Excellent champagne cocktails. Must be tried.

If you are looking for someone really special with top class food and very attentive staff then you have come to the right place. We went there for my Niece's wedding Alex & Piers, reception was at the Punch Bowl, from the moment we arrive nothing was to much trouble, the staff were Fab. David was even in the car park to meet all the wedding guests. We were greeted with a drink of Champagne and the home made crisps are to die for we couldn't get enough of them the staff just kept bringing out more and topping up our drinks.For the wedding meal we had Crab (Whole One) followed by Turbot fresh veg then followed by Punch Bowl pud, Meringue, cream and fresh fruit, food of a very high standard. Beautiful grounds around the church and private area with the Marquee for dancing, even the kids could play in the swimming pool they even provided swimming costumes. I appreciate that this was a wedding and expectations were very high, but seeing the quality of the food and the staff who are very professional in their work, even having a meal for any occasion would be of the highest standards.Thank you David for the superb service and a great day. I was on the table that broke a wine glass with red wine in, hope you are able to get the red stain out of the table cloth. I have to say David was there in minutes changing the table cloth, cutlery etc. WELL DONE

From the minute you walk into the restaurant you are welcomed by David and his staff.....with a champagne cocktail and your table with home made crisp that are to die for!... The atmosphere down to the restaurant is superb!....the menu was excellent something for everybody...David recommended some wine and we went home with 2 boxes of it!...after a visit to the wine cellar.This place is a truly amazing evening making you feel relaxed and entertained.

Ok i'm torn between giving this 4/5 but i just can't quite bring myself to do it.We visited with my parents as a delayed special occasion and we were promised good things which mostly we got, but not quite.Some elements are great like the warm welcome with a drink and home made crisps that i couldn't stop eating. You're then shown to your table and are mostly very well looked after. The dessert options are a special treat so make sure you save space.Things i didn't like were that the food whilst nice, didn't quite match the promise of the service. My terrine was tasty but unremarkable and the chateaubriand again was good but not outstanding. I just think it was nearly there in my opinion which was a shame. The lack of anything other than filter coffee to end the meal was a bit of a surprise too - i would expect at least an espresso even if it's not other more involved coffees.The real issue i had though was snotty service - my Dad forgot his glasses and was struggling to read the menu but ordered 'spanish rioja' reading verbatim from the menu. Upon delivery the waiter made a point of sarcastically stating spanish, like my Dad was silly (We all know that rioja is spanish). Dad didn't notice it, i did and i didn't appreciate it. Not wanting to make a scene i let it slide but it rather ruined my evening and perhaps it's tainted the rest of my experience? The other reviews mostly sparkle here so my advice is give it a go and if it's done as i think they intend it then your night will be just lovely. I may not return in a hurry though.

Dont expect the norm from this restaurant but that shouldn't put you off.Upon arrival your offered a drink and a table in the seating area to the side of the restaurant area. We were then offered home made crisps with black olives whilst we sipped champagne.The menu is extensive for the number of covers and are all within a set price for the three courses. Just drinks and service is extra.Overall the food is of a high standard, but there was nothing out of the ordinary to be honest. But good none the less.The feel of the restaurant is you visited friends for dinner as you are well catered for by both staff and the host. I would return again

We had dinner here as part of a large group who had sole use of the restaurant. I am not sure if the menu was personalised for us and I cannot comment on prices as our host had them removed and fortunately for us was paying!The choice was amazing, I could have had four or five of the starters but settled for a dressed crab. Excellent.For a main course I choose oxtail, again very good.Dessert, a strawberry mess, very good.I cannot comment on the wine list as our host had already selectedWhat I can say is the service and food were exceptional.Would I go again yes, only trouble is I would be paying.

One of the best restaurants we have eaten at. We have been several times - just he 2 of us - with 4 of us and a large party of 18 - The food is fantastic, great choice of menu. Deserts are amazing . The wine list is to die for. Host David makes you feel very welcome and special - you must have the champagne cocktail on arrival and then sit back and relax for the next couple of hours and enjoy - you won't be disappointed. Thank you Punch Bowl.

Very expensive but well worth the money in terms of staff, food and wine, excellent experience, long and leisurely.

The whole experience at the Punch Bowl is absolutely first class. The service is very personal to each dining couple or group. The food, champayne and wines are exquisite. Dessert are to die for and then a basket of hand made chocolates followed - absolute heaven.The whole atmosphere is very relaxed and calming. David has a passion for all that he offers his customers and I would find it very had to beleive that anyone who visits would ever leave dissapointed.Having visited it is not somewhere that I would take young children to. This is high class top london standard in a little part of rural Essex

We went along for a birthday celebration with a total family crowd of 12. We eat at the Punch Bowl probably once or twice a year, always for Sunday lunch because it surpasses every other restaurant in the area for an excellent atmosphere, friendly and enthusiastic service and David is a great host. The food is always good, the menu inspiring and David always recommends the wine but does get a bit enthusiastic at times!On the birthday celebration at the beginning of February again we were not disappointed and left the restaurant feeling that this was a great way to spend several hours on a Sunday.between us we were able to sample most of the starters and main courses on the menu, (there was 12 of ), I had the filo pastry with egg to start, which was good, followed by the lamb which was faultless.The Punch Bowl isn't cheap, the wine can often take the bill north of £70/head but I struggle to fault it and consider it good value. So pleased to say the experience as good as ever.Well done David and your family and team!

Lovely welcome and champagne cocktails delivered promptly! Wonderful food and at last a restaurant with a proper dessert trolley!! Couldn't fault it - an experience hard to come by these days!

A favorite of mine, we enjoy the high quality traditional menu and extensive wine list. Housed in a lovely old building, the host David is full of enthusiasm and the staff are very attentave. True it is not the cheapest, but given the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail, you get what you pay for and it is money well spent!

Great food but oh my gosh it is pricey - I did like it - would go again but only on special occasions when I have saved up. Host and staff really lovely people and very good wine.

Yes the wine cellar is extensive and excellent. I like the way the menu is submitted and the owner has the charm to make a girl melt! The restaurant is lovely and the food very good

The Punch Bowl is a really beautiful old building hosted by the slightly larger than life character of David Kelsey. Very good glassware, crockery, linen etc. and a terrific range of wines -- ask to visit the wine room if you are into wine.The food is well cooked, using good quality ingredients but the menu itself is very 'safe' and changes rarely.

The food, wines and service were for want of a better word were all, "PERFECT" you are greeted with laughter, smiles, champagne cocktails and home made crisps, yummy......The lobster starter and the chateaubriand main course were not only presented beautifully but tasted devine, the only thing left to say is when can I go back, David/Ann and the Punch Bowl, thank you......Lord P Saunders.