Based on 382 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 382 opinions finded in 2 websites
Nº 208 in 303 in Uttlesford
Nº 49 of 67 British in Uttlesford
Opinions
Really comfortable and superb rooms. During our stay, the service was slow and we had to chase up. Might just have been short staffed at the time.
Stephen D . 2024-10-20
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Brilliant breakfast. Masses of choice and they cook whatever breakfast you choose fresh to order. Good selection of continental breakfast too. And last night's dinner was perfect. Will return!
Deb M . 2024-09-09
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We had a lovely stay at The Saracen's Head! We booked this as a place to stay close to a private engagement party. The room was a good size, clean and very comfortable. Water is provide in bottles, and tea/coffee and biscuits. The bed/pillows were very comfortable. The room had good amenities, soap/shampoo and nice fluffy towels. Would be benefit from a full length mirror! The breakfast was included in the price and was delicious! Great service made this stay perfect. We would definitely choose The Saracens Head again!
Karenaquarious . 2024-08-24
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2 nights,Excellent accomodation clean plenty of luxuries in the rooms,food 5+ from me. The staff are so friendly and helpful, special mention to Mandy on reception and Helen who served evening meals,a credit to the management.thanks
Steve S . 2024-07-19
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This hotel is top of our list when we visit Dunmow. Nothing is too much trouble for staff here, absolutely amazing service in the bar in the restaurant and reception. Great place we will visit again!
tenney r . 2024-07-11
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Limited menu! Ordered fish & chips, however I got a 3” tail of haddock that was over cooked and tasteless. Chips had been re heated and were rock hard and also tasteless. Never again will I eat here!
Dave B . 2024-02-10
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I was extremely disappointed with the food and level of service/Customer care. What i wanted to order wasnt available so had to choose alternative What arrived was not what i expected and to me not edible I returned it straight away I as shocked when paying the bill to be charged full price for this . The bar manager said what id received was what was on the menu even though 2 items were missing and the dish looked like a child had thrown it together I expected a gesture of at least some form of discount and an apology but got neither Obviously hotel isnt interested in fostering good will with the local community
GlobeTrotting598811 . 2023-11-04
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Lovely atmosphere with great service - pork belly and fish & chips were both excellent - highlight of the meal was the crumble with custard! Molly and Laura were attentive on what was a busy evening!
alisona713 . 2023-11-03
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Excellent , friendly , professional service as always , but so disappointed with my usual fish and chips, the batter is not the same. Looked and tasted cheap and nasty. Sad as we love eating in the Saracens. Need a better menu.
tamara r . 2023-11-01
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Sadly we could not give a 5 as the food had changed. We love the fish and chips but this time the batter was awful. Service was great as always but sadly the menu is not what we would like.
Paul L . 2023-11-01
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We wanted a nice overnight stay to relax. It didn’t disappoint. We stayed in a suite number 22 a beautiful light big room with everything you need. The bed was huge and so comfortable. We are now upgrading our own bed! Noise wasn’t an issue at all and all staff were helpful and friendly. Food was delicious we had dinner and breakfast and both were cooked to perfection & plentiful. Would definitely recommend and definitely stay again. Thanks just what we needed.
462lindaw . 2023-10-29
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Great friendly service. Recommended the fish pie and crumble, both of which were genuinely home made and fantastic/delicious. Thanks to Laura for her brilliant recommendations and great service. Only disappointment is that the Saracens Head is nearer to where we live - some 90 miles away!
Mike K . 2023-10-18
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We were looking for somewhere for lunch. Not knowing the area at all. This place doesn’t look great from outside but is very nice inside. We received excellent service. The food was well cooked. Well presented and enjoyable. If this was local to us we would definitely visit again.
luckymeLondon . 2023-10-14
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I phoned the day before to book my table for two The first time call cut off. The second time a man took my name and made the booking. On arrival at the restaurant I said my name but was no booking. We were seated as the restaurant was not busy. Our food order was taken and we waited a while. When the food arrived the food order was wrong my wife ordered a salad and we got a gnocchi meal the food was pleasant and we had a dessert. We asked for the bill but the waitress had gone home so was no one to take the payment. We will try other restaurants in the town next time.
barry h . 2023-10-03
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My three friends and I found this pub in the centre of little Dunmow after attending the Little Easton car show on Sunday 10th September – we agreed we thought it looked pleasant from the outside as well as the inside. Once seated we did wonder why such a centralized and attractive looking establishment was not bustling and maxxed out seating wise. However, we were about to realise why it was not busy… Three of us ordered the chicken liver pate, with onion jam and crostini and our other friend ordered the prawn cocktail. The latter was fine, however, once we received the pate we were quite shocked to see the proportion of the pate vs the crostini but more shockingly our onion jam was not with the order. We approached the waitress about this and the response was ‘we’ll see what we can do’ – this gave the impression of either, they don’t know what was on the menu or it hadn’t been changed due to lack of onion jam. However a few minutes later the jam was with us and we got on with our starter. The pate was a bit creamy and lacked the taste of chicken but there was too much of it to be used on the crostini supplied, so a bit of a waste from a cost point of view. No complaints about the prawn cocktail. Next main: three fish & chips and one burger ordered. When the fish & chips came over, it looked fine from appearances. However, once we cut in, the batter was VERY thick and there was an uncooked yellow substance between the fish and the cooked batter. We think as the batter was so thick, the yellow substance was indeed uncooked batter, due to the thickness above and the heat from the oil could not penetrate this level. The fish was mushy like it had additional water, probably from the uncooked yellow substance and the fish had no taste. The pea puree that came with it was nicely done, but once again lacked flavour. The tomato ketchup slid off the chips, like it had been diluted down whereas vs known brands it has the same viscosity as mayonnaise. The worst part of the meal was my friend’s tartare sauce that had what we described as a ‘wizard pubic hair’ in it – it was disgusting! Clearly no one checked anything that left the kitchen. The whole experience was bad, the waiting staff took ages to come over for the cheque to be paid, even though the dining room was not busy. We didn’t complain because we didn’t want to make a scene, not that anyone was going to witness it. I’m sure the staff there do their best, but also to see 4-5 people standing around doing nothing it doesn’t look great. I can say hand on heart, that’s not only the worst fish and chips I’ve ever eaten; it’s the worst meal I’ve ever eaten. Also, it is not pub etiquette to allow guests to walk in and out with no top on. They clearly could see this happening, however, I’m guessing from the appearance and quality of the person(s) not wearing any upper clothing that they were indeed their only customers who continually come back to the business. I did feel unwell throughout the remainder of my day which I’m assuming is from this meal as I didn’t eat anything else. Bad food, bad service and a pubic hair in a sauce, not a good place to attend If I could give this zero I would have done.
490alexg . 2023-09-12
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Visited for lunch and it became very apparent that they were not handling the pressure very well. Service was pleasant but not very efficient and drinks took an age to arrive. Food was OK when it turned up but nothing much to recommend this place. Seemed to lack any direction. Don't bother.
Gary W . 2023-08-09
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Blooming delicious Fish and chips !! Went twice recently and food was excellent - really very good. Saracens under Kay’s leadership is excellent, best it has been in a fair while. Staff behind the bar led by George I think, is friendly and efficient. Very good guys.
Davebes . 2023-07-28
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Great food, good service. Delightful service from Kay and two waitresses. We had a family meal for six people and I would very much recommend.
HelenHain . 2023-06-06
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Food was bland some of it undercooked some overcooked didn’t enjoy any of it Will not go back . Service was good and staff pleasant
D4514SNalisonh . 2023-03-19
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Went in for drinks at Lunchtime. Two wonderful Colchester Brewery Beers on. After a wait..'Oh Sorry I can't do that .'(Pull pints)...comes back a bit later,oh I'm sorry there is nobody available to do that'.....tend bar...in a bar. In her defence she did offer non draught drinks or 'on the house's' if we came back later.Not her fault.V.pleasant. But to the management.Put a sign up saying 'No.dogs or Real Ale drinkers.' We will have a word with Tom Knox at Colchester Brewery,if he is concerned with his sales....nobody to get it out the cask...I ask you.
Riothamus . 2023-02-25
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A great atmosphere in the bar areas of the premises, Kay the assistant Manager works tirelessly to tidy, clean and look after guests. George is also a great, friendly member of staff. The atmosphere in the bar is lovely, with the fire in one corner...
HelenHain . 2023-02-01
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I had lunch here with some friends and was underwhelmed by the food. I had the Herbivore Burger which came with mushroom, halloumi, avocado and coleslaw. It was served on a shiny roll that looked and tasted like a supermarket roll. It also came with...
sopaca . 2023-01-30
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Meet by unfriendly grunting-heavy coughing staff followed by a giggling staff member who did not even know table numbers Food tasteless-bad presentation-no cutlery or condiments on table -over priced £15.95 roast chick consist of 2 scrawny wings-Scampi burnt came with peas though requested NONE as...
studio545 . 2023-01-27
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Jamie and matt couldn't have done anymore to make our experience better, what nice lads and the food was unreal for the price! Looked after us with allergies etc and with a coeliac in our party the chef explained it professionally and advised things we...
sbbp2023 . 2023-01-15
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Just been for lunch which in the past has been very good. Not been for sometime and I must say the standard and food was very poor. Waited ages to put order in. Food when eventually arrived was inedible. Chicken undercooked, fish sailing in oil....
DayTrip149259 . 2023-01-05
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I have tried and tried to think positive regarding the Saracens but now that is it - done. Sat at a table in a quiet corner at 5.30 ish, Purchased 2 beers so I could sit quietly And a bag of crisps ( 2nd beer...
Davebes . 2022-12-24
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A group of 12 had Sunday lunch together celebrating a 70th birthday and the the food was delicious. There was a large choice of meats and vegetarian/fish options too. We had a variety of vegetables and the food came piping hot. The yorkshire puddings had...
woodentops_34 . 2022-08-24
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Went with my parents and my children for a Meal / Drinks. The Pub itself and the meal we had was also quite nice. I had some croquettes and they were really good and worth returning for. I had the burger for my main and...
SLMHP2010 . 2022-07-31
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The only thing going for this hotel is the history. Dirty, poor service, dirty carpets, paper cups in rooms, dank smells, poor wireless, dirty kettles in room, etc. etc. Won’t book this hotel ever again.
Paul_Robert6 . 2022-07-30
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Booked a table because the online menu looked good! Turned up staff were all gathered together, I had to ask if anyone actually works here. Sat outside and given a short menu, asked one staff member where’s the menu that is advertised online… he replied...
corbyg2022 . 2022-07-17
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we went for a dinner and do think the menu needs looking at and also staff need a bit more training but head of house Kay was incredible ..picking up the pieces and checking in on you. Lovely venue and friendly
Charis F . 2022-06-27
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Ate here for a family birthday with 9 of us. They had asked us to pre order our food days before, as we were a large party, according to them. It was not busy on the evening of our visit. Despite their insistence that we...
Afelstedian . 2022-04-24
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Restaurant review, rather than the hotel. Interesting menu haddock goujons and chips, chicken pate, burgers and pasta Dish was good, the pate great. Generous and tasty pasta with Mediterranean vegetables.
Barry B . 2022-04-15
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I really beginning to wonder what is going on - you never know if open or closed, or after having a pint you be asked to leave as no staff, stood waiting with at least six other customers with not a staff Member in sight...
Davebes . 2022-04-11
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Get some staff. Get some staff. Get some staff !! Bar covered in glasses, poor service, wait ages for a drink, often nobody behind the bar ! New owners what the hell are you doing !!!!
Davebes . 2022-02-13
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Live in Dunmow and frequent this place quite a bit. Depends on the staffing level the bar can be clean and organised or can be the other end of the scale . On this particular night waited twenty five mins for a drink whilst another...
TracyP175 . 2022-01-16
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We simply had breakfast in the restaurant, food was lovelly and the only positive except the central location of the venue. This is probably why it would appear front of house staff don't seem bothered about providing a good service. Upon arrival we waited while...
Barker2 . 2021-12-21
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Popped in for dinner on Saturday night. Hadn’t booked but they managed to fit us in on a very busy night. Food was really good. Would have given top marks but drinks service really slow (the bar was slow sorting drinks for waiters). Pleasant staff...
sarahplummer . 2021-12-05
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The Sunday menu is very limited and the fact that they didn’t have everything on the menu available didn’t help. The staff were very slow and not friendly. After ordering drinks it took about 30 minutes to get them apparently the bar was busy. The...
hana1999 . 2021-11-15
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We have been to this pub about 3 times in the 5 years that we have lived in dunmow. We don't go to the saracens head often as every time service hasn't been great but thought we'd give it another go as food has always...
228zoed . 2021-11-07
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Iv left a couple of bad reviews about the Saracens in the past but I have to say today’s lunch was really good the food was freshly cooked and very tasty I had the Salmon which was delicious and my husband had the Burger which...
Anne C . 2021-10-31
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We stayed for one night en route to London and decided to enjoy dinner in the restuarant - as soon as we entered we remarked ont he delicious smells from food already served - and the meal we were served didnt disappoint - I had...
SteamerPearl . 2021-10-05
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We went to The Saracens as a last minute choice as the venue we'd initially chosen wasn't open for lunch. When we arrived, we checked our cars in and asked for a table for 2, where we were given the option of the bar or...
hayles8330 . 2021-08-25
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I booked the Sarcens Head as a last minute night away after a day at Duxford.We stayed here for one night on 4th August and were very impressed. Our room was very well presented and spotless. The staff were all very pleasant and welcoming. The...
Plajdh . 2021-08-07
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We had a lovely overnight stay for our wedding anniversary. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Room was clean and comfortable. There was plenty of choice for breakfast. We had a delicious full English. We would definitely stay here again.
PMTOK . 2021-06-28
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On Christmas Eve 2020 The Saracens Head hosted my wedding breakfast. From the initial booking to numbers changing due to areas going into tier 4 we managed the most wonderful day. The food was first class, not one guest could fault anything. As for the...
kaypuddick . 2021-01-31
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Could highly recommend We went last night for the first of what I hope will be many times. Firstly the staff went above and beyond. Very helpful and not only spoke to us about the food but about the newly renovated garden, which looks fabulous...
Shawdlkaz . 2020-10-21
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As we were staying in the hotel we decided to eat and drink there. Covid 19 hasn’t helped for a relaxing evening but this obviously isn’t down to the hotel. However a rather loud waitress questioned rather aggressively why I didn’t have a mask on...
W5579OZdawns . 2020-10-07
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We stayed at this hotel overnight and had a quick bite to eat before going out.. The pub seemed to have a very lively atmosphere, but still professional and safe during these unpredictable times. Our sharing starter arrived promptly and was delicious. The main meals...
laurenjessca_ . 2020-10-04
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Dined in the restaurant as part of a 2 night stay. The menu is reduced from the online one for Covid reasons I guess, but it still gave a good selection. Food was of a good standard, my feather blade of beef just fell apart....
Paul S . 2020-09-30
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Had the 12oz steak, everything was cold and the sauce had no flavor, was like milk! Won't be returning.
Morocinvestor . 2020-09-21
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We visited today for Sunday lunch and it didn’t disappoint. Food was really well seasoned and well presented with plenty of flavour and good obviously good quality produce. We had mains and desert which were both very good.The service from the moment we entered the property was attentive and you really felt safe and welcome. We really enjoyed our visit and will be returning
322rachael . 2020-09-20
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Great food and some very good vegan options. The kids enjoyed their food too, especially the deserts!
garysU1598QS . 2020-09-20
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With a choice of other pubs along the high street, we didn't feel the need to venture to any other restaurant. The food was spot on and the service was lovely, so therefore had every lunch time and evening meal in the bar. We had our little dog with us too, but this made no difference to the service received.
Kaye F . 2020-08-24
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I had the lasagna and my wife had pork belly, both lovely. Service was super quick, a great way to end lockdown!
NeilWill73 . 2020-07-26
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Visited here today with friends, we all had either fish and chips or the roast beef. Both were equally beautiful! Nice portion size and quick service. Staff all really friendly and the outdoor seating area is lovely
kayedards . 2020-07-26
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We had our first meal here after lockdown had ended and it was amazing as always. We’ve eaten here many times and the food and service is always amazing. Couldn’t fault it. Well worth a visit.
Beccabird01 . 2020-07-04
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A good choice of Gluten free food. Food extremely tasty and staff incredible. Great breakfast choice and cooked to perfection.
Explore531669 . 2020-03-16
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It was a lovely meal out. I had the burger and the chips were delicious. staff were lovely, a young boy called James served me, was very helpful and extremely polite
Susan201974282 . 2020-03-09
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Lovely decor, friendly staff and great range of drinks. We couldn't find anywhere to sit and the lovely waitress cleared a restaurant table for us. Great cocktail and gin menu
luey36 . 2020-03-08
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I loooved their food!!! Would recommend 100% ! They had such a nice staff and their food is just unforgettable.
Ketriin T . 2020-03-05
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We Just wanted to a big Thank you to the Saracens Head hotel and the wonderful staff for a fantastic Engagement party. We have had so many compliments from our family and friends that attended our party on the food and the venue. We had both of the functions rooms and was so nice to have the whole upstairs to ourselves. There was plenty of food which we had canapés and a late sandwich buffet. All staff were very attentive and professional. Your restaurant manager went above and beyond. The Events manager did a great job in managing / organising the event, the barman was happy to be there and did an amazing job all evening and the general manager for being so welcoming. We would highly recommend the Saracens Head hotel in the future & would consider for future events. Definitely 5 stars from us.
rachaelbK4074LQ . 2020-02-27
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I really love this hotel,very beautiful and comfortable.I was surprized and disappointed to see that no effort whatsoever has been made for a vegetarian or vegan option at breakfast.Surely your aware of this?The fact that this is missing blatantly tells me that the management don't care.This side let's the hotel down.I did enjoy my stay here however.
730mylest . 2020-02-06
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Came in for lunch today, great pan fried salmon. We were served by Jemima who was very welcoming as were all the staff! Will be returning
92lee . 2020-01-22
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Visiting with friends and booked Sunday lunch. Great choice and the price was good as well. Roast pork was plentiful and a decent drop of beer as well.
codfish53 . 2020-01-20
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When you support a football team like mine, then you don't often get to celebrate a victory. Normally, the journey home is long. Quiet. Something that you endure for the rare moments when you actually win a game.This visit was different. We were high, elated, having watched a rare victory on the road, and the journey back down the A14 to the Midlands was something to be savoured. We were going to treat ourselves (a friend, my 10 year-old son and I) to some food on the way back. Finding somewhere between Colchester and the Midlands was proving difficult, and after an hour of sitting in traffic and drizzle on the road, we ended up in Great Dunmow.I'd never heard of the place, but it looked very nice. We visited a local pub that offered nuts and crisps. But they also recommended the Saracens Head.It looked busy. The car park was rammed. I got a space, just as somebody left, and we squeezed ourselves out of the car and into the bar. It was bright, lively and the food looked good.Service was attentive and quick. My friend ordered fish and chips that looked lovely - I was very jealous of his crispy cod and chips. My son was so impressed with his kids menu that HE EVEN ATE THE SALSA AND GUACAMOLE ON HIS NACHOS! That is not faint praise.... I went for the panko breaded chicken. It was great. And plentiful - we were absolutely stuffed. So stuffed that my son almost couldn't eat his ice cream and the adults turned down the offer of dessert....I doubt I will ever visit again - but that's due to being a very infrequent visitor to the area. If you are there and you fancy a good, reasonable bite to eat they you could do a hell of a lot worse.Oh, make sure you validate your registration number with the bar too - not sure how hawk-like any parking attendants are, or whether there is ANPR, but do it when you go in. Enjoy.
dazbo1975 . 2019-12-03
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We was quite hungry and on arrival into the town noticed the Saracen so decided to eat there. The place looked nice with twinkly light's but other than that nothing really positive I can say about it. It was actually quite cold inside and as soon as we finished our meal I was happy to leave. We ordered slow cooked beef which wasn't Great. On your plate is just a large amount of meat, mine was quite fatty and dominated the plate. Just a small onion ring and two really tiny bits of sweet potato and s tiny amount of kale. The meat needed to be smaller with more potato and veg. I ordered a Bellini which should look like a coloured prosecco. Instead I had clear prosecco with flavour on the top that just ran all over the glass and table and made a right mess and didn't look great. After the second one arrived looking just as bad I gave up and ordered water. Wouldn't go back if ever in the area again.
Jav66 . 2019-11-20
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bad menu...big dirty burger?? about right. bad service...lacklustre waiters and manager nowhere to be seen = no standards simple food but not cooked well. wouldn't return and drinks so expensive!!
oliverjamo . 2019-11-11
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I have organised 2 gatherings at The Saracens and both times the service and food were very poor and were over charged on both occasions. When I complained to the Manager who was not bothered with my complaint. Will not be going back again, unless I am recommended by others that this was not the case with their visits.
Pcafe . 2019-11-09
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I went to have dinner with my family and it was so good! Great service by lovely girls Shannon and Candy :) defo reccomend xxx
AmeliaMillet . 2019-10-19
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Having given brilliant reviews of this place before, I have to say that the last two visits for lunch were abysmal. No staff, no apologies for no staff, bad tempered and inefficient 'service' from one of the members of staff who was eventually found and surprisingly very average food. Reluctantly, because we loved the place before, we will not be ruturning unless things significantly improve.
mrjelly . 2019-10-04
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I visited Great Dunmow with my family, back in July , and had an amazing experience staying in Saracens Head Hotel ! The room was great and the barmaid Candy was so kind and fun ! Have to mention her great service which we were very amazed by :)
Ketriin T . 2019-09-15
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We stayed at the hotel and dined in the restaurant. The service is ok but the food was very good. The menu is pretty basic and very hard to read! We ordered a bottle of wine which turned out to be screw top and was brought to the table by an underage waitress who said she could not open it so we unscrewed it and poured it ourselves.
C B . 2019-08-31
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Such a shame as the decor and building are really nice. Met up with a friend and I suggested this place as meet up with other friends for coffee at lunch times. I’ve eaten in here before and the food was ok so thought it would be a nice treat to eat here for an evening catch up. I ordered the “chicken supreme” as soon as I cut into the chicken it didn’t seem right, as I tasted it I knew straight away it wasn’t “real” chicken and was tasteless, slimy and made me feel instantly sick. I spoke to the manager who did apologise and changed it for a quick salad as my friends lasagne and salad was already being eaten. The salad was in a big bowl but hardly anything in the bowl, a few lettuce leaves, 1 cherry tomato, celery and lots of balsamic vinegar. I got the bill and did not think £8 for this particular salad was fair and he wasn’t happy but agreed to knock it down to £5. I think if they are going to give food “posh” names at least come up with real meat. Chicken is so inexpensive anyway there is no need to use processed meat. While sitting there all we could smell was marijuana coming from outside as we discovered there were loads of teenagers taking over outside drinking their “coke”. I will not be returning and would not recommend, very disappointing.
Toni-Ray . 2019-08-29
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We go here fairly regulary. Why? For several reasons. (1) It is a lovely venue, both the bar and the restaurant are inviting and well furbished. (2) The staff are brilliant! Very efficient and welcoming but friendly and chatty at the same time. (3) They currently have a very good chef. The menu is not huge and varies from time to time and if you are lucky the choice is sometimes more 'interesting' than others. I say if you are lucky because what we have seen as the more interesting items can be replaced by more run of the mill choices. That said everything that comes out of the kitchen is superb and nicely presented. The fish and the chips are the best we have ever tasted.
mrjelly . 2019-08-23
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We were staying nearby and went out for a drive into Great Dunmow. Some friends had mentioned the Saracen’s Head so that’s where we ended up. No booking, just wandered in and were treated s warmly by everyone. We got a great seat by the window, chilled water immediately and really attentive service. We were offered the wine menu along with the a la carte and, within 15 minutes of ordering our food arrived. I ordered the Atlantic Cod and my fiancée chose the rump steak cooked rare. It was, which is a feat in itself these days. Perfect and delicious with the most amazing onion rings too! My cod was white, flaky and with beautifully crispy batter. Great accompaniments of mushy peas and freshly made Tartare sauce.
NorthEastCorner . 2019-08-02
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Average restaurant with average service. The choice of food was moderate. The table was a bit sticky, the decor tired and the service a bit half - hearted. My pasta dish was not very tasty and a bit lukewarm by the time we were all served (a group of three). My tip: go to the Star instead.
hilary_unterwegs . 2019-07-29
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Popped in for dinner for typical British fish and chips. Service was really good. Red house wine is easy drinking. We both enjoyed the fish and chips, but felt the fish needed extra salt.
LBSterling . 2019-07-21
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The food amazing here. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is amazing. Nothing is too much trouble for Abdul, he’s passion to please is second to none. You can tell the food is done to a high standard which is very much appreciated.
Dunmow1 . 2019-07-16
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Outstanding food and service as usual. Great new menu, great atmosphere and very friendly and helpful staff. Abdul made the family feel very welcomed. We will be back
Aystar1 . 2019-07-14
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We have been staying here for the past week for work, very nice and the price is competitive. Love the breakfast as we always enjoy a chat with the staff and especially Abdul who goes out of he own way to accommodate us. Look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Explore57727911560 . 2019-07-12
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Always have a great meal here, could not recommend a better place in Dunmow for service and food and the bar area is lovely too
darrennicklen . 2019-07-11
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Do not come here. My wife parked in the car park and did not register her number plate. Now we have debt collectors after us. I mean hello, u are a Tn pot pub that serves rubbish !!!!
Alastair C . 2019-07-10
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Same faces every week, full of drugs, poor customer service behind the bar, not a nice place to be. I went with my wife for a drink and was approached by a drug dealer. Totally scummy atmosphere. Disgusting .
Bestspots777 . 2019-06-28
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Lovely new bar staff, full of character and people skills, maybe not the best on the bar but that will come with time and practice.
Secretsquirrel83 . 2019-06-24
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I don’t stay in Great Dunmow often, but when I do, I always stay at the Saracens
225PeterS . 2019-05-30
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Went for dinner with my wife, decided to try the Saracens head after an awful experience years ago.
DogstarMME . 2019-05-29
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So disappointed. Not many places open to eat on a bank holiday so we thought Saracens would be prepared. Nope. There seemed to be three main members of staff on, one new barman/boy, a young waitress and another lady who i think was in charge of the restaurant. I did see another staff member who i have seen before but she was dealing with an accident near the gents. There were two other tables eating, so no rush really. The waitress didn’t really know the menu. Missing parts to our starters, Incorrect cutlery for meals, un-edible food, extras/sauces (which we had to ask for) brought out too late, drinks slow to receive and a barman who had to be shown how to use a corkscrew bu us! Table near us had problems too.
Secretsmile01 . 2019-05-28
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Went the Restaurant for lunch today and although the food was mainly good the service was very slow and we had to wait for almost 20 minutes for a second drink. When the bill arrived there were drinks on it that we had not had.
Pat F . 2019-05-27
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Looking for a pub style meal this seemed to tick the box. Atmosphere was nice, staff friendly and attentive but sadly the food looked tired. Reasonably sized portions but unfortunately my husbands food was warm not hot as was mine apart from the fish. Menu was good and prices acceptable but just need to nail the cooking! It wasn’t particularly busy just perhaps an inexperienced chef
JoD760 . 2019-05-23
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We were a group of 7 in 4 rooms. This place is very nice, clean, friendly, great location, free parking. Excellent selection of gins in the bar. Delicious evening meal with generous portions, and good wine. The rooms were well appointed and clean. Only two criticisms: Room 8 which looks directly into the car park needs net curtains! Also the vegetarian menu was only produced because one of our party asked for dairy free. Otherwise very nice place, would recommend and stay again.
iain2eyes . 2019-05-11
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Sorry to day we had a very disappointing dinner here on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. Firstly the vegetarian meal was unavailable so they asked 'what would you like'. This question is hated by veggies! Actually when we go out we are just like everyone else and would like you to inspire us! So after a bit of back and forth a mushroom risotto was decided upon. However it was not a proper risotto, more like rice pudding - so rice in cream - and was far too creamy with no other taste.
Greenpig65 . 2019-04-27
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Popped in and sat in the bar area to eat. My husband ordered the burger and although they have a vegetarian/vegan menu I didn’t fancy either the curry or the pie so I ordered their veggie sharing board which was good.
leytonlid . 2019-04-18
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Nice atmosphere in the bar; lots of locals mixing with the tourists. Staff excellent and nice range of beers and wine. Food was fresh and nicely presented.
Michael M . 2019-04-16
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Ate here with friends last Sunday. We all had the Sunday roast and loved it. My roast pork was tender, tasty and the portion generous. Beautifully cooked Yorkshire pudding too. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
David P . 2019-04-08
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As a gin lover this place is the dream, except for the fact it’s so hard to get your gin as there’s never anyone on the bar! But once I have my gin, sit in the sun all is forgotten, good price aswell.
. 2019-04-01
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This place is a great place to stay when in the area, it beats all the surrounding places. The food, service, presentation is top notch.
. 2019-03-16
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Four friends stayed one night, great evening meal. Meals huge and delicious. We couldn’t decide on a dessert so was given a complementary brownie and ice cream. Manager great sense of humour. We were treated like princesses. 100% recommend. Thank you for a great start to our trip. When guest required gluten free very accommodating to her needs x
. 2019-03-15
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Had a great meal here a couple of days ago. The food was amazing the staff were friendly and especially the lovely ellie! The waiting time wasn’t too long for food and the drinks came super quick. I love the atmosphere in this place. I had the lamb shank and it’s was delicious! Will definitely be returning soon.
. 2019-03-03
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Had such a lovely meal, everything was tasty and cooked to perfection. I had the chicken risotto with Parma ham and couldn't fault it. Service was great and the atmosphere was brilliant, we will definitly be returning soon.
. 2019-03-02
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303 Opinions
Clean and tidy. Warm welcome. Good food and drink menu. Sadly we were kept awake till 4 am with music 🎶 coming from above. The sink in the en-suite did not have a plug
615 Opinions
1084 Opinions
Very friendly welcome. Good choice for Sunday Roast. Homemade Scotch Egg very enjoyable. Generous portions for roast which we all enjoyed. Nice atmosphere.
303 Opinions
The best Sunday lunch you will find for around. Pork belly with proper crackling. All the veg cooked properly and with care. Just superb. Will be back!
1738 Opinions
We stayed at the Cross Keys in Nov 2024, the restaurant was lovely, and the food was great. But the room was cold and very noisy. I took my husband for an overnight stay for his birthday, but we hardly slept all night due to the noise from the main road. Unfortunately, the room we stayed in was located at the front of the property and really needs double glazing installed, I would have got more sleep, sleeping in my car on the hard shoulder of the M25. The service also lacked, I had to ask for dessert, as the manager (who also kept singing all the way through service) was to busy looking on her laptop, arranging staff shifts for the following week. We were also told that the bar was closing early, around 20.15pm, I would assume to lack of punters drinking in the bar. I can't fault the food though this was very good, and we really enjoyed it, but the room well, this really lacked and needs to be used as storage only due to the road noise. Sorry but we won't be back.