The Thatchers Arms in Colchester

Turned up without booking for a late lunch and got a table in the bar area. The restaurant was catering for an event so staff were a bit busy with event. Few other people eating in the bar area and served pretty quickly. Food didn’t take long to arrive considering they were also serving the event. We both had the pork which was beautifully cooked and the portions were about the right size. We had hoped to have a desert but I think they were short staffed that day and took a while for a staff member to ask if we would like a desert. We passed in the end as we were driving back to Norwich. Prices were reasonable for what we had. Good selection of food and drink available on the menu and at the bar. Nice environment and plenty of parking. Did do a kids if needed one. Would go back if we were passing and would recommend it to anyone. Probably best to book or to find out if they had an event on.

We were not greeted by staff in warm friendly warm friendly way as you would expect from a restaurant. Only 2 other tables had people eating and it was a Saturday evening so no atmosphere. The lights had an electric buzzing constantly. The fire alarm had a flashing light going constantly in front of me. Food was what I expected from a pub not a restaurant. The starter was small for the price and Jarred peppers with feta is really boring and not at all appetising. The main meal was good quality and enjoyed the vegan pie. However it’s pub grub. Desert was obviously of the frozen kind, spotted dick and not worthy of the price. We won’t be going back!

First visit to the Thatchers in ages and was so impressed. Great mix on the menu of pub classics and fresh ideas, food, service and value all excellent. Highly recommend.

Organised a meal for 14 people and it was perfect. Had communication with Neil before by phone and email, food pre booked. When we got there they were ready and expecting us. Good served exactly as ordered, lots of different things ordered and everything was very nice. Adults food was very well presented, a fussy child’s food was kept plain and simple as requested. The staff were pleasant and attentive, especially Neil, making sure we had drinks throughout. I absolutely cannot fault this place and I would recommend to anyone booking a special meal. As a further note my partner has also used for work lunches and says it is great then too. Thank you so much Neil for making our special evening so great.

We came for Sunday lunch. Just need to say the veg served with it was pretty pathetic! Really small pile of greens and leeks, that’s it! Not good value, and really disappointing. The guy who greeted us on arrival was really miserable too!

7 of us came 7.30 on 10th November.Very quiet tonight. Menu very favourable.The various Pies were delish.Not a crumb left.I had the Sea Bass,with a korma style sauce with rice highly recommended was delish. Steak was cooked perfect. Desserts large choice but difficult to choose as they all sounded 😃 👍 great. Would recommend to all to try.8 stars.

Went for Sunday lunch with friends , lovely location , large car park, in middle of the countryside . The food was very good and the waitress were friendly and attentive .We were very disappointed with who I presumed was the manager, didn’t acknowledge , or welcome us in anyway . He seemed very grumpy , didn’t see him smile the whole time we were there. This place could be massively improved if the( manager ) could improve his customer relationship, and at least look like he is enjoying his job .

Wasn’t sure what to expect but the ale was lovely, the service was friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming and the food was excellent. As for the wine, the knowledge from the front of house was first first class. Loved it!

I rang to book our family in to end a weekend away celebrating a milestone birthday in a beautiful barn. I said our party comprised of 6 adults, 2 toddlers and a baby and three dogs. I was told they could accommodate. The menu looked good for a Sunday lunch especially as we have two members of our party following a vegan/pescatarian diet. I booked for 12 noon purely because of the location from our barn. We arrived early but took in the beautiful views over the valley. It was hot though so at around 11.50 we moved to the back terraced area for shade under the umbrellas. The proprietor was luckily opening up, grumpily asked if we had booked and when we confirmed, he asked us to move to the main entrance door to let us in. We could already tell he would not win any awards for cheerfulness. He opened the door and we were seated in probably the hottest part of the pub with no fans or open windows. We ordered drinks followed by our choice of lunch. The waitress was prompt. However it went wrong when a guy walked in with his dog and unfortunately and uncharacteristically our dog started to bark at his dog. We naturally tried to calm her. She is only 6 months old. The guy refused to move away from eyeshot (something I thought would have been the obvious thing to do to assist but rather stayed refusing to move). Our dog barked for merely a couple of minutes and we were seated away from everyone else. However the proprietor walked over and told us that the dog would have to leave. We had just been given our meals. So the atmosphere was cut with a knife and a sharper one than was set at the table! My husband moved the dog and she settled. But the damage was done. We were made to feel totally unwelcome. Even the waitress followed in the same way as when she collected our plates she grimaced “You don’t want any desserts, do you.”! Couldn’t believe it! How rude. The proprietor and a local was overheard through the paper thin toilet doors moaning about us. So unprofessional and downright rude. The lunch was ok. Wouldn’t win any awards. Those who have rated this as their best Sunday lunch clearly need to widen their horizons. Unless of course the chef (cook) was also having a bad day too. The marks go for the meal being ok and the views. This is a typical pub that doesn’t stand out. I suggest the proprietor goes on a hospitality course. And if a pub takes a party such as ours then it needs to cope with 2 minutes of a dog barking. As we left we did sound our car horns as we were all saying goodbye after a truly fabulous weekend together not (as was commented by “him”) because we were making a point. We’re not childish, but rather suggest that he is and should not think we are all like him. Typical arrogant Essex guy who I can see has received other bad reviews about his rudeness. Won’t be going here again as clearly won’t be welcome. Much better pubs in the area. My suggestion is try them until this guy gets his hospitality certificate. I would welcome an apology but won’t hold my breath.

I wish this restaurant was near to me as I would go often” We were made very welcome and everything was very efficient. The staff were working very hard but all seemed keen to oblige the customers. The food was all very good. I look forward to returning the next time we are in the area are staying with friends who live nearby and they go very often, had a wonderful Sunday lunch, delicious food, reasonably priced and fantastic customer service, nothing was too much trouble. We will visit again! Thank you.

This was a family occasion with relations from New Zealand, we chose it for: availability - right day and time. Very good reviews for hospitality, ambience and a rural location overlooking the Stour Valley. It exceeded expectations on all counts. The greeting was very friendly and professional, always a good indication I find. The Sunday roasts' (Beef/Pork Loin/Chicken) were cooked to perfection, the vegetable selection of braised red cabbage, swede mash and mix of seasonal vegetables was a perfect accompaniment. The decor and layout of the whole dining area is quite striking in an understated way. The occasional tables with a couple of leather armchairs are a nice touch, it gives the appearance of a residents lounge rather than a dining room with a regimented table layout. Without doubt a very good choice which we will use again.

Good food and good service as always. We will definitely be coming back in the near future. Nice ambiance too.

After spending 6 months to a year looking for the best roast in north Essex the search is finally over…. Arrived and the picturesque friendly pub situated in the most stunning part of the English countryside. The thatchers arms mount Bures. We made a grave mistake coming here hungry. The portion was monumental the three mixed roast of beef chicken and pork loin. This was a mammoth challenge with the pigs on blankets, stuffing and crackling as well and the seasonal veg!! The Yorkshire pudding engulfed the plate and the roast potatoes are as close to what Nan used to make…. Absolutely phenomenal experience start to finish. What an incredible pub with incredible staff and obviously incredible food !!!!! See you next week 😉

Nice pub but not all food served is stated on there web site which was a shame.Service was very slow and had to ask to be served desert and had to ask again for the bill not very professional.

Never been before. Would definitely go again. We stumbled on The Thatchers Arms when looking for a lunch venue to meet with friends coming up from SE Essex as we came down from Suffolk. What a brilliant find. Lovely quiet location. Tables well spaced. Warm greeting and excellent attentive staff. Food was superb and very reasonably priced. Dog friendly in the bar area. This place is a gem.

Had a lovely meal at the Thatchers Arms. Food was very good and reasonably priced. The haddock and chips is fantastic and my other half had the roast which apparently was very good. One of the very best roasts eaten out!The service was exceptional too. Katie our waitress was very friendly, attentive and professional. Her service in our opinion exceeded the service we have experienced in the business class cabins of some of the worlds top airlines! Outstanding. We will be back very soon.

First time eating at the thatchers arms and it was amazing! All the food was great and the veggie options were different and so lovely! Staff were all brilliant and we didn't feel rushed to leave even though it was mid week and we were celebrating a birthday. Will definitely return!

Four of us had a meal last night and it was our first time there for many years.It won't be our last!The service was welcoming and efficient and they couldn't do enough for us.The food was excellent, well cooked and good sized portions. The homemade burgers are outstanding.There is a small room with a big table to seat a private party that is ideal for family meals too.Great draught selection, gins and ports.All in all can't recommend The Thatchers Arms highly enough.

Good food, beer and service. We sat outside at the back of the restaurant which gives a pleasant view. Would definitely visit again.

Cannot recommend enough. Very pleasant pub/ restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. Staff are always helpful.Food delicious.My wife and I were booked in for Christmas dinner but unfortunately caught COVID three days before , the manager arranged for our Christmas dinners and additional food to be delivered to our house and threw in a free bottle of wine as well. That is exceptional service.And to add to this the bonus of a dog friendly pub.Thank you

Outstanding evening,super ambience, super staff, super location,could not fault,highly recommend,,nothing was to much trouble,thank you for your attention and may it continue.From table18 on may the 22nd .

Our first visit since the refurbishment. They have done an excellent job. The restaurant is very spacious and light. The food was to a very high standard with excellent presentation. Very pleasing service.

We booked an outside table on the first weekend after lockdown. It had been a long time coming but it was worth the wait. We had preordered the picnic basket and it was delicious. There was so much food the staff were kind enough to wrap it for us so we could take it home. It felt so lovely to be out and amongst other people and all the staff were so friendly and made every effort to make sure we felt safe.

Had really good lunch here, the food is excellent and the makeover is superb, it's so tastefully decorated now, will definitely return very soon. Was nice to see an interesting vegetarian choice. Great location with lots of outside space.

Went for late Sunday lunch today, probably one of the best roasts we'd had. Lovely to see different veg on the plate to. The red cabbage and swede were on another level taste wise, absolutely delicious. Meat, roasts, Yorkshire and other veg all spot on. Service very good all round.

Visited with the family yesterday. The service was great and the food was lovely. Will be visiting this alot over the summer.

Went Sunday for lunch and sat outside with our dogs and toddler. It was lovely to be able to go out for lunch again, and I'm glad I chose this pub to go for my first lunch out. The staff were lovely, really welcoming and attentive but not over the top. The setting was beautiful overlooking a large valley and all the tables nicely spaced to ensure excellent social distancing. The food was delicious, really well home cooked food. I had a roast which was lovely...proper huge Yorkshire and tasty lamb. Partner had a pie which looked again, beautifully homemade, and not too big either as some can be. Warm chocolate brownie to finish just completed the meal. Also, as a side note, this is the first pub I've ever been to thats had proper ketchup!

Congratulations to Bob Anita and all the staff for an amazing Christmas lunch, great atmosphere very warm welcome in these difficult times we are all experiencing, i would not hesitate to recommend this place to friends and family.. Looking forward to 2021 and wish all in this industry all the very best.. Keep up the amazing work....

I was staying locally for business and decided to give it a try.Was given a very warm welcome by the staff who were simply excellent. Friendly and couldn’t do enough for you.The interior decor is tasetful and recently renovated and I’ve no doubt the atmosphere would be lovely (it was very quiet but that’s what you get for a Monday night during Covid times).Food was good - some pub classics as well as some other cuisines on the menu.All in all I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

After a few disappointments at various pubs recently I thought I’d pretty much given up eating out during the Covid-19 pandemic. However I was persuaded to try The Thatchers Arms at Mount Bures on recommendation (of my Mum, who has been there several times lately). How glad we were that we took her advice! What a delightful place to go and enjoy a really good meal in lovely surroundings and with extremely competent staff. The place appears to have been very recently refurbished and is very tastefully fitted out with wood burners, modern but sympathetic décor, fresh flowers on every table and big candles on every table – all lit whether the table was occupied or not, giving off a warm and relaxing ambiance. On arrival, there was hand sanitizer at the door and a sign requiring face coverings whilst moving around inside. Inside, the manageress greeted us, very politely explained the Covid-19 precautions and took us to our table where of course we could remove our masks. The tables were well spaced apart and we were told that everything was sanitized before use – tables, chairs, condiments, everything, - and we saw that being done for ourselves when a table was being cleared later in the evening. It is great for anyone who is worried about the spread of Covid-19 to see that level of commitment to keeping customers safe whilst in no way spoiling the experience. Service was prompt, the meal was excellent - perfectly cooked and well presented - and we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, even deciding to stop on the way out for a coffee on the large leather armchairs before leaving, as they looked so inviting. We will definitely be going back, even though this is not in any way local for us. Definitely worth passing a few pubs for! Thank you very much to the owners and staff for your excellent hospitality, - and thanks Mum for the tip!

We saw The Thatchers Arms on the local news talking about the new restrictions coming into place.Thought it looked nice and checked the menu. All I can say we were really not disappointed.Wonderful setting super food and friendly professional staff.The social distancing was great with all the rules of how they run with the COVID restrictions explained. Really thought my birthday was gonna be a wash out this year as the country is doing the Okey Cokey with we’re in were out... Thank You for making the day so enjoyable. Well done Anglia News on reporting this little Essex country gem for us to find. Well Done Thatcher Arms on your superb establishment. We enjoyed every minute great to be out and feel safe..... Deffo see you again. Fab U Lous.

Fabulous Sunday Roast nicely presented, and the spotted dick and custard for afters was fantastic, staff and surroundings were perfect, and the covid measures made us feel very safe without spoiling our experience . Wil definitely be paying a return visit to support our local hostilities.

Went to lunch with my family in September. Very impressed with updated decor and furnishings and their covid procedures. Excellent food and service. Will definitely go back.

Wonderful food, great service, lovely atmosphere. All our meals were beautifully presented, great quality ingredients, amazing choice. Absolutely A1

A fantastic county pub with a focus on quality of service. I had a Sunday roast here for the last 2 weeks and plan on coming back again this weekend as it is simply delicious. A focus on quality over quantity which is a principle carried through every aspect of the venue; decor, staff, drinks selection, menu and everything else. Enjoy beautiful views across the valley while stuffing stunning food, highly recommended!

Just had an amazing meal, cannot fault a thing. Food was lovely, staff were friendly and welcoming. The Covid measures in place are perfect, we felt so safe and the social distancing and hygiene measures are really impressive and well explained to us when we arrived. Highly recommended, Will definitely be going back!

A fabulous Sunday roast. We were caught badly by the rain while eating outside, the staff could not have been more helpful in finding us another table inside, moving everything inside (including 3 miserable, wet dogs!), helping dry our coats and even giving us a new plate each! It was really wonderful and simply DELICIOUS food!

Our second visit to this excellent pub & restaurant. A warm welcome at the door, Covid guidance clear, spotlessly clean. All staff friendly & well trained in hospitality.Decor contemporary & tasteful, comfortable seating & tables well spaced. Interesting menu, excellent food perfectly cooked & thoughtfully presented.We would highly recommend & plan to return again soon.

We visited here for the first time on Friday 25th September. The food (we had the fish and chips) was very good. Excellent 'covid-safe' environment. Staff very helpful and friendly.

It’s not great to go to a pub restaurant and be made to feel really affronted by the frontline staff on admission. If you are in the hospitality trade the first requisite skill that you need is warmth. Yes there are new rules to impart, important rules that need to be obeyed & followed.But these can still be imparted with warmth and friendliness. On this occasion we were lectured on the new rules with what we can only describe as cold relish and an air of strict cold authority leaving us feeling belittled. We are not there as subordinates who should be grateful to be there. We are there to support a local business when they need it most. A bit of friendly warmth does not distill the importance of the message. It’s actually vital to a hospitality business. It left a bad taste that thankfully the good food helped to cover over.

Really loved our visit to the Thatchers Arms. It's in such a picturesque setting with rolling green hills. We were greated so nicely and were told about the new guidelines which was great to know. All the staff who waited on us were so professional, attentive and friendly. The food and drinks were of a high standard and excellent quality. To cap off the visit I phoned in advance to see if they were dog friendly and they were. They had treats for our Lily and also bought a water bowl out for her. This really made me happy. Thanks guys for a fabulous visit.

Stumbled across this pub whilst on a walk from Bures to Wakes Colne. Under the new management the venue is even better with great food and service. wW called in on the off chance the other week and they managed to find a table for us. Even though they were busy the safe guard measures in place to protect against COVID were very well managed. Well done to the team.

Lovely decor, lovely friendly server, lovely food and some stunning views. Our first visit to eat in this truly beautiful restaurant and it didn’t disappoint. We both had the steak and ale pie which was magnificent. Delicious shortcrust pastry that was just right, beef just fell apart and it was stuffed full. Mash was on point and the gravy was delicious. Desserts were fantastic too. We’ll be back for sure and in the meantime I’ll be recommending to friends and family alike. My Mum’s already booked herself for a midweek visit!

We have eaten here several times since Lockdown ended and it was been a delight every time. For our latest visit, we had booked a table outside to enjoy the stunning views across the valley, but the weather had other ideas and there was a downpour. Despite being very busy, the team found us a table inside without any fuss and while still complying with the Covid guidelines. The food and service were excellent, as usual. We had a much longer than usual drive, thanks to temporary roadworks, but it was so worth it!

This was our third visit since the easing of lockdown and once again we were given a warm welcome and had a delicious dinner! The staff are so friendly and on hand to make sure you have all you need and our dog, Bentley was extremely pleased to get a lovely piece of ham

Visited for the eat out to help out on Wednesday evening. I have to say the food and service was exceptional. We were greeted on arrival and a friendly bar tender explained the covid procedures that they have in place,this put us at ease straight away. Our table was in the main dining area which was busy but there is plenty of space, so we felt safe. The food was so delicious,and looked amazing. The lemon posset was to die for.We were recommended by a friend who goes often. Everyone was so friendly we will certainly return very soon.

We had been for a meal at the nd of July pre Eat out to help and was pleasantly surprised by the space available. Unfortunately not so impressed last Wednesday when we went for lunch. Every table except two inside were full and some far too close.Food was good service was good but social distancing not so good!!

Our first meal out since lockdown and it didn't disappoint. Clean, safe, friendly and beautifully cooked food a real treat and we will be back.

Breathtaking views, stylish and comfortable decor with choice of seating areas - stunning private dining room. A lot of thought and care has clearly gone into creating a relaxing environment, first class, friendly service and a menu choice and food that is five star! Can’t praise the Thatchers Arms enough, it is absolutely superb!

We went for my son’s birthday on a very hot afternoon. We had a spacious table outside, but it wasn’t quite covered by the large parasols so, until the sun moved behind the building, we were sitting in direct sunlight which wasn’t very comfortable. Service was a little slow but friendly. I had to ask twice for water for the table but it never arrived. Our food was very good, with generous portions. The steaks ordered by my son and dad were cooked to perfection. The desserts were not as good unfortunately. We had Eton mess, but it was three large scoops of cream with a small amount of meringue and basil-flavoured biscuit crumbled over the top with a few strawberries and strawberry sauce. Too much cream, not enough meringue. All in all though, it was a lovely meal and we will definitely return - without the Eton mess!

4 of us recently returned to the thatchers for the first time after lock-down. and what a great choice it was. they have the right amount of safety procedures that you expect. but we were served at the table by a couple of young gentleman who gave us first class attention. we enjoyed a lovely evening, with great food in a very relaxed atmosphere. and even had a nice chat with the landlady. well don to all the thatchers team. we will be back soon .

We returned to Thatcher's for Sunday Lunch.. Always a very warm greeting from all the staff, Lunch was amazing to start Homemade parfait with toast and chutneyMain Roast Lamb Yorkshire Pudd and fresh vegetables... Even fitted in a PuddingHomemade Lemon Tart with sugar Lavender and sorbet Yum Yum As always the service you can not fault , nothing is to much trouble and they always make you feel very welcome ... We are looking forward to a trip out to their sister Pub / Restaurant which has also under gone a re-fit ... Wishing Anita and all the team the very best in such times we are all going through...

Booked this pub/ restaurant for our wedding anniversary and took our 2 children great service great food and a really nice venue Considering it had a limited menu due to COVID-19 the choice was still really good It was a pleasure from arriving until leaving Thanks for a great meal it helped us celebrate our special day

We have just come back from a lunchtime meal at the Thatchers Arms. I have to admit that i was slightly anxious about going out for a family meal it was the first time we have been out together since the lockdown. There is a good one way system in operation and a hand sanitising station placed in the entrance of the pub which everyone has to use before entering. Our waitress Paula was amazing the service was excellent and the food was excellent, we will definitely be back with no hesitation.Thank you.

First time out for a late lunch and went to see the nearly refurbished Thatchers. Well they’ve out done themselves! Inside it’s stunning and completely COVID-19 safe! Hand sanitiser stations on entry, good clear signage including floor signs, well spaced tables and a well thought out one way system. Food was excellent along with the service! Will definitely be back!

I decided to take my 90 year mum out for her first Lunch since lock down, I could not have chosen a better pub. The service was amazing as was the food . We all decided on the Fish pie which was recommended by the waitress, great choice, I dont think I have ever had a pie packed so full with fish and prawns it was delicious.As always great views , such a lovely place to sit and enjoy the sunshine with a drink and meal .

Lovely wide open countryside amazing views Modern decor Friendly welcome Great service Amazing meals

We had a lovely lunch here for my mums birthday. We took my 1 year old daughter and 6 year old niece. The food was amazing. Really good service and theres a huge green out the back where the girls had fun running around exploring. Good safety measures in place for covid.Highly reccomend!

Great to have the Thatcher's Arms open again, excellent food, service and fantastic views, as always.

This was our first lunch out after lock down and I can say it couldn't have gone better. The food was amazing; my partner and I both went for the sea bass which was wonderful. We also requested for some calamari and olives to come together with the mains and the seasoned calamari was one of the best I've ever had. I will certainly be having it next time. Our waiter was very kind and helped us in deciding which gin to try from their wide range of options. I would also highly recommend the mango parfait not only did it look remarkable it tasted fantastic as well. Thank you Thatchers Arms for a much needed treat.

Fantastic service with a smile. Lovely views looking over the fields whilst sitting outside. Made to feel very welcome. Will definitely be returning in the near future.

First pub and dinner out since lock down began, so pleased we chose this spacious friendly pub. The staff were very charming and handled the new way of service with confidence. My ploughman's was the best I have ever had and was delicious with the landlady's recommended Rhubarb Gin and Tonic. We look forward to coming back very soon !

We booked in for Saturday lunchtime, our second visit since it was taken over. The pub is very tastefully decorated to a high standard, spacious, and very clean. The staff are very friendly, and the food was fantastic. My steak was perfectly cooked, and the calamari was about the most tender I've ever had. We were a little curious to see how they would cope with the guidelines on social distancing. But had nothing to worry about. The tables are very far apart. There's sanitation points, and separate entry and exit points. The staff are extremely well trained. Also we noted that when each table leaves the whole area was thoroughly sanitized. Although I'm not local, and live some distance away I'm keen to visit again in the very near future. A big thank you to all the staff and management.

We visited here for dinner with our dog after a gap of 3 years! We were made so welcome, the whole place has been excellently refurbished and the standard of the food and service is second to none! We cannot recommend The Thatchers enough!

We booked our first post lock down meal and what a great choice. The food was lovely, excellent calamari and whitebait. My ham was Also gorgeous and my mother’s pie (a proper pie) looked fabulous. The service was excellent, lovely, friendly attentive staff and the pub was completely set up for the new regulations which was very reassuring. Lovely experience and will definitely be going back soon.

Had Sunday lunch here and enjoyed it very much. The meat was tender and a good choice of vegetables. Didn't have room for pudding but will make it a target for next visit as they looked delicious! The beer is well kept and very tasty especially the brewers gold which is one of our favourites. This place has just be refurnished and they have made an excellent job of it. Only one reservation and that is there was a dog behind the bar during food service. Not only could the staff fall over it when really busy but isn't that a health issue? Maybe I'm just being picky but it's not really the thing to do in my book. My dog stayed firmly customer side or upstairs during food service. Anyhow, please go as you will love it. Try and get a seat in the far garden room as the view is fabulous

Had to visits to the thatchers first visit food excellent service not good waiter forgetting drinks 2nd visit Sunday lunch not great again waiter forgetting drinks even though it wasn’t busy then got dessert no cutlery for the prices I expect betterDon’t think I will b visiting again such a shame as it’s a beautiful place

We have known The Thatchers for 15 years or so, to be fair it has had its ups and downs over that time. Right now, after a change of management and refurbishment last year, it is definitely on the up.We had an excellent meal, good food politely and professionally served. A really good Friday "date night".

I had their chicken liver pate- clearly bought in and fairly tasteless. Followed by their lovely sounding fish pie- which was very disappointing. It would have been more accurate to describe it as egg and fish pie as each individual pie contained a whole hard boiled egg - not chopped up- as well as the fish. The fish was nice with chewy cheese sauce. Dessert fine. No feeling that there was an enthusiastic chef; as much bought in as possible? Obviously popular with families with children. Waiting staff very pleasant and no long waits.

We've always liked coming to The Thatcher's Arms. It was one of the first pubs at which we ate when we first moved to the area 5 years ago. The staff - especially Debbie, Will and Edel (hope I've spelled that right!) were super-friendly and really helpful. When the Thatcher's Arms reopened after a renovation last year, we were quite excited and loved the new look. However, one change made was, we think, a mistake and should, if possible, be reversed. We used to enjoy meeting friends and acquaintances at the bar (with high stools) opposite the main door before (and sometimes again after) sitting down to dinner. We've even made new friends there. It was a good socialising spot and also gave customers time to look through menus and take advise from staff on menu dishes.That seating area was removed in the re-furb and the area is now little more than a holding/ pre-seating area. We've realised recently how much we miss what was there before. We're also aware of others who no longer frequent the Thatchers Arms as a result of that change. That really is a pity.Food-wise, the Thatchers Arms has always been good and, by and large, it continues in that vein. Sunday lunches are invariably quite delicious.One super dish was a scallop starter: it was, for me, absolutely perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I invited a friend with vast experience in the hospitality industry for lunch to try it out. Sadly, We discovered that the recipe I had so enjoyed and extolled had been tweaked: butternut squash replaced celeric puree and salsa verde replaced apple sauce and apple cubes). This, I felt, ruined the balance of the dish. That, coupled with the fact that our scallops were barely luke warm, left me apologising to my friend for the rest of the afternoon while assuring him that the dish used to be better. Still, our history with the Thatchers Arms mean that we retain some loyalty to it and we will no doubt be back again soon. However, loyalty is not blind.

I cannot fault my experience one bit! We did not book and the restaurant was looking a little busy so we feared the worst! However, we were greeted warmly, and sat down right away. The service was warm, friendly and efficient whilst the food was to die for! The pie with mash and greens were delicious as was the chocolate brownie served with warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. All of my party thoroughly enjoyed our meals and I would highly recommend coming here and we are certainly coming back!!

We came here as a family of four for Sunday lunch on a recommendation from a friend. It was a bit of a drive for us so we were really hoping it would be a nice experience, and we weren't disappointed! The food was lovely, I had the roast Beef and it was amazing, the best roast I've had by far. They had a good selection of Gins and my Husband was pleased to see they had Brewers Gold on. The service was faultless, our server was very attentive but not intrusive, I think her name was Abbigale. From my understanding the pub has just undergone a refurbishment. We haven't been before so we don't know what it looked like before the refurbishment, but it was a beautiful pub, nice decor, lovely fires and spacious. Well done Thatchers Arms we will definitely be returning, this time with friends.

Our party all ordered the Sunday roast. Service was pleasant enough.We were seated in the so called Garden Room which was more akin to a featureless shed tacked onto the side of an equally uninspiring modern looking building..

My family and I went in on Sunday without booking.. it was very busy but was told they had a table if we was happy to wait 10 minutes.. we was.. great gin choice and food was just how we liked it. Would highly recommend

Always have good experiences with this place. Much better since new management have taken over. Food is always on point & staff are friendly. I’m not sure what more you can ask for from a country pub.. oh they also welcome dogs!

Visited family close by, booked for a table of six. The pub was very tidy and presentable. It was very busy when we arrived so glad we booked.

Had a superb Sunday lunch with all the trimmings. Roast potatoes were amazing. Couldn't fault the service, all staff were very pleasant. Lovely food, great beers and would highly recommend. Many thanks.

A lovely evening spent celebrating Burns night, with the piping in and address to the of the Haggis. Great food and service. Highly recommend the sea bass.

We were invited by friends to join them for lunch on the event of my pals wife's birthday, they use this place on a fairly regular basis and it was near halfway for both of us, on arrival the table was set between the kitchen entrance and the till, so the staff traffic was very busy, we ordered drinks which were brought one at a time and being that there were 4 of us took ages, to the point where we had to ask for my partners wine more than once!

This is a pub/restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It has a fresh smart decor that makes you like the place immediately. There was a selection of beers that included two guest ales. We ordered food at the bar and took our drinks to a table. Whilst waiting for our food we were asked by two different waitresses if we’d like a menu which was nice and attentive. It also demonstrated table service was available too. The food we had was amazing - home made steak and ale pie which you can see from the picture was indeed home made. It was packed full of melt in the mouth steak surrounded by a lovely pastry pie crust. With it came puréed mash and winter greens - both cooked to perfection. Definitely going back with friends and family when next we eat locally.

I’ve been going to the Thatchers Arms since 2003 and experienced the handovers from various landlords.

Thanks to everyone for a fabulous lunch on Christmas Day. The food was delicious and no waiting in between courses. The staff were great as always and really seemed happy to be there even on Christmas Day. The scallops in particular were lovely.

Visited Thatchers Arms again for lunch on Sunday, amazing place to dine

Have been here for both a Sunday lunch and mid week lunch, both visits were very good. Great menu choice, friendly helpful staff, and fabulous refurbishment resulting in a bright and airy dining area. Looking forward to a summer visit to sit outside and enjoy the views.

My husband and I enjoyed a delightful evening at the Thatchers. Staff were very lovely and you could see they enjoy their work. We had a lovely meal, we both had the Cod Loin and it was delicious. The wood burners were lit and it was very cosy.

Popped in on our way through, as we were on a tight time schedule. Food was tasty and hot, and the service was very accommodating. They've got their Christmas Decorations up too - they look really nice.

Lovely looking pub in a great location 1 at time for us and we were a group of 6 adults, my husband and I had the roast turkey which we ate but it was just bog standard food not worth the money we paid the other members of our party were pleased with their food however and two were vegetarians and theirs looked lovely.

Very much enjoyed our dinner, food very tasty with sensible sized portions. The only disappointment was we chose the fish to share starter and we were given olives, which neither of us like, as a substitute for prawn cocktail without being told! They very kindly gave us a large glass of wine free so no grumbles. Would definitely encourage others to go.,

We had a great meal with friends today. The newly refurbished pub is gorgeous and very classy. The young serving staff are friendly and efficient. Food was wonderful. We’ll be back.

Children sorted a meal to celebrate my wife's birthday but unfortunately she was unable to attend due to illness but she wished for us to enjoy the meal anyway. So with six adults and four children, we were made very welcome and all staff were very attentive.

Great menu, great food, really enjoyed the visit to this newly refurbished restaurant & pub. Tastefully decorated and felt cosy, yet spacious

Had dinner there yesterday and although only a few people, the staff were fab. The wood burner was lit, so we settle around it for a pre meal chat then moved to our table to eat, back to the burner for coffee. Super decor, lovely atmosphere and we've already booked to go back for Christmas. Food excellent, and not over priced. Thank you

Just had a wonderful lunch here, really lovely refurbishment and new owners are really friendly. Couldn’t fault the food, highly recommended . Definitely will be going back

Had lunch at the Thatchers Arms on the 1/11/2019 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a friendly professional waitress named Paula.Would highly recommend to anyone.

Heard good reviews about this place so decided to give it a try while we was out and about on Sunday. Hadn't booked but the barman sorted us a table out.

A lick of paint doesn’t warrant the increased prices for a quite basic pub fayre...A quite unattractive shed of a pub masquerading as a gastro experience doesn’t work..We won’t return..

Had a birthday dinner here, food was lovely, waitress was extremely attentive, definitely recommend a visit. Will certainly be returning.

Being relatively local, we have been here many times in the past but have tended to overlook The Thatchers in recent years, decided to try out again, new owners and an extensive refurb, delighted with the re furb very stylish, service and attititude of the staff very good, could not fault the food, being Sunday from a party of 3, 2 had roast dinners one chicken the other beef, the other had chicken burger could not fault, impressed!

Haven’t been since the refit. Absolutely beautifully finished dining room and private function room, the whole establishment is incredible.

This was my second visit to The Thatchers Arms and I was again, very impressed with the food, service and ambience. The Ribeye steak was cooked to perfection! I’ve already booked my next visit.