The Old English Gentleman (OEG), Saffron Walden

I see my previous review (six years ago) is out of date, I concur with quercus's review. Now the Lizzie and White Horse and now the Cross Keys and the Sun Inn have closed, Friday night clientel has a rather negative vibe. I still go in various days of the week and various times, with various people (dates, business meetings, socials or quiet retreats). At peak times, it gets crowded, noisy and sometimes rowdy. There is no escape in the garden (read yard) because you will die of smoke inhalation. At other times, it is friendly and quiet and as another reviewer mentioned, a good place for a roast or a place to read a paper. The beer is good with a changeable selection of guest beers and the other drinking options are well chosen, food is still good too, even after their chef left. Jeff and Cindy are still friendly but some of their staff can scare you off, especially at those peak times, they can be positively cold!

13 Jun 2012 14:25

Railway, Saffron Walden

It is very important that the following information be noted about this pub. The landlady is very rude, uncharismatic, sour, unwelcoming and not good for business. The landlord seems to suffer from being married to her, such that his mood is likely to make you think you are unwelcome. The tension behind the bar is uncomfortable. This, I have heard from many other people. On one occasion I entered the pub to book a table for twelve guests, there were two people in the pub, the landlady and a local who were chatting over the bar. I was wearing a suit, I approached the bar and stood for 2 minutes before the local interjected her gossip and asked if she was going to serve me, she looked at me with distaste and reluctantly pulled herself from the conversation and asked what I wanted, at which point I told her to forget it and walked out.

I have since returned (years later) on four occasions to find they are still running the pub, their attitude has not changed but the beer and food are good.

13 Jun 2012 14:12

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

Lose yourself in time in Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. I love this pub, if you are visiting from abroad and want to experience old fashioned London then give this a go.

28 Jun 2006 15:03