The Axe and Compasses in Arkesden has one of the best pub restaurants in Essex. It was a finalist in the Essex Food and Drink Awards 2012, and winner of Best Food Pub in 2007. The Good Pub Guide describes it as Comfortably traditional pub with Greene King beers and decent food.
Not to be confused with the The Axe and Compasses Aythorpe Roding, which is to the SE.
The Axe is a two room village pub with a modern public bar (built in the 19th Century) and a lounge bar with some armchairs and settees.
The pub itself dates back to 1650 and part of the pub used to be stables until 1920. It is certainly an old, traditional and historic Essex pub that is worth a visit. The Daily Telegraph once rated it as “one of the best pubs in Essex“.
The kitchen has its own kitchen garden in the village which provides herbs and vegetables for the cooking. The bar serves Green King ales and the IPA is often agreeable.
- Axe & Compass
- Arkesden, Saffron Walden CB11 4EX
- 01799 550272
- www.axeandcompasses.co.uk
