Eight Bells - Saffron Walden

Simple booking, ample staff who were friendly and very helpful, great menu and lovely food served hot and in sensible portions. 2nd visit and will be returning. Thanks for a great meal.

A fantastic meal with amazing fish cookery, great service and excellent location.

Have enjoyed dining at the Eight Bells previously and always had a great experience. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the chef apparently left mid-afternoon which meant that we were unable to order desserts. The staff were trying to do the best they could in the circumstances, but it was little chaotic and ruined the meal. This was supposed to be a birthday meal for my partner but the experience was nowhere near as good or what we expected. Will be thinking twice before returning.

Loved our lunch here did request a bar table but was seated in the restaurant it was a very warm day and the restaurant was warm eventually a side door was opened which created a breeze but it wasn’t too comfortable and felt a few people were feeling the same way the door to the garden wasn’t open for whatever reason. Would have preferred to sit in the bar as requested. However the lunch was delicious.

The eight bells is my local, and absolutely a favourite for us to take visitors. I am so disappointed that sadly our experience on Friday evening was as it was. We ordered specials, and the first disappointment was one of our party’s dishes came out without a key component we asked why it was missing, a server went off to investigate they came back when we had nearly finished starters and were told it had been left off as the eggs had gone bad no apology, no preemptive conversation. We waited two hours for mains no communication, burning smell filling the dining room. We watched as table after table complained. No communication, no apology. The manager didn’t approach a single table, waitresses were sent to calm people down. I eventually spoke to our waitress and she said the kitchen were overwhelmed. We ate extremely late, no offer of explanation, no offer to discount or even remove the gratuity. I had family visiting from New Zealand and was actually embarrassed. I appreciate everyone had bad nights, but communication and response was absolutely disappointing. I don’t know that I would risk taking visitors again and spending the expense for that experience.