Chater's — Restaurant in Uttlesford

Not a fan of leaving negative reviews but disappointed enough with our experience to feel compelled to. Having received reminders to be on time and that we had to be done by 11pm (we had a 9pm seating for NY eve) we arrived at 8.55pm as requested. We were not alone and the restaurant was packed with people waiting to be seated. We said if we were not seated by 9.20pm we would leave. We eventually got seated at 9.25pm. To be fair we were offered a complementary drink but we were not sure what it was and none us of could drink it. When we were seated we were offered it again but politely declined. It was NY eve and we had a helpful waiter but the food was not good. It is of course highly personal but we all agreed on our table of 4 that a plate of nuts, the cut of cheese, the size you’d leave in a mouse trap as and some salami (as an entrée), was not the usual Chaters experience we have had. It was followed by ‘Bread and oil’ which turned out to be a brioche type bun filled with cold lavender cream. No one ate it. It wasn’t a pleasant taste or texture. We had pinned hopes on the venison, we didn’t know it was raw. Again a personal choice but we were starving and 2 small discs of cold meet with English mustard was not cutting it and most of the family don’t eat raw meat. The cod was good but a 5th cold course. We got the raviolo, our first warm meal and that was also well made. We had paid and opted for the cheese course but by 11.30pm patience warn thin, frustrated, hungry and wanting to get home, we asked for the bill missing the final courses. The waiter apologised and knocked off the wine. However we were still £293 worse off and honestly completely starving and disappointed. We’ve eaten at Chaters on multiple occasions and it is a venue we use for special occasions and to take visiting friends and family to ‘as a treat’. It was NY eve and it was busy but there were either too many covers or not enough staff and the food wasn’t good. It was, I’m told, a first for Chaters but it was a set menu. Had the bill been smaller I would have forgiven the experience but NY family is important and, at tad under £300, we’ll not be going back or recommending which is a shame as Chaters is a family favourite We’ll also be going in to the restaurant as we, in hindsight, think we may been charged...

We hadn't booked and arrived at a busy lunchtime during the Easter weekend but were received in a cordial and welcoming fashion. We were sat at a raised side countertop where they sell a variety of quality produce. Service was jovial, attentive, and well paced. We chose two small plates as a starter, the butter beans and leek dishes which were beautiful in their simplicity and flavour. We then had cacio e pepe and bigoli pasta with garlic and olive oil which seemed to have chilli and radish in it as well. Both were perfectly executed and Al dente. It was clearly homemade and delicious. The glass of wine I had was nice and suited the dish but for a small glass, we thought it was expensive. The espresso was very nice and served in the correct cup and saucer but it could have been pre warmed. It was unfortunate that we were sat next to the door as the place also does takeaways. Some customers didn't close the door or consider fellow diners who were eating nearby. The door could do with an automatic door closer but staff were aware and did make the effort to close it when they could. All in all a fantastic lunch in a nice town which has limited other decent options and we would...

Our new favourite place in Saffron Walden. This shabby chic, super cool place was set up to utilise the additional space the owners had after moving their distillery from London to Essex, and I am really pleased they did.

The food is - particularly for its price point - astonishing. Imaginative small plates and beautiful pasta made on the premises. The herbs and veg come from Audley end (just up the road) and another local supplier who I cant remember (sorry). It means you get an interesting mix of very authentic Italian food and local produce.

The Tomato Tonnato was absolutely amazing. Fresh tomatoes atop a fish base. I’m not a Buratta fan but really enjoyed the fresh whole buratta with an orange dressing.

The Carbonara was made using egg white rather than cream. The Fish pasta dish was simple, fresh and beautiful.

Service was lovely. The owner is obviously present (I love owner managed businesses) and the staff are well trained and very enthusiastic.

I had wine by the glass which wasn’t the best but next time (and there will be one) we will make it a bigger night out and...