The Goat And Grass — Restaurant in Uttlesford

My first time in Saffron Walden … walking around the Saturday market and then down a side street one couldn’t help notice the full looking outside area and the queue, 8-10 deep, outside of the Goat & Grass… not going unnoticed at this early stage was the very amiable maitre d’ or owner. His warm, composed style as he orchestrated the waiting clientele was the archetypal elegant swan, no doubt kicking furiously under the water in this busy setting. Already I knew I’d like to work here let alone eat here. Having found me a table to share with another couple, I was quickly presented with a menu. A delicious mix of cuisines that gives you that difficult but desired job of choosing what to have this time and what to have next time. A minute after deciding along came my smiling server and took my order… coincidence? I doubt it. More likely part of the slick training the staff have had. Twice, maybe thrice, during my single course lunch dish I was checked upon, once by the maitre d’. Partly I guess to politely check how our 3 on a table of 6 was coming along… queues of people still trailing along the walkway outside. The food was great. Simple as it sounds, you know how often it’s not, my two poached eggs were cooked to perfection, beautifully presented as part of my Muhammara dish (I had to look it up too!). Pomegranate, roasted red pepper and walnuts, avocado, rocket, sundried tomatoes (put that in a dish and I’m hooked!) on a quality slice of finest, lightly toasted seeded loaf.

More or less as soon as I’d finished the plates were cleared. The other couple had left a few minutes before and the team were quickly, quietly, calmly, efficiently cleaning and prepping the table for the next sitting. Again, chance, or have they been trained to spot a finished table and never leave dirty dishes for more than a minute? I suspect it’s the great training and aptitude of the staff.

I fancied staying and having another mocha so i caught the ever watchful eye of one of the team and she came to me whilst I offered to move to a table for 2 so they could use the table for 6 … she spoke to the maitre d’ and checking I was happy confirmed I could move whilst the maitre d’ advised her to put the mocha on the house. He recognising my appreciation that he’d want the table.

I moved and moments later, table cleared, a party of 6 moved to the vacated table.

The atmosphere here was buzzing with the murmurs and moans of satisfied customers.

Is it just Saffron Walden? Or is this place a little special? I suspect a bit of both and I suspect that the maitre d’ has worked in and/or run establishments of the highest calibre.

Dd I get lucky? You come and find out. I do not think you’ll be disappointed (inflated expectations aside).

Thank you Goat & Grass. Sorry I live an hour away but I...

I recently visited The Goat and Grass Café at Cross St, Saffron Walden, and had a mostly enjoyable experience. The café has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a casual meal. The staff were attentive, friendly, and created a warm ambiance that made me feel welcomed right from the start.

I ordered the "Hungry Goat Breakfast," which had all the right components for a hearty start to the day. The portion size was generous, and the ingredients were fresh. However, there was one small downside—while everything else was cooked well, the hush-browns had a noticeable burnt taste from the sunflower oil they were fried in. This strong flavor distracted a little from the overall dish, but it didn’t completely spoil the experience.

On the bright side, the green tea with lime that I had was absolutely fantastic. It was a refreshing and unique twist on the usual tea options, and I found it to be the perfect accompaniment to the meal. The balance of the lime's tartness with the subtle notes of green tea was superb.

Despite the minor issue with the hush-browns, I left the café feeling satisfied and impressed by the service and atmosphere. I would definitely return to try more from their menu and would recommend the café to anyone visiting Saffron Walden. Just perhaps keep an eye on the oil when frying the...

I can not sing this places praise enough! I come from a strong hospitality background myself after spending a long 13 years init myself! I really can not fault this place it's so clean and tidy with such a nice atmosphere 😍 The 2 beautiful people that served me Laura & zeyna. Service with a smile seemed very natural to them, where this place shines above every other establishment in that town is they don't make you feel like your annoying member of the public. And you don't feel like your bothering them. Almost every other place in saffron walden just makes you feel like a nuisance and they are just doing it to earn there wages. I could go on and on but

Staff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hygiene ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Drinks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall standards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A massive 10/10 from me I will be bring my friends and family here in the future keep up the amazing standards

Kind...