Reviews for CROSS KEYS HOTEL & RESTAURANT, CHATTERIS

5/5 from Tony
2 years ago
I've had Sunday roast at the Cross Keys with friends a family a couple of times since we moved to Chatteris and I have found it very enjoyable. The prices are reasonable, the food is good (including the deserts which taste home made!), the staff is nice, and the atmosphere of the pub is very cosy. Highly recommended for a nice cosy meal.
1/5 from Holly
2 years ago
Our experience of The Cross Keys Hotel, Saffron Walden started very positively. The restaurant was very busy at 14:00 and we thought we would try our luck and see if they had a table for two. The greeting by the manager was extremely friendly and they quickly accommodated us. We had a drink at the bar until our table was ready. We took our seats at the table and this is where the issues begun. We sat at the table for a while and no one came to give us any menus or ask whether we wanted more drinks etc. I went and took a menu from the till. Eventually I caught the attention of a passing waitress as asked whether someone would be able to take our order. The food advertised on the sandwich board outside was not available unfortunately but the menu looked promising. We ordered our food and then waited about an hour for the starter to come out. The restaurant was about 1/3 full at this time. Staff were not interested in tending to their customers. Two blond haired waitresses were chatting in the bar area and the manager was stood in the bar area eating cheese cake. The table adjacent to us had waited around 40 minutes for their deserts to arrive. Once again we had to grab the attention of passing staff to refill our drinks. The starter that arrived approximately an hour into our experience was dry on one side and had clearly been sat under a heat lamp. Once we had finished the started we promptly waved a waitress over and asked for the main course to be sent out as time was ticking on. Again we waited and decided that we have had enough. We went to the bar and asked that we pay our bill and explained about the poor service. To the barmaid credit she apologised for the poor service and said that she would remove the food from the bill and we just had to pay for our drinks. Just as we were doing this the main course arrived. I said to the barmaid the food has arrived can I pay for the additional. The barmaid said don’t worry as she had already taken the food off the bill and we could still have the food. I asked whether she was sure and she said that she was. We ate the food which was mediocre at best, the food was cold, potatoes and parsnips under cooked and the ‘gravy’ was very watery. As we stood up to leave the manager came over and said as we have eaten the food we now have to pay for it. I said that I didn’t mind paying for it, but that was not what the barmaid said. She said that she didn’t care what the barmaid said, she was the manager. I replied fine but I want you to get the barmaid and for her to tell her about the conversation that we had. The manager brought the barmaid out who in front of a restaurant of customers was made to apologise for making a mistake. It was humiliating for the member of staff. The manager was rude and gave the impression we were trying to get free food by complaining. The only defence the manager gave for poor service “the staff become complacent when it gets quiet”. No apology, no reasoning. I had already paid the bill so there was no need for it. It is such a shame for such a lovely venue. A lazy manager, unprofessional and massively lacking customer service and management skills. She did not support her member of staff and chose to humiliate her for £30. Please replace the manager and lazy staff working the restaurant floor. If the staff were on the ball and the food had come out in a timely manner I am sure I would be writing a positive review. I won’t be returning and if you have plans for the day I would recommend that you also give it a miss. Food & drinks: Mediocre
5/5 from Emma
3 years ago
Would highly recommend. The restaurant is full of character and charm, the food was great with generous portion sizes, and all of the staff were friendly and polite. Overall a really lovely experience and I look forward to future visits.
5/5 from Gail
3 years ago
We spent a lovely afternoon having a very leisurely lunch at Cross Keys. As a group of Mums and Babies, we were seated in our own room which was fantastic. The building is amazing, full of hidden historical quirks and the service was excellent with lots of extras such as crackers on our table and a complimentary chocolate shortbread after our meal. The food was brilliant value and the chips were delicious. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
4/5 from Nicola
3 years ago
We visited for Steak night (Thurs). The steaks were cooked perfectly - I opted for Medium Rare Rump, and my friend had Rare Sirloin. The staff were attentive without being imposing and the dessert menu is extensive. There are tables available in the bar if your access needs are limited to flat floor. There are two shallow steps, if you wish to be seated in the main dining room and an additional, slightly larger step to the function room, which is equipped to seat large groups. We will likely return for another steak night, or the Sunday Lunch. These aside, they also have an extensive established menu. Walkability: On the main high street. Easy access to cash points, convenience shops and other pubs Food & drinks: Ales & cider on draught
5/5 from Jane
3 years ago
We stayed overnight as were visiting friends so we went on a recommendation it didn't disappoint. We had booked a table and again it was a real pleasure as they asked if anyone had any allergies or dietary requirements. The breakfast was …
5/5 from Wendy
3 years ago
Discovered this pub a few weeks ago and what a treasure. It is interesting and quirky. The staff and service are faultless and the food is excellent. Everything is fresh and well cooked. No limp or slimy lettuce, the chips are incredible and the prices are very competitive. Parking is probably the only downside, there is a car park but it is very small and awkward. There is plenty of road parking though very close by.
5/5 from John
3 years ago
I have stayed here 3 times in the last couple of weeks for work puposes and i have to say it is one of the best experiences in a very long time. From entry to exit, i have found the staff, the owners and the regulars all extremely …
5/5 from Alexander
3 years ago
We stayed in 3 hotels this weekend in Chatteris and Cambridge. This one was by far the best of the bunch!! The staff were so friendly, polite and helpful. Got us checked in, and took breakfast order on arrival. The room was spacious, had everything we needed and looked great. Nice finishing touches everywhere. Very clean and bed was comfortable. Breakfast was amazing, everything cooked to perfection, coffee delicious and delivered to a gorgeous wee table by the friendliest host. My partner left her trainers in the room, and when we phoned to ask, the lady on the phone got them put aside for us to collect when we returned for the quiz on the Sunday. I wish we’d stayed here again in the Sunday, but as it was our first visit to Chatteris, (we have family live there) we thought we’d try a few hotels to pick our favourite for the future. This is the winner by a country mile. Much much better than the one we stayed at on the Sunday, and paid an extra 20% for. Will definitely be back. Thanks very much for having us.
4/5 from Peter
3 years ago
What a delightful place. So welcoming and friendly. The owner (I guess he was) was very accommodating and helpful. Even made my son a coffee when he was sitting outside. Room was really nice, floor a bit creaky but it’s an old building so only to be expected. Car park at the back but small so get there early to get a spot but you can park on the road outside. Breakfast was great no complaints. The only down side was that I couldn’t lock my door from the outside. But that will be fixed easily I guess. If you want a nice friendly place to stay this is it. Rooms: Nice clean and tidy. Good selection of drinks and biscuits! Nice big TV with plenty of space. Floor creaky but it’s an old building so only to be expected. Food & drinks: Food is hot and they give good portions.