Business Details
The Cross Keys: Historic Hotel & Restaurant in Saffron Walden
Established in the heart of Saffron Walden, The Cross Keys is a boutique hotel and restaurant housed in a historic Elizabethan building. We combine centuries of heritage with modern comforts, offering ten individually designed rooms featuring king-sized beds, luxurious bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. Our restaurant serves freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including vegan and gluten-free options, alongside signature Lava Stone Grill steaks.Guests enjoy breakfast daily, a heated alfresco terrace with views of the open kitchen, and curated selections of cask ales, gins, and over 50 dArenberg wines. Located on the High Street, we provide easy access to independent shops, historic streets, and nearby attractions like Cambridge and Stansted Airport. With dedicated hospitality and thoughtful amenities, we aim to create memorable stays for leisure, business, or special occasions.
Services
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Restaurant & Dining
Breakfast Service
Lava Stone Grill Steaks
Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
Cask Ales & Gins
Wine Selection
Alfresco Dining
Christmas Celebrations
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We offer ten boutique bedrooms with unique designs and modern amenities.
- Our restaurant serves daily fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
- Alfresco dining is available year-round on our heated, covered terrace.
- We provide complimentary breakfast and easy access to Saffron Walden's attractions.
- Our historic setting combines character with contemporary comfort.
Services
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Our ten individually designed rooms blend Elizabethan heritage with modern comforts. Each features king-sized beds, luxurious bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and amenities like Nespresso machines. Stay includes breakfast served daily in our restaurant, ideal for business, leisure, or special occasions.
Restaurant & Dining
We serve freshly prepared British cuisine daily, including vegan and gluten-free options. Highlights include Lava Stone Grill steaks, Sunday roasts, and a weekday set lunch menu. Ingredients are sourced from regional suppliers, emphasizing quality and seasonal availability.
Alfresco Dining
Our heated, covered terrace offers year-round outdoor dining with views into the open kitchen. Perfect for casual meals or drinks, it combines comfort with the vibrant atmosphere of our kitchen's activity.
Christmas Celebrations
Celebrate Christmas in our historic setting with a traditional feast on Christmas Day or a festive party menu throughout December. Our venue accommodates groups for lunches, dinners, or drinks, with bookings open for 2025.
Event Hosting
Host gatherings in our character-filled spaces, suitable for private parties, meetings, or celebrations. Our team assists with arrangements, offering menus and hospitality tailored to your event's needs.
Questions
What amenities are included in the rooms?
Rooms include king-sized beds, luxurious bedding, en-suite bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and flatscreen TVs with Freeview. Breakfast is included daily.
Does the restaurant cater to dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer vegan and gluten-free options alongside our regular menu items.
Is parking available near the hotel?
Yes, Swan Meadow car park is a 5-minute walk away, with day rates of £4.70 and free access after 5pm.
Can I book a table or room online?
Yes, reservations for dining and accommodation are available through our website.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
Please contact us directly to discuss pet-friendly accommodation options.
Reviews (7)
Eliza Toplis Toplis
Dec 18, 2021
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This is a beautifully warm and cosy, historically interesting pub with timbered interior and log fires.
Sadly the menu doesn't live up to the general ambience of the place - although cooked well, it is limited and uninspired.
Sadly the menu doesn't live up to the general ambience of the place - although cooked well, it is limited and uninspired.
Craig W.
Dec 10, 2021
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A deceptively large pub, friendly and helpful staff, decent beer on tap. I had a party party christmas ale, which was ery nice. My only slight negative was the toilets, the toilets on their own were really clean and spacious, but getting there was a slight struggle, being at the very end of the pub, you open a door and the narrow staircase leading up to it, there is very little room to manouver in, me being very tall didn't help matters, but this is of course because of the age of the building so it isn't a fault of the pub at all.
Julie Bertjab
Dec 09, 2021
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Beautiful old pub with so much character and superb food, excellent service and real charm, a singer at the electric organ was a real treat. I visited today for a late lunch and had the most flavoursome roast beef, it was wonderful. Dog friendly and really lovely staff who deserve praise for bespoke service skills. First time in Saffron Walden and so impressed I will be back.
Margaret Nice
Dec 09, 2021
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We had pre-booked our Christmas meal as we thought, but when we got there we were told we should have booked what we wanted to eat. We were never told that when we booked!!! Needless to say, we never stayed, and got a lovely meal else where. Wouldn't recommend this place!!
David Hipson
Oct 29, 2021
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Sunday 17th October - Lovely beautiful pub. Waitresses were fatastic dealing with our group of 8 noisy people. My only criticism was that the sharing platters did not have enough food on them, better to order single meals !!
Rachael Pedersen
Oct 21, 2021
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Top marks 5! Finally somewhere that can do a decent camembert. In fact, likely the best camembert I have ever had! Very dog friendly, the staff bought over treats and water to our table for little Bluebell. Tables cleaned super quickly after other diners left, and the staff were so polite and attentive, they were cheerful and professional. Cannot fault them. The whole place was clean, atmospheric and very charming indeed. The best pub/restaurant we have been to in a very long time. Superb food. Perfect service. What is not to love?
Melissa Ryder
Oct 16, 2021
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I used the outdoors terrace, I was greeted with a friendly waitress who had brilliant customer service throughout. I only ordered a cappuccino but was very impressed, it came in a luxury quality cup, was delicious and came with brownie bites on the side! The terrace was in a peaceful setting, I could sit here for hours.
