Fuller Street, Fairstead, CM3 2BB
Harden's survey result
Summary
Ignore the “standard pub-grub menu” at this cute 17th-century village hostelry on the Essex Way long-distance footpath, and “choose from the specials board every time” – it’s “packed with great dishes using locally sourced ingredients”.
Summary
You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere at this country pub north of Chelmsford (and dating from 1652) – “a perfect venue for those that enjoy a country walk followed by a decent lunch”. “It really delivers on food” (generously portioned pub grub). “Great beers too!”
Summary
“A fantastic pub in the Essex countryside” say fans of this quietly situated old boozer north of Chelmsford, dating from 1652: “the food never disappoints and the portions are super generous”. Game in season is a speciality.
Summary
The “accomplished cooking at this excellent and very rural pub” takes in game from the surrounding estates and vegetables grown in the village. (The building is believed to date from 1652, and was originally two farmers’ cottages.)
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Square and Compasses?
Owner's description
The Square and Compasses is a traditional country pub set within the picturesque hamlet of Fuller Street close to Terling and Great Leighs. This 17th century freehouse has been sympathetically refurbished and offers a war and relaxing atmophere, delicious home cooked food, real ales and fine wines.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Square and Compasses Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We use the Square & Compasses as a result of it being roughly half way between our home in Theydon Bois, Essex and Hadleigh in Suffolk where my brother and his wife live, otherwise it would definitely not be worth undertaking the 60 mile round trip. That said the food is very competently cooked, with the standard menu listing most of the pub classics, on top of which are specials boards listing a number of daily specials from which most of us select our meals. It has to be said that one of our number finds it difficult to find something that really suits her taste on the main course, though she is more than happy with the choice of deserts. Service is competent and friendly but I personally find the place slightly dark and gloomy. "
Fuller Street, Fairstead, CM3 2BB
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 am |
