Best Local Restaurant
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Chater’s

Essex, Saffron Walden - Modern European - Restaurant - ££

Aperitivo vibes and Italian-inflected small plates

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘The whole vibe is incredible,’ writes a fan of this ‘absolutely fabulous’ family-run spot just off Saffron Walden's main square. Chater’s nods to its warehouse origins with high ceilings and polished concrete floors, while the kitchen taps into a local appetite for keenly priced food and good ingredients. Drop in for coffee and cake from 9am, or come for a simple Italian-style lunch, an aperitivo or a full evening meal. Small plates anchor the offer, from cured trout with horseradish and broccoli to chopped beef with crisps. If you're really hungry, a dish of homemade pasta sorts that out pronto: try the canestrini with pork shoulder and cime di rapa. Desserts keep it simple, with tiramisu perhaps lining up alongside white chocolate panna cotta and rhubarb. There is vigorous applause for the Negroni made with red vermouth from the Chater's Vault distillery next door, while Ark Pinot Gris from Mount Farm Vineyards near Sudbury is an appealing entry point o...

‘The whole vibe is incredible,’ writes a fan of this ‘absolutely fabulous’ family-run spot just off Saffron Walden's main square. Chater’s nods to its warehouse origins with high ceilings and polished concrete floors, while the kitchen taps into a local appetite for keenly priced food and good ingredients. Drop in for coffee and cake from 9am, or come for a simple Italian-style lunch, an aperitivo or a full evening meal. Small plates anchor the offer, from cured trout with horseradish and broccoli to chopped beef with crisps. If you're really hungry, a dish of homemade pasta sorts that out pronto: try the canestrini with pork shoulder and cime di rapa. Desserts keep it simple, with tiramisu perhaps lining up alongside white chocolate panna cotta and rhubarb. There is vigorous applause for the Negroni made with red vermouth from the Chater's Vault distillery next door, while Ark Pinot Gris from Mount Farm Vineyards near Sudbury is an appealing entry point on the wine list. Service is every bit as warm.

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J fairchild

20 April 2026

Chaters is absolutely fabulous! As someone with food intolerances, my needs were incredibly well catered for – a real treat. Their locally sourced foods are simply stunning, and the effort put into organizing events, drink pairings, and especially the coffee (using local roasters!) truly shines. The whole vibe, from the moment you walk in, is incredible – friendly, welcoming, cozy, and casual.

M Erwood

20 April 2026

Everything about Chater's is exceptional. They have fantastic coffee and pastries in the mornings and amazing menus for lunch and dinner. The food is always really fresh and seasonal with interesting combinations that yo...
Everything about Chater's is exceptional. They have fantastic coffee and pastries in the mornings and amazing menus for lunch and dinner. The food is always really fresh and seasonal with interesting combinations that you don't see everywhere. They work with local suppliers and for some ingredients they'll tell you on the menu so you know exactly where the food is from. The atmosphere is great as well - it's buzzy but cosy and everyone who works there is really friendly and makes you feel like t...
Everything about Chater's is exceptional. They have fantastic coffee and pastries in the mornings and amazing menus for lunch and dinner. The food is always really fresh and seasonal with interesting combinations that you don't see everywhere. They work with local suppliers and for some ingredients they'll tell you on the menu so you know exactly where the food is from. The atmosphere is great as well - it's buzzy but cosy and everyone who works there is really friendly and makes you feel like they're welcoming back an old friend. You can tell the staff love working there and they're really knowledgeable about the food and ingredients.
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M Holt

20 April 2026

The atmosphere inside is always buzzing with warmth and friendliness. Every single staff member is a joy. They are polite, knowledgeable and happy to have a chat. The food menu is always great quality and tasty. Aside from lunches and dinners they have an amazing sweet selection on the counter. They are absolutely superb.

VENUE DETAILS

17 Church Street
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB10 1JWGB

01799 934295

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Counter seating, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

New events are coming soon

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