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Axe & Compasses, Ware, Hertfordshire

Axe & Compasses

4.5
4.5
43 Reviews
£25 and under
Gastro Pub
28 The St, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 2QR

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
9:30 PM
Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Our aim is to be the central hub of the community, The Axe and Compasses is a traditional British village pub dating back to 1628, serving a wide and varied selection of quality lagers, cask conditioned ales, fine wines, and premium spirits.
We cater for parties from 1 to 200 guests and have menus for every occasion.
The main bar is the hub of the pub and in the cooler months is a lovely spot for drinks and casual dining, there are two wood burning stoves either end to keep you all snug.
The dining room is spacious and airy with a pitched roof with three fabulous pink chandeliers. There are three semi private spaces all with banquette seating and very versatile so can be used for standing canapé drinks parties or intimate semi private dining. The dining room is available for full private dining, Birthday celebrations, engagements, weddings, baby showers and celebrations of life. In the summer months enjoy our decked terrace, outside bar and alfresco dining served from our burger shack

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Tapas / Small Plates, Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–11:30 am
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    We offer canapé, buffet and full sit down menus which are available on request. All private events do require a minimum of seven days notice and pre orders placed seven days before your event. We cater for engagements, weddings, Birthdays and celebrations of life. <br />In the summer months our garden terrace can be hired exclusively for large events.
  • Private party facilities
    We can cater for any special event and also offer full pub hire. Please contact our reservation team via email at info@axecompasses.co.uk or call 01920 759 101 and ask for Garry.
  • Neighborhood
    Buntingford
  • Cross street
    Our carpark is to the rear of the building that can accommodate 20+ cars.
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    You can get a bus No 331 from Ware, Old Town Hall to The Golden Fleece Public House and walk 5 minutes to The Axe and Compasses. Uber is available but please make sure this is booked in advance as taxis are few and far between. Local taxi firm is Hertford Taxis 01992 942000
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Experiences

  • QUIZ NIGHT WITH THE DARK DESTROYER

    £49.00 per person

    May 23, 2025 only
    Join us for an amazing quiz night hosted by the one and only, Shaun "The Dark Destroyer" Wallace! 2 course set menu quiz entry £49pp

What 43 people are saying

Axe & Compasses reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Hertfordshire

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Axe & Compasses impresses with "fantastic service" and "delicious food, reasonably priced." The newly renovated decor is "beautiful" and creates a warm atmosphere. Highlights include the ribeye and Sunday roast. Though some found the set menu unexpected, the staff's friendliness and the "great addition to the village" make it worth visiting.
43 Reviews
  1. Amanda

    Cambridge3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere, lovely attentive staff, food was delicious. Have eaten here of an evening and Sunday lunch, both superb.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Amanda, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. We are changing our menu in a few weeks so please keep an eye out We are so lucky to have such an awesome team, I will pass your comments onto them. As always we really appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Louise

    Hertfordshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was really tasty. We sat in the garden which was just lovely, our waiter was great will definitely go back!
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Louise, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. The garden is a new addition to our business and lots of guests have been enjoying the new decking, I'm so glad you like it. We will be introducing extra fun additions over the next few weeks as the weather gets better, so keep an eye on our social platforms. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Elaine

    Hertfordshire5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Enjoyable evening with friends… slightly marred by a rowdy table but overall this is a great spot to enjoy an evening
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Elaine, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous four star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, decor and ambiance, I'm sorry the adjacent table was slightly too loud, we are more than happy to advise other guests to keep it down, as we know in a small pub it can be quite invasive. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Neill

    Cambridge1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice pub and nice meal. Staff were friendly and efficient.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Neill, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous four star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, decor and ambiance. I will pass your kind comments onto our team. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Diane

    Hertfordshire2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful venue, lovely home cooked food and great service.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Diane, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. We have an awesome team and I'm so glad they made your father's Birthday special, I will pass your comments onto them. As always we really appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Carol

    Hertfordshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my first time there. We were in a large group of adults - never the easiest thing to manage. The staff did an absolutely amazing job of ensuring that everyone was well served, well fed and went away happy. I am sure we will all be back. I can recommend the chicken Caesar salad.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Carol, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you and your group enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. The team are an awesome lot and we are so lucky to have him, I will pass your comments onto them. As always we really appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  7. gabriellej

    Manchester2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Very expensive. Set menu and wasn’t informed before arrival. Staff were nice but weren’t accommodating when we questioned about the set menu as would not have booked if we knew this in the first place.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi gabriellej, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses and for giving us two stars. We appreciate your honest feedback. I'm sorry your meal wasn't up to our usual standards. We have re looked at our set menus for special days, as we know not all guests want to choose from a set 2/3 course menu. We really hope you will give us another try and look forward in welcoming you back. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses team.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Mark

    London15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First visit since the Axe and Compasses reopened, looks great !
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Mark, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, and our refurbishment. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kathryn

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another wonderful lunch in a great gastro pub / always a warm welcome from Angel and the rest of the team. Such a wonderful addition to our village.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Kathryn, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. Angel and the team are an asset to the Axe and Compasses and we are so lucky to have them all. We love being a big part of village life in Braughing and are so grateful for the wonderful community that support us, without you and your fellow villagers the pub wouldn't be the same. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kathryn

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always a fantastic lunch and as ever the staff are super friendly and attentive.
    Axe & CompassesResponded 3 days ago
    Hi Kathryn, Thank you for taking the time to review The Axe and Compasses, Braughing and for giving us a fabulous five star review. We are so glad you enjoyed our food, we will of cause pass this on to our chef. We appreciate your honest and valuable feedback, and look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The Axe and Compasses Team.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Axe & Compasses offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 01920 759101.

Axe & Compasses is rated 4.5 stars by 43 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Hertfordshire
  4. East Hertfordshire
  5. Buntingford

Make a reservation


Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Axe & Compasses

28 The St, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 2QR

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Our carpark is to the rear of the building that can accommodate 20+ cars.
  • Neighborhood
    Buntingford
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Breakfast Sat, Sun 9:00 am–11:30 am
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Tapas / Small Plates, Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Public transit
    You can get a bus No 331 from Ware, Old Town Hall to The Golden Fleece Public House and walk 5 minutes to The Axe and Compasses. Uber is available but please make sure this is booked in advance as taxis are few and far between. Local taxi firm is Hertford Taxis 01992 942000
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    We offer canapé, buffet and full sit down menus which are available on request. All private events do require a minimum of seven days notice and pre orders placed seven days before your event. We cater for engagements, weddings, Birthdays and celebrations of life. <br />In the summer months our garden terrace can be hired exclusively for large events.
  • Private party facilities
    We can cater for any special event and also offer full pub hire. Please contact our reservation team via email at info@axecompasses.co.uk or call 01920 759 101 and ask for Garry.
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  • Terms of Use
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