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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 22:30
Mon
9:00 - 14:0018:00 - 23:00
Tue
9:00 - 14:0018:00 - 23:00
Wed
9:00 - 14:0018:00 - 23:00
Thu
9:00 - 14:0018:00 - 23:00
Fri
9:00 - 14:0018:00 - 23:00
Sat
9:00 - 23:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
257 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
51
Average
14
Poor
18
Terrible
15
elizabethl769
Chelmsford21 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
From stepping into this16th Century pub which has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with many original features; there was nothing to fault. The young lady who was serving at the bar on her own and also waiting on table was friendly, very organised and therefore very efficient. The menu is extensive with a 'Specials Board' offering further delicacies! The pheasant breast was mouth wateringly tasty and as for the sticky toffee pudding with ginger ice cream, well words do not do it justice.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thetalbots7
Norwich6 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
I am a pie monster. I like a good crust. The Golden Key came up with the goods. We visited on a Thursday evening as we arrived with our two friends in our motorhomes staying at a local camp site. We were greeted in the appropriate way, gave our track and trace details and we were sat at a cozy corner table large enough for the four of us to socially distance ourselves from each other and other diners. The table was cleaned once again whilst we waited and there was hand sanitizer offered.Two of us had pies (beef and ale plus chicken and ham), one the fish cakes (enormous and very tasty) one the sausages with onion gravy (a local sourced delight). All the food was first class, washed down with well kept ale. We would all certainly recommend the Golden Key. Go try it!!!
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rlk72
Ipswich2 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We stopped for an impromptu lunch while on a Saturday walk. The staff were extremely friendly and very attentive. Our food arrived after a very short wait and the portions were impressive. My partner thoroughly enjoyed his three sausages and mash and my halloumi and hummus sandwich was both enormous and delicious. The side salad was fresh and lightly drizzled with olive oil. It was so filling, I could only manage half of it, so the staff kindly wrapped the other half for me to take away. Great coffee too - thick and rich. We thought it was great value for money and we would highly recommend it.
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian Addison
Bury St. Edmunds6 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We stopped in for lunch whilst walking in the area. Staff were very friendly and looked after us well, we sat in a quieter area of the restaurant which gave us space to feel safe.
The food was great quality and very tasty. Fish and chips and the burger were both really good, so nice to get good fish, a really meaty burger and chips that taste of potatoes and are crunchy on the outside without dripping fat. Well worth a look.
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apjozzy
London243 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We went here as a family with our toddler. Having checked online that it was open it confirmed breakfasts from 10 am. We were delighted as were travelling back home and it would be ideal for breakfast on a 2.5 hour journey. Breakfast menus were on the tables outside and some tables occupied. We went in to enquire and were told we would not be served. Not sure why. Maybe two men and a young child was intimidating. The menu looked superb.
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M W
18 contributions
Nov 2020 • couples
Just eaten our take away roast beef lunch from the Golden Key. Absolutely delicious, piping hot, fresh greens, tender beef, generous portions, gravy and horseradish. Couldn’t recommend this enough.
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greenender
Whitby17 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
In these difficult times it was heartwarming to visit a pub who were doing their best to stick to the rules and yet were still able to present a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Last Monday we had a meal there which was delicious. Lovely friendly staff and cosy atmosphere in spite of the imminent second lockdown. Tonight we’ve enjoyed a preordered takeaway fish, chips & special peas, and the whole thing was delicious. Hats off to the team over there, I can’t recommend you enough. Hope to revisit this lovely area again soon. Very Best Wishes
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon A
Woodbridge246 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
This is quickly becoming a local lunch date for the current Mrs A and I, as a confirmed vegetarian/vegan, she takes some impressing with these options when we visit eateries. However on the three occasions we have visited here, she clears her plate and when I ask where she fancies going, she most often says The Golden Key.
It has helped me no end as I am now in considerable credit with my marital brownie points.
The pub is lovely inside and out and very dog friendly, which my reluctant Bulldog is very happy about, the food is very good and the service prompt and friendly, what more could you want from a proper country pub?
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kit D
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • friends
I visited the pub last night for the first time ever and I have to say I was amazed. The pub its self was very cosy; an aspect admired in a traditional pub. The staff were very inviting, friendly and quick to seat us; the table of which had a lovely touch of daffodils very seasonal to this time of year. Upon ordering, the menu had a large selection of food as-well as a specials board so you won’t be spoilt for choice. It didn’t take long for the food to arrive to the table of which I have to say was delicious - one of the best burgers I have tasted in a long time. There is also a large amount of options available for desserts and I have to say price wise is very good value for money. Highly recommend and will be visiting again in the near future!!!
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham P
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Went for an evening meal with friends. Inviting country pub with a cosy atmosphere and attentive friendly staff. The food was excellent with an enticing menu and I was particularly impressed with the steak, very tender and succulent.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b00kwrm
28 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Stopped here during our walk and ordered carrot and ginger soup. Unfortunately the "chef" had added so much ground ginger it was burning hot, rather than giving a mellow warmth to the carrots as you'd expect. Also, the ground spice hadn't been cooked out resulting in a raw flavour - perhaps the "chef" doesn't know about this necessary step with spices, but they clearly hadn't tasted their concoction!
I was unable to eat mine, even though I enjoy some spicy food. My husband waded through his but the burning in his mouth made it a an unpleasant struggle and he regretted it. I ate my tiny amount of ciabatta, tough and oily and not the right bread for soup.
We didn't waste time saying anything and left (I bought a takeaway sausage roll from a kiosk at the Maltings) but if the management reads this review perhaps they'll suggest that if that soup appears on the menu again they either add a heat warning or make it properly.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexBurnside
Dear b00kwrm,
Apologies if our homemade soup was too spicy for your taste. We have ensured that our next batch is milder! Our soup is served with sourdough bread that is made locally by an award-winning company and this is the first time we have had a complaint! If you had mentioned that you were unhappy at the time we would have gone out of our way to rectify your concerns.
Regards,
Alex Burnside
Written 26 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AJI1962
Surrey1 contribution
Mar 2022 • none
We spent 4 nights at the Golden Key which is located in a very quiet setting, walking distance from Snape Maltings and within short driving distances from some very picturesque areas. The room was large, clean and comfortable (one piece of feedback - lighting could be a bit brighter). Everyone on the team was incredibly friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. The portions are generous, and for a non-meat eater there is plenty of choice, not just an afterthought vegetarian option as is so often the case. The reason for deciding to stay here was very much influenced by the menu and it more than lived up the expectations.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miketeresamcb
Saxmundham250 contributions
May 2020 • solo
Great to see hard work & thinking outside the box can get you. For all those lucky enough to live within a 10 mile radius of Snape we can now enjoy a Beer & Fish & Chips on a Friday night. OR Sunday Lunch as both are now Take Aways 👏👏.
Well organised, well run. Just phone in, place an order & pick up.
Efforts likes these need to be supported. Well done to Alex & his team.
PS. F&C were delicious
Written 12 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie M
10 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Visited tonight. Food was pretty bad. The bread order was dry, the two vegetarian options we ordered were stodgy and heavy. We ordered a steak and ale pie and when it came it was chicken, the kids pasta was almost inedible. The chips were ok (which is why I gave 2 stars rather than one). Our waitress was nice (the other one not so much). This pub used to be highly recommended. We won’t return.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuttyslack_10
Crich79 contributions
May 2021 • couples
We booked for dinner during our week's holiday in the area. We usually stick a bit further up the coast, but glad we ventured down to the Key!
The food was delicious, we both really enjoyed our dinner - I had the haddock fishcake (more fish than potato - always a good sign!) and my husband had smoked haddock and mash. The service was attentive and really friendly and they also welcomed dogs.
We'll definitely be back when we visit next! Thank you :)
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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