The Goat And Grass

My first time in Saffron Walden … walking around the Saturday market and then down a side street one couldn’t help notice the full looking outside area and the queue, 8-10 deep, outside of the Goat & Grass… not going unnoticed at this early stage was the very amiable maitre d’ or owner. His warm, composed style as he orchestrated the waiting clientele was the archetypal elegant swan, no doubt kicking furiously under the water in this busy setting. Already I knew I’d like to work here let alone eat here. Having found me a table to share with another couple, I was quickly presented with a menu. A delicious mix of cuisines that gives you that difficult but desired job of choosing what to have this time and what to have next time. A minute after deciding along came my smiling server and took my order… coincidence? I doubt it. More likely part of the slick training the staff have had. Twice, maybe thrice, during my single course lunch dish I was checked upon, once by the maitre d’. Partly I guess to politely check how our 3 on a table of 6 was coming along… queues of people still trailing along the walkway outside. The food was great. Simple as it sounds, you know how often it’s not, my two poached eggs were cooked to perfection, beautifully presented as part of my Muhammara dish (I had to look it up too!). Pomegranate, roasted red pepper and walnuts, avocado, rocket, sundried tomatoes (put that in a dish and I’m hooked!) on a quality slice of finest, lightly toasted seeded loaf. More or less as soon as I’d finished the plates were cleared. The other couple had left a few minutes before and the team were quickly, quietly, calmly, efficiently cleaning and prepping the table for the next sitting. Again, chance, or have they been trained to spot a finished table and never leave dirty dishes for more than a minute? I suspect it’s the great training and aptitude of the staff. I fancied staying and having another mocha so i caught the ever watchful eye of one of the team and she came to me whilst I offered to move to a table for 2 so they could use the table for 6 … she spoke to the maitre d’ and checking I was happy confirmed I could move whilst the maitre d’ advised her to put the mocha on the house. He recognising my appreciation that he’d want the table. I moved and moments later, table cleared, a party of 6 moved to the vacated table. The atmosphere here was buzzing with the murmurs and moans of satisfied customers. Is it just Saffron Walden? Or is this place a little special? I suspect a bit of both and I suspect that the maitre d’ has worked in and/or run establishments of the highest calibre. Dd I get lucky? You come and find out. I do not think you’ll be disappointed (inflated expectations aside). Thank you Goat & Grass. Sorry I live an hour away but I will be back :)

Amazing!! The food was absolutely fantastic and the service was very attentive. It’s very busy but they have a front of house which makes it very efficient. Would definitely recommend the following dishes : The hungry goat breakfast Perfect breakfast for hungry goats! If your a hungry goat go for this one! Veggie Venture Very well cooked and presented. Also gets 5 portions of fruit or veg in one meal! Tuna Melt Toasted til perfection this was so yummy! The tuna was so creamy, without losing the flavour! This place is absolutely amazing and would highly recommend!!!!

Amazing Sunday brunch.The food is delicious, really good prices and lovely customer service. The only disadvantage I would say is, that you cannot pre-book a table.I highly recommend this place for a delicious meal with friends/family for really reasonable price.

Second time we've been (we don't live locally or it would be more!) and both times were very enjoyable. Food was excellent, service good and very friendly. One wrong dish but it was replaced immediately with no quibbles. Very lively atmosphere with a mix of ages and styles. Loved it!

Lovely meal this afternoon, Holly and Emma were great hosts. Will definitely be back for sure. Very engaging and friendly staff which made the experience even better. You don’t often find great staff like that!

Great place to eat, great coffee and I had an omelette too, very delicious. Staff were all amazing, attentive, friendly, and even surprised my Mum with a birthday treat. A really wonderful experience. Thank you 🙏

We stumbled upon this place on a walk and what a gem we have found. We popped in on New Year's Day and it was super easy to get a table. Sat right down and was immediately waited on. The staff was incredibly friendly and quick. The food came out within 15 minutes of ordering. Everything was made to perfection. Definitely going to be a regular stop now!