Axe & Compasses

4.6

25 Reviews

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

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

Order delivery or takeout

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
01920 759101
Website
https://www.axecompasses.co.uk/
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.

Location
28 The St, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 2QR
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

TEMPURA COD£9.00
Tartare sauce, lemon
CHICKEN WINGS 6/12
Roasted and fried in either barbeque sauce or franks hot buffalo sauce
- 6pcs£6.00
- 12pcs£10.00
PAPRIKA PULLED CHICKEN£10.00
Spicy tomato sauce, aioli
ZUCCHINI FRITTI£7.00
Lemon aioli
CHARCUTERIE BOARD£26.00
Salami milano, fried chorizo, prosciutto, Buffalo mozzarella, cheddar, olives, sun-blush tomatoes, cornichons, bread
ITALIAN MEAT BALLS£13.00
Beef and pork meatballs, tomato and basil sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, bread, whipped crème fraiche
CALAMARI£9.00
Smoked paprika, garlic, lemon and harissa yoghurt
SAUTÉED CHORIZO£9.00
Black beans, garlic, Maldon sea salt
KING PRAWNS PIL PIL£16.00
Garlic, fresh red chilli, olive oil, toasted bread
PATATAS BRAVAS£8.00
Fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli
TOMATO BRUSCHETTA£10.00
Tomato, onions, garlic, warm bread
ROSEMARY BAKED CAMEMBERT£19.00
Toasted baguette, cornichons, red onion marmalade

BURGERS

All of our burgers are served in a brioche bun with skin on fries

THE AXE BURGER£16.00
Shredded iceberg, beef tomato, pickles, relish, burnt onions
- Bacon£3.00
- Cheese£3.00
GRILLED CHICKEN BURGER£16.00
Roasted piquillo peppers, wild rocket, beef tomato
- Bacon£3.00
- Cheese£3.00
BEYOND MEAT BURGER£14.00
Shredded iceberg, beef tomato, pickles, relish, burnt onions
- Vegan Cheese£3.00

STONEBAKED PIZZA

Hand stretched 12" stonebaked pizza vegan options available

MARGHERITA£15.00
Tomato, mozzarella, basil
FIORENTINA£17.00
Hens egg, spinach, mozzarella, tomatoes, aged Parmesan, black olives, garlic olive oil
FUNGHI£16.00
Tomato, medley of mushrooms, truffle oil, rocket, ricotta
MEATY PEPPERONI£18.00
Italian pepperoni, calabrian salami, italian prosciutto,mozzarella, pecorino
BRAUGHING HOT SAUSAGE£18.00
Braughing sausage, red onion marmalade, mozzarella, crispy burnt onions, chilli flakes
CHICKEN ARRABBIATA£18.00
Spiced roasted chicken, onion cream, mozzarella, roquito peppers, Parmesan
GARLIC PIZZA BREAD£11.00
Garlic butter, add cheese 5
- Cheese£5.00

PUB CLASSICS

FISH AND CHIPS£17.00
Beer battered haddock, hand cut chips, mushy peas, housemade tartare sauce, seared lemon
BRAUGHING SAUSAGE AND MASH£16.00
Braughing sausages, buttered mash, winter greens, red wine jus
28 DAY DRY AGED 8OZ RIB-EYE STEAK£26.00
Portobello mushroom, grilled tomato, hand cut chips, peppercorn sauce
CONFIT PORK BELLY£18.00
Black pudding mash, winter greens, gravy, pork crackling
HOME-BAKED PIE OF THE DAY£16.00
Buttered mashed potato OR hand cut chips, winter greens, gravy
HAM, EGG AND CHIPS£12.00
Hand carved ham, fried hens egg, hand cut chips

BAR SNACKS

BLISTERED PADRON PEPPERS£7.00
Fried small green peppers, Maldon sea salt
SPANISH AND ITALIAN MIXED OLIVES£5.00
Sundried tomatoes, garlic & herb dressing
WARM BREADS£6.00
Salted butter
CHARGRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS£9.00
Garlic, smoked paprika, parsley, red chimichurri

SOURDOUGH BREADS

Served Monday-Saturday 12-4PM | Add skin on fries for £4

SPANISH CHORIZO£9.00
Spanish chorizo, wild rocket, piquillo peppers, manchego cheese
VEGAN PESTO MOZZARELLA£8.00
Vegan mozzarella, beef tomatoes, green pesto, wild rocket, toasted pine kernels
CHICKEN AND PROSCUITTO£10.00
Chicken, proscuitto, tomatoes, wild rocket, whipped creme fraiche
LOCALLY SOURCED STEAK£12.00
Caramelised onions, wild rocket, mustard mayonnaise
THE AXE CLUB£12.00
Chicken, bacon, tomato, lettuce, fried egg
FISH FINGER SANDWICH£9.00
Battered fish mini fillets, tartare sauce

A BIT ON THE SIDE

BUTTERED MASH£6.00
HAND CUT CHIPS£5.00
WINTER GREENS£5.00
SKIN ON FRIES£5.00
HOUSE SALAD£5.00
MAC & CHEESE£7.00

PUDDINGS

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING£6.00
Custard, pouring cream or ice cream
TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE£6.00
Vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle
THE COMPASS CRUMBLE£6.00
Homemade crumble, custard or pouring cream
ICE CREAM AND SORBET SELECTION£5.00
Please ask your server for today's flavour

SMALL PLATES & SHARERS

We recommend that you order three to five dishes to share between two people or five to seven dishes to share between four.

TEMPURA COD£9.00
Tartare sauce, lemon
CHICKEN WINGS
Roasted and fried in either barbeque sauce or franks hot buffalo sauce
- 6pcs£6.00
- 12pcs£10.00
PAPRIKA PULLED CHICKEN£10.00
Spicy tomato sauce, aioli
ZUCCHINI FRITTI£7.00
Lemon aioli
CHARCUTERIE BOARD£28.00
Salami milano, fior di chorizo, prosciutto, Buffalo mozzarella, cheddar, olives, sun-blush tomatoes, cornichons, bread
ITALIAN MEAT BALLS£13.00
Beef and pork meatballs, tomato and basil sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, bread, whipped crème fraîche
BUTTERMILK CALAMARI£9.00
Smoked paprika, garlic, lemon and harissa yoghurt
SAUTÉED CHORIZO£9.00
Black beans, garlic, Maldon sea salt
KING PRAWNS PIL PIL£16.00
Garlic, fresh red chili, olive oil, toasted bread
PATATAS BRAVAS£8.00
Fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli

SOURDOUGH PIZZAS

Hand stretched 12" sourdough pizza gluten free and vegan options available

MARGHERITA£15.00
Tomato, mozzarella, basil
FIORENTINA£17.00
Hens egg, spinach, mozzarella, tomatoes, aged Parmesan, black olives, garlic olive oil
FUNGHI£16.00
Tomato, medley of mushrooms, truffle oil, rocket, ricotta
MEATY PEPPERONI£18.00
Tomato, mozzarella, calabrian salami, italian prosciutto, PGP
HOT SUPREME£18.00
Borraging sausage, red onion marmalade, mozzarella, crispy burnt ends, chili flakes
CHICKEN ARRABBIATA£18.00
Spiced roasted chicken, onion cream, mozzarella, roquito peppers, Parmesan
GARLIC PIZZA BREAD£11.00
Garlic butter, add cheese 5

SUNDAY ROASTS

Our famous roasts are served from 12 noon until they're all gone! All roasts served with roast potatoes, chantenay carrots, winter greens, roasted butternut squash puree, Yorkshire pudding, gravy

1/2 SPATCHCOCK LEMON & THYME CHICKEN£22.00
ESSEX REARED PORK LOIN£20.00
ALL THE MEATS£38.00
1/2 SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN, ABERDEEN ANGUS STRIPLOIN, PORK LOIN STRIPLOIN OF ABERDEEN ANGUS BEEF£23.00
DRY AGED 28 DAY VEGAN WINTER VEGETABLE WELLINGTON£20.00

KIDS ROASTS

STRIPLOIN OF ABERDEEN ANGUS BEEF DRY AGED 28 DAY£10.00
CHICKEN BREAST, SAGE AND ONION STUFFING£10.00
VEGETARIAN LASAGNA£10.00
Garlic bread

A BIT ON THE SIDE

RED LEICESTER AND LONGMANS CHEDDAR CAULIFLOWER CHEESE£7.00
PIGS IN BLANKETS£7.00
MAC N' CHEESE£7.00
ROAST POTATOES & A JUG OF GRAVY£5.00
PORK SAGE AND ONION STUFFING£6.00

PUDDINGS

THE COMPASS CRUMBLE£7.00
Homemade crumble, warm custard OR ice cream
STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING£7.00
Vanilla ice cream, hot toffee sauce
TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE£7.00
Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce
ICE CREAM AND SORBET SELECTION£6.00
Three scoops

What 25 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Hertfordshire
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Axe & Compasses offers a warm atmosphere with "fantastic hospitality from the staff." The pub's recent renovation has created a "stunning and very welcoming" environment. Patrons rave about the "amazing" food and generous portions, especially the ribeye steak and pork belly dish. A true gem in Braughing.

25 Reviews

p
paul
Hertfordshire
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Menu was great however when booked we were told it would be a valentines set menu - £49 per head - both Friday and Saturday night. However al A carte menu only. Bit disappointing.
Is this helpful?
K
Katie
London
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Food was delicious but few issues with service which were addressed on the night.
Is this helpful?
g
gary
Hertfordshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Another lovely evening spent in the axe, a couple of tables were slightly noisy and we just happened to be In between them ,food was brilliant and the staff are always welcoming and helpful and friendly,see you again soon,thanks
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
Hertfordshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
There was 7 of us. I had chicken skewers which were dry. Friend had fish finger sandwich, fish fingers were hard. The other meals were ok. Wine quite expensive. Better to order a bottle if more than one drinking it. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Service was good timing. Pub recently refurbished and very nice. We may have been unlucky with food so try it yourself. I wouldn’t rush back to eat.
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E
Emma
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent Sunday lunch at the Axe - loads of good quality meat, even got the crackling right! Surprise bowl of Pigs in blankets. Great food all round. Service much better than our last visit. Delighted to have this great new pub in our village of Braughing
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K
Kate
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice pub and atmosphere. However food was a little lacking in flavour. Pizza was homemade and lovely but was a bit insipid. The roast chicken was tasty but far too much chicken on a small plate, meaning not easy to eat. Cauliflower cheese did not taste of cheese at all and all needed seasoning. Choc brownie was a bit dry. However, warm and friendly pub. Service was attentive.
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D
Dawn
Hertfordshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at the axe and compass since it’s refurbished and what a surprise we had. The dining room is stunning and very welcoming. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. The food was absolutely amazing and delicious with quite large portions. I would definitely like to go back. Well done to you all and good luck. Many thanks for a lovely meal.
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p
patricia
Leicestershire
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food & service. Loved the decor. We will definitely be back 😀
Is this helpful?
B
Ben
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Food was lovely, we had most of the small plates on the menu and shared them. Lovely atmosphere and interiror. Most of the staff were very nice, polite and attentive, but one waitress it felt like was judging us with the comments made about the amount of food we ordered - just felt a bit rude and made us feel slightly uncomfortable bearing in mind we'd actually been served more wings than we'd ordered. We don't go out to eat often and absolutely love trying new places and what they have to offer - small plates are designed for sharing and tasting new things so we thought we'd sample all the things that sounded nice to us
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M
Maureen
Hertfordshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Lovely decor and very reasonably priced food. Very pleasant.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Axe & Compasses is rated 4.6 stars by 25 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
https://www.axecompasses.co.uk/
Phone number
01920 759101
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.

Axe & Compasses

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

SMALL PLATES

TEMPURA COD£9.00

CHICKEN WINGS 6/12

PAPRIKA PULLED CHICKEN£10.00

ZUCCHINI FRITTI£7.00

CHARCUTERIE BOARD£26.00

ITALIAN MEAT BALLS£13.00

CALAMARI£9.00

SAUTÉED CHORIZO£9.00

KING PRAWNS PIL PIL£16.00

PATATAS BRAVAS£8.00

TOMATO BRUSCHETTA£10.00

ROSEMARY BAKED CAMEMBERT£19.00

BURGERS

THE AXE BURGER£16.00

GRILLED CHICKEN BURGER£16.00

BEYOND MEAT BURGER£14.00

STONEBAKED PIZZA

MARGHERITA£15.00

FIORENTINA£17.00

FUNGHI£16.00

MEATY PEPPERONI£18.00

BRAUGHING HOT SAUSAGE£18.00

CHICKEN ARRABBIATA£18.00

GARLIC PIZZA BREAD£11.00

PUB CLASSICS

FISH AND CHIPS£17.00

BRAUGHING SAUSAGE AND MASH£16.00

28 DAY DRY AGED 8OZ RIB-EYE STEAK£26.00

CONFIT PORK BELLY£18.00

HOME-BAKED PIE OF THE DAY£16.00

HAM, EGG AND CHIPS£12.00

BAR SNACKS

BLISTERED PADRON PEPPERS£7.00

SPANISH AND ITALIAN MIXED OLIVES£5.00

WARM BREADS£6.00

CHARGRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS£9.00

SOURDOUGH BREADS

SPANISH CHORIZO£9.00

VEGAN PESTO MOZZARELLA£8.00

CHICKEN AND PROSCUITTO£10.00

LOCALLY SOURCED STEAK£12.00

THE AXE CLUB£12.00

FISH FINGER SANDWICH£9.00

A BIT ON THE SIDE

BUTTERED MASH£6.00

HAND CUT CHIPS£5.00

WINTER GREENS£5.00

SKIN ON FRIES£5.00

HOUSE SALAD£5.00

MAC & CHEESE£7.00

PUDDINGS

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING£6.00

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE£6.00

THE COMPASS CRUMBLE£6.00

ICE CREAM AND SORBET SELECTION£5.00

SMALL PLATES & SHARERS

TEMPURA COD£9.00

CHICKEN WINGS

PAPRIKA PULLED CHICKEN£10.00

ZUCCHINI FRITTI£7.00

CHARCUTERIE BOARD£28.00

ITALIAN MEAT BALLS£13.00

BUTTERMILK CALAMARI£9.00

SAUTÉED CHORIZO£9.00

KING PRAWNS PIL PIL£16.00

PATATAS BRAVAS£8.00

SOURDOUGH PIZZAS

MARGHERITA£15.00

FIORENTINA£17.00

FUNGHI£16.00

MEATY PEPPERONI£18.00

HOT SUPREME£18.00

CHICKEN ARRABBIATA£18.00

GARLIC PIZZA BREAD£11.00