Axe & Compasses

4.6

14 Reviews

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for groups

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

Experiences

Valentine's Day with love...
£49.00 per person
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
Four course meal £49 per guest

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 14 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
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Axe & Compasses offers a "superbly renovated" setting with "gorgeous furnishings," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests rave about the "fantastic hospitality," "amazing" food, and "excellent service." Known for its "comfy home-style food," the restaurant is "very very dog friendly" and hosts live entertainment, enhancing the dining experience.

14 Reviews

D
David
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was amazing. I went for the ribeye and my fiancé had a pizza. I kid you not this ribeye was one of if not the best I've ever had, it was seasoned and cooked to perfection 👌 my fiancé also loved her pizza, it was a very good size and I had to help her finish it 😅 service was also really great and we can't wait to go back.
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi David, Thank you for your kind words, and we thrilled you enjoyed your steak, I will pass your awesome comments onto the kitchen team. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
C
Catherine
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We booked the Axe and Compasses to catch up with friends and have a nice dinner out. It was our first time there and we were not disappointed. The food was excellent, with generous portions, as was the service; our two servers were both friendly and professional, and a credit to the pub. Consensus was that everything tasted great, but special mention to the pork belly dish with black pudding mash that my friend ordered, it looked superb and the report back was that it was delicious! It was a bit quiet in term of ambience, we were the only diners in the restaurant area for most of the night, but it was a very cold evening, so people may have just not have been going out much. We will definitely plan to come back, lovely experience all round.
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Catherine, Thank you for your kind words and five star review, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal. I will pass your feedback onto our team, as we love to celebrate when guests give us awesome reviews. I'm so glad your guest loved the pork belly, it's a firm favourite on our menu, and other guest love it also. Hopefully it will get warmer and we really look forward in welcoming you back to the Axe and Compasses very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
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C
Clare
London
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a lovely evening at The Axe & Compasses. They’ve renovated it superbly & it has a great atmosphere, gorgeous furnishings, fab food & Staff. A wonderful birthday meal, thanks!
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Clare, Thank you for your kind words, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal and ambience. Happy Birthday! We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Hertfordshire
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Disappointing meal, pizzas were the only main meal on offer (the kitchen wouldn’t let us order from the full menu, roasts had sold out). I’m pretty sure they were frozen bases.. real shame.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Hertfordshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A very warm welcome and excellent service. Food was delicious.
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Laura, Thank you for your kind words and five star review, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
M
Martyn
London
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food was lovely but service was terrible after sitting down we didn't get any food for an hour and 20 minutes, it seemed very chaotic but then again it was new years eve
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Martyn, Thank you for your four star review, I'm sorry food took a little longer than expected, we are re training our team so we get this right going forward. I do hope you have a fabulous New Year ahead. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
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P
Philip
Norfolk/Suffolk
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Relaxed Sunday lunch. Sat in the bar area where it was warm and cosy near one of the two fires. Only issue is the two TV’s they have running in the bar area, which can be a distraction. A handful of other customers were watching the football and the sound was off, so it was not a real issue.
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Phillip, Thank you for your kind words and five star review, and we thrilled you enjoyed your Sunday lunch. We are the only pub the area with sky sports in the village and we do try and keep the sound to a minimum when sport is on as we know its not everybody's cup of tea! We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
A
Andy
Cambridge
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Out for pre Christmas lunch with my friends and neighbours. Excellent time had by all
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Andy, Thank you for your kind words and five star review, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
J
Jenny
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service and beautiful decor - the renovation is really impressive! Pizza a bit cold but otherwise totally faultless service and quality. Would highly recommend!
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Jenny, Thank you for your kind words and five star review, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Norfolk/Suffolk
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. Angel and Sid were great and looked after our table and needs . They are both a credit to the pub. Very very dog friendly as well.
Axe & CompassesResponded today
Hi Paul, Thank you for your kind words, and we thrilled you enjoyed your meal. I will pass your comments into Sid and Angel. We look forward in welcoming you back very soon. Kind Regards, The A&C Team
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Axe & Compasses is rated 4.6 stars by 14 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Valentine's Day with love...

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