Located in the heart of Essendon, The Cross Keys Hotel was established in the 1860s and has been serving the local community ever since. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, our family friendly bistro includes a special Kids Zone and weekly specials, while the Sports Bar offers live sport on the big screens and full TAB facilities.

The Bistro is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch 12pm-3:00pm and dinner from 5:30pm-9pm. Wash down a hearty, pub classic in the Sports Bar with our selection of ice-cold, local and imported tap beers, or take your pick from the extended menu in the Bistro and pair with your choice from our extensive wine list.

Website Update

Reviews (14)

Write a Review

Alice Moore

Jan 21, 2022

Report

Had the most gorgeous Sunday roast! Highly recommended and can't wait to return.

Julie Bertjab

Dec 19, 2021

Report

Beautiful old pub with so much character and superb food, excellent service and real charm, a singer at the electric organ was a real treat. I visited today for a late lunch and had the most flavoursome roast beef, it was wonderful. Dog friendly and really lovely staff who deserve praise for bespoke service skills. First time in Saffron Walden and so impressed I will be back.

Margaret Nice

Dec 14, 2021

Report

We had pre-booked our Christmas meal as we thought, but when we got there we were told we should have booked what we wanted to eat. We were never told that when we booked!!! Needless to say, we never stayed, and got a lovely meal else where. Wouldn't recommend this place!!

Eliza Toplis Toplis

Dec 11, 2021

Report

This is a beautifully warm and cosy, historically interesting pub with timbered interior and log fires.
Sadly the menu doesn't live up to the general ambience of the place - although cooked well, it is limited and uninspired.

Craig W.

Dec 11, 2021

Report

A deceptively large pub, friendly and helpful staff, decent beer on tap. I had a party party christmas ale, which was ery nice.
My only slight negative was the toilets, the toilets on their own were really clean and spacious, but getting there was a slight struggle, being at the very end of the pub, you open a door and the narrow staircase leading up to it, there is very little room to manouver in, me being very tall didn't help matters, but this is of course because of the age of the building so it isn't a fault of the pub at all.

David Hipson

Oct 20, 2021

Report

Sunday 17th October - Lovely beautiful pub. Waitresses were fatastic dealing with our group of 8 noisy people. My only criticism was that the sharing platters did not have enough food on them, better to order single meals !!

Rachael Pedersen

Oct 08, 2021

Report

Top marks 5⭐! Finally somewhere that can do a decent camembert. In fact, likely the best camembert I have ever had!
Very dog friendly, the staff bought over treats and water to our table for little Bluebell. Tables cleaned super quickly after other diners left, and the staff were so polite and attentive, they were cheerful and professional. Cannot fault them.
The whole place was clean, atmospheric and very charming indeed. The best pub/restaurant we have been to in a very long time. Superb food. Perfect service. What is not to love?

Roy Moore

Jul 20, 2021

Report

It was lovely sitting in such an old building. The staff were very polite. We only had a coffee but it was a nice cup. I expect that food is good but you will pay a high price for it

Annette Connolly

Jul 20, 2021

Report

Very friendly excellent breakfast and comfy beds, good shower. Convenient location but no parking, however long stay available in walking distance. Bar closed early on Sunday 8.00pm but the Dukes head was open with a nice back garden.

Sue Deese

Jul 09, 2021

Report

Quirky place with very uneven floors due to its age. Not good with vertigo!
Room was clean and food was good.
Staff were welcoming but couldn't offer much information about parking. No parking at the Hotel meant using public car parks.

Steven Thomas Colelough

May 02, 2021

Report

Back to its best. Been my local for 27 years. Had a rough patch a few years back. Can say now bistro is back to its former glory

Daniella Modesti

Mar 21, 2021

Report

We hosted my sons baptism here. Amanda was so friendly and accomodating and went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. From the floor plan set up to the food and drinks she made sure… everything would be to our liking prior to the day!
It was a perfect day and we didn’t have to worry about anything. The friendly staff were on top of everything. The guest also absolutely loved the food!!!
We would host another function here in a heart beat 100%

Moira Vosper

Feb 18, 2021

Report

Great staff and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Meals are plentiful and come with the best chips.

Richard James

Aug 01, 2019

Report

What can I say. The staff and management go above and beyond to ensure your event has everything it needs to be a success. Amazing food at the Bistro and a 5 star location for your function, party or just an evening out for dinner.