The Nag's Head is a great little pub. I love the live music but have yet to witness the belly dancing?! The atmosphere at this pub is great - very friendly and most accomodating. Nag's Head is good for sunny afternoon drinking with your mates.

Bravo to the Nags Head for being a proper Public House. When I were a lad, the only time I was allowed into the pub was to fetch my Grandad out for his Sunday dinner. Must've been different in Saffron Walden.

I am only posting this review to bump up the ratings of this lovely pub in light of the outraged parents' character assassination above. The garden is great, the heaters are a bonus, also a good selection of ales which the staff are happy to let you try before you buy. An open fire, a few odd cats, a few odd pictures of cats, a range of books I never thought I'd read - yeah, I've had some great nights in the Nag's Head. Maybe not ideal for children owners but it's only fair to give a balanced view of a grand boozer. James

The staff and owners are family-unfriendly to a point I find depressing and plain weird. Case in point: my partner and I and two month old son in a pram were instructed to leave the front garden immediately (“I'd like you to leave now“) for staying slightly longer than their 7.30pm cut-off. Strange thing is, this evening was a special celebration for a local cat that had just passed away, beloved of our family, and we'd popped down specially to have a pint. Surely a wake would be one occasion you'd think they'd let relax the rules by a minute or two just to let us finish out pints? Damn, you'd be wrong. It seems strange that the owners are more concerned about hustling kids in prams off the premises than nurturing good relations with the locals. We wouldn't have gone down if it wasn't for the special occasion, so as a point of principle, and to play along with what seemed to me a ridiculous rule, I wandered back on my tod and asked for the quid I'd put in the collection box back. The landlady calmly gave it to me and explained that she had to keep the ground rules so strict to stop people taking liberties. Understood, but if strict enforcement of the ground rules is more important than cutting local families an inch of slack, you have to wonder about their priorities. No wonder there's such a weird atmosphere in there. Beer OK, constant acid jazz/trip hop muzak, watch out for the rules on signs everywhere, and they put furry table clothes on the tables for some reason. I recommend The Castle in the Village for family-friendly service, each time we've been there, they couldn't have done more to accommodate us. Better music also.

AVOID AVOID AVOID! If you don't want children in your pub/garden then put signs up saying so. Signs as we entered told us children were allowed in garden until 7.30 and to leave pushchairs in the alleyway. We sat in the furthest most corner where the two 3year old's in our party played and laughed but not in an excessive manner as to disturb other drinkers in the garden. We were approached after purchasing our drinks by in my opinion the rudest landlord in London who demanded in a very angry, aggressive and nasty tone that he, and I quote directly " I don't want to hear your kid's laughing, I don't want them moving or talking. I don't even want them in my pub or garden. I want them quiet sitting down in a chair" After speaking to friends who've visited this pub they have had similar experiences with the landlord/lady. Several have commented on the managements weird and erratic behaviour and lack of social skills for people in there position.

The Nags Head is a village local in E17. It has an easy amiability, it’s a hub of local activity, the real ale is splendid and the pub events are surprisingly plentiful.

The Venue
The Nags Head is located in the historic conservation area of Walthamstow Village, an area graced by the fine medieval St Mary’s church and pleasing 16th and 18th century almshouses. Situated in Orford Road, the pub is surrounded by a lively mix of restaurants, delis and speciality shops.

It’s been going strong since Tudor times and the present 1857 building retains many old features. Internally, it has one large open area comfortably furnished with upholstered settles and wooden fittings. At the front is an open space that has several benches. The prime physical attraction of the Nags Head, however, is the expansive paved garden. This has a central palm tree and is marvellously equipped with a Pergotenda all-weather awning. This is heated and lit so can be used most weeks of the year.

The Atmosphere
One of the landlords Roger Carter is a former London cabbie who has all the wit and affability of the best professionals in that trade, while landlady Flossie and their staff greet all customers with smiles and good humour.

Many events take place and these are remarkably varied to suit different interests: there’s pilates and belly dancing classes, book and history clubs, even life drawing lessons. You can also catch live jazz on Sunday evenings courtesy of a five-piece group, the Stowaways.

The Food
The pub introduced a Mamma Mia Italian kitchen in February 2012 which has proved a great success. Its dishes include delicious pizza offerings, plus a range of starters, mains and a tiramisu dessert. There’s also a variety of daily specialities which can include sea bass fillets and pasta dishes

The Drink
Properly kept and properly served, the Nags Head’s real ale has sold in growing volumes year on year. The quality is recognised by an annual listing in the Campaign For Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide. There are always six beers on handpump. Unusually and happily one of these is a dark mild - Mighty Oak of Maldon’s Oscar Wilde. Other East Anglian micros featured include Brentwood, Crouch Vale, Harwich and Nethergate, while you may also find beers from Brodie’s, Hobgoblin and St Austell.

The wine list is provided by noted merchants, Hallgarten Druitt. A primitivo and a zinfandel are available and the choice is so good that regular monthly wine tastings are always fully booked. Malt whiskies are also well represented with Jura and Bruichladdich particular favourites.

The Last Word
There’s always a friendly village buzz in the Nags Head. It’s a real life Bull of Ambridge in E17.