We booked four double rooms for two nights to attend a funeral in Buckden. On arrival there was a note on the door to call a phone number so that someone could come to the hotel to let us in. We had a friendly check in. First impressions are that the public areas are tired and didn’t smell very pleasant. Our rooms varied in standard. The ground floor room was very tired whereas one of the larger rooms upstairs was pleasant. One of the rooms had an issue with not getting hot water and the issues were never rectified even with several calls to the owner. Some of the kettles in the rooms weren’t very clean inside. The bar closed at 9pm and there wasn’t an option to sit in the public area later...
The Lion used to be a very pleasant place to go for Sunday roast, and also quite popular. Sadly though, it is under new ownership and the quality of the food has really gone downhill. The new owners, an Indian family, are very friendly and the service was good. The chef is a big disappointment though, largely due to the fact that he/she really can't cook adequately to be working in a commercial environment (2 whole carrots were put on the plate, almost raw, along with raw broccoli) and the quality of the ingredients was low (the nut roast seemed like a cheap, frozen, processed mass of unrecognisable compressed gloop). It was edible, but just barely. Dessert was only marginally better a cheap...
No ale ! For me the jewel in the Buckden crown has long been the historic Lion pub. Great beers, cosy atmosphere has always been a winning combination, but sadly no more. Now with restricted opening hours because not enough people are going there perhaps the new owners should wonder why? All prices have increased, the food is not reliable and now at 5pm on a Saturday night they ran out of ale! (Yes, that had larger but no ale) When we decided to revisit the following Thursday, 5 days later, the Timmy Taylor’s Landlord had still not been put back on! Leaving the pub still with no traditional ales. As regulars who have spent many happy hours over the years, I really hope the management can rev...
Stopped here for 2 nights while visiting family. The room was really dated and could have done with a good dusting to get rid of the cobwebs. There was lovely clean bedding and towels but the pillows were far too soft and the mattress was the worst one I’ve ever slept on. One could feel the springs and what felt like the bed base!!!! No breakfast in with the price which to me is a poor do. The bathroom needs an update too but was usable and when the hot water finally reached the shower head it was ok. The cleaner was lovely though and did ask if we wanted our bed making or clean towels. Probably wouldn’t stop there again if I’m honest.
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Saturday lunch in this near deserted pub and it’s easy to see why folk stay away. Many basic items were not available so the starter of corn ribs on a bed of salad with olives and sun roast tomatoes became a few chunks of seasoned corn on the cob and a bit of mayonnaise. The main of Thai vegetable curry was quite simply the worst I’d ever tasted; no lovely fragrant Thai flavours, just salty coconut milk and barely cooked vegetables. To top it off, plant milk in my tea turned out to be the same coconut milk from the curry so it curdled unappetisingly. The saving grace was the lovely ladies serving. Something big needs to change here.
Sunday lunch returned as cold and inedible. Not cooked properly and suspect microwaved by skin on gravy. They tried again but that had to be returned too. Luckily we were able to find another restaurant so all be it late, we got some lunch…was a memorable Sunday family treat outing!
We had our first visit here Sunday and definitely won't be our last. The starter and Sunday Roast were delicious and the desserts were amazing. The staff were so friendly and helpful and this old pub is looking beautiful inside. Highly recommended.
Nice evening, excellent food and service, warmly recommend. Had the haddock which had a wonderfully light batter, followed by the crème brûlée which was great. Will be back soon!
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Excellent Sunday lunch. Food very good and staff friendly and accommodating. This is a very beautiful old building in the lovely village of Buckdon
Nice pub. The food was good but and were late one night so we’re were offered toasted sandwiches which were lovely. Pleasant staff.
