please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Pink & Lily appears to be a largely food dominated pub. But it does have 4 real ales - Haresfoot White Label, Sharps Doom Bar, Chiltern Black & Malt Starry Nights were today's selection. Sunday roasts appeared to be popular and the place was fairly busy. The garden has some children's play equipment and two strange bubble-like contraptions containing tables. They appear to be a way to drink outside without having to endure wind and/or rain. One of them was occupied today.
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Went back here recently for the first time since it re-opened and on the whole was impressed. The food was very good and reasonably priced (not cheap, but still decent value). They had few good ales on including a very local one from Malt, which was good to see (and drink!). Glad to see it open again and seemingly doing well - I'm sure I'll return.
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Went here again twice fairly recently and the first time I was of the view that it was too expensive for quite average quality food, but the most recent time the quality of the food had improved and the prices remained the same - acceptable for the better fare. I am glad they have not (as far as I saw anyway) gone down the road of serving your meal on a lump of wood, or a slate. Plates are best! Hot ones in preference too if appropriate.
motco - 17 Mar 2015 16:20 |
My report is much the same as previous posts. Four handpumps but only three on as the Doom Bar pumpclip was turned round (no disappointment to me), the three being XT 3, Animal Hoot and Tring Sidepocket for a Toad all well presented. Didn't try the food but a diner close by gave us his recommendation and apparently he is a regular visitor. The food prices seemed a bit above average but conversely the beer prices were lower than I was expecting taking into account the area and the slightly upmarket premises. The bar and dining area are on split levels with dogs welcome in the higher bar area. My first visit since the re-opening but a repeat visit will not be too long away.
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A fine gastropub in a gorgeous bit of the high Chilterns, we stumbled across it after finding the King William IV in Speen was shut on a Friday lunchtime amid the 2014 winter deluge. Rump steak and chips with a pink peppercorn sauce was terrific as was my Dad's haddock and chips and a couple of ales were on for the non-drivers. The only bum note was the middle of the road music.
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yes its a bit posh and its a bit foody. but none the less everything about this place is just brilliant. lovely location up in the chilterns, lovely building with a nice mix of modern and traditional interior provide a warm atmosphere. the beers are all excellent local breweries (tring, xt, chiltern and malt etc.). the food whilst pricey was fantastic. all the staff were really friendly and the pub dog is wonderfull too.
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Thanks for the taking the time both to visit and to post! Glad you had a good experience, you're absolutely right about the hook and ring in the Brooke Bar although both were removed by the previous owner! Have managed to replace the hook, but the ring and string is proving more difficult! Any help gratefully received!!
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My family and I had dinner here on a recent evening. By necessity (a baby and a toddler in the party) it had to be early so we didn't see the pub in full swing of a summer's evening. However I can report that the proprietors have made a huge effort and are very welcoming and helpful. The outdoor space is nicely laid out with tables and benches built into 'walled' niches, and with picnic style benches on the lawn. There's a fenced off children's play area, and patio heaters are available at the tables for the chillier evenings. The thermometer was in the high twenties when we were there so we needed out door air conditioning!
The menu is of a more ambitious kind than standard pub fare, but the prices are reasonable with a choice of 'standard' dishes like beer battered haddock (well cooked and generously proportioned), and more sophisticated items such as confit of duck. Children and dogs are welcomed. the beers well kept (four ales on hand pump).
My only disappointment is that the ring and hook game has lost its ring and string. We were assured by a patron-in-the-know in the Brooke Room that this was lost by the builders and that the pub is looking for a replacement. The Brooke Room is still dedicated to the eponymous poet; his 'The Chilterns' poem is framed on the wall next to a clock forever showing the time as being ten to three...
motco - 24 Jul 2013 09:16 |
I was about to post the opening date as a one-time enthusiast of this superb pub, but I'm glad to see that the landlord has beaten me to it! I hope the Brooke Room is unspoiled...
Good Luck!
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The Pink & Lily, Pink Road, Lacey Green, HP270RJ will be opening again on July 5th 2013 at midday. Having been bought outright by a local family, the pub is not tied and so will be serving a range of local and real ales including Doom Bar, Deuchars and guest ales from XT Brewery. With great food and an open door policy, we look forward to welcoming you July 5th. Opening hours 12pm-11.30pm, tel: 01494 489857.
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Latest: The Pink is to reopen in June 2013 under local ownership. Reports to follow...
motco - 29 May 2013 10:16 |
Here we are, a year on from the last entry and still this pub is dark. The location is beautiful, the building ideal - why is it still empty?
motco - 15 Mar 2013 11:10 |
On a trip to The Whip inn and passed this pub and it was in darkness friday night so we asked about it at The Whip and it has apparently been closed for about two weeks. The new owners lasted about a year and its currently on the market leasehold. Just goes to show its all well and good having all the gloss but you have to supply the goods.
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Lots of one time only postings here.
But as we were nearby on a walk we thought we would have a look in. Seem to have spent some money on the refurb and it looks good but im not sure its a drinking venue. We got pounced on almost before we got in the door and asked if we would be dining. I dont normally dine in wellies and this was no exception. The staff appeared a bit uncomfortably about us staying at the bar for some reason and kept suggesting we sat down. I Like Drinking At The Bar so we did. Unfortunately I got stung for the round 2 doom bar & a peroni in a vase Im pretty sure it was �12.50 ouch! west end prices in a rural pub. The others didnt fancy paying for another round so we continued on.
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I can see that I shall have to make it my business to go along and try the new 'Pink'.
Looks at diary.....
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Slight whiff of desperation here methinks. It may well be a nice gaff with lower dining area but please let us have some reviews from people who have posted more than once on BITE. Sorry. Just a small gripe of mine.
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Superb quality food cooked very well. Service was warm, efficient and friendly. Food for a group of 14 people all arrived at the same time and at just the right time - not too quick or too long a wait. Whilst Pink&Lily was busy our last minute booking was warmly accommodated and we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere with a beer in the garden before moving inside to sit on one long table in the spacious lower dining area. The whole place was very clean and the decor was original whilst being in keeping with the area. The locally sourced rump steak was delicious and cooked to perfection for medium rare. Enjoyed ourselves so much we returned for a wonderful lunch the following day. Girlfriend said the best chunky chips and pork scratchings she has ever had!
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I recently visited the pub for a fish night. the service was good, lovely surroundings and most importantly the food was excellent-well presented, fresh and very tasty. definitely worth a try.
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The food at the recent fish night was out of this world. The owner was really friendly and welcoming. Well kept beers on draft (inc Doombar) and really informed wine selection. I recommend you pop by.
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nice review by the landlord...orangemini.
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tuna: quite so old bean, quite so!
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Sigh . . . . . .
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This is a great pub which has been decorated and equipped to a high standard, creating a very welcoming atmosphere. Service was very friendly, attentive and informed, and the food was fantastic. Loved the apple chutney and hope to come back soon to try more of the yummy things on the menu!
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This was a great pub not been in there since the refurb. I do find it odd that people feel inclined to sign up to this web site and rave about the place. It was never a tired old boozer.
Anyone care to mention the new beer and food prices? I've heard they are expensive.
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Last three posts by three new members who have all registered in the last three days. And only posted about this pub. Great pub or what! I've never been there but want to spend the rest of my life there. Thanks guys.
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Happened to pop into the Pink and Lily out of chance when passing one Saturday. We were greeted by extremely pleasant staff and the feel of the pub was warm and friendly. We could of ordered all the food on the menu as it all sounded so delicious. Everything was top class from the service, to the food and drink, we could not of asked for more. Feel we have found a little gem!
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We recently visited the pink &lily and had a wonderful time.The food was excellent especially if you have children as their menu is wholesome not like some other pubs we have been to.The pub is beautifully refurbished and has a lovely feel and atmosphere we felt comfortable with our children and small well behaved dog even the back ground music was perfect!!! All in all we spent a lovely Sunday afternoon with delicious food good beer and went for a wonderful walk afterwards can't wait to go back.
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FANTASTIC food and eager to please service + a good choice of beers - I loved it..
3 of us each had a different main and dessert or cheese and all 6 dishes were either very good or excellent. The desserts especially were 'to die for', and my son's homemade burger (he was good enough to let us all try it) was possibly the best I've ever tasted.
I liked the distinct areas within the pub too, made you feel that different people were enjoying the place for different reasons.
Great for a high quality meal in a friendly, unstuffy ambience. I will definitely be back.
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Forgive me if I am wrong, but I understood it had been bought by Enterprise Inns? As for the choice of beers, the days of the 'tied house' has long gone (with a few exceptions) and pubcos source their beers from any number of different brewers. The beer sold is not therefore any guide as to ownership. Personally, I hope my experience was an exception and others have a better experience than me, but I can only report as I find.
I'm sorry, but I found your gushing tone and only one review highly suspicious. Landlords/landladies 'bigging up' their own pub is hardly unknown on this site!
Incidentally, you seem to have changed sex.
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Campanologist obviously needs to go to specsavers!
Its not a chain, which should have been obvious to you from the selection of beers on tap and the high quality food.
If you only go every few years then may be you are not the type of customer they need. I represent the locals and we are extremely pleased that some one has taken it by the scruff of the neck and is trying.
I went again with my wife on Saturday and we had fantastic fish and chips with lovely home made tartare sauce. The dog was welcome, even though she was muddy and we will continue to support it.
May be you should stick to bell ringing instead of slagging of an independent publican who trying to make its mark.
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Is archie13 the manager?
It never was a 'tired old pub' to be honest and I struggled to see any difference in overall style from my previous visit a few years ago . It had four real beers on when I visited a few days ago but none could be said to be in very good nick. Food was so-so and portions distinctly mingey. The gang of youngsters who acted as waiters/waitresses were keen to please but lacked any direction and as is usual with large managed houses, there didn't seem to be anyone in overall control to tell them what to do.
Really needs grabbing by the scruff of the neck before things go horribly awry.
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Well, what a transformation! This pub has been transformed from a tired old boozer to a fantastic dining experience. This place is now under new ownership, they have spent an awful lot of money bringing the Pink and Lily up to date. Tonight they had Doom Bar, Tribute, Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Rebellion on as guest beers as well as Peroni so my husband was happy. We had a fantastic meal, he had Calves Liver and Pancetta Mash and she had The Brooke Burger, handmade burger with all the trimmings. The kids had mini steak and chips. How refreshing not to be offered the usual fried stuff, kids meals! The interior is a nice blend of historic Brooke Bar and light and bright conservatory. Well done The Pink and Lily, we will be back. This place has now taken back its rightful place as the best place to eat and drink in the area.
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Sadly this pub is now closed. The previous landlord(s) are said (by a local pub magazine; 'Swansupping') to have given up the struggle to make it work "in the current climate" - make what you will of that. It (the pub) is being refurbished and should be open in July 2011 reportedly. It now under the umbrella of Enterprise Inns. Whether that is a good thing or not you will have to decide for yourselves.
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Good pub, great beer, friendly and helpfull staff. The menu reads well but the food on the plate is bland and a little disapointing.
I'm sure with a bit more effort they could do better.
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This pub is one of the best in the area with its friendly and attentive staff, good food, and wide choice of hand-pumped beers. Certainly it's not cheap, but then the food isn't standard pub fare. Circa �3 for a pint of average strength bitter is par for the course locally.
motco - 15 Nov 2010 17:41 |
Have just returned from a really disappointing supper. Bar staff are polite and friendly but food seems to come straight from freezer, via microwave, to plate. Risotto verde was completely tasteless and without texture. Chips were undercooked and onion rings were floury. My husband's lasagne was covered by a thick layer of melted cheese but there was no white sauce in the dish and the cheese seemed of the processed variety. Food seriously overpriced for what we received and, quite honestly, I've had better in a motorway service cafe.
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This pub is OK. An interesting and varied interior from a cosy snug at the front to a conservatory at the back. Though there's the usual gastro pretensions on the food front, not surprising considering the area, all that is kept separate from the pub side of things and very pubby it remains, refurbishments have been sympathetic. Nice range of beers, we stuck to the excellent Brakspear's due to driving but there's something for everyone in this GBG listed house. Indeed the GBG satnav file lead us here from a somewhat underwhelming and drink-free experience at the Plough down the road.
Well worth a visit.
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Very good selection of ales and a wide range on the menu.
The Brook room is best if you have a small group, the hoop on a string game is in there too.
A couple of open fires.
Dogs allowed in too.
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