please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Although it has six hand pumps and serves a good selection of mostly locally brewed ales, this is definitely NOT a pub for the discerning drinker. At �3.50 a pint the beer quality leaves a LOT to be desired and seems to be routinely dispensed short measure, which is only very grudgingly topped up.
The food is dreadful. It is over priced and poorly cooked and was served by a couple of scruffy looking youths in t-shirts and jeans.
As much as I find it difficult to say this, a McDonald�s burger and chips is not only much better value, it is much better quality for a fraction of the �12.95 charged here. And at least McDonald�s staff are smart and polite. McDonald�s also cook their chips properly which is more than can be said for the chips here. And beware, the menu says there is a discretionary 10% service charge, but this seems to be routinely added to the bill and is only grudgingly taken off afterwards.
This is a pub with a fantastic potential but at the moment seems to have totally lost the plot. At the moment 2/10 is being generous as the management need to get their act together.
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This pub has a patchy history and has cyclical bouts of in/out with the Ag College students. Tends to be rather up its own ass and the non regular punter has a different attitude from the staff. The last pint of Duck Pond Bitter I had went straight back with the suggestion it would be better served with chips!
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First time I've been to this pub, but I was impressed.
They do have a couple of beers under their own name, I don't know who brews
these, but both were in good order, though too hoppy for my taste.
Abbot ale and Speckled Hen were also avaliable and fine.
Cider was Addlestones plus another keg. Didn't try these, so can't say too much.
Other reviews mention the food - big part of the business here, and all I had
was good quality with a healthy portion size. Some dishes were very expensive, but the menu is large enough to give a fair choice.
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My visit to the Wild Duck in Ewen was very disappointing. I had heard rave reviews so it was a real let down. The food is thoroughly over-priced and fairly average. I presume the pub has changed hands and the new owners are still trading off the good name. There were lots of little things that annoyed me. Despite spending �140 on a bed for the night, the fire wasn't lit in the guest's lounge, we had no toilet roll, you had to pay for a cooked breakfast. The continental breakfast (included in the �140) was quite disgusting - the croissants tasted like carboard and the jams were poor quality. You expect this at a service station not at a rural inn. The pub is still quaint and our room was reasonably nice (but not worth �140), but that's not enough to claim it's one of the best in the area. The Bell in Sapperton is another league. Go there!
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Disappointed on our latest visit when a completely wrong dish was delivered. I was twice offered (and accepted) bread and olives to assuage my hunger while my wife ate her meal, but these arrived -- eventually -- after the correct main course, which only served to underline the poor service. The meal was fine once it arrived and I didn't have to pay for it, which was only fair in the circumstances but much appreciated. A good pint of Duckpond mollified me. I will go again as it's been very good before, but a top-end place like this that prides itself on its reputation for excellence really shouldn't make such elementary mistakes.
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I'm a fan of the Wild Duck having visited with my girl friend many times. The range of ale is always good. I usually opt for the Theakston Old Peculiar or the 'Duck Pond' ale.
Good decor - stuffed animals, lots of nooks and crannies as other people have pointed out. Wooden beams. A cosy feel. Food is good. Bar staff are always friendly. Can be busy. Whenever I'm in Cirencester, I try and pop along to the Wild Duck for a glass or two!
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I've been back and i am pleased to report that the Wild Duck is back on top form; excellent food and beer :)
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Fab pub - great food and very interesting decor with loads of ambience & lots of nooks & crannies. Not cheap, but perfect for a special lunch or dinner. Definitely has the "wow" factor.
anonymous - 10 Apr 2007 16:24 |
Gorgeous-looking pub close to the green and leafy banks of the Thames near it's rural source. The food looked spectacular, though we didn't have any. Lovely tranquil beer garden too. Not very pubby, though perhaps one of the nooks would suffice for serious drinking purposes. Very gentrified.
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Really nice and always busy which is a good sign! Really nice beer garden which is amazing in the summer. Quite pricey.
anonymous - 1 Dec 2006 13:49 |
6 Real Ales, and a wine list 2nd to none. Always busy.
anonymous - 27 Oct 2006 17:26 |
The Wild Duck is indeed a lovely pub, one of the nicest I know and the food used to be great. Last time I visited however, the food was poor, there was even evidence of plastic in my fish sauce. The staff are also most unhelpful and service is slow. Such a shame, hopefully things will pick up again.
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The young landlord and landlady gave very friendly welcome. Good food. Very pretty pub, lots of character with lovely courtyard garden.
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Very old inn & very characterful. Well-awarded food. Bar service could be better (smiles help guys) - but frankly they don't have to try too hard as custom floods in.
Paul - 1 Nov 2004 16:21 |
