please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Still get a decent beer here but found it a bit too touristy this visit. The Chiltern brews are well kept though and there aren't a lot of options for a decent pint in Quack Town.
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Tourist pub that is the Chiltern Brewery tap and owned by the National Trust. Good food, excellent beer and a very nice place.
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Didn't bring my child here, as I'd left him at a local soft play area. I think he would have liked it though. This is a historic pub just off the Market Square in Aylesbury. It is the home of Chiltern Ales. Beers were Chiltern Ale, John Hampden's, Chiltern Black & Beechwood Best. The guest was Mr Swift from West Berkshire. No real cider was served. Although there were a couple of bottled options. The Chiltern Black was excellent. Staff are very professional. The interior feels old and the outdoor courtyard seemed fairly relaxing. Toilets in the courtyard require a code to get in.
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Pleasant National Trust run pub in the centre of Aylesbury with decent Chiltern Ales. Thankfully has a no children policy. There are plenty of McDonalds and other child free places for people to take their brats to instead of inflicting them on the oasis of a quiet pub.
anonymous - 3 Jan 2015 22:08 |
Blimey Mr Wenger! You're a hard task master. 4 real ales on at once, puts a pub towards the top of my estimation. I completely agree with you about the atmosphere in the bar though; very sedate. This does have the affect of keeping the pub free for a somewhat more mature crowd.
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on a recent visit to this estabishment I found it to be abit to quiet for my liking, but the chiltern beer that was on offer was ok, would be nice if they had more than just 4 real ales on offer at any one time.
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I went in here one lunchtime recently.
Nice old building (of course).
Very nice pint of Chiltern Ale at reasonable price.
Bar staff friendly and efficient - even asked if I wanted a straight glass or handle.
I didn't eat but food looked intersting, don't know about prices.
Yes I will be going again when in Aylesbury, recommended.
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A nice tidy bar offering 3 Chiltern and 1 guest beer.
Polite and efficient staff and reasonable prices.
Well worth finding.
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Picture the scene if you will; father and 9 year old daughter in Aylesbury town centre having just dropped "the Teenagers" bowling...
9 yr old: Dad can I get a drink?
Dad: I know, lets slip into the Farmers Bar and get a lemonade and a pint of terrific Chiltern Brewery beer.
Two minutes later...
Dad: Can I have a lemonade and a pint of...
Spotty, yet polite Bar Boy: I'm terribly sorry sir, but we don't allow under 18's in the bar.
Dad: Well I'm just buying the drinks and then we'll go outside.
SYPBB: I'm sorry sir we can't allow the child in the bar.
Dad: Where do you suggest I put her while I buy the drinks?
SYPBB: Outside?
Dad: Come on we're going.
All conducted in the best of manners and politeness, but a stupid, stupid rule from the only town centre pub worth visiting.
I suppose Chiltern Brewery want to create a quieter atmosphere for the mature drinker, but it's hardly going to hurt taking a single child into the pub for 30 seconds while you get drinks.
Oh yes and by the way Farmers Bar, if you have such daft rules it would be useful to put signs up outside to prevent the inevitable confrontation at the bar.
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Real ale is very good and this pub is an oasis amongst the mainly chavvy pubs you'll find in Aylesbury centre. A nice relaxing place in the heart of things, the courtyard tables are full on a nice day with virtually no smokers, a sign of the clientele perhaps? A place to have a conversation with your friends.
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Decent enough Pub in the centre of town serving particularly good pints of Chiltern beer. Quite comfortable and relaxing, but just watch out with the pieces of glass that make the tables, they are not fixed down and come off. Other than that a good place for a quiet drink if you find yourself at a loose end.
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Good place to hang out, always guaranteed a top class beer, They used to do live music but apparently not these days??? Had some great times here . great courtyard in the summer lovely 'an oasis in town'. Food is good but alittle pricey and the sandwiches are massive! Shame the rest of aylesbury ( excluding Hop Pole) couldn't create a few other places like this and not the usual mass produced kegged drivel. Don't really see th issue with comments made regarding the decor myself it look s fine with handmade tables (apparently from an old brewery). Staff are always friendly and polite and if they don't know the Full-timers usually do - or will find out. Love it and always on my route when passing through town!
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If you need a glowing example of what the term 'up yer own arse' really means, check this place out; Staff training must include Desperate Arrogance to NVQ3, 1/1 in Indifference and PhD in Completely Inappropriate Career for You. The incumbents should be shot, maimed or fired from a cannon - preferrably all of these. As for Chiltern Brewery, they do nice cheese - allegedly.
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Great beer, but not very atmospheric on a weekend evening.
Chiltern Brewery beers all in good nick. They also have a tie in with Meantime from Greenwich, which means that there is Helles lager on draught as well as a nice selection of bottled beers.
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A trip to Aylesbury to visit this place. Well the Chiltern beer was excellent and charmingly served by a youngish woman. Seating a bit impractical for my slightly older companion. ...but where was the history? No pictures , no artefacts. Outrageous treatment of Nimrod7959.
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really nice place considering the proximity to the centre of aylesbury. well kept beers and friendly staff made this an excellent place for avoiding the riff raff on a friday night.
i agree with the 'hotel bar' comments....it did seem very bright and sanitised in here, especially the bar area, but this is a small price to pay for such a nice place.
(didn't eat so can't comment on the food).
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Popped in recently to taste the beer and have a look around. Beer was excellent, and the courtyard was pleasant. The pub has a small bar, definitely not for standing at. The seating was of the armchair and sofa variety, and a few customers appeared to resting in the place rather than having a drink. I suppose this fits in the NT requirements, but its not a proper bar. Given the age of the place it's a missed opportunity, and the painted beams are a real dissapointment. The NT also owns the Crown bar in Belfast, this is run like a real bar, and it's a gem.
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Popped in here just before Christmas for a swift pint of Beechwood and thought I'd bring my wife here for a day-early Valentines lunch while the children were at school and our young baby was snoozing in her chair.
I'm a fan of Chiltern beer. The place was busy and the one barman looked inundated with food and drinks orders. My wife taps me on the shoulder and says se'd been told we can't stay to eat as they have a strict under-18s policy. Memsahib remonstrates, saying we were quite happy to eat in one of the siderooms away from the bar. But no, she was told we'd have to eat outside. That would be nice for the baby with snow on the ground and the puddles frozen over. So no lunch. M&S sandwiches eaten in a car park. Might try a meal out again one day when the baby's 14.
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I agree with scissorkicks that this does not really feel like a pub, it has more of the feel of a hotel bar, however the Chiltern beers were all on good form and the food is of a high standard
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Lovely pub which makes a change for Aylesbury. Pleasant staff and excellent beer and cider.
jlh22 - 24 Jan 2009 21:16 |
Although I've lived in the area for forty years + I didn't know about this place until scanning BITE. What an oasis, good beers, good ambience, and a peaceful serious drinking venue.Staff a bit vague but thats sadly the norm nowadays. I'll be back with my serious beer drinking pals.
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To clarify, it�s the Farmers Bar within the King�s Head. You�d need a largescale map to find the actual location but, once you�ve reached market square, the �passage� is clearly marked by a large sign pictorially bearing the King�s Head. The appeal is in the medieval courtyard with ancient cobbles, some outer buildings being old stables and Nat Trust has fitted one out with historic information and horse sound effects(!). The bar itself, by comparison, has something of a hotel lobby feel about it, comfortable but hardly taking advantage of its origin (states alehouse since 1280) � even some old beams have been painted white (aaarrghh!) � you feel that some knobhead has been thru and removed horsebrasses and given it a �makeover�, scandalous. I�m amazed at the prev comment re kids not allowed, it looks to be aiming for family style market. Pop in for a look & a beer though � Chiltern Ale, Beechwood Bitter, Copper Beech, Osset Silver Shadow.
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Nice relaxed atmosphere and does have some nice beers but not as good a range as there is in the Hop Pole. Won't let you in with kids either which isn't good when you need a swifty half-way through a shopping marathon.
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This place is a real conundrum. For a pub that's part of a National Trust site, the decor seems strangely incongruous. It's all a bit flowery and semi-modern. It doesn't really feel like a pub at all.
It also suffers from the same affliction as many pubs that also serve food - whenever I come here, I often find myself wondering "if I'm not eating, am I allowed to sit there?". I'm all for pubs serving food as well, but if you leave the punters who only want a drink wondering if you're allowed to sit down, you're in trouble.
But when all this is said and done, there are always some good ales on. The Chiltern Brewery ales are always worth supporting - the current Cobblestones summer ale is very good indeed, and I enjoyed the mild earlier in the year. I've seen the odd interesting guest here as well. I haven't eaten here yet, so can't comment on the food.
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Chiltern brewery 'brewery tap' owned by the National Trust - does the best beer in Aylesbury, usually has Chiltern ale, Beechwood bitter and another such as Copper Beeches or Three Hundreds - sometimes it's a guest. No dress policy but the staff are very smart. Together with the Hop Pole, Aylesbury actually becomes worth visiting!
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I discovered this pub by accident and have since put it on my list of favourites. It is owned and run by the National Trust which, in this instance, is A GOOD THING. The bar staff are all very young and sometimes seem a bit clueless but they are always pleasant, helpful and friendly. The beer is lovely - a good range from the local Chiltern Brewery plus various others from different parts.(Try some of the bottled stuff behind the bar...) No telly or jukebox, which, for this boring old fart, is a good thing. I haven't tried the food but they tell me that they will, if given 24 hours notice, take into account any strange dietary requirements (My girlfriend is a ceoliac) So I will be testing the grub within the next couple of weeks.
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Fantastic cider
love it
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Seems a nice pub. Good range of real ales at �2.45. Well worth supporting.
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I love this pub. it sells my favourtie pint in beechwood. I love the decor. would be my number one pub in aylesbury and a must visit. i didn't know about the no under 18's at all. so thanks for saving me the embrassment if i need a beer when the kids are doing my head in!!!!
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Do like this place. Beer was excellent although doesn't quite push the Hop Pole out of the Aylesbury top slot. Food was OK. Only minor quibble was not being able to take my sleeping 6 month year old baby in there when I needed refreshment from my Christmas shopping. Recommended, especially if you're in the centre of town or thereabouts.
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A very nice, historic pub, which apparently dates back to the 15th century. It has an attractive setting, being just off the old Market Square, and the cobbled yard is a pleasant area for a drink in summer. There's a range of well-kept and tasty ales from the Chiltern Brewery, and a good wine list. Modern intrusions like fruit machines and piped music are minimal and the place has a 'high-class' feel about it. It's also no-smoking - a real plus for many of us. My only slight criticism is that it has a slightly stuffy, formal air, more like a hotel bar or gentlemen's club than a down to earth boozer. Definitely a cut above most other Aylesbury pubs. Recommended.
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I'd like to review this pub, but I can't, having been refused a table to eat with my two children. They have an no under 18s policy, even for dining. A shame, because at least from afar this looked an interesting place with definite character/ history. How can they justify baring a section of the population at a whim? Could they decide to refuse admission to old people? What about the disabled?
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I have been impressed with this pub on the few occasions I have been there; beer and food both excellent, bar staff have usually been friendly, and the place has a relaxed atmosphere. If I were to be critical, it just seems a little too genteel and sometimes customers seem to have been provided mainly by the local Women's Institute. A few real characters would not go amiss.
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Excellent house in interesting & historic building, with excellent beers. Fast & friendly service, even on busy Bank Hol Monday with Otway's Return packing out the Market Square!
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Thank you Kings Head, A pub without screaming mini aylesbury louts otherwise known as children, anoying loud antisocial money sucking flashing fruit machines, someone elses taste in "background" (usually far too loud) music and no smoking. CONGRATULATIONS! oh and the most helpful staff I have come accross in Aylesbury, I wish I had discovered this place sooner.
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I used to like this place, but their attitude to children is downright unfriendly.
Not only will they not let you in the only non smoking pub in Aylesbury to drink a pint, but they won't even let you in with your child to buy a beer to take outside to their courtyard.
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Probably once of the nicest pubs in Aylesbury with a great open courtyard at the back for the summer months. Always thought it was an old man's haunt until it was refurbished last year. Its decor is much nicer now it's had a lick of paint and as a result, the place feels bigger and much airier. Even as a smoker myself, I like the fact its a non smoking pub and I'm happy to go outside for a ciggie. The only downside I have found since it's refurbishment is they only serve Organic or Oldy Worldy lagers, beer and ale. That's all well and good but the organic lager they sell "Freedom" gives me one of the worst hangovers, even if drunk in moderation! I just wish they had a few other branded beers and lager, just so customers could have the choice. For wine and ale drinkers its fab (as my friend who drinks ale will testify every time we go in and they have a new one on tap!). I discovered this pub late on in my time in Aylesbury but I do rate it highly, just wish they had a few branded beers AS WELL as what they sell now.
Recommended!
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I was really supprised to read the previous comment as since discovering this pub I have become a regular and have found the food to be a delight. The menu shows where the food comes from (mostly local) and has always been fresh and well presented. The Kings Head has been the topic of many conversations I have been involved in and they usually conclude in the opinion that we are lucky to have such a lovely place to go to within Aylesbury. Keep up the great work Kings Head and don't let negitive comments discourage you as no company or person can be 100% all of the time, you are permitted to have a bad day.
anonymous - 6 Feb 2006 22:40 |
nice pub - very friendly service, excellent beer, but rubbish food. went for steak and chips & the steak was marinaded in vinegar! Asked for it medium-rare & i swear you could have made squash balls from it. tried steak & ale pie & the inside of the pie was just dried meat - and not much of that!
rating for the pub/beer/atmosphere/service - 9
rating for the food - 2
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In no perticular order: nice seating arrangement; newspapers provided; excellent beer; smokeless atmosphere; friendly. A complete contrast with the rest of the town centre; a place to regroup. But remember to fix the location of the loos before getting to the stage where you might end up wandering into the beer cellar before rushing back to your seat in the bar to try again later. Note also that when you do find the loos the doors are quite heavy.
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Definitely a haven of civilisation in the centre of town. Smoke free, no music, lovely beer. Recommend the Chiltern Ale or the Beechwood Ale. Friendly with a lovely atmosphere. More of a couples pub, I'd say, although I'm sure singles will like it too.
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Lovely place, Chiltern Brewery ale and a rather nice pint of Hooky's Twelve Days served by friendly, chatty staff. Sympathetic refit, though the dash to the icy outside toilets is a bit of a 'mare in the colder months!
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What a nice pub. Has been given a bit of a refit, and usually I dislike such things. However, I was won over by the friendly service and good local ales. All in all, a good pub.
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By far and away the best pub in Aylesbury & a complete oasis from the tired,drab cloned town centre:
- no smoking
- no louts
- original & tasteful interior & customers to match
- very friendly sevice
- beer from Chiltern Brewery, including the latest Summer Ale 'Cobbles' which is light, fresh & full of flavour
- good food
- town centre historic building
Make the effort to visit;highly recommended
mally - 26 Jun 2005 15:36 |
This is just the most fab pub! I have now been a few times, I found it while shopping in Aylesbury and stayed for the rest of the day. Quite busy but not noisey. Most excellent fish & chips.
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Big changes since I was last there, National Trust no longer run pub but still run rest of the site - what a shame. The pub looks great and completely non smoking, very comfy and bright but not quite as traditional as before. Still same staff which is good as they are quite chatty. The courtyard is lovely in the sunshine. no sign of the tourist information bureau which was supposed to be there by now. No longer a freehouse - a shame, the changing real ales were great - but the chiltern brewery ales are very nice. Previous comment says baby changing facilities available but pub doesn't have a childrens certificate. Food was great, quite simple but fresh, quick and tasty. Not currently serving food in the evenings but have said will do soon. A very good time just very different from last visit.
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Methinks someone works for the NT.. heh heh.
Comfortable and historically appointed quiet coaching house style pub. Some of the real ales kept outside which proves awkward for the staff (running back and forth) Ideal spot for taking a breather from shopping / work. Stays relatively peaceful in the evenings, too. Yearly beer festival worth keeping an eye on!
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The Kings Head is owned by The National Trust. It is a fantastic property as it has a pub, coffee and book shop, designer clothing shop (and the local tourist information bureau from March 05) all surrounding a 16th century courtyard - which is a suntrap in the summer with sun all day long. It really is a Freehouse in the traditional sense and has a fantastic constantly changing range of guest ales.
I have been to several events in the pub and courtyard and they have all be great fun (just watch the cobbles when you have been drinking) They have regular beer festivals, quiz nights and music sessions alternate sunday nights and there was a great band playing there last week.
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