Red Lion, Brackleyback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
it doesn't get any better. it's the handiest pub for the bus stops out of the place. The corporate makeover is fading and the clientele incudes a HI-VI jacket clad Arthur Askey re-incarnation garnered for the Jeremy Kyle generation. Brackley is one of those 'one-horse' towns where the horse has been minced into Chappie sometime ago.
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Brackley is a pretty little market town. But its pubs leave a lot to be desired. The Red Lion is a Charles Wells hostelry situated next to the town hall and near to the main public car park. Food seemed to be popular. Although kitchen staff set the fire alarm off at one point. The barmaid assured everybody that there was no need to evacuate. The large single room is fairly characterless. The ale choice was Bombardier, Eagle or Directors. Live music was advertised. Not particularly inspiring.
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It is hard to fault Snarling Mallard's review. It's fair.
It's true that the place used to have a charm when it was a ramshackle, sticky carpet affair. Now it's had a small town large brewery makeover with neon lights and a restaurant/cum/dance floor.
The beer is expensive, always has been. The beer selection is acceptable rather than impressive.
The food is usually very good. Dined there a dozen or so times and always enjoyed it.
It's clean, friendly, in the town, has good food, decent beer but is expensive.
Would it be my first choice? No, it isn't bad as a standard chain pub offering.
The problem (beyond the cost) is that it is trying to be everything to everyone. It launched a nightclub to try and get teenagers with cash. Despite this it still wanted the olde world charm and to be a restaurant and to attract women who wanted wine. It can't decide what it wants to be/what will make it enough money.
When it settles down it'll be good again.
The landlord Nigel is also a very likeable man. I want the pub to work for him as he works hard! So if in town - go and see for yourself!
It also has a large garden which is rather nice.
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Proudly pronounces itself as Charles Wells Pubco establishment. So many others prefer to hide that fact. Had a pint of Hobgoblin which set me back �3.20. Can't quite see how they can get away with plus London prices in a backwater town (paid fractionally more for a pint of far better beer, a bag of crisps and a soft drink for the missus in Banbury). Done out in a corporate 'we know better than people who drink there' kind of style. Beer was drinkable, staff friendly enough but ambience and price would tend to favour a trip to Waitrose for some home consumed takeouts than to bother with this place. Am glad I don't live in Brackley
anonymous - 31 Oct 2009 22:37 |
Arrived here about 11.45am and ordered our drinks. The barman served us but then said that the tills wouldn't work until 12. All around us were people rearranging tables and clearing up. Why bother opening if you're not ready??
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has had a major refurb but looks very corporate now
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