please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Was almost put off coming here due to the low scores and comments but on balance it is not a bad pub for a modern estate pub.
Extensive menu, a little pricey perhaps but they do specials for the value hunters.
Staff were friendly - we were almost 'harrassed' by a constant stream of girls coming over to see if we were alright and wanted more drinks, so the service has improved.
Beers - slight downer for me as not an Arkells fan but the Wiltshire Gold was well kept and went down well.
Some might say lacking in ambience but it is a modern estate type pub so it will try to cater for all.
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Scotia001 below nails it: -
"The pub attempts to be all things for all customers, and fails by trying to meet too many customer profiles."
It's a typical 'IKEA Self-Assembly Pub'. Oozing with invented tradition, manufactured atmosphere, and artificial community (just like the Blunsdon Arms a mile or so away).
There was never a pub on this site before 2003(ish) - it was all green fields. The designers obviously wanted the Tawny Owl to exude 'character' and that goal might have been achieved had they not decided they wanted to attract pool playing lads AND slot-machine playing oafs AND, family diners with kids AND local chaps popping in for a swifty and a read of the paper.
The Tawny is ALL things to ALL customers but fails because of it.
On the plus side (yes there is a plus side): -
It is a large, clean, well maintained pub. I did not find the staff rude at all, but they were rather run off their feet so not much time for pleasantries. The place was busy on my mid-week lunch time visit so they must be doing something right.
Food was good, hot and prompt despite only one (very efficient) lady dealing with all the covers.
If they would get rid of the excessive gaming machines and odd gumball machines (in the lounge!) then this could be a very good pub indeed.
Ale selection is limited but in pretty good condition. I'm not an Arkels fan but I'm sure those who are won't be disappointed.
It's a fair pub. I'll go there again.
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This pub looks okay superficially when we visited it on Saturday 18 Sept 2010, and the decor is quite nice - except for a large 'Walls Ice Cream' chest freezer, just inside the entrance and adjacent to the bar, which really lowers the tone.
Unfortunatley, they employ the usual standard - apathetic bar staff, mainly young ladies - who really make it clear that they don't want to be there, and serving customers interferes with their chit chats. The table staff seemed attentive however. Summary: Pay peanuts and get moneys.
The pub attempts to be all things for all customers, and fails by trying to meet too many customer profiles. There is the usual Big Screen TV area (why -groan) - a couple of small restaurant booths - a lounge area with sofas (we don't want to feel as if we're sitting in at home !!) a cramped array of table and chairs for drinkers opposite the bar, successfully creating a bottle neck by the the entrance - and finally, the ONE thing they DID get right - a family eating area (hoorah! at last).
The thing that caught our attention most, and way above anything else, were the meal prices - Wow! ....... ouch !!!!
I would expect to be sitting in a fairly good, and atmosphericly candle-lit restaurant to pay their asking prices. They seem to have lost sight of the fact that this is more or less just another Harvester. This is reflected by all of the ketchup and vinegar bottles on the restaurant tables (tacky).
Given the poor 'ambience' and level of customer service here - the meals (which in fairness did look good) need to drop their prices by at least 40% - if not more, to compete with the number of similar establishments all within a short distance from this venue.
Finally, there is an average beer garden adjacent to the car park - but their range of real ales and house wines was not bad.
All in all - not a place that we'll be going back to. I can have the same (or better) for a LOT cheaper just around the corner.
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very rude and ignorant bar staff
RichT - 24 Apr 2008 16:04 |
Food service very slow. Landlord arrogant and unwelcoming. Beer mediocre. Beer Garden would be good for summer though.
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i visited the Tawny on a hot summers evening for a quiet drink and it couldn't have been better-lovely outside patio and garden and a very tastefully decorated interior. Definately intend returning for food soon
kate - 5 Sep 2004 19:13 |
mint pub very clean and respectable. the food arrived quick and was delicious. was quiet and a nice atmosphere
mark roberts - 2 Sep 2004 21:03 |
The food we had was good although they booked us for a table at 8.30, as this was the earliest they could accomodate and on arrival told us the kitchen closed at 9. In the end we finnished eating at 9.45 and this did not seem to cause any trouble. One is left feeling that with a bit of effort this could be an excellent pu
Peter - 11 Jun 2004 15:07 |
A very nice pub, food was very good but the service was so very slow. A lady on the table next to us asked four times for her vegetables and had nearly finished her dinner before they arrived which is not really acceptable and it was not overly busy on the night. If the business of getting all your dishes of food to the table quicker and together was sorted out I would have no hesitation in recommending the Tawny Owl to anyone.
Marion - 16 Apr 2004 15:48 |
A nice pub to go to for a quiet midweeker, and the first pub i've seen with bottles of special brew in the fridge - allez le clochard! There wasn't much of an atmosphere though, reminded me of a library.
kev - 24 Jan 2004 13:08 |
A large group of us went for dinner. The food was good, although the portion sizes varied greatly and the service was slow. However this was our second attempt at eating here. The first one we turned up and they were fully booked. Therefore if you want to eat I would say make sure you book
Kate - 14 Jan 2004 15:57 |
Personally i think its a brilliant new pub, well designed and furnished, modern with old characteristics, the food is very good and portrays a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Luci Davis - 8 Jan 2004 17:02 |
A brand new pub which looks convincingly old. They have a good policy of keeping space for people who are just drinking,not eating... just as well, as the food is bad beyond description. A brilliant wine list and good atmosphere make this pub worth a visit.
Jane lovell - 19 Nov 2003 23:19 |
