please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I suppose if you want a spit and sawdust pub, with a dartboard and skittles you don't go to The Hunt. But they have just handled a function for me involving 50 guests and I cannot fault them. The service was excellent, the food was good and I enjoyed my pint of London Pride (and a lot of alcohol was consumed on that day). I found Wendy and the Team most helpful and encouraging.
Having read reviews here, I quizzed my guests about the rooms (BandB) and breakfast and they all thought they were fine - and they are a discriminating bunch. So, they do get it right.
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Stayed there as a guest recently and the room and service was poor. Room was Ok, but no more than back street Blackpool B&B standard- but with ensuite. Unfortunately, the shower just dribbled tepid water.
Cooked breakfast was unfortunately not cooked: limp warmed-up bacon, scary sausage and very watery beans. (admittedly, the toast was alright)
As for the bar, there's more atmosphere in the daparture lounge at Gatwick (and cheaper drinks!)
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It is little wonder this place is dead most nights. Its been going downhill for years. If this really is what the owners wanted, to create a Hotel Bar rather than a Pub fair enough but driving regulars out who have supported this establishment for years is pretty low in my book. My advice to the uninitiated is dont go yoour custom is not wanted at this Pubic House.
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I have never been in a worse boozer and I am someone who has drunk in bars from Kowloon to the arctic circle. The welcome was cold the lager was not. The staff have the worst morale I have seen in a public bar. Worst of all are the irregular bar and resteraunt hours. Why close in the middle of the day? This place badly needs to move with the times. A dump. Zero from me.
RSM Swain.
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Well as I said I would visit this pub albeit on Tuesday this week. Got there around 4 pm and got to the front door and it was shut. So to be fair the only rating I can give the Hunt Hotel is that it has good locks on the front door, oh and it has a tv aerial on the roof......
anonymous - 7 May 2005 07:42 |
There is an annoying habit amongst people who like this place to take a "like it or lump it" attitude to the level of service they get. Fair point under some circumstances but people feel narked if they have been treated like dirt in any pub and are entitled to sound off about it before never returning and warning other punters about what to expect. I certainly wont be coming back - ever and will probably get pissed to celebrate when the current owners get their richly deserved comeuppance but obviously I will be getting pissed somewhere nice.
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>And please if you are going to have an argument about the pubs, a word of advice. If you post a message with your name showing, its worth trying to change your style of typing<
Ok Sherlock, but actually I wasn't particularly trying hide anything. I chose the option to post anonymously a couple of times (as I see you have done) and then didn't bother. It's as simple as that.
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Hi Ken_tun, see you down the Hare later I hope for a decent pint. And please if you are going to have an argument about the pubs, a word of advice. If you post a message with your name showing, its worth trying to change your style of typing ie. > blah blah blah <......the three other postings that it would appear you went in with anonymously showed many similarities in styles of typing. But hey, thats not an issue.Seriously though, i dont frequent either pubs that i have read about here, but am itching to find out what they are really like. I actually live on the other side of leighton, so its difficult to get to Linslade pubs, or shows my lack of willingness to walk anywhere. But i am going out with my daughter today and we are visiting both. Cant wait, its better than eastenders, coronation street and emmerdale rolled into one.
anonymous - 2 May 2005 12:21 |
>If I'm not posh enough for them, too bad.<
I'm sure "posh" is not a factor, Steve, but you seem to be a hard customer to please, as am I. Yet I find The Hunt suits me perfectly and The White Horse suits you, so it' s horses for courses as they say.
anonymous - 1 May 2005 22:20 |
As I'm late middle aged, middle class, well behaved and reasonably well-off, I would assume I'm the kind of patron The Hunt would want to attract. If I'm not posh enough for them, too bad.
That's my last word on the subject.
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>I WILL go elsewhere. That's The Hunt's loss, not mine.<
I think you may have an inflated view of your own importance. Has it occurred to you that they really don't want your custom or that of your pals in The White Horse?
anonymous - 1 May 2005 14:53 |
Please explain:
>My comments about The Hunt have all been either pretty mild, or actually positive.< Steve 1 May 2005
>Speaking as the person who gave this pub a favourable rating back in February 2004, I would like to say that since then it has deteriorated so badly I will never go back again.< Steve:10 Apr 2005 19:12
anonymous - 1 May 2005 14:17 |
Strange you should all come down so heavily on me as my comments about The Hunt have all been either pretty mild, or actually positive. (You might like to look back to my original comment in Feb.2004).
I used to enjoy my visits but if I'm not made to feel welcome I WILL go elsewhere. That's The Hunt's loss, not mine.
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>I should pay 30p a pint more in a dull, slightly shabby bar in Linslade<
Well your idea of slightly shabby is not mine. But apart from that we've got the message, you don't like The Hunt, you've a pub two minutes walk away that you do like so go there instead.
For what it's worth, i.e. not much, I don't like The White Horse so I don't go there or waste my time complaining about it.
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The idea that I should pay 30p a pint more in a dull, slightly shabby bar in Linslade than I do in my lunchtime haunts in the City is what's ridiculous.
At least the landlord of the "seedy" White Horse knows how to be polite to his customers and how to look after his beer. That's why he scores 6.5 on this site while The Hunt scores 1.1
Yes, the two establishments certainly are in different leagues.
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Well, this is ridiculous, Steve. If you prefer The White Horse then why don't you go there and stay there? The two establishments are in different leagues. And yes, you should expect to be charged more for your beer in the lounge bar of an hotel than in a seedy back-street boozer
anonymous - 30 Apr 2005 18:28 |
So I said I would give it another chance, and to be fair we found it fine for a quiet drink on a Saturday night. Beer was good but VERY exprensive. Staff polite but grim looking. The infamous landlord was only seen once when he wandered through the bar weilding a spade!
Still prefer the White Horse though.
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In answer to anonymous, the unreasonable vendetta that you speak about is not a vendetta. Its about the fact that the pub is not welcoming. Its a fact that nobody, and I mean nobody should be treated like dirt and made to feel insecure when entering any service providing establishment. So you say there are many pubs and bars around the area where people can go, and that is just what they are doing in droves. Forget the good old days that you mention, this is the year 2005 and many pubs are going under because the attitude that is shown in these pubs is still prehistoric. This is unfortunately the way the Hunt Hotel is going. Put this into some form or realistic terms. How many times have you or anybody else asked a friend a relative or someone else, What was the Pub like that you went to last night. If it was good in their opinion then you will go there. If they say anything detremental about it then the chance are you will not visit. I have learned that if one person says something good about an establishment, then one person may visit, if one person says aomething bad, 10 people will not visit. Its called attitudes and unfortunatelyword of mouth is the best form of advertising there is going. Its free, its honest and its truthful. So if you feel that the comments are a personal vendetta, then so be it, but with all due respect to you, everything I have seen for myself and heard from other is the true testament of the Pub. Its a shame really because it is a nice pub, but so was The Cross Keys, and thats now a bank..........I wonder???
anonymous - 13 Apr 2005 10:12 |
There is definitely an unreasonable vendetta going on here against the current owner who as far as I am concerned has done much to improve and maintain higher standards at The Hunt.
The people waxing lyrical about the good old days are mistaken in my view unless they are thinking of the time about 20 years ago when Ian Tring ran the place. The landlord prior to the current incumbent may have been welcoming to his regular clique who he spent much of his time drinking with, but he had barely a Good Morning for anyone else and his apathy led to the place becoming run-down, dingy and generally seedy.
Since his departure The Hunt has been extensively decorated and refurbished and now has a clean comfortable and pleasant atmosphere in keeping with the standards to be expected in a modest hotel's lounge-bar. All my dealings with the staff under the new regime, including the Landlord, have been polite, friendly and efficiently handled.
Linslade and Leighton Buzzard are not exactly short of pubs and bars - there are at least five within five minutes' walk of The Hunt and dozens within five minutes' drive- so I ask myself why the people who don't like it there don't find themselves another bar they prefer and get on with their lives. If The Hunt is really as bad as they say it is it will soon be out of business and they can all flock back. But I don't think this will happen; they are just catering for a different market than the disaffected people here apparently enjoy.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2005 09:46 |
I think that wonderjon is being far too conciliatory about this place. The web site is called Beerintheevening so comments should be restricted to this place as a Pub or Bar and possibly as a resteraunt. I don't care if this place is staffed by Jesus and Mother Teresa. The welcome, atmosphere and environment are hostile. This is by far the worst Bar I have ever been in. Only go if you like being treated like shit and enjoy over priced watery beer. I am giving it a zero. I wish I could give it minus 10. And a quick message to the sherlock who noticed how many subscribers have only reviewed this place. The fact that they did so makes me think that they feel as strongly as I do about the general treatment they have recieved.
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I really think the time has come to be constructive about this place. It is obvious that there are some extremely strong feelings emanating from this Pub and everyone knows what the cause of those problems are. I really want to be positive. People should stick to what they are good at. The landlord may well be an excellent businessman and former soldier but he is not a "people person" because he seems to consider people to be his enemies. I know Wendie vaguely and take on board that she is doing her best in her management role. I also consider many of the staff to be fine individuals (especially the former chefs). Maybe the owner needs to take a more executive role. Like I say I am trying to be positive and I'm not trying to run anyone down personally but things have to change.
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I would quite happily sit down and discuss with you and the management team about how one could possibly strive to achieve customer satisfaction. But would I wish to have a sit down conversation with yourself in the Hunt.....No, I would possibly choose to sit down with you in an independent Place where I would not have to suffer the ingidnent looks of the landlord. Perhaps it would be better suited for you to answer the questions and the comments that have been raised on this site. Perhaps if you are trying to re sell the products on offer at your establishment, do so on this site. I have nothing against you as a member of the management team, but 5 months ago your Boss was asked the questions that have been raised by a member of the public in the bar, only for them to suffer the fate of daring to open their mouth and question something....and ultimately they were made to feel less than welcome thereafter
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Apart from the general atmosphere of a funeral parlour, the overpriced and often poor beer, the landlord who treats you like dirt, it's a great place.
However, i'm always ready to give the place another chance. Some old Leightonians who haven't been in The Hunt for years are visiting next week. We'll see what they make of the place.
Steve
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With regard to the last comment posted perhaps you would like to elaborate on what has deteriorated. As was stated a few comments ago, nothing can be improved or change if customers or even ex-customers do not say what they find the problems to be. With reference to the comments posted by "anonymous" on 10th April at 18.26 - I take on board what you have to say and your opinions and perhaps as you frequent the Hotel you would like to sit down and have a one to one discussion with me (without fear of reprisals!, you have my word). We do value customers and as a team strive to achieve customer satisfaction. The Hotel welcomes all customers, residents and non-residents and by no means are residents any more important - indeed regular customers are highly valued. I look forward to you approaching me in the near future.
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Speaking as the person who gave this pub a favourable rating back in February 2004, I would like to say that since then it has deteriorated so badly I will never go back again.
Steve
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With all due respect Wendie, the first thing that people see, sorry potential customers see is the face behind the bar when they walk in. If they see a face that is grimacing and menacing then the first impressions count. Whether or not it is a hotel, restaurant or pub, does not detract from the matter. The fact is whatever you may say about the hotel or restaurant, however good it may be, the impression is the miserable landlord/owner who refuses at the end of the night to be hospitable towards the customers who may be eating, drinking or staying at the location. Can you really tell me and the beerintheevening.com customers who have stayed or may stay at your hotel, that at 12 midnight, they will be given a cup of tea, a plate of sandwiches or a pint of bitter, or be given the evil eyes and told to go to bed. Its called the personal touch and no matter how much you try to justify what changes have or will take place, the most important thing is to treat the customers, residents or non-residents with respect. Whether or not you are the daughter or wife or even the public relations advisor to the Hunt Hotel, the fact is that together, you are a team. You provide a service to people. the people pay for your wages, the teams wages and the upkeep of the Hotel. If it is purely a Hotel then close the bar down. You mention that it is a Hotel, with some vigour, well if thats the case tell people when they come in that as its a Hotel, "we are happy for you to come in for a drink, but unfortunately the Residents are more important than you". At least then people know where they stand
anonymous - 10 Apr 2005 18:26 |
For the record I am not sticking up for my father or justifying anything on his behalf, I am in fact trying to justify the changes that the rest of the team are making. I cannot dictate whether people like the landlord or not, I am merely trying to say that the Hotel does not just include the landlord. The changes that are taking place are slow and tedious, however things are considerably different to how they were a year ago. This is not about family loyalty, it is about the hard work that myself and the rest of the management have and are putting in to try and make it a better place to eat, drink and socialise in. Things do not happen overnight and if you have any knowlege of The Stag you will know that indeed that started out as a bit of a dump and after the changes etc., was a very popular, successful and busy pub. At the end of the day this is not a pub, it is a Hotel with a bar attached to it for residents and non-residents alike and as such it is not appropriate to compare it with The Stag or any other pub. It is not my intention to cause offence, but it would appear everyone else is entitled to harsh opinions. On a last note, if you regularly use the Hotel, then way not voice any opinions and changes you would like to see made - instead of running the Hotel down to people who cannot make any changes or difference.
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Is that the same Wendie whose Dad is the owner of the Hotel. Come off it, I understand that you have to stick up for your Father, but get him to change his attitude and you may get more customers in. And the reason why these so called gutless people dont leave their names is because most of them are customers who still drink in this hole, praying and hoping for change. If a person has to justify a business on behalf of someone else then its a sad reflection on things. By the way, I will be up for the quiz night again this week.
On a more personal note, implying that people who like spit and sawdust pubs do not have high standards often causes offence. These people who enjoy spit and sawdust pubs often spend more money in those pubs, which is why the spit and sawdust pubs are so popular. After all wasnt the Stag like that once?????
anonymous - 10 Apr 2005 10:08 |
I have worked as part of the Management team for this Hotel for the past three years and we have all been trying exceedingly hard to increase trade and bring this Hotel up to an excellent standard. I was very disappointed to read alot of the comments posted on this site. Comments from previous members of staff can be disregarded due to the fact they probably have an axe to grind. However I would like to ask all those people who have posted derogatory comments regarding the bar whether they have eaten in the restaurant or stayed in the Hotel accommodation. It would appear that all their comments are based around one area and are therefore casting a black cloud over the rest of the services. Anyone in this business will know that it is not just as easy as clicking your fingers and having a perfect venue. Repairs and decoration can only be done bit by bit as finances allow, as we are independent and not brewey owned. Clearly we would love to renovate the entire building at the same time but this is not feasible. I am also not quite sure why all these people who feel they have legitimate complaints have a) not raised them at the time of their visit and b)are gutless enough to not even include their names - quite frankly it is pathetic. I spend every day at the Hotel and find that customers are more than happy when they leave. It is about time that people found out for themselves what we have to offer and not rely on the ill informed and rather bad judgements of a few people. Every one is entitled to their own opinion and I admit that this establishment is not for everyone, however if you want a spit and sawdust pub then I would suggest that your standards are not particularly high. We pride ourselves on very little trouble and as a place where people are able to come out and not feel intimidated by drunks and rowdy youths. A recent customer satifaction survey in the restaurant proved that standards of service and food were excellent. All things take time to develop and we are well on the way to providing a high class venue. I would welcome and invite anyone to come in and at least give us the benefit of the doubt.
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I note with interest the comments made by selly. I am not what you would call a regular drinker in this pub, however I have been in a couple of times over the past 2/3 months. Suffice to say that as a non judgemental type of person, I refuse to believe any comments said about any particular establishment, until I have seen it myself. It is fair to say that the majority of comments posted on this site are a fair and true reflection of this pub. With all due respect to selly, it is a pub you may wish to visit and draw your own conclusions from.
I run a business in London. We were getting bad publicity from a customer, and having taken on board the comments made by several other customers, I addressed the issues raised. Subsequently having identified the fact that we were not providing a service which we should have done. Ideas and attitudes were changed and we have been fortunate that having implemented change, our business has changed in an altogether better direction. My point is that perhaps a change of direction and attitude from this establishment, will lead to a less negative point on this pub. I for one will not drink there again until these issues are at least resolved.
anonymous - 10 Apr 2005 09:57 |
Steve (12/02/04) and Rosie Lee (8/03/05) have it about right. This is a very well-run bar.
anonymous - 9 Apr 2005 23:03 |
Selly. You should go in if you dont belive what is said about this place and leave the police work to them. Been in lots of times over the last 3 years and just about everything is true.
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As someone who used to work at this establishment, I can vouch for all the derogatory comments listed here, especially when trying to get food/drinks outside of the normal hours/menu, the landlord is adamant that this does not happen, all he does is leave the staff to apologise and cover for his miserable attitude.
He will usually size up any customer who walks in and if he does not approve, then you are generally treated in such a bad way that you never want to come back.
He makes most of his money from the rooms and restaurant so he doesn't care whether the bar makes money or not.
The few people who do go there regularly go there because they want a quiet miserable pub to drown their sorrows in.
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Never been to this pub, could indeed be as bad as reviews. But just looking at the reviewers, with the exception of the oldest 4 or 5 (of 24) and one posted by will_iner each reviewer has only ever managed to review 1 pub (The Hunt Hall), none of these reviewers have chosen to be anon or hide their details, yet all have omitted their sex and I would guess typed in a random age (80s 50s or like MarkyMark who posts 18 but typed 27 under ID. Looking at the actual posts, we are talking of an average of 6 or 7 viewed lines per post (I challenge you too find any pub with so many). Added to this, that almost all the posts leave a blank line between each sentence (how many people in the real world to this?). Looking at the actual posts, it�s surprising how many people managed the apostrophe in it�s (where appropriate and not) and at the same time used the word definetly (could they all mean definitely? Or perhaps that�s the correct spelling up North?). Just a quick look at the names of the reviewer�s, with exception once again to will_iner (and the oldest post�s), all posts are omitting spaces between name parts and using capitals with name (OldSeaDog, StaleCrisps, RosieLee, MarkyMark, the list goes on and on). To me there would appear to be a pattern in these posts, and when reading these and any future posts I would bear in mind possibility of someone having a grudge against this establishment.
Finally just want to say again, never been to this pub, so it could indeed be the biggest crapper in the world, so don�t blame me if you go there and it really is the pits.
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As someone who is new to the Pub scene I visited this pub to find out what the fuss is all about. I left after one drink. Just because I am 18 I am not a thug but I was glared at every few minutes by the guy behind the bar. My drink also had a large head on it. Judging by some of the comments on this site the owners don't want customers like me anyway. The average age in the bar was about 55 so maybe this place will die out naturally. This is a rather seedy pretensious place and no I don't recommend it to anyone.
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Food, service and atmosphere to all be fantastic?
I would like to register my DISGUST at all three.
I attended this place because of a wedding function. Being an out of towner I was not aware of the God awful reputation this place has in the immediate area but I soon discovered why this place attracts so many strong feelings.
During the wedding reception my Mother became ill and had to be rushed to hospital. I and other family members went to the hospital to check if she was alright. We arrived back at the Hotel at 23:50. We were tired, hungry and distressed. Staff were still on duty clearing up the tables and we asked if we could have a cup of tea and a plate of sandwiches. "No, go to bed" was the only reply we got from the glowering landlord. Then he stormed out of the room leaving embarresed staff to explain that once the kitchen has closed no food of any kind will be served.
This happened a few months ago and I still feel angry at the contempt aimed at my family after such a distresssing experience. I don't normally wish failure on anyone but sincerely hope that the public find out just how much of a shithole this place is and close it down.
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Food, service and atmosphere are fantastic? Even if you were deaf, dumb, blind and dosed up with prozac you would detect the aggressive and vile atmosphere in this establishment.
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I have a horrible suspicion that "Rosie Lee" is none other than the landlord himself. This is because Rosie writes the same way the landlord talks and because no one in Linslade could possibly believe that there is only one person waging a vendetta against this publican.
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I dont understand how somebody can think that a personal vendetta is being carried out against the landlord. This site I feel is one where people can make comments about the pub and the surroundings, to which many people have contributed. From the comments I have seen on here, the main issues raised are that the welcome and the atmosphere are non existent. That is a reflection on the Landlord. I have visited many pubs in and around town with my business associates and no matter where we go, the welcome is the mosr important thing that draws you back or makes you want to walk away. suffice to say that when you walk in to the Hunt Hotel, the welcome is, for want of better words, a glaring look and a note of suspicion from the landlord. I am not a 20 year old dunk that wants to go out and cause trouble on a friday night, I wish to drink somewhere, in a comfortable surrounding without that sort of element about, but I also want to feel comfortable when I am out for a drink with my wife and friends. Alas one does not feel comfortable when eyes are piercing the back of ones head, so If it is taken to be a personal vendetta by a friend or customer who knows the landlord, then I would suggest that the individual should frequent other public houses and sample the atmosphere and welcome they would receive in other pubs, then draw conclusions from what a number of people on this site have said about this establishment.18 comments cant be from people who are out to cause a vendetta.....sorry but I feel I had to say this
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Reading through the comments it is quite clear that someone has a personal vendetta against the landlord of this establishment. As someone who has known him for a number of years, I find that once you know him he is a very pleasant and fair individual. The fact that he does not allow any nonsense in his bar makes this bar stand out from the rest in the town. I have been frequenting this hotel for many years and have found the food, service and atmosphere to all be fantastic. For the record the food has been substantially better since the change of Chef.
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I fail to understand why anyone would want to dance on the grave of this once fine establishment.
I have been a loyal customer for years and though I hate what has happened in the last few years would never wish ill of anyone involved with it's decline.
This place has been around for hundreds of years. It will survive it's current problems and once again be a welcoming and fun place to be. Anyone who remembers 1993 when it was renamed "The Park View Hotel" will know what I mean. It was far more of a dump then than it is now.
Like most people in this town I live for the day when it returns to being an old fashioned boozer first and a hotel second.
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The one saving grace for this dump used to be the two excellent chefs, both of whom have now left.
Some contributors complain about the decor in the bar calling it dull and gloomy and that is true but all the money was spent on the Resteraunt area.
I really hope that the new kitchen staff come up to scratch. I visited last night and I found the food to be definetly lesser quality and may not come back again.
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I heard it is up for sale, hope not because it will change back into a nice pub again
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I have been visiting this emporium for more than forty years and fail to understand why anyone would actually pay money to come here.
With the recent departure of the excellent Chef the only sane reason to come within 500 yards of this place just tootled off down the road in a Ford Carpri.
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It is entirely beyond me why ANYONE would come here. I appreciate that this Pub is one of the oldest in the area and has a certain following but the sheer unpredictability of service and generally watery Beer is enough to put most people off.
The owner tends to treat the staff like serfs and the customers like peons.
While I'm off the subject who designed the inner decor? I understand the business plan of this establishment is to attract a better clientele. If I had money to throw around I would go somewhere FUN and RELAXING.
In this place's glory days it was a Pub first and last. It needs to open it's doors again.
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I'm not suprised that this place has attracted a lot of extreme opinions. You either like this place or loath it.
It is ideally located (in the way there are 3 or 4 decent boozers within a 2 minute radius)
On the plus side you do not get the pathetic sight of pissed middle aged men behaving like teenagers. There are always interesting stories about how people have been barred. These range from "conspiring against the landlord" to riding a horse through the public bar.
Being barred does not deter everyone from turning up however. There is one classic pisshead who cannot ever remember that he is barred. That's how much of a pisshead he is. He turns up every 12 weeks or so and gets thrown out in under a minute.
This Pub is a legend however it needs a lot of money to be spent on it to return it to it's former glory.
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God but it's quiet round here. I was in the Bar last week and we were placing bets on which tumbleweed was going to reach the wall first. We being myself and my imaginary friend.
Like I say, it's quiet.
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I have been in some worse boozers than this but I have never been in a worse Pub which has such a history and pedigree as this. Its like watching Arsenal play in the Ryman league and losing to a bunch of old ladies.
As a bog standard place to get drunk this place is OKish but on the outside it looks almost refined. It's like opening an Avacado and finding a maggot inside.
It's not even worth coming here to get drunk because of the prices and the fact that you can get barred for farting at the wrong time.
Please will someone buy this place up and return it to it's former glory.
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It is truly beyond me why members rave about the quality of the beer at this Hotel. It is average, no more no less. If you want quality try "The Boat" in Berkhamstead which captures what this place seems to be aiming for. A Pub should be friendly and fun, this place is like a morgue. The decor and furnishings are dull, dark and depressing. The staff seem to be permanently ticked off about something or other.
I want to try to say something nice here, it seems the owners are looking for quality customers rather than quantity. Considering the number of spit and sawdust boozers in the area a quiet refined place to drink would be a welcome change but to achieve that they need to invest in a whole new interior. Until then the "quality people" will go to the Grove Lock (about 2 miles away and out of town) which is a perfect example of a sows ear turned into a silk purse.
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First impressions are of an old genteel establishment in a quiet area of town.
The bar area is extremely quiet due to the rules of the management. This is definetly a Hotel Bar and not a Public Bar. Outsiders are tolerated as long as they do not stand out as personalities.
This is a good place if you do not mind an expensive quiet drink with an occasional uncomfortable atmosphere from the few regulars. Beer is often served with a substantial head. One of the most curious practises of this establishment is their refusal to serve tap water. If you need a drink of water you have to purchase it from a bottle. This is due to "health and safety rulings" whatever that means.
Another strange practise is the refusal to deviate in any way from the menu or food availability times. You get what you are given here. No chips at the bar because it is not listed on the menu. You cannot have a cup of tea once the kitchen has closed. An awful lot of goodwill has been lost by this attitude.
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I've been frequenting and reviewing Pubs for more than 20 years but will not forget this one as long as I live.
I first visited in the summer of 2003. It seemed OK then because it seemed like the focal point in the town for all the characters and n'err do wells in the area though there were obvious problems with the way the owner seemed to be the butt of pretty much every joke at the Bar.
I visited last Saturday and things have definetly changed for the worse. All the interesting people seem to have either been barred or barred themselves.
I've been thrown out of a few places in my time but I don't remember being stared out by anyone before. Well that's precisly what occured.
The owner sits in the corner glowering at everyone till they feel uncomfortable and leave. I have been told that he wants to convert the "Public Bar" into a purely "Hotel Bar" for the guests only which explains a lot of the previous comments about this place.
What I want to know is why doesn't he just brick up all the entrances if he wants the place to himself?
It's never a good idea to frequent an establishment where the staff are discontent. Unhappy bar staff have inventive ways of trashing the reputation of any Pub. This is why I stuck to the bottled beer during my last visit. And I watched them pour it too.
I'm giving this place 1 point purely because everywhere else I visit from now will seem like Arcadia in comparison.
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I thought it couldnt get any worse, not only has the landlord killed off the pub, it has lost all its regulars, the atmosphere is one of a hospital morgue. Now the landlord has bricked up the passageway linking Church Road to the park!!. Sorry Mr Landlord, but are you actually running a Pub for the community or really trying to cut off all ties with the outside world??? The Hunt should be the busiest Pub in Linslade, but you are destroying the place. Please rethink your business plan, otherwise you will see that people like myself and my associates (55 yr old plus)will choose not to visit at all. And on a final note, please smile once in a while Mr Landlord, a smile costs nothing, but can mean so much to someone
P.Amery - 5 Aug 2004 07:07 |
Good for a very quiet expensive pint as there is noone left to talk to as they have all been barred
lucy - 26 Jul 2004 13:37 |
I went there for a quiet drink with my good lady, she had enough after the first mouthful of wine. The landlord, i hate to say is not just boring, but his presence makes one feel very unwelcome, we felt as though we constantly had to look over our shoulders in case he was lurking. This is not meant to be a personal assault on the Landlord, however, I used to frequent this Pub on a regular basis when the previous Landlord (Dave) was there, and the atmosphere was altogether more of a happy one. Without being too rude, i felt as though I was attending a funeral at 8.00pm on a saturday night. Sorry about the critiscism, but ........
Andy L - 12 Jul 2004 07:57 |
I take back everything I've said about this place. Last time I was in (a Saturday) it was almost empty. Not surprising as the guest bitter was �2.70 a pint!
steve - 4 Jul 2004 17:23 |
John
Get it right he's barred the regulars.
Excellent bar staff.
Graham - 27 Jun 2004 12:30 |
Beer is good, if expensive, but beware the barking landlord who will bore you for hours with his 'military' exploits- while serving you a pint with a good inch of head. He's gradually losing all his regulars.
John Buzer - 21 Jun 2004 09:51 |
This is a large, comfortable hotel bar close to the railway station. It serves the best range of draught beers in town, along with excellent food. Generally quiet and fairly expensive, this is one for the connoisseur.
Steve - 12 Feb 2004 21:15 |
