The Grove Lock, Grove

Two terrible eating experiences here mean we will only ever venture in for a drink in the summer, and even then there are a lot of much better pubs in the area to choose from. On one the occasion we ate at the weekend, they had run out of practically all the main course, vegetables with our main meal consisted of a huge pile of red cabbage and peas, with nothing else! They had obviously run out of food but did not inform us before we ordered, and tried to pass off and coarse pork pate with tomato salsa as smooth venison pate with caramelised onion chutney... The food is also clearly reheated in microwaves with very little care or attention.

31 Oct 2009 19:49

The Five Bells, Stanbridge

We went to the Five Bells with a little trepidation, having had a rather mediocre experience one evening after the pub had changed hands a few years back, but we were pleasantly surprised by our Sunday lunch.

The waitress said it was unusually quiet - the previous weekend they were fully booked, but on this occasion only half of the tables were occupied. Service was quick and efficient and friendly, food was generally good and the bill was perfectly acceptable.

Risotto starter was nicely creamy, bubble & squeak came with black pudding and was declared delicious, and the split pea & ham soup was thick and tasty, garnished with a slice of french bread and big chunks of ham on the top. We also tried the bread selection which was fresh and came with a dipping bowl of olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Main course portions were very generously sized and overall tasty, although the roast beef was rather overcooked. At first sight the children's menu looked like a bit of an after-thought, but the fish & ships was pronounced tasty and the pasta sauce not too strong, so it got a thumbs up. Desserts were really good, with sticky toffee pudding getting the vote - lovely flavour and not too heavy. Coffee was hot and strong, which was a nice surprise as I've had many a lukewarm, tasteless pub coffee in the past. All in all a good place for a family meal, nothing fancy, just good food in a pleasant atmosphere.

25 Oct 2009 17:06

The Globe Inn, Linslade

Poor service continues.... 4 of us went for a mid week evening meal in September & were kept waiting an unreasonably long time for drinks. We ordered a bottle of wine for our main course, and half way through eating it we could still see it sitting behind the bar waiting to be brought to our table, so we gave up & got it ourselves. The waitress seemed more interested in chatting and looking good than serving customers. During the summer, at weekends, eating outside is very pleasant and they seem to get the service right. If only they could do so all year round.

24 Oct 2009 18:03