The Old Kings Head, Long Buckby

This pub has been open under 'management' for some time although still mostly empty. I thought I would give it one more try; with their Sunday lunch today. My advice to anyone is don�t bother! The food is set out in Bain Marie (hot food stand) and although advertises as �Carvery� is already sliced and all food prepared sometime earlier this morning. Very much like old school dinners but with less quality.

The soup was packet and not properly rehydrated � lumps of non reconstituted powder in the mix. The food was not kept at the proper holding temperature and therefore just warm. The ice cream (Tesco tub) was kept on the cold (refrigerated) table and therefore mostly melted sludge.

The place was dirty, seats we first sat down on sticky as were some of the spoons in the cutlery tray � it was self service. Quite frankly a probable food hygiene issue and certainly lacking attention to detail.
As this was bulk cooking I can see most of what was there going to waste � at least I hope so� So even though it was low quality pre prepared food this will still most likely end up as a net loss to the manager.

Such a pity as this was a very busy pub 8-10 years ago and in those days when they did put on a Sunday lunch, pre-booking was essential. Since my last posting things do not seem to have got any better for this pub in terms of popularity and clientele. At this rate it is only a matter of time before it closes again.
Punch Taverns (I think) really need to sort out their business plan for this place. I was told the old landlady�s (Gwen Christie) son wanted to take it over but the management company made it impossible for him to make a profitable business and so he moved on or did not take up the opportunity.

This used to be a really great pub to go and meet folk and have an excellent pint. There are no regulars any more, and the place is dying on its feet if not dead already � such a shame.

31 Aug 2008 17:25

The Old Kings Head, Long Buckby

I totally agree and in 9 months since the last posting it has not got any better. Pity as I have moved nearer the pub but go in very infrequently now a days. Hardly any one was in there the last time, place was dead and the Marstons Pedigree that always tasted so good no longer available, in fact a couple of the hand pull ales were off. I have been popping in since Gwen ran the place in the early 70�s and now it is a shadow of its former self, altogether a sad state of affairs.
I tend to go to the Fox and Hounds in Great Brington these days, good choice of ales and food but pricy and only accessible by car�

19 May 2007 14:29