The Red Lion, Brackley

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.

11 Jun 2011 20:15

The Crown Hotel, Brackley

The Crown was taken over a few years ago.
Did it get any better?
Could it get any worse?
The beers are still the standard lager/Guinness fare that you'd expect in a mid range hotel bar, but the place has been done up.
The bar has been renovated and is now a much nicer place to have a quick beer and relax watching the wold go by.
There's a small beer courtyard where some effort has been made. There are seats out front too and a lounge area (seating only about 6 people) with a large TV over an open fire.
It is a fair place to relax and enjoy a pint and if you want somewhere quiet. It has a degree of charm, rather than an atmosphere but for a quiet pint it's a sound option.

11 Jun 2011 20:04