2015-16 Recommended Village Pub Guide

2015-2016
Aylesbury VALE
RECOMMENDED
VILLAGE PUB GUIDE
The Oak,
Aston Clinton
WINN-E1R6
2015
sponsored by
Aylesbury Vale, The Vale For All Seasons, covers over
300 square miles of rolling North Buckinghamshire
countryside with busy market towns, enchanting
villages and magnificent country houses.
The Aylesbury Vale Village Pub Competition was launched
in 1997 and aims to raise the profile of the village pub and
celebrating the best of them. There are many cosy country
pubs across the whole of the district and in many cases they
represent a hub of activity within their local community. They
can be a place to meet, provide a home for many community
groups and are the social centre for community life.
All pubs in the competition were nominated by
members of the public, be they contented locals or
enchanted visitors. The pubs were then judged on a
number of criteria including their overall character, friendliness
of staff, quality of food and drink, community spirit and family
facilities. A total of nineteen quality establishments have been
carefully chosen to appear in this guide.
The Aylesbury Vale Village Pub
Competition is sponsored by Dayla.
Formerly North and Randall Ltd, established in 1851, Dayla has
grown from a very small mineral water manufacturer into a
leading name in the wholesale drinks World. Now run by the
third generation of the Cooper family, Dayla today embraces a
portfolio of more than 1,500 items. As well as being recognised
partner distributors for the National Brewers, Soft Drink
Manufacturers and Cider Houses, Dayla also handles over 400
Cask Conditioned Ales from its purpose built chilled store. In
addition, the locally famous range of Dayla soft drinks enjoys a
very strong following. An ever-growing Wine and Spirit range
completes the full drink package with crisps, nuts and snacks
also available. Originally Brewers, the family continue to make
service their true hallmark.
Accessibility: We advise that you contact the
pub you plan to visit in advance to check their facilities
meet your needs.
KEY: This symbol system indicates the average
cost of a two course meal per person at each pub:
£ £15 and under ££ £25 and under £££ over £25
Overall Winner
and Best Family
Pub Runner Up
The Oak,
Aston Clinton
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 12pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-10.30pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri: 12pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-9pm
A perfect stop for walkers and cyclists,
offering good food with large portions.
The Oak Aston Clinton is a traditional
English village pub set in picturesque
countryside at the base of the Chiltern
Hills. It offers an open fire, large beer
garden, kids play area and enclosed
garden. A dog friendly pub, with dogs
welcome in the garden and ale bar.
119 Green End Street,
Aston Clinton, HP22 5EU
Telephone: 01296 630466
E-mail: theoakltd@yahoo.co.uk
www.theoakastonclinton.net
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible.
OVERALL
WINNER
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri:
12pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-11pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2.30pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm
Overall Runner Up
and Best Food Pub
Runner Up
The Pheasant,
Brill
A lovely, friendly country pub, restaurant
and B&B with a pleasant pheasant
atmosphere.
This welcoming pub is perched on a hill,
with views from the garden over the
historic Brill Windmill and neighbouring
counties. Offering real ales and delicious
home-cooked food, with daily changing
specials and children’s menu available.
Comfortable rooms and an open fire.
Dogs and families welcome.
39 Windmill Street, Brill, HP18 9TG
Telephone: 01844 239370
E-mail: info@thepheasant.co.uk
www.thepheasant.co.uk
Accessibility:
Ground floor is step-free for wheelchair
access. There are also disabled facilities.
Best Food Pub and
Overall Runner Up
The Pointer,
Brill
Classic British food with a creative twist,
using the very best produce from our farm.
Open fires, themed food evenings, dogs
welcome, children’s menu, butchers
attached. Butcher’s open Wednesday to
Friday 2:30pm-6pm and Saturday
12pm-4pm.
27 Church Street, Brill,
Aylesbury, HP18 9RT
Telephone: 01844 238339
E-mail: info@thepointerbrill.co.uk
www.thepointerbrill.co.uk
Accessibility:
Just a few steps going up to the restaurant
and to the toilets, bar tables are all on one
level for easier access for those with walking
disabilities, help to get into the restaurant is
available from members of staff.
Opening Hours
Mon: 5pm-10.30pm
Tues to Thurs:
12pm-10.w5pm
Sun: 12pm-10.30pm
Food Serving Times £££
Mon: No food served
Tues to Thurs:
12pm-2.30pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm2.30pm and
6.30pm-10pm
Sun: 12.30pm-5pm
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 11am-11pm
Sat: 11am-11pm
Sun: 11am-11pm
Food Serving Times £
Mon to Fri: 11am-10pm
Sat: 11am-10pm
Sun: 11am-10pm
Best Family Pub
The Old
Fisherman,
Shabbington
A real English pub offering great value
and priceless views.
Large garden, riverside location, alfresco
dining, wood burning stoves, dogs
welcome, outdoor play area, children’s
menu, food theme nights, real ales, fine
wines and spirits.
Mill Road, Shabbington, HP18 9HJ
Telephone: 01844 201247
E-mail: 6673@greeneking.co.uk
www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/ourlocations/the-old-fisherman
Accessibility:
Large print menus are available on request
Best Community Pub
The Pilgrim,
North Marston
A quality village pub.
Freshly prepared seasonal food – menu
changes weekly. Home grown produce from
our vegetable garden. Charcoal BBQ, wood
fire, live music, craft beers. Tuesday Village
Nights – burger, open mic, curry or quiz night.
Large garden with spectacular views. Real ale
and traditional ciders. Dogs welcome.
25 High Street, North Marston,
MK18 3PD
Telephone: 01296 670969
E-mail: info@thepilgrimpub.co.uk
www.thepilgrimpub.co.uk
Accessibility:
There is a ramp access via the backdoor.
Opening Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: 5pm-11pm
Wed and Thu: 12pm-3pm
and 5pm-11pm
Fri: 12pm-3pm and
5pm-12am
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-8pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon: Closed
Tue: 6pm-9pm
Wed to Sat: 12pm-2pm
and 6pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 12pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-10pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2.30pm and
6pm-9.30pm
Sat: 12pm-3pm and
6pm-9.30pm
Sun: 12pm-8pm
Highly Commended
for Food
The Old
Thatched Inn,
Adstock
Idyllic chocolate box country thatched inn
with over 400 years of character. Warm and
friendly welcome.
Traditional character with contemporary
influences; flagstone floors, inglenook
fireplace and oak beams. Freshly prepared
food by fully trained chefs, fish night specials,
wine dinners, annual themed events.
Children’s menu and
vegetarian menu available. Dogs welcome.
Main Street, Adstock, MK18 2JN
Telephone: 01296 712584
E-mail: enquiries@theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
www.theoldthatchedinn.co.uk
Accessibility:
There are a few steps where the pub has had
the old floors lowered to make more head
room space above.
Highly Commended
for Food
The Five Elms,
Weedon
Pretty 400 year old thatched pub offering
home cooked English food in picturesque
Weedon.
Food is available throughout the pub, offering
essentially English dishes cooked to the
highest standard. The bars offer an excellent
range of wines, real ales, lagers and soft drinks,
with an open fire. Dogs welcome in bar area.
4 Stockaway, Weedon, Aylesbury,
HP22 4NL
Telephone: 01296 641439
E-mail: sleezytours@gmail.com
www.fiveelmsweedon.com
Accessibility:
Limited access due to it being a 400
year old pub.
Opening Hours
Mon and Tues: 6pm-9pm
Wed to Sat:12pm- 2.30pm
and 6pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon: No food served
Tues: 6pm-8.30pm
(bar only)
Wed to Sat: 12pm-2pm
and 6pm-9pm
Sunday: 12pm-2.30pm
Best Community Pub
Runner Up
The Old Swan,
Cheddington
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri:
12pm-11.30pm
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-10.30pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm
Everything you would expect from a traditional,
family-friendly village pub. A picturesque 750
year old pub with open fires, a large garden,
and a dog and child friendly attitude. Newly
refurbished with a traditional pub feel, hearty
food is served with a selection of real ales, and
service with a smile!
58 High Street, Cheddington, LU7 0RQ
Telephone: 01296 662171
E-mail: TheOldSwanCheddington@gmail.com
www.theoldswancheddington.com
Accessibility:
A few steps and low beams but a ramp is
available if needed.
Finalist
The Bell,
Hardwick
Opening Hours
Mon to Thu:12pm-3pm
and 6pm-11pm
Fri: 12pm-3pm and
5.30pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-3.30pm and
6pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri: 12pm-2pm
and 6.30pm-9.30pm
Wed: No food in the
evenings
Sat: 12pm-3pm and
6.30pm-9.30pm
Sun: 12pm-3.30pm
Beautifully restored 17th Century public house
serving delicious home-cooked food. This friendly
pub offers a warm welcome with open fires for
cosy dining in winter and beautiful garden and
courtyard for summer dining. Dogs are welcome
in the bar. A selection of real ales, lunchtime and
evening menus are on offer. There is also a
separate dining room for small parties and events.
Lower Road, Hardwick, Nr Aylesbury, HP22 4DZ
Telephone: 01296 640005
E-mail: claretring@thebellathardwick.co.uk
www.thebellathardwick.co.uk
Accessibility:
There is a ramp for wheelchair access and the
pub is mainly flat with only a couple of low steps.
Finalist
The Bell Inn,
Beachampton
Charming countryside pub in a lovely rural
setting. Oak beams and wood burner. Large
garden and patio area with country views.
A la carte menu available along with chef
specials. Weekday set lunch available. Steak night
on Tuesday. Vegetarian and children’s menus.
Local ales. Dogs welcome in the bar area and
garden. Weddings and parties catered for.
Main Street, Beachampton, MK19 6DX
Telephone: 01908 418373
E-mail: thebellbeachampton@gmail.com
www.thebellbeachampton.co.uk
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 11pm-11pm
Sat: 11pm-11am
Sun: 12pm-8pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2pm and
6pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-4.30pm
Accessibility:
Accessible for people with disabilities; there is
just one step up to the toilets.
FINALIST
The Bull &
Butcher, Akeley
We’ve upped the steaks at The Bull & Butcher.
Fine home-cooked food, spectacular Sunday
lunches, lovely garden, log fires and
excellent real ales.
The Square, Akeley, Buckingham, MK18 5HP
Telephone: 01280 860769
E-mail: bullandbutcherakeley@gmail.com
www.bullandbutcherakeley.co.uk
Accessibility:
There are a few steps around the building.
Opening Hours
Mon: 12pm-3pm
and 6pm-11pm
Tue to Fri: 12pm-3pm
and 5pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-11pm
Food Serving Times £
Mon: No food served
Tue to Fri: 12pm-2.30pm
and 6pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-2.30pm
and 6pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm
FINALIST
The Crown,
Cuddington
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 12pm-3pm
and 6pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-3pm
and 6pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-10.30pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9.15pm
Sat: 12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9.15pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
17th Century thatched pub in an award
winning village. Open fire, pie & pudding
Wednesday, fish & chip Friday, dogs welcome
in bar, fine guest ales, featured in CAMRA,
Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide.
Spurt Street, Cuddington, HP18 0BB
Telephone: 01844 292222
E-mail: david@thecrowncuddington.co.uk
www.thecrowncuddington.co.uk
Accessibility:
There is ramp access
Finalist
The Crown,
Granborough
Opening Hours
Mon: 5pm-9pm
Tue: 5pm-11pm
Wed and Thu: 12pm2.30pm and 5pm-11pm
Fri: 12pm-3pm and
5pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-8pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon: No food served
Tue: 6.30pm-9pm
Wed and Thu: 2pm-2:30pm
and 6:30pm-9pm
Fri: 12pm-3pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-3pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-3.30pm
A genuine combination of a traditional
Aylesbury Vale village pub and a fine country
restaurant. Wine bar and main bar with open fire,
dogs welcome in both. Two inside restaurant
areas, one with open fire. Outside sun terrace with
a bar and kitchen equipped with pizza oven and
BBQ, garden restaurant, large beer garden and
children’s play area.
Winslow Road, Granborough,
Buckingham, MK18 3NJ
Telephone: 07901 514888
E-mail: Granborough@gmail.com
www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk
Accessibility:
Ramp access, disabled toilets and large print
menus are available. There are no hearing loops..
Finalist
The Grove Lock,
Grove
Home from home. Perfect for coffee, celebration
or dinner out. Lovely, welcoming location, real
ales, children’s menu, great view of canal lock.
Large garden with a covered, heated area. Log
fires, table service and a fresh, seasonal menu.
Grove, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0QU
Telephone: 01525 380940
E-mail: grovelock.manager@fullers.co.uk
www.grovelock.co.uk
Accessibility:
Flexible and welcome to all. There is ramp access
and the staff are engaging – one can sign.
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 11pm-11pm
Sat: 11pm-11am
Sun: 11pm-10.30pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri: 12pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-7.30pm
FINALIST
The Rising Sun,
Ickford
Warm, friendly staff equally charming to
newcomers as they are with the charismatic
regulars.15th Century thatched pub, exposed
timbers and open fire, quality draught real
ales, lagers and wines. Comfortable, discreet
restaurant, enjoying traditional, freshly cooked
food. Occasional themed nights and live music.
Quiz nights and traditional games. Large
garden, children’s play area and bouncy
castle. Dog friendly.
Worminghall Road, Ickford, HP18 9JD
Telephone: 01844 339238
E-mail: info@risingsunickford.com
www.risingsunickford.com
Accessibility:
Accessible via the back doors of the pub for
wheelchairs, there is one step up at the front
door and toilets are a small step up, but there
are no disabled toilet facilities.
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 12pm-2pm
and 4pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-12am
Sun: 12pm-11pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon and Tue:
12pm-2pm
Wed to Fri: 12pm-2pm
and 6.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
FINALIST
The Seven Stars,
Dinton
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 12pm-3pm
and 6pm-11pm
Sat: 12pm-3pm and
6pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri:
12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-2pm and
6.30pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
A traditional British pub with a flare of
Francais…Beinvenue to a beautiful 16th
Century pub and restaurant tucked away in
the picturesque village of Dinton. Enjoy a
homemade, freshly cooked meal made with
only the finest local produce in the restaurant,
bar, snug or large beer garden. Free Wi-Fi and
private parties also catered for.
Stars Lane, Dinton, HP17 8UL
Telephone: 01296 749000
E-mail: steph@sevenstarsdinton.com
www.sevenstarsdinton.com
Accessibility:
The Seven Stars accommodates for wheelchairs,
providing both disabled parking and wheelchair
access to the bar and restaurant.
Finalist
The Swan Inn,
Great Horwood
Opening Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 12pm-3pm
and 5.30 -12am
Sat: 12pm-3pm and
5.30pm- 12am
Sun: 12pm-5pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 12pm-2.30pm
and 5.30pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-2.30pm and
5.30pm -9pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm
Exceptional food in a beautiful setting, coupled
with superior customer service. Three open fires,
dogs welcome, private walled garden. Lounge
bar and restaurant. Interior designed with quirky
features. Free Wi-Fi. Private functions catered for.
1 Winslow Road, Great Horwood,
Milton Keynes, MK17 0QN
Telephone: 01296 712556
E-mail: info@swaninngreathorwood.co.uk
www.swaninngreathorwood.co.uk
Accessibility:
Ramp access, minimal steps.
Finalist
The Three Locks,
Stoke Hammond
A welcoming canal side venue cooking fresh
British fayre with a 50 cover table service
restaurant, or you can sit by the canal and
watch the boats pass through the Three Locks.
We are a dog friendly bar that is big on its ales,
with six pumps all serving locally produced ale.
Leighton Road, Stoke Hammond, MK17 9DD
Telephone: 01525 270214
E-mail: info@thethreelocks.co.uk
www.thethreelocks.co.uk
Accessibility:
The restaurant is slightly raised (3 steps) but there
is one restaurant table that is not on a raised
level that is used for people with mobility issues.
There are disabled toilets and two disabled
parking bays.
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri:
11.30am-11pm
Sat: 11.30am-11.30pm
Sun: 11.30am-10pm
Food Serving Times ££
Mon to Fri: 12pm-9pm
Sat: 12pm-10pm
Sun: 12pm-8pm
FINALIST
The Unicorn,
Cublington
Consistently good food, wines, beers,
ambience and service, whatever the occasion.
Traditional 17th Century Pub and Restaurant
with real ales, fine wines, set 2/3 course menu, a
la carte, bar snacks, private dining in adjoining
Clubroom, log fires, rear garden, dog friendly,
village shop, baby changing facilities and
regular special events.
High Street, Cublington, LU7 0LQ
Telephone: 01296 681261
E-mail: theunicornpub@btconnect.com
www.theunicornpub.co.uk
Accessibility:
There is wheelchair access and disabled
toilet facilities.
Opening Hours
Mon to Thu: 12pm-11pm
Fri: 10.30am-12am
Sat: 9.30am-12am
Sun: 12pm-9pm
Food Serving Times £
Mon to Thu:
12pm-8.30pm
Fri: 12pm-9pm
Sat: 9.30am-11am and
12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm
THE BULL AND BUT CHER
T HE BELL I NN
THE SWAN I NN
T HE OLD THATCHED I NN
THE THREE LOCKS
T HE CROWN
THE UNI CORN
T HE PILGRI M
THE GROVE LOCK
THE BELL
THE PHEAS ANT
THE FI VE ELMS
THE OLD SWAN
TH E POINTER
THE CROW N
THE SEVEN STARS
THE OAK
THE RIS ING SUN
THE OLD FISHERMAN
For further information or places to
eat and stay in Aylesbury Vale
please contact:
Aylesbury Visitor Information Centre
The King’s Head Passage, off Market Square,
Aylesbury, HP20 2RW
Tel. 01296 330559
Email: vic@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Buckingham Tourist Information Centre
The Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham, MK18 1JX
Tel. 01280 823020
Email: buckinghamtic@tourismse.com
www.visitbuckinghamshire.org
www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information listed is correct.
However, we advise that you check the details prior to visiting any of the
premises. The publisher cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies,
omissions or errors.