Bugle Inn Hotel, Botleyback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Standing opposite to the Dolphin, this is an older, more traditional looking coaching inn, built in the 1600s. It still retains the feel of a traditional pub inside. On the left is a dining room, and on the right is a pub room with a fireplace, and a gloomy interior. I found it quite charming, but also just a little depressing. On my visit there was only one other customer, whereas the other two pubs in the village were quite busy.
Four casks on offer, including one from the brewery in the village, Botley Berry. This was either poorly made, infected, badly kept, or off. It inclined more toward cider than beer. The barman had vanished out the back, and was taking his time to return, and I was in a hurry, so I left the beer, and left the pub. These things do happen from time to time in pubs, but it wasn't an encouraging experience. I think this place has much to offer, and I'd be happy to try again for lunch.
Botley is an interesting looking village, and the three pubs are all acceptable, and serve food. Being close to the Hedge End shopping complex, any of them would be OK for a quick lunch before shopping. But not for anything special. The Dolphin is probably the most down to earth and family friendly, the Bugle the most upmarket and characterful, and the Brewery Bar the freshest and cleanest looking.
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A decent pub which does pretty reasonable food, with good service. Beer range slightly on the interesting side of mainstream predictable, comprising Sharps Doom Bar, Tim Taylor Golden, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber and Gales HSB.
PhilR - 18 May 2013 22:09 |
Yes! a 6 is about right on this one. The bar staff did seem a bit disinterested. Anyhow got a pint of the the local brewery's ale which seemed conspecuous by it's abcence in the other pubs in town. This is the place I'd choose if I lived in the area. Two bars and wooden floor in the 'Public'.
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Good food and service - the Lebanese menu makes a nice change. Good selection of food and drink; can get quite busy so booking is a good idea if at the weekend or a large party.
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Seems like an ok place to me!! Tried the HSB, an happy to report 'All Good'!! The pub is in a traditional style (wooden floors, ect) and seemed very welcoming. 6/10 Worth a visit.
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Dunno what food is like but beer was good and a friendly atmosphere pervaded. of the few Bot pubs this seems the best so far.
odbod - 14 Sep 2010 14:59 |
,I think this place looked great when i walked in with my children,really good menu especilally for the kids. However when we went inside there were a group of 'kids'who seemed to to be pretty close to a couple of the (very pretty) barmaids ( kerry and lizzie). The question i ask is why should my children be subjucted to abusive and frankly foul language while they are waiting for their tea.
From what i saw today i observed one barmaid kissing her boyfriend when she should of been serving me!!
If this is a kids pub then please tell everyone, if it is a decent family pub then please run it as one............
Suddenly the Dolphin looks quite good......
If you dont want my please money tell me ?
Lack of a management presence is interesting.....
If you really want to make things better you will.....
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Fantastic selection of real ales including the great Doombar , try some of the Lebanese specials they are great with good service and atmosphere .
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Spent a very pleasant Sunday lunchtime in here. Lovely food, the menu is great. Live music was playing whilst we were there, creating a really nice atmosphere.
They had Doom Bar on tap as well, though it wasn't in good condition, that was the only thing letting the place down - otherwise excellent.
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Friendly people, fairly good beer. Girls with me had wine and it was decent too, not too warm or opened too long.
Pub was open slightly later than others on a sunday before a bank holiday too, so pleased us.
Haven't tried then food yet, but menu looked good and well priced. Pity we were too late. Will update when I've had their food.
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Does some good grub, or so I have heard...
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Friendly family pub in the village centre with great food and beer.
Martin Selway - 25 May 2004 19:36 |
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