Overpriced, Over-rated and surly miserable staff who really don't want to be there......the Clientele at the time of my visit left a lot to be desired too...well worth giving a miss!

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bitterboy1970 - 30 Aug 2008 12:20

I visited for beer, and lunch today at this traditional, old pub - BECAUSE it is just that! It does annoy me when people moan about food in pubs as though they were expecting the greatest gastromomic delights ever. Pubs are about atmosphere, British ales, community spirit and socialising. Check your expectations before you book for dinner!

My observations for my visit are: Beer - I had Chiltern Ale which was in fine condition and very tasty. The very pleasant barmaid had to ask a colleague what it was like before I ordered, but I was then given a taster. If the pub were busy, that would delay things, I'm sure. I was glad they had a dark mild on, but disappointed that 2 of the 6 beers were national brands. Great choice of other draught drinks also.
Atmosphere - great old pub with corners to sit in, different types of seating and dozing cat. Interesting artefacts and decoration. Several notices remind you this is a locals pub as well as a destination pub. Generally clean and tidy, the odd cobweb will always be found in a pub this size.

I plan to return one evening when perhaps I'll get to meet some of the locals, who I imagine will bring the place to life.

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fem_ale_drinker - 30 Jul 2008 16:02

There have been a recent number of damning reports of significance regarding this fine hostelry. Many seem to suggest that the food is not close to the quality suggestive of its lavish setting in rural Buckinghamshire. Others direct the complaints at queues, tourits and even the lovely waitstaff. Every man and woman is entitled to opiniate, thus I am not here to try and discredit, but to offer my thoughts and feelings on the matter.

Years ago our family home used to be a stone's throw from the kitchens of the RSOE and I still live very much within walking distance. I certainly consider it my local (and favourite) pub and really a 'home from home'. The food, which has received mixed reports in this forum, is just that. It is mixed in it's qualities.

Have the courage to find what you like and what you do not.

This is often the case with most countryside inns. Tourists naturally have a disadvantage here, however do not let that sway your decision in visiting. Enjoy many of it's fine ales, which I might add are superbly kept, followed by a plate of salty cured ham with a glass of red wine. The rarity of some of the ales they serve is worth the trip.

Whilst there on Wednesday (23/07) and ordering a few ales, a tourist type enquired as to whether nachos were served. I do not believe that somebody who cannot distinguish immediately a place that serves nachos and the RSOE would appreciate its rustic menu and indeed its rustic 'cluttered' feel.

It is not necessarily the cleanest hostelry, and strives instead to retain its rural culture. The chairs and benches do not match, and we are often forced to quibble for our favorite armchair in the wintery evenings. And yes, a guest is required to collect their cutlery and whichever sauces and relish they may desire. This is what Old English pubs are about. The staff are always friendly and some have great senses of humour. I suggest that the critics on this forum failed to engage them.

Do not cast the reputation of the Royal Standard of England aside like useless ephemera, instead let it infect you.

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Hadleigh - 25 Jul 2008 13:50

Terribly disappointing food here. Having looked forward to visiting for quite sometime now I was most upset upon receiving our main courses to find that Bisto ‘gravy’ had been poured over and ruined everything we had ordered!! Being the host for this small get together of friends I was totally embarrassed. And I really don’t like to be a ’stick in the mud’ but for the prices you pay here I find this practise of saucing with Bisto completely unacceptable, I wouldn‘t do this at home so why should I pay ‘experts’ for the ‘privilege’ of serving us this god awful monstrosity of a ‘sauce‘? Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall would have a fit. I also think that this should be made clear to customers on the menu itself to avoid further embarrassment and a short line added with an opt out clause along the lines of ’With or Without Bisto’. A potentially good meal with friends ruined in what can only be described as a ‘caricature’ of a gastro pub.

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CharlesM - 20 Apr 2008 10:58

Another visit to this fabled pub with heaps of character. We had some excellent beers in a cosy and friendly pub nook in front of one of the log fires. Very ale house - lots of wooden benches.

The food is good too - Dozen Oysters were fantastic...wife was pleased!... and the old dog got a sausage. They allow dogs in - very civilised.

Best time to enjoy this special pub is late lunchtime and early afternoon, when it's not so rammed with drinkers enjoying the rare beers from the craft brewers.

Even more full on the weekends.

That said, it's also enjoyable when thoroughly crowded...
A hidden gem never disappointed.
Cheers

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cavalier - 13 Apr 2008 14:16

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