The Bell At Hardwick - Aylesbury

We have eaten at The Bell on numerous occasions in the past and always been pleased. We hadn't been for 6 mths so I am not sure if there are under new ownership or what has changed but the food this time was very poor. 3 of us had the short rib beef Sunday lunch and had asked for it to be served pink. This order was taken by the waitress but when brought the table it was very well done. When I questioned this I was told that was the way the chef cooked it because not everyone likes it pink. I was somewhat surprised and having eaten Sunday lunch out for decades being able to have the beef pink is quite normal and not special request. The rest was also disappointing the vegetables were few and far between very tiny portions .2 tiny pieces of carrot and cabbage. I had two very small roast potatoes, which were very good but I had to order more which I was charged for. The Yorkshire pudding was good but the gravy considering it was beef was beige in color more like a chicken gravy . We did have desert which was Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple crumble both were good. The staff were pleasant and accommodating but I certainly wont be rushing back for the food!

Big menu for lunchtime but everything bar one item available. The food is quite superb and the service attentive without being intrusive.

Long wait for starters followed by more than an hour waiting for main courses after that. Salmon very overcooked, chicken burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, other chicken was grisly, main ingredients substituted due to running out of calamari with no prior consultation or opportunity to re-select starters. Lots of flies inside the dining room all over us and our food with no repellent devices in evidence. 2 members of our party were soaked when 2 full bottles of tonic were spilled on them by the waitress and as an ‘apology’ ONE bottle of tonic was deducted from the bill. The worst dining experience I’ve ever had. Wrote an email of complaint, asking for all the deficient meals to be refunded the morning after our visit which, as of 4 days on, hasn’t been acknowledged in any way. Ruined a very special family occasion and was charged £167.50 for the privilege.

Absolutely fantastic country pub atmosphere The Food was amazing, well presented, good size portion for value. Lovely village pub, would definitely visit again

Booked here based on reviews read and that it was halfway home. Pub is clean inside although outside area could do with some attention, weeding in car park, flower beds need tidying. I ordered the pate which lacking in taste. For mains we had beef lasagne and lamb shank, both of which were dry. In fairness when mentioned to the owner a refund was given for one of the mains, so they are listening.