The Bird in Hand, Dunstable

A block of flats is to be built on the site of a former Dunstable pub which was occupied by squatters. The pub was made an assett of community value in March 2019 after the Dunstable North Community Group started a petition to keep it running as a pub. But now the premises will be replaced with a block of 35 flats, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee. Councillor Young referred to the main objection from residents as “the loss of a community asset of value”. But he added: “The pub closed and there was no intention of the owners to reopen it. The site has been subject to numerous unlawful incursions. We’ve a derelict building, which is absolutely disgraceful right now. Full report: https://www.bedfordshirelive.co.uk/news/bedfordshire-news/closed-dunstable-pub-bird-hand-4902047?fbclid=IwAR2CV4oFwNQBR6Nh0-yX1atLfLKJ_j1t_Tl22tbBbnFC26WYnK072XNUTMw

A fair trek out of town, and part of the Pizza Kitchen Bar chain, this is a largish open-plan 30s looking build with separate areas for drinkers and diners. An L-shaped bar faces you on entry, with the (empty) laminate-floored dining area to the left, complete with large serving counter and heavily wooded and carpeted public bar occupying the remaining L-shaped space. A bay window-type extension adds further space further around the bar. Two screens were showing Rugby League on Sky Sports 1, leather sofas were dotted around by the windows, and the upper walls were decked with flags of the forthcoming Euro 2016 participants. The only real ale was the ubiquitous Doom Bar. Little to write home about and in my opinion, another of Dunstable's rather lacklustre offerings.