The Buckingham Arms, Leighton Buzzard

The Buckingham Arms was supposed to be my second pub of the day in Leighton Buzzard. I arrived at lunchtime to find the front gate shut but not locked. However, the front door was locked despite there being somebody inside. Google states that the pub opens at midday on Friday-Sunday and at 4pm throughout the rest of the week. WhatPub has the pub opening at 4pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. Arriving back at the pub later at 5pm, it was still in darkness. There has been no social media presence since May last year and nobody has checked a beer in there on Untappd since last summer, but a search did reveal that Admiral Taverns are looking to refurbish the pub when they have a new tenant. Looks as though it is closed for now though.

Close to Leighton Buzzard station,this community local has a traditional feel.You approach the front door through a small railed off garden with a couple of benches but with only the street scene to admire.Up some stairs and through the front door, you step into the lounge,with lots of red velour and two attractive bay window seating areas,while there are some other tables to the sides.There is no muzak ,just the natter of regulars,while there are two regular real ales in Doom Bar and Adnams Southwold Bitter ,together with a guest ale,Bath Ales Gem on my trip.There is a small collection of paperbacks on a shelf.On the other side of the island bar,there is a public bar with it's own side door and a pool table. The ale selection didn't set my pulse racing,but that is true of a lot of pubs in Leighton Buzzard/Linslade.That aside, this is a friendly local.