Longs Inn, Woburn

At one time this must have been a traditional old coaching inn and in many ways still looks the part, but has also clearly had something of a contemporary makeover. It consists of a public bar to the left, a lounge/restaurant area to the right and a courtyard garden at the rear. It would appear that accommodation is also offered. It was very quiet on a recent Tuesday evening visit, and it looked as though all the punters that were there may have been residents. The public bar is currently closed for refurbishment, so unfortunately I am unable to leave much in the way of a detailed review for this. The landlady was friendly and helpful. The lounge and restaurant off to the right consists of a small lounge area at the front with just a couple of tables, leather arm chairs and a sofa. Further back it opens out in to the restaurant with a small bar counter dominated by a coffee machine. This has quite a contemporary feel with wooden boards on the floor, khaki green paintwork on the walls with white detailing elsewhere and a number of black ceiling and support beams. The tables were all laid up for food and the chairs were of the upright, brown leather variety. A couple of arty black and white photos were hung on the wall and there was a brick fire-place. From what I could see of the bar this had a tiled floor and a large brick fire-place with a wood burning stove as well as some exposed brick wall elsewhere. The menu was fairly succinct, and appeared to be aimed slightly higher than your usual “pub grub”, but certainly nothing too gastro-like. Most of the mains were around the £10 mark and consisted of option such as smoked haddock fishcakes, sausage and mash and a venison burger. My meatballs with tomato and basil pasta and garlic bread was a decent enough dish and generously proportioned. Possibly the price was slightly ambitious at £10.50, but I’ve no complaints and would happily return to try something else. Beers on tap were the local Fenny Popper from the Concrete Cow Brewery and the ubiquitous Doom Bar. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.

Official site of Longs Inn - www.longsinn.co.uk

Official site of Longs Inn - www.longsinn.co.uk

A very impressive local pub, good choice of ales and beers, as well as wines. Home cooked food was great value, and we even met the chef.Nice fire, although could get too hot if full up. Dogs seemed welcome and plenty of parking. will definately go back when passing through again, may even stay the night, if I can find an excuse. Very friendly locals, who chatted for England.