The Green Man, Olney

This is an attractive old thatched building with whitewashed stone walls that has presumably been extensively extended at some point. Inside it’s quite enormous with a number of different areas, although many of these appear to cater more for diners than drinkers. It’s clearly had a contemporary makeover and is now a mixture of modern and more traditional, but they have nonetheless managed to retain many of the pubs original features and I felt they had made a better job of the renovation than many so called refurbishments. There is a small patio area at the front of the pub which looks as though it would be a nicer spot in the warmer weather, and this leads in to the main part of the pub with the bar counter. This has dark laminate wood flooring, plenty of beams on the ceiling and much exposed stonework on the walls, although this has been painted in contrasting shades of off white and burgundy. To the left is a dual sided open stone built chimney breast that housed a wood burning stove, and beyond this a small tiled area that housed a further three tables and a cash point. Decor elsewhere was much the same although some areas were carpeted. To the rear was a large room with more laminate flooring and a cosy alcove off to one side. To the right of the bar was more of a restaurant area complete with glass viewing doors in to the wine cellar (ok, cupboard) and this led in to an open function room with a vaulted ceiling. Dotted around the walls were a mixture of old black and white photo’s, and colourful, modern artwork. The food menu was as extensive as the pub and offered around fifteen “classics” which were priced in the £8 - £10 range, as well as various other options such as steaks, burgers, light bites and baguettes and a few more options chalked up on a board above the fire-place. It is however exactly the same offering as can be found in any the “Old English Inns” chain as was evidenced by the lack of the pub name on the menu and even a GK stock code at the bottom. Beers on tap were all from the Greene King stable with their IPA, Abbot Ale and St. Edmunds Fresh Golden Beer. The solitary cider was Stowford Press which makes a pleasant change around these parts, although unfortunately that was just a temporary replacement for the cloyingly sweet Aspall’s Suffolk. Overall, for a chain pub I didn’t think this was too bad. It’s managed to retain some of it’s character, and is a pleasant enough place, although clearly there is a strong emphasis on food.

Official site of The Green Man - www.greenman-pub-lavendon.co.uk

Official site of The Green Man - www.greenman-pub-lavendon.co.uk