The Bald Buzzard Ale House, Leighton Buzzard

This is now one of the older micropubs being well over two years old. It's run by a friendly couple who are a bit more mature than some micropub owners but younger than me! It's well described below and is a proper micropub with no TVs or music. I saw no sign of any spirits either. As far as size goes it's probably average or slightly smaller but there is low seating. There were four beers on and three ciders on an early Thursday afternoon. These were Oakham JHB, Moon Landing & Black Hole Porter and a local Rockhopper Lonbrew. I went for the Moon Landing and Lonbrew both £3.60. The Moon landing was a new beer to me and was excellent while the Lonbrew was a lowish ABV pale with English hops so was very similar to countless beers. It was unfined but only had a slight haze and tasted fine. I noticed the cider was the same price as the Black Hole Porter (£3.80) so went for one of them which was also excellent. This was easily my favourite of three Leighton Buzzard pubs visited and is a worthy GBG 2018 entry. My only disappointment was missing out on Dark Star Revelation which was due on next.

A recent shop conversion which has been tastefully achieved. This micropub is run by an enthusiastic couple and has already found a place for itself in the local real ale scene. Most of the beers featured so far have been from local breweries such as LBB (Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co), Hornes and XT, with Red Squirrel due to go on next, but they have also had some from further afield such as Dark Star and Tiny Rebel. Beers are served directly from barrels which are kept in a bespoke stillage behind the counter. Food such as sandwiches and jacket potatoes is available. The pub is closed on Sundays and Mondays. A slight gripe from me: £3.50 a pint seems a little steep, but perhaps that's just my northern prejudice.

Official site of The Bald Buzzard Alehouse - www.baldbuzzard.co.uk

Official site of The Bald Buzzard Alehouse - www.baldbuzzard.co.uk