The Bounty, Bourne End

The word "quirky" appears in some reviews including that in the GBG, and it certainly is. A strange place with its front terrace right on the riverside, the main front area has the bar and a raised area for the bar billiards table. Walls and the ceilings are covered in flags. To the rear is "The Bounty Bar", an unusual room which had me feeling like I'd entered the pub's private area, especially as there was some ironing/washing left on a table. A shelf in here has books and videos (VHS!) for sale; the pub also sells greetings cards, and ice creams. A sign over the entrance says "Welcome to the People's Republic of Cocksmarsh.....The Laws of Common Sense Apply" Another board also announces that muddy boots, dirty hounds and children are welcome. Rebellion beers, Grumpy Cow, Mutiny and Blonde. The Blonde was a little too cold resulting in a haze but it was drinkable. £3.20 here, probably the going rate for a riverside location. The front terrace is a sunny and popular spot and I expect it gets rammed at weekends and holidays. Overall, I'm not sure, its certainly different but I prefer a more pubby pub if you know what I mean. Closed in winter during the week I understand. I'd suggest phoning first especially as there is no direct vehicle access.

The Bounty is an unusual pub in that you have to walk to it as it has no road access. It sits on the banks of the River Thames opposite the Bourne End Marina and access is via the north side foot path along the Thames. Consequently it relies on trade from passers bye along the path and because of this is not open during the Winter months (is open from Easter to the end of October ) . There used to be an old boy who would row people back and forth from the Marina opposite for beer money, but unfortunately he is now long gone. However the Landlord still needs to row across and pick the beer barrels up from the Marina as this is the nearest place the Dray can deliver. It’s a bit quirky and eccentric inside with flags adorning the walls, and areas for the selling of Ice Creams and second hand books and videos as well as beer. But the best point of The Bounty is the outside front terrace with the multiple bench tables which is a great place to sit and have a pint, especially for those who have been walking the Thames path. And the beers are not bad either, being from the Rebellion Brewery in Marlow and there is usually at least two or three on.