The Buck & Bell, Rugby

Nicely described by others below, this village pub has left its gastro pretentions well behind it. There was a friendly group of locals sitting outside overlooking the village green, while the staff inside were welcoming, primarily to the dogs admittedly, then to us. Once the dog biscuits and bowls of water were served we got to the bar and found Pedigree, Broadside and Proper Job on offer, all in good condition. I really enjoyed our all-too-brief visit and will happily repeat it as it’s worth the walk from the canal.

Under new management since the previous reviews and the gastro pretensions have thankfully been expunged. We've now got a very pleasant multi-roomed village local with some fascinating features, including a gallery above the right hand room. The seating out the front overlooking the village green makes a pleasant spot to relax on a sunny afternoon. Disappointing Marston's beer selection when we called, but maybe we were unfortunate as clips from various local brews were displayed. Worth a visit.

The Buck & Bell was converted from house to pub within memory - in as much as I can remember it being done but not exactly when. It's a large and traditional brick building which has been given the gastro treatment: achingly tasteful gentle sage green paintwork - yes, neatly trimmed yew hedge - yes, clipped bay trees - obviously. The interior has been converted well leaving in original features such as fireplaces and tiled floors and adding wood panelled walls and rustic furniture. The bar that you walk into is just that and there's a fair bit of banter going on in there with locals on bar stools and standing. Don't be fooled though as one of the first things that the friendly and helpful staff will ask is whether or not you're eating. In addition to the bar, there are a number of other spots just for drinking and behind the bar at the entrance is a large, l-shaped and relatively open plan dining room with another long bar. This is the secret to this pub's successfully combining gastro with village pub. The locals need never venture to the dining room at the back and can stay to the front of the building which feels like boozer whilst the diners can head to the back and avoid all that. The menu is interesting and definitely in the gastropub bracket with a small number of specials on blackboards in addition to the varied standard menu. Prices are around £12 to £17 for mains and our food was good although not so good that I'd make a special trip here. Beer: Doom Bar, Marstons EPA, Banks Bitter and a decent Clarke's Classic Blonde. Not an interesting enough selection to head back just for the beer either. It's an impressive and comfortable pub and I'd happily drop in for something to eat or a pint if passing.

Buck & Bell Visited Saturday 18th September 2010, an old building, modern rustically converted. On entering you meet a very small bar and then follow a warren of small and big rooms, to a larger bar and restaurant area. The small bar and entrance seems to be the area that the locals sit. On entering we were disappointed to see only 2 of the 5 hand pumps, but needn’t have worried as the jolly landlord was just putting on two more ales, so in the end we had a choice of Hook Norton’s Old Hooky, Warks Darling Buds, Banks and a local EPA which was a lovely pint. The restaurant was fully booked, but having looked at the menu it all sounded very nice but pricing seemed to be over the top for the typical pub grub. But judging by how busy it was its obviously well known for good food. The chunky furniture was ok to sit on, but heavy and awkward. Interior decoration kept simple and clean, just some annoying music being played which was unnecessary for time of evening. There is a small courtyard for the smokers. It is some where I’d go back to try more beer but also because landlord and staff were very welcoming and it seemed a comfortable place. For canal users on the Grand Union this is a good 25 minute walk from bridge 25, well worth it to enjoy all the pubs and village.