The Flying Horse, Bedford

I popped into the Flying Horse just after 13:00 on Friday last week for a spot off lunch with the missus. We were greeted at the door by a friendly member of staff who informed us that we could eat in the large barn conversion like dining area to the left or in the bar area down some steps to the right. We opted for the bar before learning that we would have to order drinks and food at the central bar/greeting area rather than the bar due to an unforeseen shortage in staff. I found the bar area to be quite cosy with exposed beams and columns giving a rustic feel. There is an inglenook with an iron fire basket full of coal and chopped logs. The bar supports two hand pumps that were drawing St Austell Tribute and Sharp’s Doom Bar. The keg options were Peroni, Amstel, Meantime London lager, Becks Vier and Guinness. There was some unobtrusive background music playing and I didn’t spot any televisual distractions. As the afternoon progressed the bar became busier with passers-by who, like us, had spotted this pub in its prominent position next to the A6. This pub is very much food led and most of the mains on the menu were priced over £10. There was a deal running during our visit for a starter and a main for around £12, which was approximately £2 more than the mains we wanted. We were both very happy with the starters, but the mains were a let-down. The deal made the food reasonable value, but if I had paid the full £10 for ham, egg and chips I would expect the eggs to be runny and the twice cooked chips crispy. Being food led there is obviously a large car park. This is located at the rear sandwiching some picnic tables between it and the pub. I found the young hosts on duty to be extremely helpful and friendly, but if I was driving through the area again looking for a pint and some scran I would try another roadhouse.

Official site of the Flying Horse - www.theflyinghorse.co.uk

Official site of the Flying Horse - www.theflyinghorse.co.uk