Bel and the Dragon

[Portland Billy]

Had pleasant trip up to Cookham over the week-end to watch son-in law playing cricket.
After the match we went to Bel and the Dragon for a meal - bad mistake !

We were first informed they had run out of mashed potato, but could have new potatoes as an alternative - wife of course said 'why cant you mash new potatoes ?' - glassy stare from waiter who said they can't do that.
So I settled for sausages with new pots and wife had braised lamb - my sausages were hard and overcooked, the new potatoes looked as though they had been fried, my wife's lamb was served with chips (she had expected Dauphinoise - but apparently these too had run out.)- no other vegetables were offered to accompany the meal.
Daughter and son-in -law had fish and chips which seemed OK.
But it was generally a very disappointing meal and has led me to think that the place is no longer a restaurant with expert trained chefs, but more of a fast food outlet which only makes mwhat they expect to sell, and everything is pre-packaged.

I remember the place when it used to serve a good selection of real ales with hearty home-made soups and blue cheese bloomers. The restaurant was renown for good freshly cooked meals. I assume it has now become a slave to the food chain outlet syndrome - or is Sunday evening just a bad time to expect a meal ?

 

[Richard Shead]

Hmmmm

Sausage with new potatoes?....

nuff said, that's off the list.

 

[Brayman]

The restaurant went into receivership last summer/autumn and appeared to be struggling. We had a club meal there last October and it was quite a tussle to get what we wanted. I suspect they have now lost their way unfortunately.

The Kings Arms/Head(?) across the road is the place for good ale and reasonable food these days - unless you want to go Eastern, then take your pick.
Admittedley I haven't been there for 6 months but it has been consistent for the last couple of years.

Who knows from one year to the next.

 

[jecuk]

Shame - went there last year and many times before and was very good. Didn't know the owners went under. Could certainly explain it. As said above, Kings Arms across the road has significantly improved from the chain food of years past.

 

[thamesS23]

used to always go there a lot for sunday lunch and was always very good, but the last time we went (last october), it wasn't up to it's usual standard.
The Kings Arms, although probably not as good as the Bel & Dragon was in its prime, does serve better then average food and at a good price. Also personally find the Kings arms more suitable if you just want to go and have a drink.
Has anyone eaten in the The Crown (which for some reason has never appealed to me, although don't know why) or the White Oak?

 

[Brayman]

The Crown is a good looking pub from the outside but sadly disappointing inside. Never fancied trying to eat there in the evening but have had the odd lunchtime bite and it was nothing to write home about. The beer can be iffy too. such a shame for a pretty pub in a prime position.
Not sure where the White Oak is.
There used to be Spencers on the way to the station which was ok but last year that was being knocked about so I don't know if it is still a pub or restaurant or private dwelling.

 

[thamesS23]

I think Spencers is now the White Oak (could be wrong). It's the one before the swan uppers as you head to the station. It is owned by Terry Wogans daughter who also owns the Green Oak in Oakley Green

 

[Brayman]

I think Spencers is now the White Oak (could be wrong). It's the one before the swan uppers as you head to the station. It is owned by Terry Wogans daughter who also owns the Green Oak in Oakley Green

Ah, yes, that makes sense, I do remember hearing that she had bought in to the place.

You'd better try it out and report back!

 

[jecuk]

The White Oak is excellent but gets very busy - at peak times you have to book.

 

[bradtarga34]

Went to the Bel on Saturday night for dinner and it was very good. We had a lovely table in the bar area in front of the fire, which is an are where they allow dogs and they made the 3 of them feel very welcome as well. Service was spot on, as was the food, very impressed and highly recommend.