The Bounty remembered

[byron]

Who remembers the Bounty when Hooky owned it. A real character with no hands (just Hooks), liable to close down and open up as he felt like it. Licensing Laws? What Licensing Laws. If he was having a good time then he stayed open. Bored then he closed down.

 

[GAJ52]

I don't remember the Bounty in those days, but I was there about three weeks ago, not a very nice experience.

We managed to moor just outside for the night, spent most of the evening in their garden and had a meal. My sons burger was very underdone on the inside, we should have said something at the time but I don't like to complain, so we just kept quiet. I don't think I saw any of the staff smile once, there was defiantly no welcoming atmosphere although the garden was quite full of people. Our two small Cavalier Spaniel's decided to go for a wonder into the bar area, and for a pub that says it welcomes dogs the bar tender became very hostile towards the dogs when they got in his way.

A few days later we returned past the Bounty and saw a mooring space outside but decided to sail past and had a very good meal in Cookham.

Glen

 

[capnfishy]

Recommend a quick look on tripadvisor to spot current trends in standards for any riverside hostelry you may plan to visit.

 

[lenten]

can t comment on the pub---but regarding dogs--all the country pubs in my area welcome dogs but it is implied in the welcome that they are on a lead or close by the owner---wandering dogs especially low slung trip hazards are not welcome

 

[Chris_d]

I think its easy to miss the point of the Bounty just because the food is crap, the service indifferent and the facilities run down!
It has a character and appeal beyond the obvious but easily missed if you don't "get" the river and know its history, its stuck in a 60's timewarp and is the one of the few places you can just pull up without booking and step straight off your boat into the bar. Also being isolated and no road access it is a hidden gem only known to locals or river users. You don't go there for the food or service. :encouragement:

 

[capnfishy]

I agree with Chris, having spent 38 years in that business before joining the river rats, the Bounty is a marvellous example of an un-reconstructed boozer that the brewers haven't been able to change, a 60s haven. TBH, we've found the burgers and chips to be ok and only drink draught lager. The service is quirky in a Seth Armstrong manner and the heads are Dickensian but we go for the location and to rub shoulders with like-minded folk in a relaxed environment.

If you want it fancy, there are many other places to choose from.

 

[GAJ52]

Reading my post again, it does seem rather negative, sorry about that, it was just a bad experience we had on the day.

Regarding dogs, its definitely not your average pub (for those that haven't been there before), on a busy day its crawling with them all loose and normally playing together quite happily which is one of the attractions for dog lovers. Having been there several times before the food is normally very good, one of my favourites is their fish and chips, on the occasion above it was definitely poorly cooked - no excuse for that.

If you get the chance try the Bounty its a very unique experience, as said above defiantly in a 60's style time warp and great if you can moor outside

 

[Chris_d]

Reading my post again, it does seem rather negative, sorry about that, it was just a bad experience we had on the day.

No need to apologise we have all had a bad burger at the Bounty Usually just average even at its best.

 

[No Regrets]

Despite the average (But good value) food, which is best described as 'Comfort food' it's worthwhile balancing that against the good (and unique) plus points

Free moorings
They bring breakfast to the boat on silver platters!
Our Dogs can sit at the table eating from the Dog menu (Burgers or Sausages, or (wait for it) Sausages AND Burgers. Yes. At the table...
Dogs run free, although they do get chased out of the kitchen
Your Dogs can have a little scrap with other Dogs, and everyone is very understanding about it, assuming no blood is drawn
Good music
Friendly service if you smile
Good selection of drinks
Interesting, if jaded, decor
Nice big riverside garden
You can moor up and just have a few drinks, nobody seems to mind if you stay all night!

You can't beat that. :encouragement:

PS. I did manage to eat the entire 'Heart attack' meal, which comes with a free Air Ambulance if required (allegedly!)