Bricklayers - Flaunden — Restaurant in Dacorum

One word can sum our experience up - disappointing. Having eaten here before, we were dismayed at the quality of the food.

We booked a table for 17:30 and arrived promptly to find our table - plus a highchair - had yet to be prepared. After being shown to our table, we waited around ten minutes to order some drinks and our menu choices.

The drinks arrived promptly, but the starter - a Charcuterie board which consisted of a few slithers of meat, bread, and a minuscule pot of olives - came an hour later. Thankfully, we brought some snacks to keep our one-year-old entertained. I can't fathom why or how such an easily prepared board, which would take me five minutes to prepare at home, took so long. The bread had been under the heat lamp for so long that it was inedible and rock solid. Clearly, we had been forgotten about. The board was also very dry - I had to ask for olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make it passable, but it would have been nice to have these on the table or served as part of the dish.

Once cleared, and a few laps of the pub to keep the baby entertained for an extra half an hour, our main Sunday roast arrived. It looked OK, but for £20+, I was expecting something with the WOW factor about it. One sorry half carrot added a splash of excitement to the plate, but that was it. We had to leave most of our roast potatoes as the insides were hard. I complained to the waitress, who admitted that at that time of the evening, roast potatoes have often been "stood around" for some time.

The pub proudly displayed a copy of the Michelin pub guide on its bar to impress patrons of its standing in the culinary world, with a helpful bookmark to open the guide at 'The Bricklayers Arms', which waxed lyrical about the pub's wonderful food. We thought we were in for a treat, but sadly, it didn't live up to the hype and made for an overall disappointing experience for the family. To sum up, I am keen, happy and proud to spend my money in local businesses in this tough time for the hospitality sector - but when the overall bill came to about the same price as a weekly food shop, why bother when you can cook...

A Delightful Lunch at The Bricklayers Arms: A Fusion of Traditional Charm and Culinary Excellence

When my father and I stepped into the Bricklayers Arms, we were greeted by an ambience that effortlessly blended classic pub charm with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This visit wasn't just another meal; it was a delightful journey through the pub's culinary delights.

The highlight of our experience was, without a doubt, the food. We indulged in two of the pub's specialities: the bangers & mash and the ribeye steak. Each dish was a revelation in its own right. The bangers & mash were a comforting embrace of traditional flavours, perfectly executed. The sausages were succulently seasoned, creating a harmonious balance with the creamy, smooth mash. It was a dish that felt like a homage to classic British cuisine, yet with a touch of modern finesse.

Then came the ribeye steak, a testament to the chef's prowess. Cooked to perfection, the steak was tender, juicy, and rich in flavour. Every bite was a symphony of taste, confirming that the Bricklayers Arms is not just a pub but a haven for those who appreciate fine food.

Beyond the food, the pub offered a sense of ease and convenience, especially with ample parking. This is where one can truly relax, unwind, and savour the joys of good food and good company.

In conclusion, the Bricklayers Arms is more than just a pub; it's a destination. Whether you're seeking a cosy spot for a casual meal or a culinary adventure, this gem will impress. My recommendation is heartfelt - visit the Bricklayers Arms and prepare to be delighted. The combination of mouth-watering cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and ease of access makes it a must-visit for anyone who cherishes the joy...

Hated it.

My brother and his wife had just arrived from Australia, and I had planned a special treat at the Bricklayers Arms.

I booked it well ahead, and, having eaten there several times before, had high expectations of our visit.

We were very warmly welcomed by a young man in glasses, who took us to our table, even giving our two small children a little table of their own.

Sadly, he was replaced by the most appalling waiter I’ve ever met.

Simply everything was too much trouble for him. He was impatient and short with us. For instance, I asked him whether it was possible for the kids to have a portion of bubble and squeak.

He had no idea what bubble and squeak was until I showed it to him on the menu And then, without even inquiring, he said “no, we can’t do that.”

I owned a restaurant in London for five years, and I like to think I always instilled a “can do” attitude among all my staff.

His negativity was so overwhelming, he walked off half way through our conversation. When he returned, I tried very hard to engage him about what we might be able to give our children.

Everything my nine year old daughter asked for he said "no, it’s not possible.”

Finally, when he plonked our food down in front of us, I pointed to the separate bubble and squeak on my plate and said it appeared to be separate.

“Yes,” he said, before walking off.

I ordered two glasses of house red and another portion of bread which didn’t arrive until I went back to the young man in glasses, who immediately brought them.

By then, we’d had enough.

"Shall we go to Carluccios in Berkhamstead for our desert?" I asked. Everyone excitedly agreed.

I quickly paid the bill - sans tip - and we left.

We'll...