Pen & Cob - Bedford

Petra S.

Disappointing Cream Tea Experience – Never Again!
We were looking forward to enjoying a traditional cream tea at the Anne tearoom within the Swan Hotel in Bedford. However, upon arrival, we were told that cream tea was only available at the Brasserie Pen & Cob. Fair enough—we thought we’d enjoy the lovely river view from there.

Unfortunately, the experience quickly went downhill. All the chairs were stained, and I had to search for the least dirty one to sit on. When we asked for cream tea, we were told there might not be any scones left. It was only 2:00 PM on a Saturday during a bank holiday weekend—how can you run out of scones so early?

The waitress never returned, and we were about to leave when another waitress finally brought us scones and asked if we wanted anything else, not even realising that we do not have any tea or coffee. We requested tea—specifically Masala chai—and asked if it was made with milk. We were told YES but when it arrived, it was clearly made with water. When I complained about this, a third waitress serving us now, responded rudely, saying it wasn’t her who gave that information. We then had to ask for milk, which should have been offered or served automatically. I would have chosen another tea and mentioned this, but this was totally and arrogantly ignored.

To make matters worse, we were only given one portion of jam and clotted cream—despite being two people —so we had to ask for more. As for the plain scones—they were the worst I’ve ever seen served. I wouldn’t serve them to anyone and I make my own frequently. While the taste was passable, the whole experience, in this lovely location/hotel, was more than disappointing. On top, the tea tasted like washing-up water—absolutely disgusting.

Please also take a look at my photos, especially the teapot—it was filthy, inside and out! as if it had never been properly washed. My daughter had to ask for a clean cup because the one she was given was also disgustingly dirty on arrival which the waitress should have spotted and not brought to the table.

Unfriendly staff, poor service, filthy chairs and dirty china. A very disappointing cream tea. We definitely won’t be returning.

StudeoM

We had beer battered haddock with chips + steak sandwich. Both dishes were good. To be picky, the tartare sauce with the fish was with a bit too much caper and your coleslaw with the sandwiches was a bit too much onion.

Service was a bit slow.Some staffs are more helpful, some not. We were sat next to the door and requested to change as it was cold, the waitress told that all were reserved when it was not, no one sat on those table we pointed out from we walked in till we left.
Chair cushions were not clean with visible dirty stains and changed my chair twice. A little disappointed with that.

James O.

Stayed In the Swan hotel and popped down for dinner. Usually walk out to Miller and Carter but thought I'd try here for a steak and I was so pleased I did. Far superior.
Second night I had the squid starter and Beef pie...wow. really worth a visit

Farhana H.

Came here to celebrate a joint birthday and it was perfect. Beautiful restaurant with incredible interior and great views. Very tasty food and a huge menu with something for everyone. Great if you have fussy eaters in the family. This place is an asset to Bedford and we look forward to bringing our visiting guests here again. The staff were also very friendly and there when we needed them. Can’t fault it at all.

Carissa C.

The restaurant has lovely decorations and our server was helpful and friendly. Service was abit slow, there were quite a few people in the restaurant however.

The food was very disappointing. We ordered bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a starter—this came with four small slices of bread and a tiny bowl with the oil and balsamic vinegar in it. I was expecting a more generous portion of bread and to be given a bottle of oil and balsamic vinegar.

We ordered the fish and chips and beef pie. The fish batter had no flavor, and the fish came covered in what looked like fried capers. The fish was already dusted in chunks of salt so it was odd and unappetizing having the capers on top, I had to brush them off. The tartar sauce was really creamy as opposed to tangy and it did not pair well with the fish.

The beef pie also did not have a lot of flavor. The crust of the pie was quite dense. The beef was nice and tender however.

Overall I definitely would not dine again as I was very disappointed with our meal.

Adam F.

Visited 22/02/2025 for a late lunch. Great place with a great view and lovely staff. Ordered the 8oz sirloin and a third of it was unrendered fat and also a 25 minute wait and was under seasoned. The peppercorn sauce was almost solid and not strong enough. BUT for £33.80 including 2 drinks is a great price considering the area.

Just wish they took more time on the steak to get it right and make sure the sauce has better consistency.

Food 2.5/5
Staff 5/5
Atmosphere 5/5

Janine H.

Recently had a meal with my daughter here. Her cod loin was overcooked but accompanying arancini had hard uncooked rice in 2 out of the 3. My chicken in garlic and herbs was also over cooked and dry not a hint of any garlic or herbs. It was meant to come with parmesan crusted smashed potatoes but came instead with some roasted potatoes no parmesan and the smallest amount of gravy. I didn't eat half of it it was so dry. No one came to ask if the meals were OK and when we complained when paying we got a cursory sorry about that. No reduction of the bill. At £8.75my daughters supposed medium wine was warm so she had to take it back and ice was added! My still water was presented as a bottle and glass not even opened. No longer service at tables it was all order at the bar and we didn't see anyone come outside to even clean up dirty tables the whole time we were there. At £60 it was a very expensive and unsatisfactory meal.

C’est M.

a slight misunderstanding at the beginning, I didn’t realise you waited to be seated, staff were courteous and professional. The food is excellent, the ice cream is divine (not exaggerating) an overall lovely experience. I recommend coming here, for social occasions or just for a treat. Be mindful that It has mid range to high prices depending on what you order; (totally worth every penny though) the restaurant directly looks over the river, even on a colder day it’s wonderful to look at. Enjoy :))