The Chequers Inn in Bedford

Wow!! Here it is. A pub that serves up food that is noth delicious and different from the norm. Not a Sunday lunch you can get just about anywhere, instead, a pubunch with more than a splash of food magic...I can imagine the prices might raise an eyebrow or 2, but the food is sublime with the very best ingredients. I understand the seafood is fresh direct from Billingsgate. There's also a different atmosphere here, nurtured by Louis the landlord who welcomes everyone personally and enthusiastically....he's also made the place look fantastic inside befitting of its 16th century origins. Whilst I was there, I heard that there will be a new website very soon. I'll be looking out for that as the only website I could find was one from a previous tenant. We'll certainly be going back as this is a pub full of character and characters....and Louis is the greatest character of them all

Skate wings were delicious,never tried them before. Quite a few people eating very large garlic prawns and garlic escargot

Best food I've ever had. The meal was cooked to perfection and the atmosphere is superb. The best fish I have ever ever had

The food was amazing. Really good sea food, fresh and the way the sauces etc complimented them intensified flavours. It is a bit on the pricey side for a Bedfordshire restaurant but the portion sizes are really good!!!! Would definitely recommend if you can afford it or for a special occasion. The owner is friendly and loves a chat, which for some could be hit or miss but I think done with the best of intention. Cat (the dog) is adorable. I suspect I will be back but due to cost it my not be as often as I would like. The owner has some great plans for the place and I suspect this will be the place to go around Bedford once completed! Magnifique!!!!

Perhaps the warmest welcome from both landlord and locals that I’ve received in many years. A wonderful evening in witty and erudite company. I am already looking forward to my next visit to this beautiful and characterful venue

The chequers is now in the hands of Louis who is making his own unique mark on this ancient pub... the seafood is to die for and Louis gets it fresh. The prices might make you wince a bit but if you can afford a treat, the mussels are amazing...I saw some sea bass coming out too and the portions are large to say the least! Everything cooked and served in a very informal and friendly way. Louis is building a small team here and we'll definitely be going back

What an amazing lunch. Louis is an impressive French chef, serving original dishes overflowing with delectable flavour. Mussels in white wine and garlic cream sauce were truly exquisite, served with delicious fresh crusty bread. Lovely big portions, delicious flavours and a lovely atmosphere. Some of the best I've had. Beautiful shell-on king prawns in garlic and herbs, served with even more fresh crusty bread. Sweet and more-ish. The king scallops were the talk of the town! Served with wild mushrooms in a cognac cream sauce and the most amazing crispy potatoes. This one was impressive. And the gem for me was the heritage tomato salad, with a whole ball of buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil and Kalamata olive oil. The dressing was so delicious, you could mop it up with the bread. God, how I cannot wait for the restaurant to be refurbished and reopen in September. This guy can cook!

New landlord who’s a quality chef Fresh seafood this weekend but main restaurant won’t be open until September after refurb.

Thank you for looking after us so well on Saturday. We were a party of six who booked for lunch. The food was tasty, well-presented and there was so much of it. The bill was surprisingly low. Sorry we kept you behind with all our chatting.

Amazing food, great value for money, the staff couldn't do enough for you, definitely recommend, will be going back.

What a lovely village pub, my favourite in a Wootton. The staff are lovely, the ‘regulars’ who frequent the pub in the evenings are also friendly. The restaurant serves delicious food at a reasonable price, the drink selection is reasonably prices as well. A good, proper pub.

We had the wake for my mum at The Chequers. It was the perfect environment for family and friends to celebrate her life and catch up with one another. The food was very good, all set out before we go there, together with plenty of tea and coffee. The pub was nice and warm. Leanne was the perfect landlady, allowing us all to eat and drink when we were ready, she was not intrusive but available if we needed anything. When everyone had left she asked us if we would like to take any of the leftover good with us. As we had had more than enough to eat we declined. She told us the left over food was being donated to a local charity which we thought was lovely. I would thoroughly recommend this venue and Thank you Leanne.

Today I took my son and his family for lunch we arrived on time ordered drinks then our meals ,in our party we had 3 children and one of those was a child of 1 ,we had to wait three quarters of an hour when the meals arrived one wasn’t the correct order,the child that had chicken nuggets was still frozen inside the other child had a chicken that wasn’t hot enough also my chicken with roast dinner was cold,we did get a discount but I feel after we had complained none of the servers came back to the table to see if we wanted anything else.

Such a great place to hold a celebration for a large party! Weather was terrible but it didn’t matter as they are so prepared for it that it didn’t make a difference. The staff make it and are such wonderful people that you feel close with them immediately! Such a warm welcome for everyone. Food was fab and a decent portion per person as well. Thanks to all at The Chequers Inn. I will definitely hold all my functions there in the future if possible!

A nice pint of real ale and a Chequers home made burger is worth a visit. In my experience best call first as not always available.

We held our wedding reception here, and Leanne and the team pulled out all the stops with a wonderful wedding package.Loved the "pimp my Prosecco" on arrival.The food was delicious ( I picked the gala buffet, cheesecakes, then cheese course with port) and nothing was too much trouble for the team. All my guests have commented very positively on the service, location and food, and the table/ conservatory decorations). Well done to Leanne and staff.

We were in Bedford and was recommended this pub as a place to try. We were not disappointed the food was good, prices great and the staff very welcoming. Yes it not a top brand pub but a local there service good food. It’s nice to see that you don’t need a big name behind you to be top. They do a set menu that starts at 1 course at £6.50, 2 courses £8.50 or 3 courses for £10.50. It was worth every penny. We had the 2 courses - fish & chips followed by sticky toffee pudding. Please, please give this place a try.

The dining room has been reconfigured since my last visit, which sadly was too long ago! I have not had the opportunity to return for some time.Today I went with friends and their children, the child friendly atmosphere meant we all felt so welcome, and when children are kindly treated as they were at the Chequers, they behave all the better. It was a treat for us all.We found it nicely cosy on a chilly day, and thoroughly enjoyed our (large) meal. The new arrangement is so cosy, and my friends found the ancient part with its low beams to be fascinating.The food is excellent, there is great variety and no problem with having something of every dish on display, including if wished three kinds of roast meat!Thank you, Chequers, for brightening up a chilly Sunday in February.

My partner and I stopped in for dinner on a Friday night. We arrived just before the restaurant opened, but were warmly welcomed, given a table and drinks. The meals were freshly cooked so we knew to expect a bit of a wait, but when they arrived were very worth it! We had the two course set menu - I was full after those two so wouldn't have had room for a third course! The food was good quality, traditional pub food, with good portion sizes. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and very good value for money. We'll definitely be back!

First things first , following my last review the manager contacted me as she was not at all happy with service we had reported and as agreed stated we’d return , this time was with family members. We all ordered the garlic mushrooms as starters followed by a very tasty and generously portioned carvery which consisted of pork , beef and gammon , a good selection of vegetables and of course Yorkshire puddings which probably explains why we never had room for dessert ! The attention to detail with the service was excellent without being intrusive and even when decided to change tables due to the sunlight in the conservatory becoming a tad overwhelming, we were moved to another area without any fuss or bother . It’s a family run business so the service is definitely more personal and a much better experience for it .

Due to a recent visit where I stated we’d go back we did just that and unfortunately it was to be a negative experience. It was mid week so not busy in the slightest , 9 people between 3 tables including ours . The staff member on duty was polite however it was obvious she was not as experienced as the one we had met the last time . My partner ordered sausage and mash which was advertised with vegetables , the food took quite a while to arrive , my house burger was good but the sausage and mash was barely warm so that was sent back , my partner then had to ask for the vegetables. The staff member did apologise and also offered a free drink on house . We did note that she seemed to have difficulties keeping track with the other tables as enquiries were made about desserts which were forgotten until mentioned then they ended up not having any as what they wanted apparently wasn’t available. The bill was paid and just as we were about to leave my partner noticed we’d been overcharged for an extra meal . We brought this to the attention of the staff member who did apologise but was unable to credit the cost back to the card we paid on so gave us cash . I did feel for her as judging by the above it was probably her first time but whom ever let her lose should have supervising her. Hopefully this was just blip .

Due to a combination of the current excellent weather and receiving good news decided to eat out and chose to dine here . Booked ahead , arrived early but that wasn’t an issue , staff member was on top of her game , offered drinks and shown both the specials and normal menu . I had the steak and ale pie , partner decided on ham , egg and chips , we also had starters too , stuffed mushrooms and a baguette with a really smooth pate . The pub has a lovely setting so sat outside to enjoy the food which when it arrived was excellent in terms of portions and quality . We have dined at other local eateries however the experience here was more homely as the staff member had excellent knowledge of the ales , lagers and was very helpful with the menus so of course we’ll be going back .

A lovely character pub set in beautiful countryside!

We met up with some friends following a family visit to relatives in the Bedford area. My wife had recently been to this country Pub with an elderly aunt and had thoroughly enjoyed their mid week lunch.

This is a lovely pub, with friendly helpful staff, and a good mix of dishes on the menu.Also has a garden for summer, Nice selection of beers, wines and ciders too.

Good local,pub, and there aren't many of them left, to walk to for a couple of cheeky pints and a bowl,of bar snacks. Good garden suitable for dogs and kids on route home from a long walk

Initially contacted the pub about their valentines menu but ended up going for the Sunday carvery. Carla was so helpful answering my emails and sending the menu to me. I’m vegetarian and they served a gorgeous mushroom wellington with roasties cooked separately to the ones cooked in meat fat. Can’t remember the last time I went somewhere that went to so much effort for vegetarian diners. Other half is a fussy eater and he wolfed his down saying the beef was excellent. Staff were so friendly too and it was good value for money....what more could you want? Try it and you won’t be disappointed!

Having moved recently to Marston we, as pub goers, wanted to find a pub nearby that delivered on what we see as a great pub: good service, good food, good drinks selection, not too over priced etc... any positives you look for in a local country pub this pub has it all. All staff are very friendly as are the locals. We sampled a ridiculously low price set menu and it was faultless. I'd have paid double. Can't wait to go back and try some more delicious and obviously home cooked food. Drinks are so cheap too, £6.40 for a large white wine and a pint of Kronenbourg. This will be our local from now on!!

This is a pub hidden in the back end of wootton village, nice cosy pub staff good, good selection of beers , nice pub food would recommend a visit,

My 30th birthday party was hosted at this lovely old fashioned public house, my fiancee arranged for 18 of us to have dinner through emails to the staff who couldn't have been more helpful. Menus were emailed out and food was selected before the night due to being a large party.

We have visited the Chequers on 2 occasions now for Birthday celebration meals and have not been disappointed.

The Chequers is a fine old building with beams and ingle nooks. Ample parking, friendly service, and the food is really good. My goat's cheese starter was beautifully cooked, and the lunchtime carvery provided some wholesome, tasty meat, vegetables and gravy. And all very reasonably priced. Highly reccommended!

Vivió en Wootton por casi 3 años en un pueblo con 2 pubs que no sirven comida excepto en raras ocasiones y al azar. Un vecino recomendado recientemente el Chequers. No sabía que estaba ahí. Dimos un paseo allí hoy y tenía una comida básica pero hermosa de 2 platos con vino en el jardín. No se puede quejar de la comida, caliente y muy sabroso.

Living locally, have been here many times and it doesn't disappoint a VERY good carvery a choice of three meats...

Es una suerte reservamos con antelación para el almuerzo de carne hoy, una semana antes de Navidad. El lugar estaba repleto de grandes partes de mermelada. De esta me alegro, ya que presumiblemente significa el Chequers continuará su excelente Domingo almuerzo Carvery. Que plato la...

Mi hermano y cuñada Sis - me trajo aquí para el almuerzo Carvery hoy. Nos recibió un personal familiar muy cálido. Saben mi hermano y su esposa. Hay que comer un poco, lo que parece. Es encantador y limpio y todo estaba muy bien cubierto. La opción de uno, dos o tres carnes era agradable. Bien, la carne no era de color rosa, pero era preciosa y suave y tierno. Gran degustación de sobresaliente, podría haber conseguido con una cuchara y un trozo suculento de Turquía. Todo bien hasta ahora. Las verduras no era tan bueno. Creo, porque comimos a las 2:45, las verduras habían dejado de estar demasiado tiempo y habían ido pasando su mejor. El queso no era lo suficientemente cursi cauli para mí, y el brécol prácticamente colapsado. Bueno y una buena roasties Yorkie! Bastante decente, aunque quizás no la salsa hecha con los zumos de la carne. .

La comida era bastante buena y el servicio era bastante rápido el lugar en sí tiene una gran zona abierta para perros para correr y que jueguen los niños.

For those of you that haven't visited the chequers at Wootton you are missing a real treat. Fantastic home made food and friendly service. This pub restaurant should be heaving every night and deserves to be. It is very much a locals pub but as new comers to the village we were greeted with such warmth. The food is brilliant and really tasty. Old fashioned pub grub that we all miss nowadays with pubs trying to be a la carte!

A small group of us went for lunch, didn't want fuss, just a nice straightforward lunch and that is what we got, with speedy service and exactly the right amount of attention, so that we could have a good chat without interruption.The Chequers is in a pleasant country environment, a quiet location and has the option of sitting outside in good weather.We'll be back some time for another go at the excellent carvery lunch.

Returned to the area recently. Lovely walk through the fields (in my new wellies) to pop in for a pint- or two. Friendly staff, very welcoming, good atmosphere, and Locals a-plenty to crack some banta with. Really enjoyed my Friday, so decided to try the Sunday carvery- I wasn't disappointed will be making this pub my local. :-)

I was genuinely surprised this was not a busier pub, given that the competition isn't up to much. The service was friendly and efficient, the meals fairly priced and the food was delicious. Hubby always chooses the best meal on the menu and I was exceedingly jealous when I tasted his black and blue burger.... It was soooooooo nice! Kids food was prompt and served first!! A rare treat! Lovely rural setting, great food, friendly welcome and lots of room for the kids to run around. Nice coffee too. What more could you ask for? We'll definitely be going back.

We went to the Chequers at 12.30 on a Sunday without booking. We had a choice of tables, a nice friendly and helpful waitress, drinks arrived quickly.On Sundays there is just a carvery, but this was totally excellent. There was a choice of four vegetables, or one could help oneself to a portion of each, while the meat was being carved. On this day they offered beef, turkey and ham.On the next table were roast potatoes, mashed (perfectly) potatoes, roast parsnips, appropriate sauces and a large jug of rich gravy, plus balls of savoury stuffing for the turkey.Mini Yorkshires were still in the oven and were brought to the table for us.This pub is in a lovely rural setting and has its own gardens, it is an historic building and so very interesting.Nice people, great traditional meal, and hooray! - Mint Imperials came with the bill!The price is very reasonable and affordable.

As newbies to the area we thought we would give The Chequers Inn a whirl. Whilst the staff were friendly it all felt slightly chaotic - they were trying to print menus off when we arrived but the printer was off line so we used a laptop to order. We were the only people in the restaurant and whilst I think a couple of people were eating in the bar it wasn't busy and yet it took 45 minutes for our starters to arrive and then a further 30 minutes for our main course! The starters were ok - my fishcake tasted good but was overcooked but the mains were disappointing. The chicken and chorizo stew contained two pieces of chicken and was watery whilst the fish in my fish and chips was tasteless and uninspiring. Not sure a return visit is on the cards!

We had a lovely meal - the food is good value and very nice however, it's just so unorganised!We called ahead to book and someone answered the phone but he wasn't a staff member and couldn't find any. He said he'd write us in the book and someone would call us back if there was a problem. No one called us so we arrived not really knowing if we'd have a table. We did....in fact, we were the only table in the restaurant!We had three courses but there was quite a wait as they seemed under staffed. The waiter was also the bar man and wasn't able to answer questions without going to check - e.g. if they did bottled beers (they didn't!), what the soup of the day was, what the puddings were (there wasn't a menu and he had to get the chef to write a chalk board for us!). We really hope they get organised as it's a great place with a lot of potential. We will go again and will recommend as it'd be such a shame for such a lovely local to close down.

We wanted to lunch here but as of 25th July the phone no. does not work. No email address available. Hallo! are you still there?

We went to lunch here whilst visiting friends, the visit was enhanced by the fact we could sit outside in the sun, the tables and chairs here are very comfy and of excellent quality, the seating area inside also looked very nice and spaciuos, the staff were very friendly and not because they have to be , they were very genuine, helping with the choice of wine menu and offering help with the food menu.My husband chose the mixed fish platter which is a starter and can also be ordered as a starter for 2, so after speaking to a member of staf they suggested he have the starter for 2 as a mains, what a delight it was when they served it , he told us it was fantastic , i had goats cheese salad as a mains -very yummy, the whole meal was brilliant our friends enjoyed their choices of chicken and posh fish fingers, but sadly no room for a sweet.the prices are average, the service is brilliant, the food is great , can highly recommend

On a hot Saturday afternoon we dropped in for a coffee. Having read some of the reviews, may go back for burger night..Lovely building well kept, very good toilet facilities, coffee the best I've had for a long while. It was quite refreshing to sit inside as for once, the sun was too hot! On another occasion it might be great to sit in the attractive gardens and later enjoy the drive through green and pleasant countryside..As a female party, woman driver and passenger, we were obviously a novelty at that time of day. All heads turned as we rather slowly negotiated our way out of the car park. Wish I'd had a picture of a whole long table of (male) turned heads!! However nobody would have believed it wasn't posed.... Yes, guys, we did get out without scraping your precious vehicles!

My husband and I recently popped into the chequers pub for lunch and we were not disapointed! I enjoyed the beer battered cod and chips which was light and flakey but with a crunchy batter. My husband had a homemade steak burger from the burger bar menu, which I am told was tasty and great value for money. The atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were friendly. We cant wait to return!

Had our second visit for the Tuesday Night 2 for 1 Burger Night, yet again great service, great food and the best value for money around. Have also visted for Lunch and a Chrsitams works lunch and they never let us down. I will be back again. Can@t wait for the summer to sample the gardens as well.

If you head down to The Chequers Inn, Wootton on a Tuesday Night you'll be in for a treat with their Burger Night. Not only are they amazing value at 2 for £10 but they're absolutely delicious and homemade too. With 7 varieties to choose from there is something for everyone.I made my third visit last night (Shrove Tuesday) and was even treated to homemade pancakes!A welcoming family run village pub serving high quality homemade food that's appealing to everybody!

My girly friends & I enjoyed another lovely evening at the Chequers Inn, Wootton. This was our second visit for Burger night and as always the burgers where superb, homemade and very tasty. I would highly recommend a visit, great value for money with a warm welcome and service was great.

Worst service and food we have experienced in a long long time. If you cannot get fish and chips right what chance have got.

Get down to the chequers on a Tuesday night to dine on their 2 for 10 pounds home cooked burger nights or any day of the week for their normal price which is still excellent value - well worth a visit

2nd year running my wife and I have enjoyed valentines night at the Chequers. The food was fabulous as always and service fantastic. Friendly atmosphere with high quality food.

Good meet up place got it right for the value. Have used the chequers a couple of times one for a Sunday lunch the other for an evening meal always supplied for good honest fare

We went here on Mothers Day (5 of us - 3 generations) and all loved the food and atmosphere. Lovely restaurant and the quality of the food was fantastic. We all had a roast of some sort with the ladies enjoying some wine and the men having a nice real ale. (There is a few choices)Staff were very welcoming and will return and recommend.

My family & i visited this pub for Sunday lunch, we were served by friendly staff, good to see a menu that didn't offer 20 choices but 4 or 5 done well. Portion size just right so we left feeling full rather than bloated. We will be back again.

Friendly pub with great food, great beer, great people and great atmosphere. A lovely warm welcome awaits you at The Chequers, a cosy family run pub with excellent food and lovely people. Highly recommended across the board, they have beautiful gardens which can accommodate a marquee for larger events. Leanne's hospitality is second to none, and catering for bigger events such as weddings is no problem for Leanne and her staff. Highly recommended.

This is a traditional country pub/restaurant. Great food, great service, great beer and a warm welcome from the locals. Coming here was like stepping back in time to an era when things were much nicer. No fruit machines or loud music, just good conversation.

Visited Chequers Inn in September 2010, so glad to see it now being rated on TripAdvisor! The pub and restaurant are both wonderful, such a comfortable atmosphere with great service and incredible meals. Was my first visit to England, meeting some friends at their home for the first time and while we visited pubs in London I am so happy I was able to experience a true local English pub - We visited The Chequers Inn four times during our week in Bedfordshire!! We were welcomed with open arms and wonderful hospitality. The restaurant menu was varied and our meal was well prepared and delicious, with the lamb being our favorite meal. We met several fine people while having pints and will not soon forget the good times we had there!!

The headline says it all, the welcome is always warm, the food is good and the beer is well kept. The bar is a modern take on the traditional pub furnishing and at lunchtime you'll find the same characters chatting over their pint, playing cards or doing the crossword. Next door is the restaurant but the same food is served in both. My parents drink here most days and I love coming here for lunch. The building itself is very very old so expect low ceilings and timber beams.

This country pub has a roaring log fire in winter and lovely patio and garden in the summer but the real attraction for us is the home cooking. The menu is small, but changes often and offers a great mix of traditional british food and more exotic fare. Venison and red wine pudding was my favourite last time visited. Most of the puddings are home made and change with the seasons; plum, cinnamon and creme fraiche tart top of the menu for autumn. And all for less than a typical chain pub offering. There's no restaurant, food is served in the cosy, slighty shabby bar where the locals are enjoying a pint and a gossip.