The Emperor in South Bucks

We chose the Emperor for a special family birthday celebration having used it previously for similar events. The buffet lunch was perfect. Everything ran to time and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Would definitely recommend and go there again.

Had roast dinner for the first time since new management and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We opted for Beef which was cooked to perfection with plenty of vegetables, crispy roast potatoes and giant Yorkshire pudding with lashings of gravy. We will be back for sure. Thank you

A beautiful pub with a lovely atmosphere, welcoming friendly staff. Delicious food, good value for money. Will definitely be back for a highly-recommended roast dinner!

Spontaneous dinner out, was really happy with the service and warm atmosphere. The mushroom starter was lovely, however burger a little dry. Despite this we would return.

Good atmosphere, friendly and helpful if a bit chaotic. Standard food which was well cooked. Service efficient and helpful. Plenty of space to move around but it was cosy. Beer, Rebellion was lovely.

I had dinner with my daughter recently. It was a last minute thing on a Sunday afternoon. I called and the gentleman said no problem come in we will have a table. It was lovely and the gentleman in question is called Tom. He is very helpful, we have been back a few times since and hope to have many more visits

Still awaiting this infamous new menu which is now for over a year. It seems the owners have lost all interest in attracting customers or being a pub with food.

Despicable, dropped in for a pint for me and a half of shandy for the wife..£10! Way over even London prices, should have questioned and refused but we were having a date night. Been regulars in the past, even back to the late Mr Watermans days...won't be back...

Attending yesterday for a meal at 7.30, booked a table and was then asked if we would be wanted food? As we had booked a table I thought that was a given, no actual menus as only serving bbq food, burgers were nice and the main reason we choose to go here was a band was playing and we like the music. A man who we didn’t know then accused one of our group of stealing his identy many years ago. We are a group of 3 50+ in age just out for a nice meal and live music. Despite explaining that he clearly had the wrong person he continued to voice his clearly deluded opinion and was looking for a fight. Despite being told by others in the pub to calm down or leave he stayed and continued to glare across the bar at us. After he had visited the toilet several times he then became very aggressive and shoved our friend when we were passing to go outside. We had enough and left. All of this happened in clear view of the staff who did nothing and obviously he was under the influence of more than just alcohol but it was unpleasant and unnecessary and we will not be back.

Fantastic Day Had By All .. Food Amazing .. community Coming Together. Lots For The Kids To Do Face Painting Bouncy Castle.

We waited over an hour before our order was taken, and another 45 minutes until it came, most dishes were stone cold and the steak was awful.

Living in the village we often enjoy an evening walk for a drink as neighbours - this is the closest pub to our lane and six of us walked for drinks. The service was appalling - the woman at the bar so rude I was speechless. I think we will walk a bit further from now on

We booked to go to the Emperor for Sunday roast on Easter Sunday and my best friends birthday but it was terrible experience. The roast was served cold and we had to sent it back and second time even worse. We left and had to get pizza on way home. This place is over priced and food quality is terrible and we were charged 12% vat. SHOCKING.!! Never will go there again.! Absolutely disappointing.

1.45pm booking. Had to ask where our starters were at 2.45pm. They arrived. At 3.15pm we asked how long the mains would take. No other table had been served, so this was not an isolated incident. We paid for our drinks and starters less 25% as the mains were to take another 20 minutes to arrive. Other people were camplaining/ leaving/not paying. Appalling. Will never go back. Many mothers were disappointed.

After a long lock down, we have started to return to pubs in the village and have been very disappointed until we visited The Emperor. Lovely land lady, very welcoming and it felt like a good village pub. looking forward to enjoying the rugby next month, anticipating a great atmosphere. Well done The Emperor team.

We booked the Barn Room for a family celebration buffet lunch. The staff looked after us so well. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious and well presented. We chose to eat outside under the pergola which was perfect for everyone, even my...

The menu is now so limited that it’s hard to find anything you want. The food quality is good, but the choice is minuscule. We keep hearing that “we’ve got a new chef and the menu is changing” , but it’s over a month now...

Yet again Food Amazing Served By Paul Customer Service beyond Amazing .. Cousin and Hubby Visiting From Spain. Highly recommended. Lovely Location Very Relaxed Atmosphere. See you all again very soon.

I took my 83 year old mother to the Emperor for a 7.30 reservation last night (thursday , august 2021). We ordered food at 7.40 and despite repeatedly asking where our food was and being told it was coming, we did not get our food....

We held a celebratory event in memory of my late parents for 50 people with ages ranging from 92 to 3 months. We had the barn and the patio with a sumptuous italian feast buffet. The food was superb, the hospitality was exemplary and the...

Had a lovely meal, good food, good service, nice setting, family friendly, lovely staff, highly recommend

Beautiful venue. Good chips. That is the best that I can say. The service was slow - the waiter we had didn’t even look like he wanted to be there! The food was served with no cutlery - we had to ask for it. That...

I have to hope that they were having an off-day, but we had lunch at the Emperor, which is local to us, on a Saturday. It was virtually empty - one other person we could see, having a drink, and no-one else came in while...

Had a wonderful evening last night when myself and my husband visited The Emperor for our first night out since lockdown. It was busy when we arrived, we were very happy to see this as we have always loved our local pub! We were seated...

It was my first time coming to this pub and it’s absolutely stunning. Lovely garden and great atmosphere. I had fish and chips and I must say it was the best pub fish and chips I have ever had. The chips were absolutely delicious. The...

Anniversary Dinner Food was amazing Staff friendly and helpful Can’t wait to visit again Thankyou S & P

Going to a pub for a Sunday Lunch is always a bit ropey as my partner is the Queen, The Goddess of Sunday Lunch. Its hard to keep the potatoes crispy , the veg fresh, the beef rare etc. Have to say the Sunday lunch...

Delish food which isn’t always easy to find if you are vegan/veggie! Brilliant service, friendly staff and the garden is gorgeous. Great that it is dog friendly as well!

This is how the plates look like after an amazing burger! Thanks Chef! Great service, amazing food and beautiful garden 👍 I will come back 👏

Excellent service and well organised Covid service The food and drink was great and staff were lovely the snow had melted and the sun was out made for a very nice lunch time meal for the four of us Well done we will be back

We came here for a family meal the other day and I’m so upset to say that the food was not to a very high standard, and I was told it wasn’t the normal chef (we had to send our onion rings back as they tasted of oil). The staff member serving us was called Paul and greeted us when we entered. However, he was also quite rude and short with us after he’d brought our drinks and served our food. I’d like to say it was busy and that may be why but it wasn’t! I was very disappointed as we have been here before and the other staff members were always amazing!

Visited the Emporor 11/10/20 Welcomed by staff and seated at our table. Food was amazing from starters to deserts. Highly recommended and will definitely be visiting again. Thankyou to Sharleen and her team 😀

Great for a local drink and some proper pub grub. Charlene and Clare gave fantastic service. And lovely to see some locals in!

In lots of pubs that have recently moved to table service I’ve found you have to wait ages for a drink, but that’s not the case here. We were greeted promptly, they took our order straight away and we had no problem getting the next few rounds. Really nice garden and lovely Aperol Spritz.

Meal with the mum and my bubble for her birthday. Great lunchtime food. Loving life in the gazebo. Food was plenty full as was the rhubarb vodka 🥰

I used this venue for my sons first birthday party yesterday and it was absolutely beautiful! Extremely clean! Staff were so kind and helpful! Food was also great! Couldn’t have asked for a better day! Thank you so much! X

Beautiful roast, lovely staff, what a charming pub. We came here for a family dinner one afternoon and will definitely be back very soon ( probably this week)!!

My father and I ate here approximately 4 weeks ago.Came here today for lunch and the menu has changed slightly.I had the burger (which was lovely, really meaty and not processed at all), my father had the Rebellion Battered fish with chips and mushy peas. Stephen was welcoming and very pleasant.I do feel that the management still have some tweaks to do to their portion sizes and prices.Overall a nice lunch.Will come again.

Came here for national dog day, amazing day, and great raising some money for dogs trust. Good food for lunch, including good lunch for the kids, especially thanks to Sharlene, Paul, Steven and Ally for the great service! Be back soon to the local! X

On entering I was not asked for track and trace details, no covid measures in place and to top it off a baby shower party was going on. It is clear that they do not know the regulations? No social distancing. We walked out in horror.

Hadn't been to Emperor for over a year and wasn't disappointed this evening!! Had a gorgeous meal, food and service was amazing - fish and chips the best I have had anywhere for a long time, so fresh with home made tartar. Thank you to Charleene and Paul who were so welcoming and to Shannon for the lovely food, will be going back very soon.

Fabulous staff We dine and drink here regularly and must say the complete difference in the place since last year is immense. The staff are personable. Ally always has time for a chat as does Charlene! Paul is always attentive too. Great bunch and a great atmosphere. Food is fresh and gin is plentiful. A weekly haunt for us

Ventured out for the first Sunday Roast since lockdown. Received a lovely welcome from their new team and manager. Very quick service, reasonable price and such a lovely atmosphere. The garden was packed but nothing was too much trouble for our server.Our doggies also received a lovely welcome which was wonderful. Looking forward to returning back soon. Thank you so much for a lovely experience.

We had booked at table for 7 people on Monday and was really looking forward to it after reading the reviews. But from start to finish it was a complete disaster!We ordered drinks from our table inside and had to wait for around 40 mins for them to arrive. When they finally did arrive the glasses were dirty, some of the drinks were cold and they really need to learn how to serve a gin and tonic. We said to the server, you look busy maybe we should leave and go somewhere else. She then said it was getting quieter but it was up to us, then proceeded to let us know she had enough and had hardly any staff working. We decided to stay considering it was getting a little less busy, we placed our order and had to then wait 90 mins for our meals! With no one checking on us if we needed any more drinks, we had to constantly chase someone all the time and when we did order drinks were missing. The steaks came out cold, we then informed the server who then told us the chef said he wasn’t cooking anymore! I couldn’t believe this, I’ve worked in the catering industry for over 20 year’s and even if the chef did say that you do not tell that to the customer! We were then charged over £100 for the privilege of some of our guests not eating at all. The lack of organisation, customer service and cleanliness was unbelievable and I will never return.

Decided to visit the Emperor for a roast . Have been here a few time’s . Lovely pub with great atmosphere. Food was lovely . I had roast beef which was so tender . And melted into my mouth ! Would definitely come again

Love this pub it's amazing and friendly! The staff are always wonderful and never have to wait for anything. What more do you want then good friends and great food.

Took advantage of the Mon - Wed money off deal and went here for lunch. What a treat it was. We had super service, our waitress was always smiling and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. The food was great too. It's such a pretty pub, definitely would recommend for families or friends and that special mean out, it ticks all the boxes. We'll be coming back!

Was lovely to return back to this pub for a meal, our last visit was Christmas dinner which the dark haired lady who I presume is some kind of manager served us again and even remembered us which was lovely.we was greeted and sat to our table,it was very busy so had a little wait for the food which was expected. Food was amazing as always so worth the extra wait, staff are always friendly and welcoming here. I’ve never had a bad experience here so can’t wait to return again.

Nice beer garden but average food and service. This pub has changed hands and the food is pretty basic and the menu quite old fashioned. The staff are nice but the reliance on table service without a app results in slow/unreliable service compared to other pubs in the post Covid era.

Really enjoyed our time here food it’s absolutely amazing, and service really nice and friendly, thanks to Paul who was looking after us, definitely gonna back here soon for another meal !

Nice light lunch, salt & pepper squid and breaded camembert, not busy and well organised (squid is not easy to get right but this definitely was), very reasonable price so although I didnt ask for the bill I'm assuming the VAT reduction is being passed on, if not it was good value anywa

The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, especially Paul. The food was delicious, we had the mezze shareboard, which was so fresh. The Chili squid and Camembert bites were super tasty. Would definitely recommend.

We visited here and had a great experience #⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ , the server was knowledgeable and could interact with us all. He must of been on commission as our glasses were always topped up Garden was busy yet socially distanced but above all great atmosphere and food. We were informed it’s under new management too! Will be back with the kids and maisy soon for sure

Lovely meal, and lovely staff. I had the prawn linguine and my boyfriend had the fish and chips all was lovely, staff were amazing. Will return and recommend

Family friendly pub and garden with wonderful staff. A few minutes from the wonderful Burnham Beeches - great to come here after you've worked up an appetite in the woods (or come to The Emperor and walk your food off after). The food is always fresh, plentiful and spot on.

Beautiful Sunday lunch. Really big portion with bottomless Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Really friendly staff!

Great lil dog friendly pub tucked away with a very spacious garden! Staff are very welcoming and the 80/90s tunes on the weekend were a breath of fresh air. The new chef sent out some amazing food to all 5 of us and I particularly loved the sandwich I ate! Only thing missing is more guests #CovidLife

Enjoyed a lovely dinner with a few friends here tonight The waitress for friendly and polite. Very nice

Popped in for a spot of lunch and a few drinks. The bar man was very nice, friendly and chatty. Prices are good and there’s a huge selection of gin which is great!! Absolutely fabulous. Well run, Great team and management. Building is immaculate and the garden is huge. Great if you want to pop down to a beer garden and have a few drinks! Or gins!

Thank you Ally and Paul for lunch today! I loved the menu and the chips were great! Some of the best I’ve had in a while. Will definitely be returning soon.

Just visited The Emperor pub for some lunch. What a lovely place to eat. The new manager Ali was friendly on our arrival. Paul our waiter was very efficient and friendly. The meal was fantastic especially the chips and homemade tartare sauce. Will definitely be returning and would highly recommend.

Great service from team, Great management , food was out quickly and was delicious thank you Very clean building and the garden is absolutely lush

Both my wife and i visited the Emperor on friday lunch it was busy this was a good start we were greeted by the manager who sat us down gave us some menus to look at and took a drinks order really nice drinks clean glass ice sliceThe same Guy took our food order food was superb the manager was on his own but it did not put him off so polite asked if all was ok we had 2 drinks and stayed for coffee about 30 in the pub we will return defo worth a visitWell done manager.

Just been here for Sunday lunch. This is our local pub but generally prefer to walk a bit further to The Foresters. However today we thought we’d give The Emperor another chance. On reflection that was a bad decision. No welcome, no smile, the staff seem to have a bit of an attitude & no idea about what is going on. After our starters we were asked twice if we had ordered main courses...shouldn’t they know that without asking us? My main course on the menu was described as ‘roast pork with crackling’ yet came without the crackling - and when I asked for some I was given a postage stamp sized piece. To be fair the food was ok, my main gripe was the attitude of the staff - just asking for a drink seemed too much trouble. Even at the end my husband pointed out with honesty that they had forgotten two drinks off the bill. No “thank you” just a shrug. The staff just seem gormless with no emotional intelligence.Manager was there but has no presence. It’s as if customers are an inconvenience. So unfortunately we did not have a good experience. We’ve been living here for 13 years & have always loved coming here but this is not the case anymore.

Web site advertises that the do a Breakfast service at weekends. Went there today and the place was locked up. If you no longer offer breakfasts at weekends you need to remove it from the web site!

Arranged for group of friends to go here for annual Xmas outing - I had to persuade them as usually prefer windsor pubs/ restaurants. I booked online - I confirmed on the phone I emailed re booking. I (not them) chased re our choices from festive menu: some vegetarians in our midst. I even went into the pub a week before to ensure they’d received menu options - they had AND YET ON THE NIGHT THEY SAID THEY HADN’T RECEIVED OUR CHOICES!! I asked to spk to manager to remind her I’d visited pub to confirm & she eventually said sorry. 2 OF MY FRIENDS CHOICES MADE OVER A MONTH EARLIER WERE NOT AVAILABLE. This was after waitress had been curt & abrupt with my friends before my arrival. There was a jazz trio playing 6ft away from us - fine if you like jazz, we don’t and wanted to chat. Food was not refined, tasted ok - strange presentation eg/ fresh strawberry on Xmas pudding & custard? Didn’t have sprouts on my Xmas roast...to be honest the barmaid was lacklustre/ abrupt and we had to get up from table to order drinks on a very quiet pub- only 2 other tables one of 4 one of 3 the whole night. So couldn’t be bothered to keep calling her over. Service very slow for food but more so for drinks. We had no discount / extras for them mucking up our choices. The location and decor great, what a shame service has disappeared with change of hands. Btw - I got standard email review service from chain this pub belongs to - completed fully: have had no response some 3 weeks later. I’ve delayed posting this to see if they responded at all: they haven’t. Look at my other reviews - I normally award 5/5!

We just moved to the area and stopped in on spec for a late lunch. The staff happily squeezed us and our dog in and the food was delicious. Quick, homely and a wide, well thought out menu. An excellent local and perfect winter country pub.

Best home made beef burger I’ve tried really good 8 of us visited for lunch today lovely venue good service and great food

We chose this pub for our family Christmas dinner this year and I'm so glad we did. The food and service was 10/10. Welcomed by staff and the manager and they couldn't do enough for us. Would definitely recommend to everyone and will be returning.

Having read the reviews,I’m surprised to have been at the same pub!We had a lovely Xmas lunch.The food was fine (and plentiful!) we had great wine and the table in the snug was perfect.The service was good.We waited a while for our main,but that suited us,as it would have been a shame to be rushed in and out at Xmas.Thanks to all for a memorable Christmas!See you again soon!

Thought this year we would go out for Xmas dinner so was a bit worried were to go and ended up choosing this pub. I have no complaints the food was absolutely lovely, staff was welcoming, friendly and polite. I would recommend this pub for Xmas dinner. The only down part that day was listening to the table next to us that was constantly complaining about nothing, they couldn’t be pleased regardless what was done by staff. ( they wanted a free Xmas dinner I personally think ) apart from that I will be returning next year for Xmas dinner.

We visited the pub for our Christmas lunch, the exterior and interior looked good and where the pub is situated is very picturesque. We were sat down very promptly at our table and the staff and manager were very welcoming.Our visit was very pleasant with great service and a happy atmosphere apart from one table in the barn who complained about almost everything even though the staff and manager went out of their way to help. I will visit again as the staff and manager maid our day. 10 out of 10!!!

Do not go here - our Christmas dinner was the worst experience ever , food not as per menu, terrible service , 1 waiter was wearing low slung jeans and his underwear was visible with a track suit top. Waitress served us with a cigarette behind her ear , we left with no dessert and a full refund. Assistant manager did her best to appease us with some free Prosecco but the whole experience was awful, will never return.

Treated very badly by staff on a couple of occasions, they insulted me and were very rude , there are always complaints about food , staff alway swearing ,smoking .or generally doing nothing worst staff there for many years .

Awful experience. Xmas menu was £70 per head. Food served was not as on the menu,service was terrible. Everyone in the restaurant was complaining. Waitress serving us had a cigarette behind her ear! Ended up leaving without dessert with a full refund. Would not eat there again.

This place used to be excellent, however it then changed hands....the menu changed however that wasn't a positive move.

We we not in a hurry, which was just as well! Service was very friendly, place was warm on a very cold afternoon, which was nice. Food was ok but nothing to write home about.

Prawns were nice but the bread they came with was dry. Also no butter. Roast beef was fine but Yorkshires were like leather. One of the 5 roast potatoes was edible. Other vegetables were good. Horseradish sauce took far too long to come; this should have been available as soon as the dishes were served.

We are local to the pub and like popping in for a drink, but having tried the food a few times will avoid eating there....the food can take ages to be served, despite the place not being busy, we ordered the special lasagne and it arrived inedible. After complaining to the waiter, would have expected the manager or chef to come over.....but no!

Was looking forward to meeting up with friends. We usually hook up locally at The Foresters or The Crown Inn. Not been to The Emperor since it changed hands. Heard it seems to be targeting more diners than drinkers now so we thought we’d give it a go. Called to book table - rang for ages, was picked up only to be hung up on. Waited to see if it was in error and they redialled last caller... nope, nothing back. Called again - not very welcoming conversation. Begrudgingly booked us a table for 4 at 8pm (original request was for 8:30) - continuously reminded the kitchen closed at 9pm prompt (on a Saturday night). This didn’t feel relaxing or welcoming - when I relayed the conversation and suggested we eat a little earlier, they too thought it just didn’t sound inviting. Had the courtesy to call the restaurant at 6:30/7pm to cancel the table and the phone was answered, eventually, and the guy said it was too noisy to hear me. He said “give me a minute”.... now I wrongly assumed he may have been taking the phone to a quite spot to hear me. Seemingly not, the volume in background remained the same and I hear the guy chatting to others. After nearly 2 minutes he hand spoken to me again.... no alternative than to hang up. Reverted to the safe and wise plan of one of our usual reliable local favourites. Could’ve been a one off bad day - we’ll not right it off just yet but not in a hurry to experience more of this place!

Came here for dinner . Nice looking country pub had pre booked the table before . Got taken to our table straight away . Staff was very efficient. Food arrived quickly and was lovely and hot . Well worth the money will come again

Went for dinner last night with dogs.. the staff were extremely friendly. They were very welcoming with our giant dogs. That was very much appreciated.

Probably a change of ownership but the steak & ale pie I had with thrice cooked chips was the best I ever had...although I couldn't quite finish it all! The wines are a tad expensive but very good choices...you pay for what you get, waitress excellent and a lot taller than me so best behave!

Had a superb time, both in regards to the clientele & staff excellent atmosphere & service. Good food not 5***** but well above the “normal pub grub”

The Emperor has been "our local" for 24 years. Highs and lows aplenty over that time, including a little dip when the pub recently changed hands. However, having visited for an impromptu supper Saturday evening, and having chatted to the new team, we can say that the pub, on all fronts is back to its best. Food, service, ambience and cleanliness tall top drawer. We look forward to visiting again very soon!

Have been many times before and have never had a bad meal, today unfortunately was very different. We ordered two roast meals, lamb and pork, plus a vegetarian pasta.

Visited this pub/restaurant with friends after hearing that it had recently been refurbished. I did read some reviews beforehand, some of which were not very good but I always go to make my own mind up. Well I am so glad I did. It was amazing. We visited midweek so it was fairly quiet but the service was very good and food was excellent. Go and make your own minds up.

The Emperor has changed hands many times over the years but at the moment its great again. Excellent food all home cooked, interesting varied menu. Friendly Staff and very cosy. Well done!

We visited for a meal last night. It wasn’t busy & we had a nice roomy table with comfy chairs.

Dinner with friends the food was awful ..Seems all precooked and heated up they couldn’t even do that !!

I love the pub. They have come a long way, Derek is great landlord and Aaron brilliant too. As a customer i not only feel valued but I feel listened to. The food at first was average, however last night, i had gammon and a friend had fishcakes. Both dishes were so yummy.

New management. Having enjoyed eating and drinking for many years. This was a great disappointment. Mass produced and bland food. No atmosphere. Unhelpfull staff

We visited the new Emperor with high hopes. Sadly disappointing. The service was good and the refit is an improvement.

Having enjoyed eating here for several years our first trip back was a huge disappointment. Mass produced and bland food - definitely won’t be rushing back

Our first visit since the refurbishment.

Well what a treat. We travelled from Oxfordshire to this lovely pub for lunch. The staff were very attentive and our lunch was delicious. The pork duo ticked all the boxes for me and the fish pie was plentiful and delicious. We can't wait to return to try the rest of the menu. Eaton mess pudding was better than good.

Newly reopened under new management now run by old spot pubs. Country style pub. Surprisingly busy with people eating for a Friday lunchtime. We had prawns to start - nice big prawns & then a cheese & chutney sandwich which was nice & hassleback chorizo chicken & patatas bravas - the patatas bravas had a lovely spicy warmth. This pub also now does pizza’s (also can be ordered as takeaway pizzas), daily specials & a children’s menu. Nice garden & a short walk from Farnham Common, Farnham Royal & Burnham Beeches woodland park. Also well behaved dogs allowed in the bar & tables & benches out the front of the pub & in the garden at the back for dog walkers or to just enjoy the sun. Always nice to have a pub garden for families to eat in a more relaxed way if the weathers nice as well the restaurant area. Wines not to badly priced,local area beers on tap & non alcoholic beer & soft drinks choices. Also takes Amex payment cards unlike many restaurants & pubs.

Went with a friend after a walk at the Beeches as was interested to see the refurb and try the food. Maybe it was just teething problems but found the service to be very slow (over an hour for 2 roasts). Was asked how I would like my beef cooked, and asked for rare. Was given 2 slabs of well cooked beef. The Roast Pork was very strange, more like a pork chop with a small amount of meat around some stuffing.

Went for lunch with a friend as we were interested to see what the new refurb was like. It's been freshened up but still retains feel of a village pub which is nice. They didn't have bottles of diet coke though, only on tap, which meant as usual it was flat.

We've been going to The Emperor as a family for many years, and were concerned about the change of ownership - if it's not broke, and all that ...