Reviews - The Candlestick Pub
Reviews summary
The Candlestick pub offers a beautiful and picturesque location with a lovely garden and countryside views. However, recent reviews have highlighted disappointment with the food quality and prices, particularly for the Sunday roast. Some diners found the pork belly tough and badly presented, while others felt the veg was undercooked and the food was reheated. The pub also seemed to lack options for vegetarians. Despite these food-related drawbacks, the pub has new management that is committed to improving and maintaining set opening hours. Additionally, the staff has been commended for their friendliness and service, with one reviewer even praising the pub for hosting a flawless wedding reception. The pub is also dog-friendly and has a large play area in the garden. The candlestick may need to focus on enhancing its food quality and variety to match the charm of its setting and the warmth of its service.
Was CatherineW at The Candlestick Pub a mag?
This is our second visit to the Candlestick and we chose it because our daughter attends Hertfordshire University and when we visit her from our home in Kent we wanted a pub that not only serves great tasting food at a reasonable price but also allows us to bring our family dog with us. The only negative I would have is that the cushions on the outdoor furniture could really do with a good clean, that said its a love... View all feedback.
What KevinB Tx B dislikes about The Candlestick Pub:
The initial service was poor. We arrived and were left standing at the bar for some time before anybody acknowledged our arrival. The soup starter was good, however, the white bait starter was an extremely small portion. The roast beef was below average. All sweets were extremely good. Again, once we received the bill, the lady disappeared into the garden for a cigarette, so we paid at the bar and left. View all feedback.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 22.12.2023
Things haven't got any better here. thought we would try it again, given it is local and changed hands (again). things havent improved i'm afraid and drinks more expensive than other pubs locally. dont go out of your way to try it.
A friend and I were looking for a late Sunday lunch, and we found this place on Google, only a fifteen-minute drive away. Despite it being after 3pm, the pub was still busy with diners and dog-walkers, and the atmosphere was very traditional and welcoming. We inquired about lunch options and were given the Sunday menu, which was pretty standard with no veggie options advertised. However, when we asked, the barman suggested a bean burger from the standard menu or a filo pastry, spinach, and ricotta slice made specially by the chef. My friend opted for the latter and was delighted with the addition of veggie gravy. Although we had to wait a bit longer for the food, it was well worth it when it arrived. The portions were generous, the food delicious, and we were offered extra gravy and sauces as well. The service, atmosphere, food, and drinks were all excellent, and we will definitely be coming back again!
The food at this restaurant is incredible, especially the chicken burger. The staff is friendly and provides quick service. There is a charming assortment of animals for children to enjoy while we finished our meal. I highly recommend this restaurant.
The restaurant has a fantastic location and the staff are exceptional. The food is delicious and offers great value for the price. I am thrilled to see the improvements that have been made and will definitely be returning with friends this week.
So pleased to see The Candlestick has reopened fab generous roast lunch with lovely roast potatoes and good selection of veg, very reasonably priced too. Delicious puds, friendly staff with very well kept gardens and lots of flowers; cosy and clean interior and welcomes dogs; cannot fault it. We will be back and I wish the new owners good luck with the pub
Last update : 19.11.2023
A quiet hot pub on a Saturday night.
The staff were very nice and obliging and there was a lovely open fire to greet us. We enjoyed the experience
This is our second visit to the Candlestick and we chose it because our daughter attends Hertfordshire University and when we visit her from our home in Kent we wanted a pub that not only serves great tasting food at a reasonable price but also allows us to bring our family dog with us. The only negative I would have is that the cushions on the outdoor furniture could really do with a good clean, that said its a lovely pub with great staff and we will be back
The initial service was poor. We arrived and were left standing at the bar for some time before anybody acknowledged our arrival. The soup starter was good, however, the white bait starter was an extremely small portion. The roast beef was below average. All sweets were extremely good. Again, once we received the bill, the lady disappeared into the garden for a cigarette, so we paid at the bar and left.
Welcome was friendly and service ok but food disappointing sadly. Roast potatoes were overcooked and black underneath , veg uninspiring and a bit sparse , chicken leg not carved off a roast chicken) bland and not crispy , Yorkshire flat and no stuffing . Christmas pudding nuked and partly inedible with not enough brandy sauce . Mentioned overcooked pudding to the waitress who just shrugged and said she didn’t eat Christmas pudding. All topped off by intermittent barking of dogs at the nearby table. Also not keen on one of the dogs seated with nose on the table Shame as it’s a lovely location and could be so much better
Last update : 23.09.2023
The restaurant is located in a beautiful spot, hidden away like a gem. However, the Sunday roast we ordered was a huge letdown. The food was terrible and was likened to a school cafeteria meal. It was the worst roast we've ever had. It's a shame because we were planning on bringing many friends here. We'll be sticking with the White Horse in Burnham Green, where the prices are slightly higher but the food is delicious.
The Candlestick has new owners who are committed to staying and making the pub a thriving spot once again. They have put in a lot of effort to revitalize the venue and provide the village of Essendon with a new place to unwind and savor a delicious meal while enjoying a cold pint in the lovely garden. The pub now has set operating hours: Monday to Friday from 12pm to 11pm, Saturday from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 10:30pm. This ensures that guests won't arrive to find the pub closed as it may have been in the past.
Thank you to the Candlestick for an amazing wedding reception yesterday. It was a beautiful venue with the most amazing staff and incredible food. They couldn't have been more helpful and supportive. The food was delivered with no errors and no questions to the right person each time. A sign of a really good restaurant. Thank you so much for making our day so special. A perfect venue for any occasion. They seated 26 with no concerns. The only sad thing was the weather meant that the champagne and canapés had to move indoors, rather than under the canopy on the lawn. Weather sadly outside their control lol. 10 stars for the candlestick many, many, many thanks. You made it so special.
I attended my sister's wedding yesterday. The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly. You should definitely give it a try!
Beautiful location but the food was very disappointing and overpriced. My wife and I had the roast belly pork. It was disgusting and clearly reheated in the microwave. The crackly was soggy and the meat tough as old boots. Veg was badly presented and possibly the worst roast potatoes I've ever had. My daughters both had the burger. They liked their food, but then they are children and weren't paying the £14 for such a small burger with a few chips and salad chucked on the side with no dressing. Starters were OK, but very overpriced. Only worth visiting for the views and a drink, definitely not for the food.
Last update : 09.03.2023
Beautiful pub, good selection at ales and the hähnchenburger was great, ollie did well after we finished our bike race and were hungry. outside the room and also sitting inside.
Really beautiful unpretentious pub. dog-friendly. really delicious Sunday roast. the gardens are huge, with large play area and more fantastic view and landscape around.
Fabulous traditional pub, led by family with great food at a great price. I went with some friends on a Sunday lunch, and although we were among the first there, within half an hour the place had filled. the menu has a good choice for what I would classify as the top end for pub food, so there is something for everyone. it is always a good sign that they have already chosen her dessert from the board before they sit down to choose her pornstar! there were many helpful and friendly staff so that ordering and service were sent quickly and with a smile. this place could be halfway between the back of the beyond and the middle of nowhere, but the seclusion adds to the charm, and the buojant vibe and happy faces pay certificate for a great traditional style pub where the owners take an obvious and real attention to service and atmosphere. a little advice: if they go to Sunday dinner, eat on Wednesday. they can be in a position, all courses in then. I have to give the candlestick 5 stars because he has attracted all the boxes and I will come back: Top Tip: Sunday midday is very popular, so book ahead!
A welcome stop on a long walk on a hot day. A real country pub overlooking some glorious countryside. Friendly staff and beer again reasonable prices.
This lovely old fashioned pub in the middle of a classic British countryside. Is a great pub to visit if you are looking for a drink. I won't recommend the food it's nice but very expensive for what it is. They don't really cater for vegetarians, as they didn't have anything on the main menu. We had to ask and it was only a mushroom dish.
