My boyfriend and I needed a Sunday lunch spot before catching a film this past weekend. We had already been to Richard the first on Friday night (amazing burgers) and wanted to try somewhere new. We decided to check out the Ashburnham Arms after seeing how nice their website looked. The website is nothing like the pub itself....super fancy/upscale looking.
The pub. If you like pubs and want a drink (or 4), this is a great spot. If you want food, I would give it a miss. I had a burger and, even though not pink, the center was mushy and "wet" tasting. It is difficult to explain but I can only think they had too much egg or water in the minced meat mixture when making the burgers. I would not recommend this or the Goats Cheese Salad that had a super overly sweet dressing. To be fair, my boyfriend had the bangers and mash and enjoyed it so, if eating, I would go for this choice.
The bathrooms were strange. You walk in to your respective gender and MIGHT be surprised to see (in my case) a guy washing his hands next to you. The bathrooms split off into two hallways but then come back together when washing your hands which makes for awkward silence with your opposite gender...me no likey.
Again, if just going for drinks, this is a nice pub that is local and not touristy at all. If you want pints and possibly food, head down the street to Richard the First. read more