Review Pen & Cob

Booked a table here for our anniversary. Love that you can park for free. Just make sure you register your vehicle at reception. We ordered the vegetarian sharing platter, which was lovely, could have done with less cheese and more pitta, haha. For mains, we ordered the veggie burger and the chicken with vegetables and cajun wedges. Both were delicious! After reading some of the negative reviews, I was apprehensive, but the service was good, even when a large party sat near us. We were served by Jeanette and Lexie, and they were lovely. Would return.

Marie-Jo Pace-Maund

A special lunch, food excellent as was the service and the very pleasant surroundings. When the staff found out it was my Birthday they came to my table with a desert topped with a candle and sang Happy Birthday! I was very impressed by the meal but this very kind gesture made it extra special.

S Lmont

Birthday meal . Very nice food very happy. Even 7 year old daughter was loved it. Will go again soon

Trish Shearsmith

Went for a birthday meal. Ambience was very pleasant. Overlooking the Rowing Club and the river in the heart of Bedford. 4 for service is probably unkind. Most of the service was excellent. They were in a rush on a day of the dragon boat racing. We had a table of 5. One chose not to have a starter, out of the remaining 4, 3 of us had something missing off the plate for it. They brought it out later when we complained, but it really was a busy day. The food was excellent and other than that the service was flawless. Little provision for little ones (we brought crayons and paper). Other places do provide this as normal. We have allergies in the group and great care was taken by staff.

JR Suarez

We were in the terrace for drinks so we didnt have any food. It is a great place for drinks specially in summer.

Stuart Shuker

Myself and my wife went to the Pen and Cob for breakfast this morning for the first time. The setting of the Pen and Cob overlooking the embankbankment gives a relaxing holiday vibe which is very pleasant. Staff were very polite and helpful and the waiting time for our food was reasonable. However some aspects in our breakfast were lacking. I ordered the eggs benedict which was served to me in what I can only describe as metal dogs bowl. However the eggs were cooked perfectly and the hollandaise was smooth and creamy, but the muffins could have been toasted for a little longer but that's just my preference. These small issues can easily be rectified. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Thank you for your response to my review. However I think we have different perception of what is classed as a high lipped porcelain plate. This was not the case as it was clearly an enameled tin plate that would not look out of place in a camping trip. However as previously stated our experience was pleasant.

Dee T

Amazing looking place and very calming atmosphere. Lovely food which came out quickly. Service is amazing and efficient. Holly, Dan, Maddie and the team are so welcoming and friendly. Would definitely come again and recommend to others. Thank you 😊

malcolm bowtell

First time here, popped in for quick drink , good atmosphere and beautiful location by the river, nothing better when the sun is shining having a cold beer and enjoying the view. If your about then pop in and try it for yourself ,

Emma Crawford

Wonderful airy and light room. Very well thought out decor. Amazing atmosphere and the most delicious food. High end price range but we'll worth the money. Added bonus was on Friday's the prosecco is only £20. So we decided to have 2 bottles.!. Was our first time but it will definitely not be our last. The staff were also very attentive, professional and so friendly an over all fantastic experience.

Pauline PONCET

Nice atmosphere and service Cocktails could be a bit more elaborated but nice! Parking on street not too far! A bit disappointed about meat, but the rest is great ! Terrace is lovely during summer time!

Harriet Whitlock-James

Went for lunch with a friend today and decided to eat outside Ordered our drinks and were told there was no fish available from the menu We ordered two salads and were told they weren’t available either All very strange when we asked the young girl who was serving us “are you serious?” She looked a bit blank and didn’t really know what to say We were just contemplating about leaving when the guy making my mocktail stepped into action He said there was an extended menu from the inside restaurant that did have everything available on it 👍🏼 (Still confused by that………. 🤔 as wasn’t that far from where we’d been sitting outside) He was so accommodating and even gave us the option of ordering off the indoor menu and sitting outside to enjoy our lunch if we wished Apparently they have a different menu for outside dining to the restaurant inside The food was delicious and the service inside was excellent Have to praise and acknowledge LIAM for stepping in and providing actual proper service, as you would have not only lost two local customers but also had a very bad rating too! Many thanks again Liam 🙏

Angela Allen

Afternoon tea , arrived , could not find our booking . Decided if we didn’t mind waiting we could stay , sandwiched turned up individually plated , plate put onto plate already set . Very week tea ( not enough leaves) just enough for 2 cups . Cakes bought in ? Didn’t seem to be freshly made . Although they were on a stand . Expected better

Chainie Jackson

It was fine. Buffet style Christmas party, roast dinner. Supposed to be starter, main and pud. Starter was salami and pate cut on a plate with no rolls. Main, Christmas dinner was nice. Pudding we eventually found a plate of Christmas cake on the other side of the room or cheese. Didn't look very appetising and was cold. Dj got some people up dancing, with some classic songs.

Heather Such

We stayed at the Swan for one night. It was excellent. As I wasn't well we had room service dinner - which was delivered promptly and with kind service! The bed was very comfortable. We were lucky enough to have a view of the Embankment from our room this time too! Breakfast was delicious too. Very comfortable, very historic with excellent service from all staff!

Terri Frankland

Me & 3 friends had a wonderful afternoon at the Bedford Swan having afternoon tea.? Great value for money £20 pp or £23 if you want a glass of fizz too.?Lovely relaxing atmosphere and top marks for the wonderful ladies that served us, the couldn't do enough for us. Thank you. We will definitely be coming back

Sally Ann Ridsdale

We had a lovely Sunday lunch on 14th Feb .. Booked in for 1.30 was shown straight to our table by the window as requested ... Food was perfect as was the service .. Well done all and thank you Sally and Gordon Ridsdale

Karen Hubbard

Visited The Swan yesterday for Sunday lunch. We found a car parking space easily and upon asking at reception we booked our car in to avoid having to pay to park. The service in The River restaurant was faultless and our entire meal was delicious. Thank you .

Teresa Bowsher

Poor service, I asked for Malibu and coke - no Malibu, ok Disaranno- no Disaranno, ok Amaretto- no Amaretto, right I'll have a half of San Miguel, you guessed it , no San Miguel or much else, moved on to somewhere that had drinks and staff!!!

Jackie Graham

Thanks. We only had a couple of hen do drinks on the terrace but it was lovely. Thanks to the staff who were great .xxcl

Review Pen & Cob - Bedford