The Jolly Woodman in South Bucks

I've recently come across The Jolly Woodman, and what a lovely little pub. The service was outstanding, last Friday evening. I went down for a few pints with a couple of pals of mine. and was impressed with the bartender, who had a top knot I believe his name was Johnny such a down to earth young lad easy to get along and very friendly.

With all honesty I've been here for a quick drink a few times was nice. Friendly young girl always smiling and super polite.But to day 12.15pm I arrived for lunch.. was greeted rudely with attitude! Sat for over 25 min before I was told to come to the bar to order... didn't know this as it was my first time eating here.Straight away went to the bar to order proceeded to stand there and wait for ages while the old lady was taking orders from a table! from people that arrived 20 minutes after us!!!The service here was disgusting today definitely wont be going back.We left without ordering and went to the better pub around the corner that has a better menu charming staff and attention to customers. The Blackwood Arms.The jolly woodman was not so jolly today!

Disappointed with my steak and ale pie.Pastry good but filling poor, seasonal veg were peas.Had to wait for cutlery as didn't arrive with meal,sat outside and was forgotten.Paid for meal and wasn't asked if we enjoyed the meal.Good that they didn't add service charge.

Lovely food, lovely staff. Would definitely recommend this pub-what a find when you don't know the area.

Absolutely gorgeous little pub, make sure you check when they are serving food. Initial interaction with staff was quite cold but other friendly staff members made up for the experience. Lovely atmosphere.

Kitchen had just closed because it was so quiet but opened again for us and we weren't disappointed, yet another great meal served by very polite staff.

I was out driving, got lost ans found this charming place. Stopped, ordered a glass of beer. The bar servers had long faces, nothing cheery or welcoming. Sat outside, dirty tables. Went back into ask for a glass or water. Totally ignored by people behind bar. Place is beautifully decorated with amazing old tree cutting equipment. I am fascinated with forestry. Improve people behind bar and you have a winner .

The place is absolutely amazing outside and inside. There is a large car park in the front, tables in the woods and by the entrance but also on the right hand side of the building. Inside everything is carefully furnished in an old style, with archaic tools on the walls, aged tables and chairs. The bar ladies were so nice to let us taste the beer before we ordered. Not far from this beautiful place there is a National Trust jewel: Clivenden Gardens, which I strongly recommend especially for families with children. Try Jolly Woodman and enjoy a nice weekend out :)

Cons:- No drinks menu provided.- Only gave us four menus, there were five of us.- The waitress didn't know the soup of the day and had to check.-We were not told that there was no aubergine cannelloni until the bar lady told us.- A spoon was not provided with the soup.- 45 minute wait between starter and meal.- The waitress didn't know what beers they had, I had to go up and check.- The wrong meals were delivered to our table. This happened to quite a few other customers as well.Pros:- The food was nice.- The bar lady profusely apologised for other staff members mistakes and tried to rectify them.

Feb 2019: Good Saturday lunchtime visit to this country pub:Friendly staff, selection of real Ales which after being offered a taster, went for the Marlow Brewery - Afterburner.As for the food, enjoyed my Lasagne and my partners Falafel Burger was OK.As per enclosed picture, the WiFi wouldn't "Authenticate", but lucky I had good company to talk to..!!The woods to the East of the Pub are also good for dog walking & worth parking a distance away and walking to the Holly Woodman: