Waddesdon is a small, traditional village located in the county of Buckinghamshire. It’s known for its agricultural roots and renaissance-style chateau, Waddesdon Manor, that holds an impressive collection of art and has scenic gardens. There are plenty of fun things to do in Waddesdon and the high street thrives off its welcoming pubs and restaurants, which offer residents and visitors a delicious range of locally-sourced dishes. Michael Anthony Estate Agents in Waddesdon have been pairing buyers with their dream homes in Waddesdon, Aylesbury and other Buckinghamshire villages for 30 years. We’ve used our experience to draw up a guide of the best pubs in the area.

Does Waddesdon have good pubs and restaurants?

Waddesdon is the perfect weekend escape, where you can enjoy long walks across stunning green landscapes. It’s a culturally-rich village full of Victorian-style buildings and natural parts, along with a selection of family-run pubs, restaurants and cosy coffee shops along the high street.

After exploring beautiful nature reserves, there’s nothing better than sitting down for a drink and a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-up before heading out for the day, or meeting up with friends for a Sunday roast, there’s plenty of places to choose from. Waddesdon’s lovely range of local pubs have something for everyone.

The 3 best pubs in Waddesdon:

The Lion

The Lion is a family-led pub located at the centre of the main high street. The classic building has a welcoming exterior, with seating out front and a cosy beer garden at the back — perfect for sunny days. The Lion combines its traditional architecture with stylish furnishings, giving it a modern and friendly atmosphere. It also offers a bed and breakfast service for guests staying overnight. Just a short walk from Waddesdon Manor, it’s no wonder this pub is so popular.

The Lion has an excellent food menu, offering classic pub dishes like homemade sausages and mash and various toasted sandwiches. They also host Tuesday burger nights, where you can grab a tasty burger meal at an affordable price. They offer a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including wines, beers and ciders. For entertainment, the Lion regularly hosts event nights including quizzes and sports screenings.

The Five Arrows Hotel

With its exceptionally grand exterior and prime location, you can’t miss The Five Arrows Hotel. This grade II listed pub and hotel goes above and beyond all expectations. Its Elizabethan design, and detailed ironwork, stands out on the high street and it’s located right at the gates of Waddesdon Manor. The Five Arrow Hotel has a warm interior with neutral decor, making it an easy place to relax and feel welcome. Visitors can enjoy a luxury stay in one of its 16 bedrooms.

If you’re dining, the Five Arrows Hotel has plenty of upmarket dishes, including venison, steak and a sweet selection of homemade desserts. For a casual dining experience, you can enjoy tasty snacks and nibbles from the bar menu, to accompany your crisp cold pint. The pub also specialises in their unique ‘Afternoon Teapas’ where guests can build their own afternoon tea from a variety of sweet and savoury bites, such as baked camembert and traditional cream tea – a quirky experience perfect for special occasions.

The Akeman Inn

Set in a beautiful building with wood beams and modern furnishings, The Akeman Inn is a pub that appeals to everyone (its bar and outdoor area is even dog-friendly). It’s located just a short drive from Waddesdon high street, but is definitely worth the extra travelling. It’s a spacious pub with plenty of dining tables overlooking the open kitchen where meals are freshly prepared. There’s also a separate bar area, complemented by comfy sofas and a fireplace for late-night drinks. For summer visits, visitors can enjoy their meals in their stunning beer garden that’s full of greenery and flowers.

The Akeman Inn has an exceptional food and drink menu that offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options. A bottomless brunch menu is available so you can enjoy any brunch dish with unlimited bubbles, ideal for young adults and celebrations. Variety doesn’t end at dinner either, with dishes including wood fired pizza, pasta and grilled meats (all available for takeaway too). Drinks include a wide variety of beers, spirit and cocktails.

If you’re planning a visit to Waddeson, or are considering moving to this vibrant village, we highly recommend popping in to these pubs. And, if you’d like to find out more, take a look at our guide to Waddesdon.

  Back