The Fancott

Someone from this business manages this listing.

755 reviews

#1 of 8 Restaurants in Toddington££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 1525 872366+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 19:00

Mon

12:00 - 21:00

Tue

12:00 - 21:00

Wed

12:00 - 21:00

Thu

12:00 - 21:00

Fri

12:00 - 21:00

Sat

12:00 - 21:00

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Ratings and reviews

4.0

755 reviews

#1 of 8 Restaurants in Toddington

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

“... turned up so we had to go to the bar and get our own they then tried to g...”

“Excellent location and local pub/restaurant full of character and interest wi...”

“Delicious Fish and Chips for Lunch”

“Our husbands ordered fish and chips and a burger.”

Location and contact

Luton Road, Toddington LU5 6HT England

+44 1525 872366

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Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?

Yes

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Details

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About

The Fancott is a traditional family pub located near Toddington, Bedfordshire.A warm welcome awaits you and your guests at The Fancott, where food is available all day, everyday.We have been refurbished to the highest standard. We also have a beautiful large garden, great play equipment for the kids and our famous Mini Railway!

PRICE RANGE

£10.00 – £40.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Playgrounds

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4.0

755 reviews

Excellent

380

Very good

157

Average

Poor

Terrible

Martin C

5 contributions

Landlord who actually cares about customers.

Aug 2020 • friends

As regular customers off The Fancott we have enjoyed many excellent meals over the years. As a group we had a regular lads steak night, unfortunately this ended as the current brewery chain that run the establishment source there supplies from different companies. After a discussion with the landlord Rob about the poor quality of the current ingredients he offered to use the original local butcher to supply steaks for us to try. What a difference, a steak meal that was absolutely fantastic and worth every penny. Not one complaint from any of us. Absolutely fantastic service and a perfectly cooked quality steak with chips, mushroom tomatoes and onion rings oh and the most amazing peppercorn sauce. Many thanks to Rob for actually listening and a special thankyou to the chef Dave for his part in our evening. To the bar staff, a pleasure as always. Lads steak night will definitely be returning!

Written 30 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

robertmI4308SH

Many thanks for your kind remarks we do listen to feedback good and bad and react accordingly. In this case it was easy to go to a local supplier for our steaks. Win win

Written 30 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lulu32

Luton120 contributions

First meal out since Lockdown

Aug 2020 • couples

Can't lie we were disappointed with the food quality as we were looking forward to our first meal out together in 5 mths. My partner had the sirloin steak which came with a plie of hot chips, 1 med mushroom & half a cooked tomato, for £18 a dab of salad would have been nice or some coleslaw? Its about the experience, you need that extra to be about to rave about the Food. The food used to be outstanding here so I'm not sure what's happen. The saving grace is the staff who were friendly & welcoming. They did ask if everything was alright and we said yes because how can you explain about cost & quality You ordered steak & chips, you got steak & chips whats the problem?

Written 2 August 2020

Nomad20713270269

Hi I am sorry you were unhappy with your recent visit, this makes us unhappy as we are striving to become the Pub of choice in this area, we are constantly reviewing our practises and listening to Guest comments to achieve the very best in service and food quality. We look at our Menus ,recipes and practises weekly to get to our goal of excellence. Reopening after lockdown has been challenging to say the least with supplies just to mention one item. We will improve and become the Pub of choice in this area that is our mission! Again apologies

Written 9 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Katie K

12 contributions

A meal of two halves

Jul 2020 • none

We visited the Fancott last night to celebrate with our daughter and grandchildren for her birthday. We sat in the garden, which was lovely as always. The waitress was amazing and she was running around keeping everyone happy yet still managed to give us plenty of attention. Well done her!! Everyone else enjoyed their food but my husband and myself ordered the Caesar salad. I think the chef needs some instruction as to what constitutes a Caesar salad as he didn't seem to know. It should be Romaine lettuce and NOT chopped iceberg, it shouldn't contain tomatoes but does usually have hard boiled egg, which this did not. There should be Parmesan shavings and not the odd lump of cheddar. The sauce was so watery - probably because of the iceberg - it was awful. So, all in all, not the best Caesar salad. Then, the icing on the cake was that we were charged £9.00 for it!!!!!

Written 21 July 2020

Nomad20713270269

thanks for your kind observation we have looked at the Caesar and have made changes, saying that our suppliers are not getting all items required as growing of all fresh food was suspended by most growers due to lockdown. We are slowly getting back to normal but still way off with total range of goods available. Sorry again I hope give us another try soon regards Rob

Written 9 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pmc

Toddington1 contribution

Not great

Feb 2020 • family

First impressions the restaurants refurbishment looked amazing, very good job done... however upon being seated our drinks were already sent out wrong, then when redone was flat and tasted horrible. The waitress even commented telling us they have changed their drinks machine which was producing horrid drinks and was quite open to say this and even told us customers all night have been complaining about every single drink. We then received our starters being the prawn cocktails. The food was bland with no taste, very dry, the only part I could tell I was eating was the tomatoes, so they were left nearly untouched, resulting in £20 down the drain. The mains arrived which tasted a lot better than the starters. However the steaks were meant to be well done and arrived very soggy and raw and the portions of sides were in decline... After this we decided not to stay for desserts and had 1 drink the whole 2 hour duration of our stay, as we’d already accumulated £85 worth of food of which 70% we didn’t enjoy and were not prepared to spend another penny. Will not be returning, as the standards have dropped majorly, the staff were friendly enough however they seemed to have had enough yesterday evening, with all the complaints we overheard from numerous tables. The menu is now shocking compared to the old one and needs relooking at. We used to visit the Fancott every 2 weeks minimum in the past and now will be going elsewhere which is a real shame.

Written 15 February 2020

Nomad20713270269

I’m sorry you were not happy with your visit we have had some issues with training etc and are striving hard to improve on all fronts, please come and see us again and I will personally ensure you have a fantastic time

Written 16 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan Northamptonshire

Finedon36 contributions

Not the place it used to be

Aug 2020 • none

I was very disappointed with the Fancott it used to be so nice, good food, excellent staff it really has gone down hill. I booked a table for 3 people we arrived via the garden sanitised our hands etc, told the waitress that we have a reservation, she said she could not find us, i said that i had booked a table by the bay window, she went off to check and said come with me. We sat down and she took our drinks order, we waited and waited and had to ask where the drinks were after 10 mins...we sat there and still no menu, so i had to stop her as she walked passed and asked for the menu, which she bought over, we waited and waited and i had to collar he again to say can we order our food, this was after 30 mins of arriving, we wanted the steak but as it was all half price all the steaks had been sold out, so i had the scampi and chips, and guess what? we waited and waited and my husband said be patient but after waiting 45 minutes it finally came out and there were 4 bits of scampi loads of chips and a few peas! we ordered more drink's and we waited yet again and my husband called over the bar tender who seemed to know nothing of the drinks and he bought them over to the table. We had no starters or pudding and we got there at 7pm and left at 10pm not really enjoying the night. The service was extremely slow there was only a few girls waiting on the tables, to be fair to them they were running around ragged i blame the management they should have laid on more waiting staff. As i said its not the place it used to be, nice garden great for drinks to sit outside but forget the food if you want good food, good service, you will not find it here.

Written 6 August 2020

Nomad20713270269

Hi SUSAN thanks for your observations on your recent visit, I do apologise for your dissatisfaction. We have recently returned from lockdown and are working hard to improve service and quality ,which in these strange times can be quite taxing. As you have noticed we were blown away with the volume of guests taking up the 1/2 price offer consequently stock and team were extremely stretched. We are aware of our shortcomings and will be adding more team and getting suppliers to make more frequent visits they bare working with limited staff because of Covid 19 Trust me when I say myself and my team will be tireless in our quest to become the Pub of choice in this area, Again I am sorry for your experience here I hope you will give us another chance soon, when you do please ask for myself and I will be happy to ensure you have a fantastic visit. thanks Rob

Written 9 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jay

1 contribution

No roast dinners available on a sunday (even when ringing and booking)

Feb 2020 • family

We visted new years eve. And they had very little on the menu left as we was informed they was closing for new owners / refurb. Fair enough we thought. Was NYE anyway a few drinks was enough. So we tried again and visited on a sunday in feb after they reopened. We called to book a table over 4 hours in advance just to be sure. Which they duly took. We all arrived and got a round of drinks in at the bar and paid for them. We all got seated for the waitress to inform us they had no roast dinners left. They offer 4 different roasts on the menu (excluding the nut roast) I could accept this if we just turned up on the off chance. But to take a booking, getting there paying for a round of drinks to be told we have no food for you is a bit of a joke really. Very amateurish is my opinion. We didnt even finish the drinks and just left. Won't be going back.

Written 18 February 2020

Gemma

1 contribution

Faulty esque

Aug 2020 • family

We visited as a family of 4 on bank holiday monday. We have been before and there was a problem with the gas, and again this time too! So that meant only a very limited menu which although a bit annoying not the end of the world. However, the service was fairly incompetent! The gentleman serving us didn't really know what he was doing.The beer was off so we asked for a new pint and he brough the same again obviously not changing the barrel so same issue. Discussed a replacement and he disappeared off for some time to return to ask again what my husband wanted. We ordered a starter to share and mains for all of us and it was all brought out together instead of two separate courses! We were then left for some time and had to chase the bill several times. The staff seemed totally useless and not much in way of an apology jn that none was made at all. The bill arrived and was incorrect, part of the 50% off dine in scheme and we we charged full price! To which the girl who brought it over said it wasnt her who printed it she just brought it over, no apology again! Would not visit for food again, very disappointed 😞 Only saving grace is the lovely mini railway, the people who run that are always lovely. Just a shame about the pub.

Written 31 August 2020

robertmI4308SH

I’m very sorry you arrived when we did have again issues with equipment, we do not make this up.Believe me we would prefer to be serving everything on our menu. As for the incompetence of my team I’m sad that you feel that way. On a very difficult day when we served the majority of our guests with our best efforts you were not happy, I apologise. Cask ale has a habit of getting to the end of a barrel unfortunately. Thanks for your remarks we strive continually to get better, therefore I hope you will come again soon Apologies again

Written 31 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PaulPontone

Syracuse18 contributions

Disappointing

Jul 2021 • family

Very disappointing. It was a busy Sunday so delays are to be expected but after decent starters, we waited almost two hours for our main courses which arrived both cold and burnt. Roast potatoes and parsnips were black and the gravy had such an unpleasant bitter taste that the dishes were inedible. We were offered a 25% discount but we suggested that maybe they should simply take the main courses off the bill. They accepted this but perhaps should have offered this solution in the first place given that we hadn't been able to eat any of the main dishes. We won't be returning.

Written 4 July 2021

robertmI4308SH

Very sorry

Written 18 July 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chelle

Dunstable5 contributions

Fantastic evening with the girls

Oct 2021 • friends

Came here with a couple of the girls for some food and drinks. When we first pulled up I thought it was going to be one of them pretentious gastro pubs where the staff are a bit up themselves but was VERY pleasantly surprised. Arsh and Ian the chefs were very polite, friendly and chatty whilst helping Jade and Caragh prepare our drinks. And asked if everything was alright with our meals after we had eaten. Jade and Caragh were fantastic all throughout the evening they were very friendly and chatty making us feel very welcome and putting us at ease from the moment we walked through the door. The food was absolutely amazing AND reasonably priced, great portion sizes, very well presented and tasted better than any chain restaurant I've been to. The chefs went above and beyond to accommodate an extra request we had which we really appreciated. The menu isn't huge but there are enough options and choices to please even the most fussy of eaters. I never really understand why people complain about having to wait a little longer in restaurants for their food when it's fresh instead of microwave meals, starters came out after about 10-15 minuntes and mains about 20 minutes after we had finished our starters. Desserts took about 5-10 minutes after we FINALLY made up our minds on what we were having. I imagine when they are busy in the summer the wait is going to inevitably be longer but for good food I'm always happy to wait, and these guys do GOOD food. We will definitely be back!

Written 2 October 2021

Fancott

Thank you so very much for your kind comments, it make all the difference to the team to get such great feedback. We are really please that you a such a nice experience, we do hope to see you again soon. Thanks again..

Written 4 October 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Laura D

Houghton Regis11 contributions

A disappointment

Sept 2021 • none

I wonder, has the ownership or management changed of late. We have been visiting here since the early 90's and have never had a cause to be disappointed but yesterday to say we were disappointed is an understatement. We arrived in good time for our 14.30 booking but we had to wait 20 mins before we were asked if we required drinks, then another wait until we could order food. We had a vegetarian in our group of 4 but the choice was very limited to either fish or nothing. Eventually at about 3.30 our meals arrived, but I didn't know that we were ordering Pub Grub at the prices they were charging, nearly £100.00 for 4 of us. Not impressed at all. Having said all this our waitress was lovely and very helpful so thank you to her. No sorry we will not be visiting this place any more, if we wanted a Pub meal we would have gone to a "common or garden" pub

Written 27 September 2021

Fancott

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and I am happy to hear that the service you received during your visit was good and that your server was very helpful, I will pass on your kind comments. We do have a selection of vegetarian dishes available and would have been more than happy to have helped with any queries upon ordering. I am sorry to hear that you would rather not visit in the future, and hope you will try us again some time in the future

Written 29 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

christinen839

Bedfordshire1 contribution

Very disappointing!

Mar 2020 • none

Having visited the old style Fancott twice a month for the last 2/3 years, we decided to try the refurbished version on Sun evening, 8 March. A table for 3 was booked online at 18.00 hrs. On arrival at 18.00 hrs, first of all the waitress showed us to a table for 2. When I protested there were 3 of us, we were shown to another table. The food for the main course was ok, but there was no broccoli as detailed in the menu. There was no apology or explanation for this omission and when my son asked about this the guy said he woukd find out. He was gone so long that we thought he'd gone to pick the broccoli! Then at 7.45 this same guy brought the menu detailing the desserts, adding there was no crumble. Two minutes later the waitress came to the table saying there were NO desserts, only ice cream!! Whilst the food (if available) may be good, the communication and organisation are appalling!

Written 9 March 2020

Bob

4 contributions

good food near to the M1

Jun 2021 • none

A per5fect spot for me just off the M1 and just no comparison with a motorway service station to stop for a bite to eat. They were welcoming, friendly and very attentive serving very good food at an not extortionate price. I will definitely return one day when passing by and recommend it to any travellers who feel hunger pangs as they pass by Toddington on the M!

Written 27 June 2021

robertmI4308SH

Thanks for your kind review it’s quite heartening when this happens as people generally happy at Fancott

Written 3 July 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dave A

Luton3 contributions

Very slow service - Sunday Lunch

Jan 2022 • family

First visit in 6 years for a family meal and belated Birthday meal, and unfortunately the service was very slow. It took about 25 minutes to be asked if we wanted any drinks and a further 20 or so to get them - and the order was wrong! Main course delivered just after 2pm, desserts ordered just after 3pm and it took 20 mins for 2 bowls with 2 scoops of ice cream to arrive, and another couple of mins for the rest. Nearly 3 hours for 2 courses is rather excessive! Had to cancel a swimming session due to the food taking so long to arrive! Might be another 6 years (or longer!) before we try going again based on that performance I'm afraid - plus the menu was quite limited for people trying to eat healthily!

Written 1 February 2022

Fancott

Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that on this occasion you didn't enjoy your visit on Sunday, we do encourage our guests to let us know if they are unhappy during their visit so we are given the opportunity to rectify any issues at the time. We would love for you to return to prove this isn't our usual standard of service and do hope it wont be in 6 years! Cathy and the team x

Written 4 February 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jenny J

Luton2 contributions

LACKING!

Sept 2020 • couples

We have eaten here quite a few times prior to our visit today and it has always been very good! But today I can say it was dismal,the food was ok once our order was taken, but the service was LACKING!! When we had finished our roast dinner a member of staff said he would clear our plates as he was dealing with another table he then noticed other members of staff standing around who he then asked them to clear it. Waited again for someone to bring us the desert menu. After waiting another 10 minutes for staff to take our order we decided to leave! Sadly we will not be visiting here again for a while . After complaining we were given some money off our food but we would have spent more if the staff were more diligent!

Written 27 September 2020

robertmI4308SH

I am sorry you’re visit wasn’t up to our required standards, unfortunately some of our team need further training.This is something we work on a daily basis inorder to create the most amazing service that we demand at The Fancott With safety paramount in our thoughts service can be a little worrisome to team and guests alike, during these difficult times for us we are striving to give you the guests our best, in your case it wasn’t I apologise again. Luckily we do please the majority and they return to our wonderful pub with great food and safe atmosphere

Written 29 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah C

2 contributions

Unsatisfied customer

Sept 2020 • family

Clearly must of changed owners as food and service was extremely poor, from needing to ask for cutlery after our food had been served to being told they had no butter when 3 of our starters included bread, then when half way through our main course at 7.20 pm to be asked if we wanted desserts as the kitchen was closing and they needed to know then . Not to mention the loud bickering between staff members in the area next to our table throughout our meal. This used to be one of our favourite places to eat but will definitely not be going back.

Written 13 September 2020

robertmI4308SH

Very sorry you weren’t happy I will investigate the matter with team Apologies

Written 14 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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