Food & Drink

Willen Lake announces the return of Flavour Fest, packed with tasty street food and family fun, taking place on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April. This season’s festival of food promises even more to enjoy, with the introduction of market stalls alongside the popular street food offerings, live entertainment, face painting, and an egg-stremely egg-citing Easter Trail . This free-to-attend food festival is set to deliver a fantastic weekend filled with delicious food, great music, and family-friendly fun. Food lovers can indulge in a variety of street food options, with returning vendors from last year including The Rub, Lime Face, La Pitta and Urban Spice Box. Guests can also enjoy stone-baked pizzas and an outdoor bar from the Willen Lake Café, who will have a stall in the square of the festival. New for this year, the festival will feature a market area, showcasing local artisan crafts and produce,..

The New Inn, a beloved local pub in New Bradwell, Milton Keynes, has reopened under new ownership, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the community. Now operated by MK local Oliver Claxton, The New Inn is set to become a welcoming hub for families, locals, and four-legged friends alike. Oliver has deep roots in the area with his parents, David and Tina, both having grown up locally. His grandparents lived at 2A Bradwell Road – right next door to The New Inn – making this venture a true homecoming. With the support of his family, Oliver is dedicated to revitalising The New Inn and ensuring it remains at the heart of the local community. In addition to Oliver at the helm, his brother James has taken on the role of Pub Manager, ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. James will be a key link with locals, on hand to make..

Midsummer Place is delighted to announce that Nacho’d, an exciting new food destination, is now officially open on The Boulevard. Specialising in bold and creative takes on loaded nachos – sweet and savoury, mac n cheese’d bites, onion rings jalapeno bites, and more, Nacho’d brings a fresh and unique flavour to Milton Keynes’ growing dining scene. With its commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings, Nacho’d promises to be a must-visit spot for food lovers seeking indulgent, flavour-packed bites. The opening of Nacho’d marks another milestone in the transformation of The Boulevard, further solidifying Midsummer Place as a hub for global cuisine and exciting dining experiences. DJ, owner of Nacho’d, expressed his excitement: “We’re beyond thrilled to finally open our doors at Midsummer Place and share our passion and amazing food. Our menu is all about creativity and quality, and we can’t wait for visitors to experience our take on..

Taco Bell franchisee Soul Foods has announced the opening of its restaurant at Xscape Milton Keynes. The new leisure centre restaurant, which is now open, will be operating daily from 11am – 10pm. Taco Bell Milton Keynes serves fan-favorites like the Crunchwrap Supreme, Crunchy Taco Supreme, and Volcano Burrito alongside vegetarian options, all with the fast, friendly service Taco Bell fans have come to know and love. To mark its opening, Taco Bell, which proudly serves Halal-certified food, has introduced the brand-new Chicken Nachos – made with 100% chicken breast, perfectly coated in a crispy, flavourful spice blend. Served with hot nacho cheese sauce, these irresistible bites are set to become a fan favourite. With the February half-term break just around the corner, the restaurant is also spotlighting its Craving Value Menu, offering 10 mouthwatering items for just 99p each. From the Crispy Chicken Soft Taco to the Mini Quesadilla and Seasoned..

Midsummer Place is delighted to announce the arrival of Nacho’d, an exciting new food offering opening on The Boulevard this February. Specialising in a bold and creative take on loaded nachos, fries, and more, Nacho’d promises to delight food lovers with its fresh approach. Adding to the excitement, the business is fronted by two TV personalities whose identities will be revealed soon, along with exclusive offers to celebrate the launch. The addition of Nacho’d marks another milestone in the transformation of The Boulevard, which has become a go-to destination for food lovers wanting to experience tastes from around the world. Recent upgrades to The Boulevard have introduced a variety of global dining options, including Mediterranean delights, Asian fusion dishes, and authentic sweet treats. With Nacho’d joining the line-up, visitors can expect a unique culinary experience that further enhances the centre’s reputation as a dynamic and diverse food hub. Simon Martin,..

Huel says that ‘every fire needs its fuel’ and the brand’s ability to deliver has quickly made it a trusted go-to for the health conscious public – and not just here, but around the world. Pulse’s Sammy Jones talked with Huel co-founder James Collier as he revealed his latest delivery – the new book, Well Fed. “Nine years ago we went on our Christmas meal and there were four of us,” James shares, talking about the burgeoning growth of his business, “There are 350 people who work across it now.” The Huel story is pretty phenomenal – 10 years ago it was a one-man vision: Julian Hearn originated the idea before making a connection with James. The brand debuted on the market in June 2015, and the food experts have been providing complete affordable meals and snacks to great acclaim ever since, going from a small e-commerce business, to a..

Bucks Star Beer wishes to give a huge thank you to their amazing customers for voting for them in these prestigious Buckinghamshire awards. The owners and team members are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported them and champions everything they offer. Bucks Star Beer was pitted against some excellent breweries from around Buckinghamshire, so winning gold came as a welcome surprise. This award is testament to the team’s hard work over the last nine years. Their next challenge is to make their beers more widely available so more people can enjoy them. Bucks Star Beer recently channelled its creativity and resources into The Brewery Tap House, located opposite the brewery, which offers a different experience for those with a passion for food and drink. Situated on the Stonebridge industrial estate bordering Wolverton, the Brewery Tap House is an inviting space where you can find locally distilled spirits, organic wines,..

The Hub welcomed its newest culinary destination with the official opening of Parrilla, an upscale Argentinian steakhouse that promises to redefine dining in the heart of Milton Keynes. The launch event, attended by a host of VIP guests, offered an exclusive first look at the restaurant’s opulent interior, exquisite menu and vibrant atmosphere. Parrilla, which opened to the public the following day, is the latest venture from a team of seasoned hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs. Backed by Mo Abdul, Gezahegn Eshetu, Ranjeet Goraya, Karan Rai and Ali Rahman – all known for their success in ventures such as Blossom Room, Maaya, Pasha and German Doner Kebab – the restaurant combines world-class cuisine with stylish design and impeccable service. The restaurant, managed by hospitality expert Abiel Russom, has been meticulously crafted to evoke the sophistication of London’s most renowned dining spots. Spread over three tiers, Parrilla’s interiors feature plush furnishings, warm..

The MK Food and Leisure Awards 2024 brought together the best of Milton Keynes’ hospitality industry last week, celebrating the creativity, dedication and talent that define the city’s food and drink scene. Hosted at the Delta Hotel, Kent’s Hill, the 12th annual event recognised outstanding achievements across a range of categories and featured a sold-out evening of dining and celebration. Daytona Motorsport was named Best Attraction, with Eileen’s taking the coveted Best Restaurant award. Ole Tapas was recognised as Best Family Restaurant, while Blossom Room claimed the title of Best Bar. Other notable winners included Panzini Restaurant and Bar for Best Newcomer and Five Akhis for Best Independent Takeaway. Maaya was honoured as Asian Restaurant of the Year, and artisan accolades went to Plot Cakes for its Fallen Raspberry Flapjack and Fruit Farmer’s Blackberry Whisky Liqueur. In the individual categories, Andy Slater of The Oakley Arms was awarded Chef of..

Willen Lake’s Flavour Fest launched on the 26 and 27 October, treating visitors to an unforgettable blend of street food, live music, and family activities. Willen Lake cannot wait to welcome people back to the next Flavour Fest in Spring, 2025. The launch weekend had great weather and drew thousands of people, who enjoyed a variety of culinary delights, live performances, and seasonal festivities. The sunny weekend was headlined by Ellie Antonini on Saturday, captivating the crowd with high-energy covers across three decades, while Sunday’s feature act, the Fabulous Miss Jones, brought timeless jazz classics to life. Both days also featured standout performances by local artists Del Black and Mehtab Culling. Throughout the festival, DJ sets kept the energy high, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Flavour Fest showcased a diverse selection of street food vendors, with favourites like The Rub serving award-winning meat dishes such as the “Desperate Dan” and..

Make this Christmas unforgettable with a little help from Maaya! Starting 18th November through to Christmas Eve, Maaya is bringing you an exclusive festive menu packed with bold flavours and exotic spices –perfect for those looking to add a twist to their Christmas celebrations. This isn’t your typical festive fare; it’s an all-you-can-eat feast that’s designed for sharing (and for impressing your guests, no matter how big or small the party). Ideal for groups of four or more, Maaya’s Christmas Fayre set menus offer an abundant spread where main dishes are replenished at no extra charge – yes, you read that right. Picture it: vibrant, flavourful plates arriving at your table, one after the other, to be enjoyed at your own pace. The feast includes pilau rice and naan, so everyone can dive into every dish with the perfect accompaniments. Dietary restrictions? No problem. Maaya’s got you covered with vegetarian,..

The perfect festive party destination in Milton Keynes... Make this Christmas one you’ll never forget at The Blossom Room, right in The Hub, Milton Keynes. Imagine this: stunning Japanese-inspired interiors, an effortlessly chic vibe, and cocktails that’ll make you wonder why you’ve been drinking anything else. Whether you’re planning a cosy catch-up with friends or throwing a big office bash, The Blossom Room has everything to make your Christmas celebrations unforgettable. This year, they’re rolling out special group packages for every party size. You’ll find a festive drinks menu brimming with bespoke Christmas cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and some seriously good wines. And the food? Think creative small plates and shareable dishes, packed with flavours that’ll have your guests raving long after the night’s over. Want the place all to yourself? The Blossom Room offers private hire so you can host an exclusive event, fully personalised with your choice of food..

Sultans, one of Milton Keynes’ best-loved Turkish restaurants, will enter a new era in January as it transitions under new management. Diners have only a limited time left to experience the restaurant in its current form, known for its unique ambience and authentic Turkish cuisine. Located in the heart of Milton Keynes, Sultans is famed for its striking layout. The venue boasts a 100-seat balcony overlooking a lively 130-seat main dining area, creating a total capacity of 230. This versatile space has long made Sultans a top choice for corporate events, private celebrations, weddings and festive gatherings. Yet it is the restaurant’s signature Turkish dishes, celebrated for their bold flavours, that have cemented its status, particularly during the festive season. In anticipation of Christmas, Sultans will host a special event on 6th November to reveal its exclusive festive menu. Guests attending the launch will be welcomed with a complimentary glass..

Nestled in the charming corner of Stanley Court, NAGA Tandoori in Olney is the hidden gem you didn’t know you were looking for. This cosy spot has it all—friendly faces, warm lighting, and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling spices that greets you the second you walk through the door. It’s the kind of place that instantly feels like home… with better food! We kicked things off with the Naga Special Mix, a feast of tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, sheekh kebab, and a golden, crispy onion bhaji. Each bite was packed with that rich, smoky goodness that only a proper tandoor can deliver, and the marination? Perfection. It’s a sampler that does more than just satisfy—it leaves you practically cheering for the mains to arrive. And, oh, those mains. We both went for the Chicken Shashlik, which arrived on a sizzling hot plate loaded with chunky onions and peppers...

Yesterday afternoon the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards returned, with celebrations and success the theme of the day we toasted all the businesses that make up the backbone of the hospitality industry in Buckinghamshire. Held in the fantastic Milton Keynes Theatre there was pizza, prosecco and plenty of pride felt by all involved, felt even more so due to all winners and finalists decided solely by public vote. Businesses felt seen by their community, and excited at the opportunity to shout about all that comes with running and working within the hospitality sector. Kathryn Shipton, events manager at Events and PR, who run the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards commented ‘to be seen in your industry is everything, and having been witness to the support and unity of all the finalists and winners involved in this afternoons awards proves how imperative independent businesses are to the community'. A full list of..