Food & Drink

Scroll for the tastiest food and drink from across Milton Keynes and North Bucks

18th Mar 2024

Come on in… the doors are open at the Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central

Looking for somewhere in central Milton Keynes where you can grab a quick coffee, enjoy a lazy lunch with friends, throw a birthday party or simply catch up with your mates? The time is right to check out the Holiday Inn Milton Keynes – Central, which is just a short walk from the railway station. While out-of-towners and event organisers have already discovered just what is on offer at the 173-bedroom hotel there are many more ‘locals’ missing out on the venue’s facilities. There is no need to check in to one of the hotel’s 173 bedrooms. This is a hotel with an open-door policy to casual visitors or those looking to plan an event from a christening, family party or funeral wake. The Open Lobby, serving Starbucks, is open all day and through to the evening for visitors who may just want a coffee, or a meal chosen from..

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27th Feb 2024

The Craufurd Arms brews up something new for you...

Wolverton music venue The Craufurd Arms is used to giving its customers a big night out. But sometimes, the only thing to successfully follow a late night is a big cup of good coffee – and now the Wolverton-based venue is able to deliver that, too! The Green Room opened its doors this week, and is a new coffee shop catering for all. "We're really proud of the space we have created, and want to make this into a centre point for the community," said Craufurd co-owner Jason Hall, who runs the venue with Max Harvey, "Whether you are keen to find somewhere to host your mum and baby group, want to hold a meeting, fancy a coffee and natter with friends, want to enjoy a little bit of 'me time' or maybe you run your business remotely and fancy a change of scene. Whatever it is, we're here for..

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14th Feb 2024

Community, charity and culinary delights: Sophie’s Street Feast returns for 2024

Combining delicious street food with raising awareness and funds for charity, the date for the 2nd annual Milton Keynes-based Sophie’s Street Feast has been announced. The must-attend event will take place on Sunday, 22nd September 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the MK City Discovery Centre. Sophie’s Street Feast is a celebration of community, charity, and eclectic culinary delights. The 2023 event hosted by Sophie etc. and charity Toybox, welcomed an impressive 3,000+ visitors who sampled food from all around the world, while learning more about Milton Keynes-based charities and the work they do both here in the UK and internationally. New for 2024 is the addition of corporate partners, QLM Search and Brioche Pasquier, and charity partner YMCA Milton Keynes, who support young people locally with accommodation, employment and advice. Commenting on the opportunity to be involved, Lorraine Devereux, Fundraising Manager at YMCA MK, said: “YMCA Milton Keynes are thrilled to have been..

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07th Feb 2024

Pho serves Vietnamese pancake: bánh xèo all day

With Pancake Day approaching, why not head for a unique and flavourful pancake experience at Pho Café. While we appreciate the charm of traditional pancakes, why not spice things up this year? Pho's signature Vietnamese pancake, known as bánh xèo, is a culinary delight. This savoury and crispy pancake will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Crafted from a delicate blend of rice flour, water, and turmeric, the pancake is skillfully pan-fried and generously filled with your choice of tofu, chicken, or prawns. It is then served alongside fresh Vietnamese herbs and a delectable salty dipping sauce known as nuoc cham. What sets this pancake apart is its versatility, making it an excellent choice for both vegan and gluten-free diners. Typically available only in the evenings, Pho is breaking tradition for one day only – Shrove Tuesday. On this special occasion, the beloved bánh xèo will be featured on the menu..

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23rd Jan 2024

Restaurants in Milton Keynes with January offers

Are you feeling the pinch financially this month? January proves to be a challenging month for many of us financially, however, luckily for us, our local restaurants have risen to the occasion with offers such as 50% discounts, 2-for-1 deals, and exclusive discounts. Here are some restaurants in Milton Keynes with offers on this month... Maaya Milton Keynes have 2-4-1 on dishes throughout January. Head over to their Instagram and simply show their post to get one main dish completely free. Offer runs Sunday to Thursday. Blossom Room have lots of offers on this month to take advantage of. You can enjoy 50% off sushi and all other food items this week between 12pm - 8pm Monday to Friday. Every Tuesday they have unlimited Taco's for £14.95 per person, plus, they have 2-4-1 cocktails all day! Visit their Facebook page to find out more. Visit Veeno Wine Bar and get..

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21st Nov 2023

Pret A Manger returns to Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, just in time for Christmas

It’s the news many shoppers have wished for this Christmas, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of Pret A Manger this November. After much anticipation, shoppers can once again savour the delicious freshly made offerings of Pret, located next to LEON in the new Boulevard food court. Pret is known for its commitment to freshly preparing sandwiches, salads, and wraps in on-site kitchen daily and offering organic coffees and teas to customers from skillfully trained Barista’s. The brand uses top-tier ingredients, aiming to cater to a diverse range of palates. At the end of every day, the shop’s unsold food will be donated to local charities each day through The Pret Foundation’s partnership with Neighbourly. The new location at Midsummer Place promises to deliver the same excellence that has made Pret a favourite among food lovers globally. The Boulevard food court has become Milton..

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21st Nov 2023

An evening to remember at KiKi’s Café

Early in November, as the nights were drawing in and the festive season approached, MK Pulse contributor Emma-Rose Norris was invited to an evening to remember at KiKi’s Café… If you haven’t already had a chance to visit Kiki’s Café – voted Milton Keynes Best Restaurant/Café at the MK Inspiration Awards – then I’m not sure where you’ve been! This family-run spot is a real gem nestled in MK’s bustling city centre. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, a leisurely brunch, a cosy coffee date or even booking the place out for a private party, KiKi’s is the perfect destination. In the daytime, the café itself provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere which is perfect for a spot of working brunch. With plenty of light, high-speed internet and convenient charging stations, you can be sure to stay connected in this home away from home. As aforementioned, KiKi’s is family-centred..

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19th Nov 2023

Record-Breaking 14,000 Votes Decide Milton Keynes Food & Leisure Awards Winners at Glamorous...

A record number of public votes – more than 14,000 – have determined the winners of this year’s Milton Keynes Food & Leisure Awards. The winners were revealed at a lavish black tie dinner and ceremony at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill. The awards, in their 11th year, celebrate and showcase the best restaurants and attractions in and around Milton Keynes and are an occasion for hospitality businesses across the city and beyond to celebrate the hard work before the busy festive period begins in earnest. “The event goal is to uncover the most fabulous-tasting dishes, recognise the most talented chefs, and identify the best family and leisure locations, among other categories,” says awards director Steven Dryden-Hall. This year’s awards were sponsored by food manufacturer Brioche Pasquier, domain name registration company Safenames, accountancy practice Pantons and city centre-based estate agent Thomas Connolly. A raffle on the night raised..

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06th Nov 2023

Midsummer Place welcomes independent business hub, The Artisan Collective Farmshop

Midsummer Place Shopping Centre is excited to announce a new retailer. The Artisan Collective Farmshop, will be joining the centre to offer small businesses a place to sell their fresh produce and home-made crafts. Located next to LEGO, The Artisan Collective Farmshop will house multiple retailers on a rotation basis, giving small and independent businesses the opportunity to enjoy premium retail space and significant footfall. The shop is the brainchild of Steve Reid, owner of Friars Farm, which was one of Midsummer Place Hatch competition finalists. Opening from 16 November, the shop will initially be open for six weeks and over this period include the following retailers: Northampton Cheese Company's award-winning cheese, Northampton charcuterie (salamis, bacon, black pudding), Friars Farm's chutneys, preserves, sauces, and condiments, Mee Blueberries' own-grown blueberry liquors, chutney, and jam, Ganders Goat handmade soap (who will also have their display milking goat, which is made of wood..

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05th Oct 2023

Milton Keynes restaurant Namji announces new wedding packages

Loved up couples in Milton Keynes now have the opportunity to say 'I do' before tucking into a Bombay Aloo – with the announcement that new city restaurant Namji is now a licensed venue and offering wedding packages! The Punjabi eatery, situated in the Xscape building, will also deliver bespoke events for those renewing their vows. “It's something different, something truly unique to Milton Keynes and it means you can have your whole wedding taken care of in just the one space – you can say your vows, indulge in a wedding banquet here, and we have an official photographer ready to capture the special day too,” said Namji owner Naseem Khan. “We will cater for any couple wanting a wedding or civil ceremony; we will dress the venue, see to the needs of your wedding party and provide you with the perfect day to start your new life together...

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26th Sep 2023

Fine Dining in the heart of Buckinghamshire: Allium at Manor Farm

Last month, I had the pleasure of an invitation to a dining experience that has long been on my bucket list: Allium Dining. Allium at Manor Farm in Bourton is a celebration of all things local and delicious – two aspects that are of great importance to me as an avid consumer of all things edible. Situated in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, Manor Farm in Bourton is home to this gastronomic event lead by the culinary wizard that is Andy Tomlinson. As a huge fan of their daytime offering, The Larder Café, I knew that this was going to be a special evening. A little about Manor Farm… The Verey family have been farming at Manor Farm in Bourton for four generations and have been building a business that has the environment and local community at its heart. Having celebrated their centenary in October 2018, the farm has..

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05th Sep 2023

Authentic Italian flavours arrive at Midsummer Place with the opening of Nero Artisan Pizza

This week, the bustling Boulevard at Midsummer Place is buzzing with the aroma of authentic Neapolitan pizza, as it welcomes its latest culinary gem, Nero Artisan Pizza. This marks the seventh cabin to grace the newly refurbished food court and the second store for Nero Artisan Pizza. Promising to serve ‘the finest pizza in MK’, Nero Artisan Pizza invites customers to embark on a gastronomic journey to Italy. Each pizza is handcrafted to order, ensuring a fresh and traditional Neapolitan experience. From the decadent Truffle Fig to the timeless classic Margherita, Nero Artisan Pizza caters to every palate. Our top pick? The Quattro Formaggio, a cheese lover’s dream featuring Fior Di Latte, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Pecorino. The secret to their irresistible pizza lies in their dough, made from scratch using a secret family recipe and the freshest ingredients. “We are thrilled to be part of the Midsummer Place family,” says..

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30th Aug 2023

MK’s Street Food Sensations: Good Times Café

Good Times Café Instagram: @goodtimesuk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodtimescafeuk “Give me a good sharp knife and a good sharp cheese and I’m a happy man.” – George R.R. Martin Who are Good Times? Next up in Pulse’s ‘Street Food Sensations’ series are the 2022 ‘MK Street Food of the Year’ winners, Good Times Café. Good Times serve up an array of cheese-based products and a vast selection of hot drinks and local, handmade treats. Specialising in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, barista-brewed coffee and home bakes, their delicious creations are all served with a smile from their retro pistachio-green, classic Citroen HY Van. I have been lucky enough to sample plenty of the offerings from Good Times Café over the last few years. What's On the Menu... During the Olney Great Taste Food and Drink Fair, I opted for their Roast Beef Special. This consisted of a toasted sandwich filled with roast beef,..

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25th Aug 2023

Unity Place: A Revolutionary Hub Opens in Milton Keynes

September 2023 heralds the launch of Unity Place, the beacon of sustainable innovation and community-centric destination in Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes, a city renowned for being the future's blueprint, is poised to welcome Unity Place this September. This purpose-designed space marries community, business, and leisure while championing sustainability and a planetary ethos. Mirroring the forward-thinking ethos of Milton Keynes, Unity Place is an inclusive destination designed with green principles at its core. Not only will it act as a cutting-edge workplace, but it's also set to become a bustling hotspot for locals and visitors. Strategically positioned, it stands as the first sight for those departing Milton Keynes Central train station. Ensconced in the city's heart, Unity Place is geared to usher in a new era of business and attractions. Its design ethos, which prioritises sustainability and connectivity, has positioned it as a leading social enterprise beacon in the region. It..

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17th Aug 2023

A delicious debut for Butterwick Bakery at Midsummer Place’s Boulevard

The midlands’ favourite sweet treat bakery and occasion cake makers has opened their eleventh store at Midsummer Place. Branded by their customers as “Instagrammable!”, Butterwick Bakery’s delightful treats range from sumptuous shakes and mouth-watering cakes to divine donuts, all freshly baked each day. Marketing and commercialisation manager at Midsummer Place, Kirsty McGiff said “We are so excited to welcome Butterwick, a fantastic independent business to our new look Boulevard. As shoppers indulge in retail therapy, they can now relish in Butterwick’s sensational bakes that unquestionably bring the ‘wow’ factor.” The rejuvenated Boulevard has already rolled out the red carpet for diverse dining experiences like Souv Lucky Day, The Lebanese Grill House, Pando Woo, Churros Locos, and Jerk ‘n’ Rum, showcasing flavours from around the globe. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, as more stellar establishments are on the horizon. Don’t miss the Big Boulevard Bash on 2 September which will..

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