Food & Drink

Opened only a few months ago, Pasha is already making a solid name for itself amongst the plethora of eateries in Milton Keynes. You only have to Google the restaurant and you will see an abundance of reviews - all positive, I hasten to add. And that’s a good sign.  Situated on the Buckingham Road in Bletchley, Pasha has a modern, trendy feel with a subtle touch of Byzantine-era opulence. Colours are neutral, linen crisp and tables gleam ready to welcome you. Once seated we were presented with warmed flatbread, served with a tomato and chilli dipping sauce with black and green pitted olives and crumbled feta cheese. It didn't last long and was enough to abate the hunger, for now.  With more time to consider the menu, the attentive staff helped us search for the perfect dish, explaining all ingredients and methods of cooking. I could have quite easily..

Las Iguanas in The Hub is celebrating after undergoing an extensive refurbishment during September. The new, vibrant look comes courtesy of the team’s recent travels to South America, with comfy banquettes teamed with a backdrop of sunshine colours for customers to relax in.  The most noticeable change is that the bar has been moved to create a more comfortable space for Milton Keynes’ cocktail aficionados to enjoy. The walls are now adorned with bold graphics inspired by the colourful street art in Buenos Aires. Outside a new chunky timber pergola provides shade from the sun and is lit by a festoon of bulbs.  General Manager, Perry Richardson, commented, “Our food is all about the passion and bringing the amazing fresh ingredients alive with a little Latin flare – so getting the atmosphere within the four walls of the restaurant to match this was no easy task. But inspired by our..

For the second year in a row, Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in The Hub has been officially ‘nominated’ for the most prestigious Indian restaurant awards in the UK, the British Curry Awards. Last year, Maaya was nominated and shortlisted as the Best Newcomer, and this year customers have nominated the independent restaurant under the Best in the Region category. Nomination is the first stage - only a few restaurants are nominated from thousands of entries – and then, if successful, Maaya will be shortlisted.  “It is such an honour to receive a nomination for the second year in a row, especially as this is done so by our customers and then reviewed by the judges”, said Mo Abdul, General Manager and Owner at Maaya. He adds: “Last year we were shortlisted and went to the awards to represent Milton Keynes and show the rest of the UK that we..

Building on the great success of last year’s food festival, this year’s MKFoodFest2017 will be bigger, better and even more fun for all the family. Once again the picturesque Linford Manor Park in Great Linford will come alive with the exciting vibe of the local food and drink scene. With all the stallholders coming from within a 20-mile radius of the venue, the event will showcase the best of local food and drink and will bring together street food vendors, artisan producers, farmers market stallholders and chefs for a one day, one location, not-to-be-missed food and drink shopping experience. Free to enter the family-friendly event runs from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 16th September and offers a variety of hot food, afternoon tea, ice-cream, a diverse farmers’ market, a marquee of craft food businesses, locally brewed beer and cider, chefs’ demonstrations, live music and children’s activities. With Milton Keynes celebrating..

This month Milton Keynes Community Fridge has been officially launched at The Old Bath House community centre in Wolverton following a successful crowdfunding campaign which saw the project exceed their target of donations towards the cost of setting up. The ‘Community Fridge’, is being trialled with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK and Bosch in a growing effort to tackle food waste. The fridges will enable residents and businesses to share surplus food and for anyone to help themselves to quality food that would otherwise be wasted. Co-op, Wordsworth Avenue and Costa's are leading in their efforts to use the service and help them reduce their food waste.   The two fridges and one freezer donated by Bosch are available for anyone to access from Monday-Friday, 7-9pm. Co-ordinator Helen Innes said; “We are thrilled to be able to launch MK Community Fridge and thank everyone who has helped make..

Get your best Elvis impression ready as ‘The King’ will be performing at Calcutta Brasserie! On Thursday 20 July, Kevin Paul will be showcasing his vocal talents as he pays tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, for one night only. Kevin, who knocked out over 5,000 contenders in the GMTV ‘Search for Elvis’ competition, always provides an explosive and passionate performance including hits like Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock and Suspicious Minds whilst also embracing that all-important Elvis Presley charm and sporting his very own signature Elvis quiff! His incredible energy and vocal ability is set to be a truly unforgettable evening paired with a delicious three course Indian meal which you won’t want to miss, General Manager, Ali Ajmol said: “We cannot wait to welcome Kevin Paul to our restaurant and we look forward to an evening of amazing entertainment, music, dancing and of course superb food...

Three of the country’s top comedians are heading to Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar on Thursday 20 July for a night of comedy and curry.  Mark Dollan from Channel 4's Balls of Steel & The Jump; James Redmond from Edinburgh Fringe Festival & TV actor plus Jake Lambert of Mock the Week & 8 Out of 10 Cats have confirmed their attendance at the restaurant in partnership with The Comedy Cow.  The two-part evening starts with a specially created banquet menu at 7pm and the show starts at 8.30pm with sets from James and Jake. Following an interval with desserts, James returns and Mark takes over to finish off the crowd.  “We have had comedy at Maaya twice and the set up is great for a unique comedy experience. We’re excited to work with The Comedy Cow and to welcome these three sensational comedians to the stage,” says owner and..

The Black Horse in Woburn is following in the footsteps of its sister pub The Embankment in Bedford by launching a special summer dish for Sports Traider to help young local youngsters fulfil their sporting potential. The pub has created a seasonal superfood salad which appears on its new summer menu which has just launched, and for every one it sells, it will make a donation to Sports Traider. The charity is a local youth-focused organisation offering kids the kit and support they need to get into sport, whatever their background.  It was founded by Lance Haggith who for the past three years has turned to businesses like The Embankment to enlist the help of its guests to raise vital funds. Now, whenever a guest orders a superfood salad, The Black Horse will put 25p into a fund to be used either for specific projects or to help pay for..

Milton Keynes’ most inspirational entrepreneur, Pete Winkelman, launched the intu Milton Keynes Artisan Market this weekend.  Created from a collection of local independent businesses, the Artisan Market gives small businesses, and the entrepreneurs behind them, the chance to showcase their products to thousands of ‘high street’ shoppers. From handstitched one-off clothing pieces to locally brewed organic beers, the market features over 30 different businesses all week and until it closes on Sunday 4 June.  Pete Winkelman, Chairman of the MK Dons and an icon in the business community joined intu Milton Keynes’s general manager Shelley Peppard on Sunday, she said: “Pete is such an inspiration for so many people and a wonderful example of a successful local businessman. Like Pete, the market is full of successful and up-and-coming local business people, each with their unique products and services that we’re very proud to support and wish then all the success..

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in The Hub is putting on a charity fundraising comedy and a curry night in support of the Community First Responders (CFR) in Milton Keynes.  On Wednesday 14 June, hilarious celebrity comedian, Jo Enright from Phoenix Nights will be the performer for the evening together with internationally renowned magician Neil Henry. The sit-down event, which costs just £24.95 per person also includes a succulent three course meal created by Maaya’s head chef.  “All the proceeds will be donated to the charity and we’re hoping to raise a total of £1,500 which is the cost of an emergency response kit for a new CFR,” says joint owner and manager at Maaya, Mo Abdul. “The Community First Responders are often the first people to arrive at a cardiac arrest and those crucial minutes can save someone’s life. They work completely voluntarily, which is incredibly admirable and something..

The team at The Anchor in Aspley Guise, near Milton Keynes is helping to keep fathers, father-in-laws and step dads sweet this Father’s Day. To help customers with divided loyalties between their own father and that of their partner when it comes to celebrating Father’s Day, as well as offering a special breakfast and lunch menu on Father’s Day itself (Sunday, 18th June) the pub is also running the same special menu for father-in-laws and step dads on the Sunday following Father’s Day (Sunday, 25 June). The Anchor’s general manager Kirsty Austin says: “Because of the sometimes different locations between where parents live, it's often not possible for couples to take both fathers out to lunch on Father’s Day itself, so we thought it would make it easier for children to keep both dads or step dads happy this year with two dates available to make a big fuss of..

Renowned chef and restaurateur, Marco Pierre White (MPW), has unveiled plans to open his popular Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Milton Keynes this June 2017. The 90-cover restaurant will be located at Stadium MK, home of DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, Arena MK and MK Dons Football Club. Set to become a must-visit for local food lovers, guests staying at the hotel or the sites vast conference and event facilities, diners can expect signature MPW steaks, timeless English and French classics and a comprehensive selection of premium cocktails, all delivered with Marco’s unique flair. The Steakhouse Bar & Grill menu is exclusively curated by Marco himself. To suit all tastes, it typically includes a mix of childhood favourites and modern day delicacies – ranging from Welsh Rarebit and Chicken Kiev, to Baked Camembert and a selection of 35-day aged native breed steaks. Marco’s ethos is all about classic dishes, simply..

The Hub was alive to the sounds of Bollywood as Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar celebrated its first anniversary party last month.  Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, Bollywood dancers, fire performers and stunning four course menu, created especially for the night. “The evening was a wonderful success, there was dancing, drinking and lots of laughter,” said owner and manager, Mo Abdul.  Maaya is the only independent restaurant in The Hub and opened in 2016 following a £1/2 million investment. Mo adds: “Last year was a dream start for us and 2017 is already looking to be better. We have invested back into the restaurant, improved parts of the menu and we are continuing to listen to what our customers want. A would like to thank all of our customers for their ongoing support as well as the staff and chefs for their hard work.”

From Saturday 27 May, intu Milton Keynes will showcase over 35 local independent businesses on the Boulevard, to create its first ever Artisan Market.  From fresh fruit & veg to handmade pottery, the Artisan Market will be trading for nine days until Sunday 4 June and give customers a chance to see, talk to and buy from the wonderful array of local talent in the area.  “We have been overwhelmed by the interest we have had from local businesses wanting to take part in the Artisan Market,” says Kirsty McGiff, marketing manager at intu Milton Keynes.  She adds: “I think customers visiting the market will be delighted to see the diverse range of products Milton Keynes entrepreneurs have to offer. We hope the Artisan Market gives these local companies a chance to talk to new audiences and expose their services to the thousands of people that visit the centre each..

Milton Keynes College is excited to announce that acclaimed patisserie consultant and pastry chef, Claire Clark MBE will open a Patisserie Academy at its Bletchley Campus this May.  The Claire Clark Academy; centre of patisserie excellence will realise a joint ambition of both Claire’s and the college, to nurture the next generation of pastry chefs in the UK.  The Claire Clark Academy will officially launch on 18 May and will be for students, professionals and enthusiastic home bakers. The programme will start with part day, one day, evening and weekend courses for home bakers and professionals. The areas covered will include; chocolate, sugar work, bread, pastry work, modern desserts, classic desserts, plating desserts and more. Specific times of day will be focused on, such as the ever popular afternoon tea and the constantly growing trend for baking real bread. The doors will open to the first intake of college students in..