The Talbot, Milton Keynes

This pub has changed hands and is now part of the Ember Inns Group. It's had a major refurbish and is is attractive and light inside with an open plan feel and a large bar.

I popped in with the family on Sunday for a drink and had just sat down when we were told by the landlord that we shouldn't be in that part of the pub because we had my 18 month old grandson with us. Apparently we would have been all right to sit in the restaurant with him but this was full (and in any case we didn't want to eat). He was very nice about it and allowed us to finish our drinks but then we felt we had to leave rather than have a second one.

This seems to be really common with pubs in Milton Keynes - ie that you can only take children into the eating area of pubs - which effectively prevents you from going in just for a drink if you have children with you (especially on a Sunday lunchtime!) Surely if pubs market themselves as family pubs they could just apply for a Children's Licence and do away withe these sort of difficulties? I suspect that in reality they only really want to welcome families in if they are eating.

Apart from this annoyance it seemed like a nice pub with a good range of real ales (my St Austell Tribute was excellent) and I may well go back again (bit without children!) I might even try the food.

29 Feb 2016 12:28

Ye Olde Bell Inn, Rye

Tried to pop in here for a pint last Wednesday but it was closed. No opening hours were displayed so don't know if this is a regular thing or not?

15 Feb 2016 10:11

The Barge, Woolstone

Went to this pub again for the first time in a few years and quite like it. still very food orientated as you'd expect, but decent real ale (I had Doom Bar which was very good) and there are tables you can sit at if you don't want to eat - not always the case in MK!

It's popular - so busy - with diners, and the food looked pretty decent.

Friendly service. Will probably go back...

6 Jul 2013 18:54