The Foresters Arms, Milton Keynes

From the outside, this looks to be a traditional old boozer at the end of Stony’s traditional High Street. Inside, it seems as though someone started a gastro-pub makeover, but didn’t quite finish it. They’ve painted the walls in the obligatory shades of brown and cream, and there’s plenty of pine wood around the bar, and a curious pine counter in one corner with a refrigerated display unit on top full of bottles of water. Seating is round tables and leather armchairs. Other than that it’s rather more basic, with rough wooden boards on the floor and a few stools around the bar, where the only punters were gathered. The menu is decidedly un-gastropub like and besides a selection of burgers and an all day breakfast served until 7:00pm offered such delights as a chip bap and a fish finger sandwich. But I guess with most of the mains being around the £3 - £4 mark, you can’t expect too much. There are a couple of tables out at the front, and a plasma up on the wall, although this was just playing a radio station. A large blackboard advertised a forthcoming quiz night. Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, and even worse, the only cider was Strongbow. Against my better judgment I was coaxed in to having a pint of this as it was on offer at £2.75, compared to £2.10 for a half. I overheard the barman discussing with the locals what could be done to attract more customers in, and he came up with a fancy cocktail bar in the corner with some jazzy lights on it. Errr...., how about selling some beer? You are a pub, aren’t you?