The Old Beams, Shenley Lodge, Milton Keynes

A strange mix of old and modern, this is apparently the result of a large fire a few years ago that destroyed much of the original building. That being the case, they’ve done a sympathetic job of restoring it, and whilst it inevitably doesn’t have quite the character that it must have had before, it’s nonetheless a pleasant enough place. It’s a good sized pub with a decent patio area on one side with plenty of tables, many of them covered. Inside, the main room is a cavernous affair with a large vaulted ceiling and plenty of wooden rafters and beams. Whilst these are presumably not original, they’re attractive enough, and there are one or two upright support columns that certainly do look to be original. The flooring here is polished wood, and there is also a small amount of wood panelling on one of the walls. It’s an L-shape room that leads on round to another area with a large fireplace and a huge stack of logs. In the other direction, past a slate tiled area with several low leather sofas and arm chairs, you come to a separate bar with a much cosier character. The ceiling here is quite low, there are wooden beams supporting it that are suitably sagging, pine flooring, another fireplace and canary yellow paint along with a few black and white pictures on the walls. All the tables were laid up for food though. The landlord could have been a bit more cheerful, and an acknowledgment or apology while I was waiting wouldn’t have gone amiss. Food features prominently here and there was an extensive menu divided in to sections such as Char Grills, Fish & Salads, Main Courses, etc., with most of the mains being around the £8 - £10 mark. What I had was ok, although nothing special, and arrived suspiciously quickly. Couldn’t they at least try and pretend that it’s not straight out the micro-wave? Only two beers on tap, both from the McCullen brewery, the rather unimaginatively named Cask Ale and Country Bitter. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.

Old Beams pages at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk

Old Beams pages at the McMullens site - www.mcmullens.co.uk