Ye Olde Swan, Milton Keynes

Substantial Chef & Brewer outlet, so understandably very much food led, but very much in a village location opposite the expansive green (despite being buried within the Milton Keynes suburbia). Although significantly remodelled and modernised, there are enough features under a generally low ceiling in the various seating / dining areas on three sides to retain a smidgen of traditional character. Also has a substantial beer garden. The four handpumps are somewhat hidden away around to the right-hand part of the counter, and I found Deuchars, Abbot and Morland 'Original' Bitter (£4.95) being served, with a reversed Greene King IPA clip on the other pull.

Chef & Brewer chain pub situated in a rural area of Milton Keynes. The pub looks massive from the outside, with a sizeable car park wrapped almost around the pub and its outdoor garden areas. Inside feels much smaller. Although, there is still enough room for a few different dining spaces, with a small area for drinkers near the bar itself and the toilets. The bar's handpulls are situated around the corner of the bar from the drinking area. I was told off by an overly officious bar manager for standing that side of the bar and was directed back to the other side. Perhaps pub staff have failed to get the hang of customers walking about pubs again following the various Covid requirements, but this all seemed a bit petty and how on earth are you supposed to order a beer, if you're not allowed to peruse the offerings. Being part of the Greene King stable, IPA & Abbot are the regular beers here. However, I was happy to find Fireside also on, which is probably my favourite Greene King ale. No CAMRA discount was offered, but it appears that they may give one if asked. This is a nice cosy establishment in a peaceful setting. But it's very much a dining venue with a few real ales thrown in.

Ye Olde Swan page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com

Ye Olde Swan page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com