The Fox & Hounds, Milton Keynes

A traditional double fronted, bay windowed pub overlooking the village green this seems to be a community local with most people knowing each other and various events such as quiz nights and karaoke evenings advertised, as well as a community notice board. The colour scheme that assaults you in the front vestibule as you walk in is a rather alarming mix of maroon and mustard, but fortunately this gives way to rather more pastel shades of cream, pale beige and pale green once you get further in. The pub is split in to two halves – to the left is a smallish bar with wood flooring, tables, chairs and some seating in the bay window. There was a small brick fire-place with a real log fire blazing away, and a few random pictures on the walls. Beyond this up a couple of steps is a carpeted area perhaps more geared up for dining. To the right is a carpeted bar with a mixture of bench seating and stools as well as another fire. There was a darts board in the corner and a draughts board out on one of the tables. The menu was a fairly typical “pub grub” affair with a dozen or so choices for main course consisting of Lasagne, Burger, Scampi & Chips, Rump Steak, Gammon & Egg, etc. Half the mains were priced at around the £8 - £10 mark, while the others were available at £5.95 or as part of a “two for a tenner” deal. Besides this there were a couple of specials as well as sections on baguettes, jackets, etc. I had the Chicken Melt with Bacon, Cheese and Barbeque sauce and found it rather over-cooked and dry. Although I got the impression of frozen, mass produced food, there were other punters there who clearly ate there regularly, and I heard them discussing with the barmaid the ingredients used and the method of preparation so maybe I was just unlucky. Unfortunately despite a Cask Marque notice on the wall, there were no real ales on. There were two pumps on the bar, but apparently the Doom Bar was settling and not quite ready. Presumably the other option had run out as it had a turned round pump clip. Ciders were Strongbow and Aspall’s Suffolk. This is a tricky one to mark. One on hand, it had little atmosphere, my food was disappointing and there was no beer on. On the other hand, it no doubt serves it’s locals well and the barmaid, or landlady, I’m not sure which, was an absolute gem. Despite her many piercings, she was genuinely friendly and helpful, chatting amiably with all the customers whether local or not and even serving drink at the table as they were not too busy.