Ye Olde Swan, Milton Keynes

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

This is the second time we have been to this pub and our second visit to stay in Milton Keynes, and ironically, both times this has been our last pub to visit before going home. Can't comment on the food, not tried it, but on our visit this year ( June 6th) it was still a humid and warm day, pending a break in the weather, and although dull, there was a packed beer garden with people chatting and drinking and eating. On the previous visit (August 2008 ) I liked the menu, but didn't sample it, The beer however is good, with a Concrete Cow Brewery one with two more promised, and Adnams Southwold.

For a Chef & Brewer this is not a bad pub.Single bar with several drinking/dining areas leading off.Up to 4 real ales on tap.As you can see by the pic it had a very nice garden area as well

For a Chef & Brewer this is not a bad pub.Single bar with several drinking/dining areas leading off.Up to 4 real ales on tap.As you can see by the pic it had a very nice garden area as well