The Park, Milton Keynes

According to Whatpub The Park has now changed it's name to McCarthy's Sports Bar.I was there today and the Park sign is still there with the McCarthys Sports Bar to the left.I cannot find out if it is still one or now 2 separate bars.It could be McCarthy's bar @ the Park Hotel.

Delayed for an hour by a bad connection at Bletchley station,I sloped off to the nearest pub to escape the arctic weather.In through the front door ,the bar is immediately ahead sporting an array of keg dross.I had ordered a Stella (£3.20) before I noticed two handpumps lurking at the lower level serving counter to the back,but only one was working with Brakspear's Bitter so no great loss. The interior is open plan and at the rear there is a raised stage area,but just full of standard tables.Large wall mounted speakers,sofas and low tables may indicated a past life as a music/disco venue but not now.The fake wooden ceiling beams and artex wall covering with some unusual patterned wallpaper give a goth feel,but most of the rest of the furniture is standard pub issue.The draw down screen in the lower back section was also unused.Behind a door marked private to the left of the bar is another lounge with it's own bar and upstairs area,I assumed used for functions.B&B is offered here and there is an array of benches off the carpark if you want to drink or smoke outside with good views of trains thundering past on the embankment of the West Coast Mainline. Despite the friendly welcome,the pub is lacking in character and decent ale,I hope that next time my connection is on time.