The Countryman, Milton Keynes

Official site of The Countryman - www.countrymanmiltonkeynes.co.uk

Official site of The Countryman - www.countrymanmiltonkeynes.co.uk

Countryman. Charles Wells pub just into the housing estates beyond the H5 Portray so not that far from the central business district. That said, the relatively modern, L-shaped bar (with a couple of raised seating areas and a pool table) is very much one for the local residents by the look of things. There is also a separate Thai restaurant / takeway. No real ale, so I went for the local Midpoint lager from Brewpoint (£4.40) as the pick of a restricted keg beer choice.

A relatively modern, estate pub in one of Milton Keynes’s many “local centres”, it looks much the same as many other pubs from that era with little to particularly distinguish it. There are a few picnic benches outside, both under cover and out in the open, but no sign of a garden as far as I could see. It was completely empty on a recent mid-week lunchtime visit, other than someone who just came in to use the loo. I have seen Thai food advertised outside previously, although there was no indication that any food is currently offered. It’s a single room pub in a slight L-shape configuration, and does perhaps have a slightly more traditional feel than many of it’s ilk. The flooring is mostly carpet, and there is quite a bit of exposed brickwork which has been painted cream. Elsewhere the walls are a mixture of gastro-pub brown or have a floral wallpaper covering. Raised sections around the perimeter break up the space a little and are separated from the rest of the pub by painted balustrade. A pool table was at one end, and various signs advertised both karaoke nights and sports fixtures that were being screened. Unfortunately there were no real ales on tap, with all four hand pumps having been removed leaving just the wooden plinth. I found this more distressing that having no sign of a pump at all. The only thing vaguely resembling a bitter was Eagle Smooth, whatever that it, and to compound this sorry state of affairs the only cider was Strongbow.

Really friendly staff & clietelle. Good selection of well kept beer. And kare-oke on a Sunday too...