The Lion at Wicken, Milton Keynes

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Old White Lion

A traditional village local, this seems to be a popular pub that has resisted the temptation to turn in to a gastro-pub and instead concentrates on a friendly atmosphere, decent home cooked food at reasonable prices and a generally pleasant ambience. Oh, and of course the fact that they do Thatcher’s cider which is probably the main draw seeing as the rest of Milton Keynes seems to be drowning in a sea of Strongbow. There are a couple of tables outside and a small beer garden at the back.

The main bar area has rough matting on the floor, whitewashed stone walls and a few stools clustered around the bar which seemed to be the main focal point for the locals. Down a couple of steps was a small snug with contrasting green and white paintwork, plenty of black beams on the ceiling, a selection of board games and a couple of leather sofas. There was also a plasma on the wall, which whilst initially turned off was subsequently switched on to show the football. This seemed a little out of character with the rest of the pub, and nobody appeared to be taking much notice of it.

Off to one side is an area more geared up for dining, although I’m sure you could still pop in here for a pint. The lower area had a log fire blazing away and with it’s red tiled floor and chunky wooden tables had the air of a farmhouse kitchen. Up a couple of steps was a room with quite a different character, with dark maroon paint on the end wall and the ceiling and an elaborate gilded mirror on the end wall. Staff were all friendly and helpful, and a blackboard listed various forthcoming events such as an Indian Night and live music.

The menu was a decent selection of “pub grub” as well as a few slightly more adventurous dishes. “The Magnificent Seven” consisted of seven dishes at £7 and included pub classics such as Sausage & Mash, Chilli Con Carne, Omelette, etc. The other main courses were priced around the £10 - £12 mark, and my Chicken & Prawn Stir Fry on a bed of noodles was a pleasant enough dish, even if it could perhaps have done with a few more prawns and a few less noodles. A complimentary basket of bread with a very pleasant garlic mayo dip was also provided which is an unusual touch in a pub but very welcome.

Beers on tap were Silverstone’s Pit Stop and Whittlebury’s Old Tun. As previously mentioned, the cider was the excellent Thatcher’s Dry. All in all, this seems a great pub and it was good to see it busy on a recent mid week evening.

On 14^th March 2012 - rating: 8
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