The Kiln Farm Pub, Milton Keynes

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Kiln Farm Pub

A decent pub in a very unlikely setting, it is located on the edge of an industrial estate and looks quite unwelcoming initially and will certainly not get anything in the way of passing trade, not least because nobody would actually pass it. With no outside windows and a plain and battered metal door to get in, you really wonder what sort of place it is. Although it’s been there for some time, it was formerly some sort of club/live music venue and has only recently become a regular pub.

The pub is surprisingly large inside, with a central seating area leading from the door to the bar at the rear, a larger open area to the right and a separate leg off to the left which could perhaps be used as a function room. Décor wise it’s quite traditional, with an attractive vaulted ceiling, plenty of exposed brickwork and some untreated wood panelling which looks as though it may be a recent addition. The flooring is largely wood with some rather unattractive lino at the rear. At the front of the bigger room is a large stage area completed with full size lighting rig, speakers and such like, and it is clear that music still features prominently with several posters depicting forthcoming acts and numerous vinyl LP’s stuck to the ceiling in the same way that many pubs affix beer mats.

It was very busy on a recent Monday evening visit, although that was largely due to the quarter final of the FA Cup that was being screened on a large projection screen in front of the stage area. Food is offered, and a quick glance at the menu indicated that it consists primarily of burgers and sandwiches around the £7 mark, as well as a couple of sharing platters.

Beers on tap were their own MK11 Boozy Brew, Pawtucket Patriot Ale, Banks Bitter and Sunbeam. Ciders were Thatcher’s Gold which makes a pleasant change from the usual dross around these parts along with Strongbow of both the original and dark fruit varieties and even a hot gingerbread cider served from an urn on the end of the bar. Had I spotted it before I had ordered I might have tried that out of interest. The Gold was priced at a reasonable £3.20. All in all I thought this was well worth seeking out, and it's certainly better than most of the identikit pubs in Milton Keynes.

On 10^th March 2015 - rating: 7
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