Food & Drink

Scroll for the tastiest food and drink from across Milton Keynes and North Bucks

25th Aug 2023

Unity Place: A Revolutionary Hub Opens in Milton Keynes

September 2023 heralds the launch of Unity Place, the beacon of sustainable innovation and community-centric destination in Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes, a city renowned for being the future's blueprint, is poised to welcome Unity Place this September. This purpose-designed space marries community, business, and leisure while championing sustainability and a planetary ethos. Mirroring the forward-thinking ethos of Milton Keynes, Unity Place is an inclusive destination designed with green principles at its core. Not only will it act as a cutting-edge workplace, but it's also set to become a bustling hotspot for locals and visitors. Strategically positioned, it stands as the first sight for those departing Milton Keynes Central train station. Ensconced in the city's heart, Unity Place is geared to usher in a new era of business and attractions. Its design ethos, which prioritises sustainability and connectivity, has positioned it as a leading social enterprise beacon in the region. It..

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17th Aug 2023

A delicious debut for Butterwick Bakery at Midsummer Place’s Boulevard

The midlands’ favourite sweet treat bakery and occasion cake makers has opened their eleventh store at Midsummer Place. Branded by their customers as “Instagrammable!”, Butterwick Bakery’s delightful treats range from sumptuous shakes and mouth-watering cakes to divine donuts, all freshly baked each day. Marketing and commercialisation manager at Midsummer Place, Kirsty McGiff said “We are so excited to welcome Butterwick, a fantastic independent business to our new look Boulevard. As shoppers indulge in retail therapy, they can now relish in Butterwick’s sensational bakes that unquestionably bring the ‘wow’ factor.” The rejuvenated Boulevard has already rolled out the red carpet for diverse dining experiences like Souv Lucky Day, The Lebanese Grill House, Pando Woo, Churros Locos, and Jerk ‘n’ Rum, showcasing flavours from around the globe. And the excitement doesn’t stop there, as more stellar establishments are on the horizon. Don’t miss the Big Boulevard Bash on 2 September which will..

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02nd Aug 2023

MK’s Street Food Sensations: The Rub BBQ

The Rub BBQ Instagram: @therub_bbq Website: https://www.therubbbq.co.uk/ “A recipe has no soul; you as the cook must bring soul to the recipe” – Thomas Keller. The Rub BBQ is a Milton Keynes street food institution. It was founded due to the owner’s love for wood-smoked meats (especially ribs) and authentic American-inspired BBQ sauces. The inspiration he took from Stateside led him to create his own BBQ dry rub and so ‘The Rub BBQ’ was born! All The Rub’s rubs (!), marinades and sauces are made from scratch; the ingredients are often wood-smoked to create their own unique depth of flavour and are locally sourced, where possible and, if you weren’t already sold, The Rub is a family run business. I have tasted many of the delights from The Rub BBQ over the past few years, from ‘The Rib Tickler’ – half a rack of British pork baby-back ribs, smoked over..

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01st Aug 2023

Finalists Announced for the Highly Anticipated English Curry Awards 2023

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar is yet again one of the finalists in the Curry Restaurant of the Year & Chef of the Year categories. The English Curry Awards, the prestigious culinary event that celebrates the finest talents in the English curry industry, is pleased to announce the finalists for its 2023 edition. The awards ceremony will take place on 14th August at the illustrious Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, where the nation’s curry connoisseurs will gather to recognise and applaud the exceptional achievements of the curry sector. Now in its 12th year, the English Curry Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents and dedication of individuals and establishments within the curry industry. This year’s finalists represent the crème de la crème of English curry industry, showcasing the unrivalled skills and creativity of chefs, restaurateurs, and takeaway services across the nation. The shortlisted finalists were chosen by the..

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01st Aug 2023

Panda Woo Brings Chinese Bao Delights to Midsummer Place

Last week, Midsummer Place saw the launch of its latest ‘world’ eatery with the opening on Chinese street food vendor, Panda Woo. Located in the newly refurbished Boulevard that has seen several other small and independent businesses open, Panda Woo promises to deliver the authentic taste and delight of Chinese Bao, as well as an array of traditional Asian street foods. Owned by the entrepreneurial team behind Maaya Indian Kitchen and the Blossom Room in The Hub, the owners comprise of Leigh Strathearn, also Managing Director at Perception PR, Mo Abdul, also owner of Calcutta Brasserie and Pasha, Michelle Chen, Indunil Rajapaksha Head Chef at Blossom Room, and Xin Yong. "We are thrilled to bring the enchanting world of Bao to Milton Keynes," says YY, one of the proud owners of Panda Woo. "Our vision is to introduce the richness of Chinese cuisine and the artistry of Bao-making to the..

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28th Jul 2023

Centre:MK’s new opening – an un’pho’gettable experience...

Early on this month, Pulse Magazine’s food writer Emma-Rose was invited down to try out the offerings at The Centre:MK’s new opening – ‘Pho.’ The group of restaurants was founded in 2005 after Stephen and Juliette Wall had travelled to Vietnam and fell in love with the food. They made the decision to open a restaurant serving phở while sat on high stools, slurping pho bo, in Ho Chi Minh City. Now, 18 years later, Pho is small group of restaurants dotted around the country, serving great value, healthy and fresh Vietnamese food. In fact, every product in every dish they serve is made right there on site from ingredients delivered daily. There is no central kitchen - just real cooking, with each dish cooked to order. If you’re not already aware, phở (pronounced fuh) is a Vietnamese soup that’s made with all of the good stuff: broth, noodles, protein..

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20th Jul 2023

Indian cuisine meets the pub scene

Last month saw the launch of Craft & Skewers opening on Gold Street in Northampton. The restaurant allows you to enjoy Indian food whilst enjoying a pub environment with craft beers and cocktails. By blending the flavours of India with the friendly atmosphere of a pub, they offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that caters to diverse tastes. Craft & Skewers is not a newcomer to the restaurant scene, having already won over food lovers since opening in Newport Pagnell in November 2021. Building upon their success, they identified the perfect opportunity to bring their unique concept to the foodies of Northampton. As you step into the Craft & Skewers, you’ll immediately feel the inviting vibes of a traditional pub. The bar area welcomes you with cozy seating allowing you to socialize with friends or catch live sports on the screens above. Venture further into the venue and you’ll discover the..

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01st Jul 2023

Learning to cook up a storm

Last month, Pulse Magazine contributor Emma-Rose Norris was lucky enough to be invited down to Milton Keynes Cookery School’s Street Food Evening Masterclass to learn the ropes of three very different, yet tantalisingly tasty, cuisines. The Beginnings The idea for MK Cookery School began one year whilst Bav – the owner – was working for Pizza Express; after having won best performing restaurant, the staff were treated to a team-building cookery experience at Venturi’s Table – the UK’s first corporate Cookery School. Bav, who has always had a passion for food, loved every second of her experience and realised that running something similar was her dream: and so the idea for MK Cookery School was born. ‘As I am often eating it, cooking it or trying out different restaurants, I just thought “why not? I’m sure I’ll be fine doing this as I love everything about food!” Needless to say,..

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28th Jun 2023

Sophie’s Street Feast in Milton Keynes Unveils Exciting Full Line up of Vendors

Sophie's Street Feast, the highly anticipated new food festival, is thrilled to announce the complete line-up of exceptional vendors set to tantalise taste buds at the event. On Sunday, 3rd September, food enthusiasts from Milton Keynes and beyond are invited to join us at MK City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey for an unforgettable culinary experience. Sophie's Street Feast will celebrate the vibrant food culture and diversity in our community as well as supporting three amazing MK-based charities, Toybox, St Mark’s Meals and Girl Pack.  Whether you're a fan of international delicacies or crave local specialities, there will be something to satisfy every palate. The full line-up of vendors for Sophie's Street Feast includes: Baja Cantina will bring you the mouth-watering taste of Mexico through made to order tacos, nachos and quesadillas. Bokkie serves incredible South African street food brought to you from a converted vintage horse box.  Giuseppe’s Pizzeria serves artisan..

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26th Jun 2023

Hello Summer – IF: Milton Keynes International Festival

The biennial IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns this July, with 10 days of colourful, unusual and exceptional events and performances. Free events include The Place Between, which will explore the connection we have to our Earth, to each other, and our contribution to the cycle of life. Artist Rebecca Louise Law creates immersive installations with natural materials, with preserved flowers frequently featured in her work. This installation – which can be viewed in Middleton Hall in centre:mk – also has soundscapes by Jason Singh. Mechanical sandwriter Blom will draw on the streets, transforming bland pavements with picture outlines – from a flowery carpet to a flock of little hearts. Small buckets filled with coloured sand will be placed close by, ready for you to add your own touch to the art work. Get involved: July 21 – City Square, July 22 – Midsummer Place, July 23 – outside Door..

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17th Jun 2023

Rediscover Calcutta Brasserie in Stony Stratford – steeped in history and elegance

Calcutta Brasserie, the popular multi-award-winning Indian restaurant located in the heart of the historic town of Stony Stratford, is a reminder of the stunning independent restaurants our region has to offer. Calcutta Brasserie, the popular multi-award-winning Indian restaurant located in the heart of the historic town of Stony Stratford, is a reminder of the stunning independent restaurants our region has to offer.  Set within a beautiful 17th century chapel, Calcutta is one of the most highly celebrating and accoladed restaurants in the country. Recently under new management and celebrating after receiving the highest hygiene rating of 5 stars,  Calcutta Brasserie has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional Indian cuisine, and this latest achievement is a reflection of the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality food in a safe and hygienic environment. The owners of the restaurant have worked tirelessly to upgrade their facilities, making significant changes to the kitchen and..

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11th Jun 2023

New not-for-profit cafe to support community projects in Milton Keynes

Namji Desi Cafe will open seven days a week in the heart of the new city. Namji's Desi Cafe – opening today Acorn House, MK Community Foundation House - is a not-for-profit eatery that will be run by Naseem Khan for the community. For the past 10 years restaurateur Naseem has been serving up food to those in need – giving away hundreds of hot meals to families and individuals in Milton Keynes every week. “Naseem and her charity have enabled me to continue supporting residents,” said Bianca Bendig-Ceesay, town councillor for Fullers Slade. “Her assistance has been vital when I have been working with homeless people. "Hot food is a luxury when you are living on the street or are placed in temporary accommodation without cooking facilities. “Receiving freshly prepared hot food is such a moral boost for the many who benefit from her help.” But now the owner..

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09th Jun 2023

MK’s Best Local & Independent Father’s Day Gifts, Days Out and Experiences this...

You better hurry because Father's Day is fast approaching! We here at MK Pulse know that Milton Keynes is a truly vibrant city – it is host to a plethora of fantastic independent businesses, shops and sellers. From delicious meals, drinks and discounted experiences, this year's local Father's Day offers are not to be missed. We’ll walk you through some of the best deals, ensuring that your Dad has a Father's Day to remember! Experiences The Shack MK Home to all things BBQ, the Shack MK is a fantastic Father’s Day find; hosting a variety of day-classes, treat the special man in your life to lessons in over-the-fire cooking. Check out the Shack MK’s future classes here: https://buyabbq.com/collections/bbq-class. Alternatively, you could always pick up some grill-based goodies from their shop! Find out more on their website https://buyabbq.com/ D Pizza Guy Hosting a variety of pop-up supper clubs in the Hanslope..

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30th May 2023

Namji founder helps you to spice up your life...

The founder of Milton Keynes' award-winning restaurant Namji is sharing the secrets of her spicy success on a new YouTube channel. Naseem Khan, who won the coveted Curry Queen of the Year accolade at the 2022 Asian Food & Restaurant Awards, wants everyone to know how to cook mouth-watering Punjabi fare at home. “I get asked about our recipes so often at the restaurants and decided to share the skills I learned with everyone online. It's wonderful that people love my restaurants, but great food shouldn't be limited to nights out,” she said, “With a little learning, it can be an everyday thing!” Through the channel – Namji's Kitchen – Naseem will teach people how to make authentic cuisine. “Great food starts with the basics,” she said, “Many people have this perception that it's difficult to even deal with the basics of making things like rice and chapatis. I want to..

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12th May 2023

MK’s Doughnut Hotspots – treat yourself this upcoming National Doughnut Week...

If you weren’t already aware, National Doughnut Week is an annual event that aims to raise funds for The Children’s Trust. National Doughnut Week 2023 spans 20th–28th May this year, and what better way to raise awareness of the day than to look at some of the wholly (or, should I say, *holey*) delicious local doughnut sellers we have in and around Milton Keynes. Amazing Grains of Olney First up is a place that I, quite frankly, want to keep secret because it’s just such a hidden gem. Amazing Grains of Olney are a small bakery based in Olney, Buckinghamshire who specialise in producing ‘real’ bread and baked products using traditional methods; they only use flour (mainly from Shipton Mill), water, yeast and salt. Their bread contains no additives or processing aids and they give their baked..

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