Food & Drink

It’s the news many shoppers have wished for this Christmas, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of Pret A Manger this November. After much anticipation, shoppers can once again savour the delicious freshly made offerings of Pret, located next to LEON in the new Boulevard food court. Pret is known for its commitment to freshly preparing sandwiches, salads, and wraps in on-site kitchen daily and offering organic coffees and teas to customers from skillfully trained Barista’s. The brand uses top-tier ingredients, aiming to cater to a diverse range of palates. At the end of every day, the shop’s unsold food will be donated to local charities each day through The Pret Foundation’s partnership with Neighbourly. The new location at Midsummer Place promises to deliver the same excellence that has made Pret a favourite among food lovers globally. The Boulevard food court has become Milton..

Early in November, as the nights were drawing in and the festive season approached, MK Pulse contributor Emma-Rose Norris was invited to an evening to remember at KiKi’s Café… If you haven’t already had a chance to visit Kiki’s Café – voted Milton Keynes Best Restaurant/Café at the MK Inspiration Awards – then I’m not sure where you’ve been! This family-run spot is a real gem nestled in MK’s bustling city centre. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, a leisurely brunch, a cosy coffee date or even booking the place out for a private party, KiKi’s is the perfect destination. In the daytime, the café itself provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere which is perfect for a spot of working brunch. With plenty of light, high-speed internet and convenient charging stations, you can be sure to stay connected in this home away from home. As aforementioned, KiKi’s is family-centred..

A record number of public votes – more than 14,000 – have determined the winners of this year’s Milton Keynes Food & Leisure Awards. The winners were revealed at a lavish black tie dinner and ceremony at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill. The awards, in their 11th year, celebrate and showcase the best restaurants and attractions in and around Milton Keynes and are an occasion for hospitality businesses across the city and beyond to celebrate the hard work before the busy festive period begins in earnest. “The event goal is to uncover the most fabulous-tasting dishes, recognise the most talented chefs, and identify the best family and leisure locations, among other categories,” says awards director Steven Dryden-Hall. This year’s awards were sponsored by food manufacturer Brioche Pasquier, domain name registration company Safenames, accountancy practice Pantons and city centre-based estate agent Thomas Connolly. A raffle on the night raised..

Midsummer Place Shopping Centre is excited to announce a new retailer. The Artisan Collective Farmshop, will be joining the centre to offer small businesses a place to sell their fresh produce and home-made crafts. Located next to LEGO, The Artisan Collective Farmshop will house multiple retailers on a rotation basis, giving small and independent businesses the opportunity to enjoy premium retail space and significant footfall. The shop is the brainchild of Steve Reid, owner of Friars Farm, which was one of Midsummer Place Hatch competition finalists. Opening from 16 November, the shop will initially be open for six weeks and over this period include the following retailers: Northampton Cheese Company's award-winning cheese, Northampton charcuterie (salamis, bacon, black pudding), Friars Farm's chutneys, preserves, sauces, and condiments, Mee Blueberries' own-grown blueberry liquors, chutney, and jam, Ganders Goat handmade soap (who will also have their display milking goat, which is made of wood..

Loved up couples in Milton Keynes now have the opportunity to say 'I do' before tucking into a Bombay Aloo – with the announcement that new city restaurant Namji is now a licensed venue and offering wedding packages! The Punjabi eatery, situated in the Xscape building, will also deliver bespoke events for those renewing their vows. “It's something different, something truly unique to Milton Keynes and it means you can have your whole wedding taken care of in just the one space – you can say your vows, indulge in a wedding banquet here, and we have an official photographer ready to capture the special day too,” said Namji owner Naseem Khan. “We will cater for any couple wanting a wedding or civil ceremony; we will dress the venue, see to the needs of your wedding party and provide you with the perfect day to start your new life together...