Craft and Skewers is an ‘Indian restro-pub’ that opened on Newport Pagnell High Street towards the end of 2020. It s independently owned, with another restaurant in Evesham. This restaurant-pub hybrid didn’t immediately grab me when it first opened, but after visiting twice with friends over the summer, it’s one of the indies I can’t stop talking about right now! There are a LOT of Indian restaurants in Milton Keynes and they all divide opinion. Everyone defends their local Indian restaurant or takeaway and is very loyal to them. I get it. But for me, they all feel very samey. Every restaurant labels itself as ‘authentic’ and its punters do too, though I doubt many have ever visited India (Disclaimer: I haven’t either!) If, like me, you rarely head out for a curry, Craft and Skewers could be your new favourite destination. Its street food-inspired menu is fantastic and yes, I think it’s my new favourite Indian restaurant.
(I am fully aware of the recent article by MK Citizen regarding the hygiene rating. I contacted the owners and they confirmed it was a false report and were given a rating of 4. I am very hot on hygiene ratings and know how important they are and absolutely respect them, but I certainly don’t agree with local press producing articles like this that can potentially damage the reputation of local businesses.)
Craft and Skewers
The interior has struck the perfect balance between pub and restaurant. It has the cosy feel of a restaurant but the casual feel of a pub. It’s modern, inviting and feels like a great place to catch up with friends. There’s plenty of space inside and a very cute beer garden out the back, adorned with fairy lights. It’s clear that it is designed to be used as bot a restaurant and then a pub/bar which is great for those nights where you eat and then end up spending the rest of the night there and chatting over cocktails.
It’s located at the end of Newport Pagnell high street, which, if you know it, is right next to the Police Station. You can park on the street or in the free car park opposite.
Food & drink at Craft and Skewers
The menu is not extensive, something which I’ve learned is a good thing as it means every dish is cooked fresh and not derived from the same base. There are loads of starters and small plate options if you fancy going down the sharing route, or if you’re more of a traditionalist when it comes to your curry, there are tandoori and plenty of delicious curries and sides. Pair this with craft beer and you’ve got yourself a winning combination right?
Well, I’d like to get my main critique out of the way first (and it’s something many of you have picked up on!) is that they don’t really serve craft beer. You’ll find big names on tap rather than smaller breweries. It would be amazing to see them have some local beers behind the bar. We have so many great local breweries in the area there isn’t much excuse not to stock them. The beers aren’t bad, but I wouldn’t say they are craft.
They do have a good cocktail menu and it’s happy hour (2 for 1) on all cocktails Sunday – Thursday.
Okay so now onto the highlights and my foodie recommendations!
I have friends that adore food as much as I do and they are not precious about sharing and trying as much as possible! These dishes are mostly from the cocktail plates section of the menu which is a really great way to experience a plethora of texture and flavour. The dishes are around £4.50 each and there is plenty to go around if they are shared between a few of you.
The vegetable samosa chaat (£4.50) is a must-try. Crisp pastry encases a tasty veg filling. I’m always disappointed by the filo pastry samosas in other Indian restaurants, so these are a refreshing treat and are topped with delicious chutneys and toppings.
A new-to-me dish was the Bhelpuri (£4.50), which is a popular Mumbai street food. It is a spicy and sour tasting chaat snack made with puffed rice, chaat chutneys, veggies and sev. It’s got a slight sweetness and plenty of texture. I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Now, I’d heard that the Onion Bhajis (£4.50) were somewhat legendary. They are indeed the size of a fist! Perhaps slightly oily, but light, crisp and definitely one to try.
Another dish I hadn’t tried before was the Radga Pattice (£4.50). According to the menu, this is true Bombay city street food. Crispy potato patties are served on masala chickpeas with plain yoghurt and chutneys. Plenty of texture, fresh flavours and light spice. Can you tell that I am loving these street food vibes?
Next up, we’ve got the Chilli Paneer which needs little introduction. Paneer is a soft Indian cottage cheese that you can often find in curries and side dishes. It is DELICIOUS. The paneer at Craft and Skewers is marinated, fried and tossed with onion peppers spring onions in a tangy sauce. A crowd pleaser for sure but worth ordering.
I’ve visited Craft and Skewers Twice and I have ordered the Prawn Karahi (£12.99) both times following a recommendation from a fellow foodie. This delicious prawn curry is cooked with diced bell pepper and onions in a masala based gravy. You will not be disappointed with this – there are no minute prawns swimming in a sea of sauce. Succulent prawns in a flavoursome sauce with delicate heat. A huge win and a dish I will definitely order again! Great to share between a few of you if you’ve overindulged on sides…
Other highlights from my meals at Craft and Skewers included the Okra fries which were so moreish! The Saag Paneer was also delicious, definitely more on the spicy side though, so bear that in mind.
If you’ve not been to Craft and Skewers, I definitely recommend it for a meal with friends. The hybrid vibe is great and although the ‘craft beer’ term should be used loosely, I truly think the food outshines this. The service we received was great too with very attentive staff who were more than happy to give their thoughts on the menu and what we should order. If you’re looking for something a bit different to your usual curry house, this is the place. And I hope it becomes your new favourite Indian restaurant too!
Find Craft and Skewers at 122 High St, Newport Pagnell MK16 8EH. It’s open Monday – Thursday and Sundays, 12 – 10pm, Friday – Saturday 12 – 11pm. To view menus and book, visit www.craftandskewers.co.uk.
Have you visited Craft and Skewers? What did you think?
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- An exquisite afternoon tea at Woburn Coffee House
- The ultimate guide to street food in Milton Keynes
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This place has a hygiene rating of 2/5 and has made so many people I know really sick (including me and my friend).
It’s been updated to 4. The inspection was carried out just as it was being taken over and has since been revised. I don’t know anyone who’s had problems and the groups I’ve eaten with have all been totally fine. so I’m really sorry to hear that!