Finally, restaurants, pubs and cafés in Milton Keynes can open for outdoor dining. So I’ve got a new MK food guide for you! In this guide you will find a list of independent restaurants, pubs and cafés that are open for outdoor dining in Milton Keynes. I’ve not tried everywhere on this list, but where I have I’ve linked associated food guides and reviews. I want to remind you that restrictions are still in place, and if you don’t follow them, you are putting the restaurant’s reputation at risk, as well as other people’s safety. The guidelines are there for a reason, so make sure you wear masks, dine in groups of no more than six, check in using NHS Track & Trace and keep your distance.
I’ve not visited every destination on this list, but as I visit outdoor venues I’ll update it with my experiences and photos. Some images and reviews are from previous visits when we could dine in normal times.
If your business features in this guide and you would like to update the information, or you would like to add your restaurant to the list, please email me – blog@sophieetc.com.
Latest update: Sunday 25th April 2021
Outdoor dining in Milton Keynes
Restaurants with outdoor seating
Braai Shack, Wolverton
If you love South African food, you will like Braai Shack! It’s open for outdoor dining with what looks like a gorgeous little space. You’ll find grilled meats and bunny chow on the menu. For menus and reservations – www.braaishackrestaurant.com.
The Codebreaker’s Café, Bletchley
The Codebreakers Café is located on Queensway in Bletchley and is open with outdoor seating. Their breakfasts and burgers are amazing, and the coffee comes highly recommended. Open from 8am Monday – Friday, 9am Saturday and 10am Sunday. Menus are available on their website: www.thecodebreakerscafe.co.uk.
Craft & Skewers, Newport Pagnell
This a brand new Indian ‘restro pub’ in Newport Pagnell, which I assume means it’s a bit of a hybrid of the two. There’s one in Evesham already but it is independently owned and it’s now open for dinner and drinks. The food is Indian street food vibes, but you’ll find your usual curries on the menu by the looks of it. There’s a pub garden that looks very cute (heating and shelter TBC)
Fratelli’s Bar & Restaurant, Fenny Stratford
New kids on the block, Fratelli’s has some seating outside their restaurant in Fenny Stratford. I’m expecting them to shake up their menu a little bit as they start to make the transition towards dining in – in fact there’s already a new addition on the menu called the ‘Kabini’. These boys have made serious waves in the food scene and I am sure they will be popular! Booking recommended. Menus are available on their website: www.fratellismk.co.uk.
French Affaire & Greek Affaire, Stony Stratford
French Affaire and Greek Affaire has an incredible outdoor offering in Odell’s Yard! Heaters and covered areas are available and they will be serving food from both restaurants. Enjoy breakfast and brunch from French Affaire, then lunch and chilled Mediterranean food from Greek Affaire.
Menus and booking for French Affaire: www.french-affaire.co.uk
Menus and booking for Greek Affaire: www.greek-affaire.co.uk
Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
A great place for coffee and delicious food, whilst perusing the garden centre! Frosts is open for al fresco dining for breakfast and lunch. Their offering has a new street food twist. There is outdoor coverings so no need to worry if it’s raining. You don’t need to book either. Frosts is open 9am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday, Breakfast is available 8.30am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday. For up to date information check out their website: www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk.
Greedy Pizza
The Greedy Pizza in Bletchley is open with some covered outdoor seating for up to 80 people. There will be no need to book and their delicious pizzas will be available along with other tasty Italian dishes. Menus and up to date information can be found on their website: www.greedy-pizza.co.uk.
Mowglis, Beachampton
Indian restaurant, Mowgli’s in Beachampton has a heated garden marquee and an uncovered seating area. Mowglis is open Tuesday – Sunday with various times for food and drinks. Booking is highly recommended! Menus and booking are available on their website: mowglisindian.co.uk.
Nonna’s, Woburn Sands
Nonna’s has once again transformed their car park into an outdoor dining area that is bigger and better than ever! They’re open daily from 9:30am til late. Breakfast is served 9:30am – 11:30am and from 12pm sourdough pizzas from the wood-fired pizza oven are available, along with daily specials. There is covered areas, heaters and blankets. Pre-booking is recommended! Dogs are welcome. See the menu and book a table: nonnaswoburnsands.co.uk.
Olé Tapas Bar, Wolverton
One of my favourite restaurants in Milton Keynes, Olé Tapas has outdoor seating available under shelter. Seating is available for four groups of four and the tables will be allocated for two hours. They are serving a smaller version of their tapas menu along with paellas which are so delicious! Open Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 12pm – 4pm. Dogs are welcome. Pre-booking is essential – oletapasbar.co.uk
Paris House, Woburn
Escape to the iconic Woburn Estate and enjoy delicious fine dining food at Paris House! The Terrace is open Thursday – Sunday with sittings at 12pm – 2:15pm and 2:30 – 5pm. Bring a blanket and wrap up, the location is quite open but I can guarantee the food will be divine. Call 01525 290692 to book. The menu is available on their website: www.parishouse.co.uk,
Pubs & Bars with outdoor seating
Betsey Wynne, Swanbourne
The beer garden is open and there is covered seating. The Betsey Wynne is serving a full food menu. Pre-booking is recommended and dogs are welcome! www.thebetseywynne.co.uk.
The Cross Keys, Woolstone
This could possibly be the best location for outdoor dining in Milton Keynes! The Cross Keys is an excellent pub with great service and brilliant food. There are nearly 50 tables available for outside dining. Booking is not required for the garden. The Cross Keys has an outside bar (as well as indoor) which is serving draught lagers, ciders, spirits and wines. The full food menu is available outside. If it’s raining, don’t worry – there is a 25-metre tent covering the garden just in case. The service and food were great when we visited. Dogs are welcome too! Menus are available on their website: www.crosskeysmiltonkeynes.co.uk.
The Chester Arms, Chicheley
The Chester Arms in Chicheley has launched a ‘Garden Menu’ which features some delicious dishes! The Chester Arms is a great choice for many looking for good plant-based options (as featured in my guide to vegan eats) There is a marquee just in case it rains! Booking is recommended. Book now: www.the-chester-arms.co.uk.
MK Biergarten, Wolverton
Now under new ownership, MK Biergarten is open from Thursday 15th April but seating is limited. You’ll be able to book tables of four for two hour slots throughout the day. MK Biergarten is open Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 3-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm and Sunday 12-6pm. Even if you can’t sit outside, go grab yourself great beers! Booking will be open on the website soon: www.mkbiergarten.co.uk.
The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove
The Navigation Inn has outdoor pods for a more private dining experience. Personally I prefer the Betsey Wynne for food but it’s a good option for the other side of MK and if you’re looking for a chilled scenic spot for drinks. You can book the pods via their website: www.thenavigationcosgrove.co.uk.
New Lowndes Arms, Whaddon
The New Lowndes Arms in Whaddon is open from Saturday 17th April. Their garden is open with music from The Road Runners and Motown Club. There will be more seating, an XL bar and it’s first come first serve (no bookings) Child and dog-friendly and open Friday – Sunday 1pm – 9pm.
MK11, Kiln Farm
MK11 is open! It’s walk-in only at the moment and groups no larger than six are allowed. They will be serving up food (wings, smash burgers etc) and their epic range of drinks. Dogs and children welcome and sports will be shown on an outside TV. There is no covered seating at the moment, so very much weather dependent, but they are looking to source a marquee.
Swan Revived & Frog & Nightgown Pub, Newport Pagnell
The Swan Revived Hotel in Newport Pagnell and the Frog & Nightgown pub (located at the back of the hotel) is open for outdoor eating and drinking. There is a reduced menu, but they’re still serving breakfast from 10am as well as daily specials. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The seating is covered but there are only a few heaters so wrap up warm!
The Red Lion, Fenny Stratford
A canalside pub in Fenny Stratford serving food and a selection of great wines, speciality gins, beers and ales, They have a lunch and evening menu, and put on a Sunday roast.
The Robin Hood, Clifton Reynes
The Robin Hood at Clifton Reynes should be high on your bucket list this April! The impressive two-acre garden is able to accommodate up to 200 people but as covered seating is limited, keep an eye on their social media channels for updates. Tasty tapas will be available from ‘The Bubble’ throughout the day. No reservation is required, but you are able to reserve online at the-robin-hood.co.uk or the-bubble.co.uk. Children and dogs welcome!
Cafés with outdoor seating
Bar Bar Black Sheep, Wolverton
CIC café in Wolverton is releasing dates of outdoor entertainment and buskers very soon which will make this a great destination for coffee and lunch. Bar Bar is also dog friendly and will have water bowls for your pooch available. Open 9am – 5pm serving food and drink.
Bogota Coffee Company, The Hub
My favourite destination for coffee, Bogota, has limited outdoor seating to enjoy their coffee and range of food. They’re open 9am – 3pm daily and keep your eyes peeled for when Tracy from T.Sweetmap will be back with her delicious cakes!
The Bean, Stony Stratford
The Bean in Stony Stratford has covered outdoor seating with heaters. They have a great lunch and breakfast menu on offer – the club sandwich is particularly good! Coffees and cakes also available and dogs are very welcome (there is a water bowl!) Open Monday – Saturday, 8am – 2pm. No booking needed!
Eat Your Heart Out, Willen
Eat Your Heart Out is open for takeaway and has outdoor seating so you can enjoy some freshly made baguettes and coffee! Open Monday-Friday 8am-2pm.
Greek Grill, Wolverton Mill
Greek Grill is a new café in Wolverton Mill that has delicious Greek food on offer! There is a small amount of seating out the front and back of the café so you can enjoy a coffee or one of their incredible souvlaki wraps! It’s a great option for a post-walk lunch if you’re heading to Ouse Valley Park too. View the menu and the latest opening hours on their website: greekgrillcafe.weebly.com
Kuku Coffee House, Broughton & Monkston Park
Kuku Coffee House is Broughton has a large space for outdoor seating with umbrellas in case it rains. The coffee and cakes from here are great, and they also serve breakfasts and lunches. Monkston Park also has outdoor seating, but it’s limited to a few seats.
Out of Office Coffee
Out of Office Coffee in Olney, Stony Stratford Newport Pagnell and Witan Studios is open from 8am daily. There is outdoor seating available at all cafés. Witan Studios is the newest addition to the cohort of OOO, and they are serving delicious breakfast dishes. I like the Witan Studios option because there’s plenty of cover outside, so if you wanted a change of scenery whatever the weather, that’s the place to be.
Peel Juice Bar, CMK
Peel is a great healthy option in Milton Keynes! They have a delicious range of salads and wraps available, as well as tasty juices and smoothies. There are outdoor seats available with cover. Open 8am – 5pm daily.
Upper Regency Café, CMK
Upper Regency is a great destination for breakfast and coffee! They have ample outdoor seating available and it’s right opposite Fred Roche gardens which is a lovely location when the sun is out. Brunch here is great and there is a lovely range of juices and smoothies available. Open 8am – 4pm.
Other places to eat outside in Milton Keynes
Queen’s Court Street Food Market, CMK
Great news! Queen’s Court Street Food Market in the centre:mk has returned! Featuring vendors serving food from all over the world, this is an excellent place to grab lunch. You can find a full list of vendors in my guide to Queen’s Court street food market. I’d recommend Taco Shack and Eat is Greek for a tasty meal, and make sur you check out Bubble N’ Roll too. Seating will be available but there is no cover at the moment.
Smith & Clay Butchers, Buckingham
Smith & Clay Butchers in Buckingham has opened up a little outdoor deli! It looks absolutely lush. They’ll be open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm, serving bacon rolls, coffee, lunches and wine!
Eat Street MK, York House Centre
Eat Street makes a return with its spring market on Saturday 22nd April! From 12pm – 5pm, you’ll find vendors including Bandit and Manpuku. Pre-ordering is recommended and outdoor seating will be available.
‘Sticky Fingers’ at Middleton Pavillion
This is a new venture from Sunday Lunch Club and will be at Middleton Pavilion as a long term residency. The menu features brisket burgers, BBQ pork, sticky wings, nachos and more. The burgers are great, wings are awesome and there’s plenty of good seating outside (though not much when it rains!) Open 12pm – 8pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays with subject to change as the evenings get lighter.
Where are you most looking forward to eating at this April?
Other posts you might like
- The ultimate guide to lockdown takeaways in Milton Keynes
- The lowdown on the latest lockdown launches in Milton Keynes
- Best independent coffee shops in Milton Keynes
Thanks for letting us know where is open to eat in MK
My pleasure! Stay tuned for updates 🙂
Cannot wait to get started and browse.
Yay! Let me know where you go.