Tawny Owl — Restaurant in Milton Keynes

I really like this pub. It feels like it’s been recently uplifted since everywhere is clean and smart. There’s a good mix of normal tables and booths, plus options for large groups. The booths come complete with a small TV screen, showing football on the weekends which is great for a group of friends. There’s other big screens around the place too for others. The staff are really friendly and when it’s quieter even the bar staff ensure they welcome and shout goodbye across the room! Don’t let any groups of people drinking at the bar give you the impression that its a ‘locals’ place - it’s really welcoming!

As part of the Hungry Horse chain there’s a big varied menu with something for everyone. Food is ordered at the bar rather than there being table service, but orders are taken quickly and the team are quick at serving drinks. Cutlery and a good number of sauces are always brought practically instantly to the table. Even during busier times food is always served in good time, making it a good place whether you’re in a hurry or wanting to have more of an occasion. Portion sizes are great for the prices and everything has always been cooked well.

There’s plenty of parking outside as well as some seating, plus both inside and out it’s child friendly, with an area inside kitted out as a play area, so it’s an ideal place for families. Overall a well run pub for both drinks and food; I’ll continue to...

We arrived and needed a quick bite to eat as we were en route to somewhere and needed something speedy. Placed the order then waited. And waited. And waited. After 30 minutes of sitting around (hungry) I chased the food only to be told that food was taking around 30mins and that it would be out in about 5. Not great but we accepted it as we didn't have much longer to wait. 30 minutes later out it came. All of it, the starters and mains, all at the same time. Not happy as the starters had clearly been sitting around waiting for the mains and were now practically inedible. There were families with children in there so it was a joy to hear a large group of lads speaking at the top of their voices with every sentence containing a C or F bomb. Eventually a member of staff came over so I expected them to try and get them to lower the language however they just started a colourful friendly conversation whilst collecting the glasses. In short the service was painful and if you don't mind your children listening to non stop swearing for an hour and a half then this is the place for you! Burger was ok though although we were late to were...

Not too happy with this place. Long wait for food. I incorrectly ordered a dish as I didn't differentiate between a regular and Big Plate when asked (I don't care what size the plate is the food is served on, as long as it contains my order). When challenging the staff when my undersized dish arrived, she was quick to point out my genuine mistake and offered to prove it by getting the receipt! Then offered to take the order back and made it clear they would have to charge extra. Tactful. Thanks for making me look stupid in front of my family, I can do that perfectly well by myself, thank you. The food was actually ok. Members of my party compared the well done medium rare stakes to old boots and the medium rare well done ones as chewy. You get what you pay for I suppose. I would say this place has gone downhill, but it really is more hit or miss.

And....the vanilla flavoured ice cream...