Turing Key — Restaurant in Milton Keynes

So I’m vegan as a dietary preference because I’m also mildly lactose intolerant so it’s easier to eat vegan. I won’t react badly to cross contamination of lactose, only if I were to consume something which is mainly made up from lactose (e.g a glass of milk.) I went into this pub with my partner for lunch. I asked whether the hot chocolate had milk in it, where I was met with looks of judgement as if it’s not common for people to ask in a pub what their food/drink has in them 😂 I order 3 courses, which are all said to be vegan. The older woman who served me clearly doesn’t seem to be fond of vegans, as her presence towards me was a bit weird. Not very catering as pub staff is it? Anyway, the crispy cauliflower came out burnt which I just ate since it was alright. My main was fine, however my desert which i clearly stated ‘apple crumble but made vegan’ (which was on the menu) came out with custard. I thought wow vegan custard i’m so lucky! However it tasted a bit off. I asked at the bar if the custard was made from cows milk, as I’m mildly lactose intolerant. I saw in the kitchen people shaking their heads after my question was asked in there. The same weird vegan disliking lady came out to have a go that I didn’t state i was lactose intolerant as an allergy. Not to apologise that the vegan food that I have trust is vegan isn’t even vegan lmao. I said to her i’m mildly lactose intolerant, i don’t state this as cross contamination doesn’t affect me, only if i eat things high in lactose such as custard. I explain I am vegan and order vegan food at pubs, with the trust that it is actually vegan. She didnt seem to understand the fact that i was served custard with ‘vegan apple pie’ and was rather putting the blame on me as if its my fault they can’t even stick to serving people the correct food. Not to mention they kept going to tables with the wrong food. I was not once met with an apology, just her trying to shift the blame onto me that i was served cows milk custard with my supposedly vegan apple pie how is that my fault? If you’re vegan avoid this place. They clearly don’t like us there and can’t even give you the correct foods....

We had a last minute change in family arrangements so took the chance & invited our adult son to join us for dinner at The Turing Key. We had booked a table for 2. On arrival the Pub wasn't packed out but the Staff were very busy. Had a bit of a wait for someone to come over and check us and others in to the Pub. When I asked could they possibly squeeze our Son in the lady did say No but then had a look on the system and then took us over to a table big enough. There was a couple with their grown up son behind us who hadn't booked a table - I wish I had looked to see if they were given a table. So initially our experience was a bit cloudy, but I understand how a restaurant works with people booked in etc. The whole time we were there the area we were in wasn't full, maybe 75% so. Going onto service, food and speed of delivery - top marks! My son and I had burger and fries. The burgers were delicious, top quality meat. My husband initially chose Sirloin but the server suggested Ribeye as being a tastier cut. Husband went with her choice and really enjoyed it, cooked perfectly to his medium rare request. I liked the Turing Key's decor and felt comfortable. I wasn't sure my husband would return because of the initial wait to be checked in and slightly off attitude of the lady checking us in. However she was also our server and was quite a pleasant person and warmed up a bit more as the time went on. We will go back, food, ambiance, price...

This review is well overdue because every time I've been here, food and service has been absolutely amazing.

The environment is always friendly, welcoming and homely, and now that I'm finally writing this I'm going to shout out some of the staff who have always hooked us up!

On a previous visit our very witty and on top of things waiter (6 ft-ish, brown hair) learned that we were new to NL and gave us a list of local restaurants/ attractions that were must visits - it is still on our fridge and getting ticked off. This man, is a legend.

I've gone in for drinks and the lady behind the bar (petit, fun, short hair) was so friendly I felt like I was hanging out with a friend.

I've visited and served (for the first time) by a member of the team (6ft6ish, brown hair, strong beard game) who was attentive and funny and then when I visited again about 10 days later, remembered I'd needed a GF menu! It's this personable welcome that just makes you feel at home.

Tonight, Claire (I finally took a name!!!!) was incredibly busy, but didn't miss a beat. Was on top of everything, and every time we saw her, was happy, and warm and attentive. Also need to shout out the kitchen because Claire was batting those orders through and the kitchen kept rolling them out and as ever, it was delish.

So, this is my ted talk; I love Turing...