Lakeside Pub & Grill in Milton Keynes

The location of this lakeside pub is lovely, and it’s a nice spot to relax. However, the experience could have been better. The place felt a bit unclean, and the staff didn’t seem very professional – almost like they weren’t fully focused. Our order also came out wrong, which was frustrating. That said, it wasn’t a terrible visit – just not quite up to the standard we expected. With some improvements, this place could be great.

Mainly writing this review as our server Kirsty was excellent during a busy lunchtime service with a lot of families and some gnarly kids running around. She was absolutely on it, calm and professional, and just really good at her job. Food was BIG portions on the fish and chips, our 4 year old was stuffed as were the desserts.

Review of Willen Lake Greene King - June 2025 My recent visit to Willen Lake Greene King was deeply disappointing and frustrating. Upon arrival, we were informed that bookings were required, despite no prior indication of this policy. I explained that we had traveled a long distance and that my son has disabilities, hoping for some flexibility. The staff member I spoke with was unhelpful, stating she was unsure if we could be seated even if we made a booking on the spot. After waiting 20 minutes outside, we secured a reservation, but the ordeal continued. When we returned, the manager’s attitude was shockingly rude. She reluctantly allowed us to dine, emphasizing that it was an exception because the booking was made same-day. This lack of accommodation and poor customer service set a negative tone for the experience. The food quality was appalling—everything was burnt and utterly unacceptable. I am reporting this to the local food authority, as no establishment should serve food of such low standard. Having visited this location previously and enjoyed decent meals, I am appalled by how far the quality has declined. The food served was unfit even for a pet, and I am genuinely concerned that someone could fall ill. I refrained from raising these issues on-site due to the difficulties we already faced just gaining entry. Overall, the combination of unaccommodating staff, rude management, and inedible food made this a dreadful experience. I strongly urge others to avoid this establishment until significant improvements are made.

I’ve visited Lakeside many times before and had lots of positive experiences! This time however left me never wanting to visit this establishment again, or any other place holding the Greene King name if this is how they instruct their staff to treat people. Customer service used to be the corner stone of any Greene restaurant, but I’m sad to say that seems to have been lost along the way. I arrived with a large party on a beautiful Thursday afternoon. The restaurant had lots of empty tables inside and out so thought I would ask if they could accommodate us. We were met at the door by a member of staff who seemed to not want to be at work that day and genuinely put out that I was asking for a table. We asked to sit to outside as it was nearly empty and a lovely summers day, was told he would have to check if he could serve us! I was confused as the restaurant was not busy, but thought as we were a large party maybe they couldn’t sit us together. He disappeared into the back for a few moments and returned and said, “No we can’t do that.” I asked what he meant, and he said that he couldn’t serve us. Me thinking it was the party size asked if we could sit separate and treat us as individual covers and take some booths within the restaurant and our party would split up so we could carry on enjoying our day with a nice meal. We were told “No sorry, try Brewers Frayre down the road.” Shocked, I stated that we were now small groups just looking to be seated separately, I was cut off by the member of staff saying “ I’m just telling you what I was told.” I was very embarrassed as there was customers other customers behind us and had now point blank been refused entry to a restaurant I had previously enjoyed. I wonder if Nick Mackenzie knows of the lack of customer service rooting itself within the Lake Side restaurant in Milton Keynes. Along with members of staff sending customers to its competitors. For the record, Brewers Frayre was amazing and highly recommend.

Jake was such a lovely host! Food was also delicious, hot, and ready so soon. Truly a lovely evening with my girls and the views were to die for. Will be going again

Had some amazing service from Jayk. Food was great. Had some lovely time.

I went with my family after a lovely day out and it was absolutely ruined by the ride staff we asked for a table for 18 and requested to be seated outside we stated we understood we was a large group and said we would be happy to sit separately the gentleman gave us a rude look and said he would check after poking his head into the kitchen he said they couldn’t serve us due to the amount for a table we once again said we would be happy to sit in small groups but was before we could find a resolution we was told to try brew point and was shown the way out what an outrageous establishment to be spoken to like that infront of a group of family friends and little children I’m saying this in the hopes a manager who cares about a reputation will see this as it has ruined our day

WOULDN'T EVEN GIVE 1 STAR BUT HAD TO SO I COULD POST! Came with my family and granted we was a large group of 18 but happy to split into smaller groups to make it easier on the staff however we point blank got told no, will not serve and to go elsewhere. Absolutely outrageous customer service, if you’re on a family day out and have a larger family it feels discriminatory because we were refused service. THERE LOSS OF BUSINESS AND RETURNING CUSTOMERS!!!

Had a larger than average party on a family outing including young children Walked in and asked for tables for 18 people (8 adults, 10 children), did not request to be sat together and EXPLICITLY said that we were happy to be seated separately and not as a full party. Even though the place was at less than half capacity. Was told the chefs were not willing to cook for so many people. When we raised the question of well if they had 4 tables of 4 come in separately one after the other would they be turned away, we were told just to go and try somewhere else and they avoided the question. Would have gave 0 stars but Google minimum is 1. Would not come back even if it was the only option in the area.

Just tried to get a table for 18 but said we'd split into smaller tables and tabs. They refused service and told us to go somewhere else. Didn't even try to accommodate us. We understand the difficulties of seating 18 people but it's basically 4 tables of 5. Which is apparently too much for them. Outside was basically empty and inside there were 5 tables taken. But still chef refused. Wasn't exactly polite about it either. How they can afford to turn down that kind of money astonishing plus the tips. Very annoying

Stunning pub on the lake! Service and food are great! Would recommend.

Lovely food, served quickly and really helpful staff! Couldn't ask for more really

Lunchtime visit and not a lot available on the menu. However, the surrounding areas are really amazing. Mini golf, water park, kids play area and loads more going on. Will go back to Shropshire as its beautiful

Food wasn't great. And the only open toilet was the disabled..one forbthe whole restaurant

Terrible slow device waited an age for afters to be pulled out the fridge beer wasn’t right either

Just popped in for a drink at 9.30 on a Friday for quick drink before heading back to our hotel as we were in the neighbourhood. No draught beer because they were already cleaning the lines. No toilets bar end so had to use the restaurant and then they decided to clean the coffee machine with some implement that drowned out any chance of conversation whatsoever! Do they even want customers? Glad we didn’t book to eat!

Visit regularly, while the prices are high, the staff are usually very attentive, even when busy!

We visited this pub due to its location as a lovely view whilst eating or drinking. We were served by Shai who was extremely helpful and polite. She ensured that all our requirements were met from food and drink which were consumed during this visit and asked if there were any allergies etc. Service was quick with no issues encountered, the food was of a good standard for what I had chosen. Please see photos for reference.The view and ambiance of this pub was lovely and as a bonus also offered a blue light discount which was great. The only point I could drop a point against was the online menu as it differs from the menu choice when you actually go there so the site will require updating for all to see the current choices available. Thank you again.

wanted to leave zero Stars the guy at the counter with glasses its a useless worker and not respectful ... wont never get back ...

Waited more than 2 hours for a starter and a main. Not even worth it. Save your time and don't come

Extremely poor service, the worst experience ever. Made a reservation yet had to wait for 2 hrs for starters and another 40 mins for mains. Absolutely terrible and the manager didn't even apologise or seemed bothered.

Dreadful experience! Had to wait over an hours and a half for the food despite being told it would be 30 minutes. No one kept u updated. Lots of people were complaining. Many menu items not available and we had to hunt around just to find condiments! Felt really sorry for the waiting staff who were taking the brunt of customer complaints. Why wasn't a manager coming out to apologise? When the food finally turned up it was almost cold and very poor quality. From the amount of poor reviews here, this pub clearly isn't reading or taking the reviews on board to improve! Terrible place. Won't be going back.

My husband and I got dinner at Lakeside and it was lovely! I chose the chicken hunter and my husband got the bacon and cheese burger. It took us only 40 minutes and we enjoyed the view of the lake full of swans. Really lovely place, do not forget to book in advanced!

Food was okay for a chain pub. Limited menu with lots of items ran out with its been a bank holiday as an excuse it was bank holiday Sunday when we went. Service was meant to be table service but had to keep getting up to go to the bar. Took 25 mins to bring out two kids ice creams and it was busy!

Brought my mum here for a meal on mothers day after a walk round the lake. Lovely food and great service.

Had a wonderful time after trying to find somewhere nice in the area! Lovely service, amazing food & it just tied the day together perfectly. Definitely recommend it!

when I went, it was to try the food and I thought the menu they just put out was 10/10 and the food was also 10/10, staff was very friendly and helpful, and the inside of the pub looked stunning. all round great time highly recommend !!!

Very nice establishment visited here when seeing family. Food and drinks selection was very good. The staff were very attentive and efficient would definitely visit again.

We had a great meal and the service was amazing. Young lady called Poppy was so very helpful and attentive. I wiuld definitely recommend the Lakesiden for a family meal .

Visited yesterday with my 7 year old son, who was extremely hungry and excited about eating here. We were told that there was no table to eat at and was instructed to leave. This was very distressing for my son. Absolutely shameful. From the reviews I'm reading on here, sounds like we've dodged a bullet as it would appear that the food here is terrible. Anyway, found somewhere better.

Lovely food amazing staff and awesome views..

Horrible food! First and last time eating here. Kids sausage and gravy didn't come with the gravy. We had to ask for it even thought it's on the menu. Hunters chicken had no bbq sauce on it at all. Peas on all meals were rock hard but pale and chips were under cooked. Clearly charge more due to the location but food is awful. Both my wife and child spat the peas out and chips were disgusting.

Food average, service a little slow

Visited yesterday with friends, it’s dog friendly inside , they have a little doggie station with water, bowls and treats too. The Service and food was good. Reasonable prices. Would recommend for dog owners, families etc. lovely location right on the lake front.

Nice enough place ( the only place ) tends to get busy when kids holidays are about. Not the cheapest place but reasonably priced.

Portion of chips on its own is literally smaller than what you could fit in a mug, when you order chips alone you expect a big bowl of them

Was dubious about approaching this place as had heard its previous reputation was not the best. Oh boy, was I wrong! New management seems to be exactly what this place needed. Our family felt welcomed, and the customer service we received was nothing less than perfect. Really nice to see it turning around, will definitely be back over the summer for some good food and a decent pint! Well done for putting this place back on the map.

The pubs surroundings are amazing! A great selection of beer and spirits were available, staff were very engaging and even recommended a beer I havnt tried before. My food was out in good time and was still hot! (Unlike other pubs).. well done lakeside!

Had a lovely afternoon and lunch, service was quick, food was fantastic and the pub had a great atmosphere!

Wonderful time here with my pals, lovely food good service and all round nice time, good selection of drinks also

Really lovely place came here after a holiday with mates food was nice drinks were quick its good pricing also glad we chose to come here could of ended the holiday a lot worse 🤣

We went for a lovely afternoon lunch, the location was stunning and the food was quite good also, would defo recommend!

We just went in for coffee on a very busy weekend. We asked if they had soya milk and the girl (with green hair and amazing eyelashes) couldn't find any by the machine, but went out of her way to check out the back. Despite the fact they didn't have any, her attention to service and attitude was worthy of being mentioned. She was friendly and chatty and a delight to be served by, so we wanted to leave this review to thank her.

I won't be back. I left without eating. 50 minutes to get a burger and fries is unacceptable. Moreover, some people arrived after us and were served well before. The app showed a 22-minute wait. The servers could have at least come and told us there was a delay in the kitchen or something. Plus, for a Green King, it's expensive; you pay for the view.

The greatest place to eat and the view is gorgeous. Big up the chief that cooked my food he was an absolute handsome young gentleman who made sure my food was 100%. The atmosphere was amazing with the staff being extremely friendly I will be going again.

Bell for final orders rang 90 minutes before closing time on a Friday when there were plenty of people still in. After going to the bar to grab the last drink, we were told the bell meant the bar had closed. Seems absolutely daft to not give people a final warning, especially so early on a peak evening. Disappointing.

Definitely does not open at 11am. Happy to watch customers stood outside at 11:10 with no intention to open door and just walk past them without any acknowledgement.

Didn’t have food but the guys behind the bar were great. Great atmosphere.

The staff make this place, great drink and great food! But add the staff to the mix and you'll have the best day/night! 👍🏻

Went in today in hopes of trying some food and drinks, however saw a notice saying they are not accepting any walk ins due to lack of stock. Had travelled an hour to get there only to be disappointed. Would have helped if something was mentioned in their socials. Also find it unreasonable to completely refuse walk ins due to stock issues.

Went in today with my wife and baby for a cup of tea with my wife I felt the staff were lazy I have a baby daughter with complex needs and bad Epilepsy I asked the lad behind the bar could he bring the tea over to the table he refused. And then Question with his manager at the bar but the lad said he didn't know my daughter had complex needs and I should of let him know but thinking about it should he of bought it over when I kindly Asked him just for good customer service would been fair outcome. Also Aswell the same lad used the disabled toilets but told me wife to walk to the other side of the bar yet again we had a child with complex needs. And she could not be Away from the table too long incase our daughter had a seizure and 1 person is alone with them me he could of let my wife use the disabled toilets near by. I think the staff chat to each other like friends in a social club but not customer friendly when customers need help. I think staff Training is what they needs when it comes to customers Especially when hidden and disabilitys you can see Appear. Good customer service anyway was needed by this lad he had non and appeared to have time to chat to colleagues not to help support customers with their struggles

Tuesday lunch, 3 tables, 1 of them with food the rest just for drinks. On arrival, we kindly wiped our own table as a damp cloth was left on it. Ordered 2 sandwiches and They couldn’t manage to make a grilled cheese sandwich, not a Wellington, a grilled cheese!!!!!! First time it came out of the kitchen, ingredients were missing and the bread was wrong. Sent back. 15 min later once the staff had finished chatting, someone had the decency to come and tell us they had run out of bread. 4 members of the staff on their phones and talking to each other, with dirty tables everywhere and no toilet rolls in any of the toilets. I would understand if you had 300 covers in there, but with more staff than customers that is not acceptable…..

I've taken my mum their a few times now. Each time we've had main and desert and each time the food has satisfied our appetite nicely. Staff have always been friendly and stopped to hear our response when they asked how our meals were. Only mention as other places ask but are gone before you get a chance to respond. From our experience we would highly recommend! Thanks

Came in with my family for a meal for Mother’s Day. Service was great, the food even more so. We will be back soon

Got taken to lakeside for a double Mother’s Day Food. Table booked. Starters were ok apart from the squid which was tough and stringy Then took hour before our main came out Hunters chicken chicken was tough so much BBQ sauce the VEGETARIAN meal was brought out on a child’s plate for an adult with food missing from the plate Then after all that they ran out of puddings. Won’t be eating there again

Came for lunch on mothers day with the family. Service was brilliant. Food was all delicious. Very inclusive for gluten allergy. Nothing bad to say about our experience here.

Aaliyah and the rest of the staff were wonderful! We arrived earlier than our booking but they accommodated us immediately, and we had our drinks & food within 15 minutes! The view is amazing too. Great job everyone 👍👍👍

Came here today with my biker group. this morning. The new manager came over to us to greet us to a warm welcome and we had a wonderful chat about the plans for the future of this pub and the place is looking much cleaner and fresher. Staff as always were lovely. Looking forward to changing food in the future!

Lovely place to have a coffee or something alcoholic with beautiful views of Willen Lake.

5pm on a Sunday and the classic chain pub experience. Almost everything on the menu "out of stock". It's not rocket science to manage a bit of stock and ping it in the microwave but so many of these sticky establishments can't seem to manage.

We got there for some food, hungry and tired after a long walk around the lake. We were informed there was a half an hour wait for food, fine. We try to pick something off the menu - no, they’ve ran out of that. Ok fine, we’ll choose something different - no, they ran out of that too. “Excuse me, what DO you have?” Turns out it was only half of the items on the menu (nothing we found very enticing but we ordered something anyway because we were hungry and had small children waiting to be fed). When the food came (sure enough, after a long wait) it was cold, dry and unseasoned. I felt a pang in my heart watching my 1 year old try to munch on a shrivelled, cold and frankly very sad looking sausage. My partner barely touched the food on his plate. Even better, after getting home my friend developed clear signs of food poisoning after consuming a sad looking burger. Never again.

Need to stock more alcohol-free beer so that when the beer on tap is not working (as happened today) there is a fallback option. No oat milk for coffee at the bar -- can't remember last time this happened to me. So today's visit didn't really work out that well!

Great pub on the lake with beautiful views. The food is amazing, with lots of vegan options. Lucy was very warm and welcoming. We will back to visit again!

Walked in before noon - the place was empty but for staff, regardless we were told no tables until 3PM due to bookings. I understand that there may well have been bookings about to arrive, but fitting in a table who just wanted quick food and then get back out in the sun shouldn't be off the table. We were not even asked what our requirements were. Staff were just rude and simply seemed unwilling to accommodate anything, looked like they were enjoying doing nothing before a rush was expected.

We attended here today as a family of 6, we had booked our table in advance as we were travelling from the Oxford area. Upon arrival we got told we would have to wait 45 minutes for food to come out as they had a ‘rush full of people’ come in, which was slightly annoying as why allow so many walk ins knowing people have tables pre-booked? But it is what it is.. When going to order food every option we chose they didn’t have any in stock. No sausages, no gammon, no steaks & no fish! A lot of the meals on the menu we weren’t able to have. Which left hardly any choice or options. We ended up leaving & going else where. Safe to say we will not be returning. Staff weren’t apologetic or very approachable. Don’t waste your time going here.

Lovely day spoilt with cold food at the pub.

We checked their website, says they do brunch all day. We get in the car,.drive the half hour there. Pay for parking, go to the restaurant, wait staff says they've changed the times and no longer serve food until 12pm. Not wanting to wait an hour and half for food, we left. Wasting our time and the money on the parking.

The atmosphere is lovely, but when we came we couldn't buy any food even for kids without booking. No information anywhere that must be booking. So disappointed, especially because of kids.

Had a lovely lunch here today. Our server Lucy was fantastic! Very friendly and cracking a couple jokes. Food was quick, hot and delicious. When we asked for some extra peas Lucy was more than happy to help with an extra portion, no questions asked. Great view for a quick bite or a big family meal. Definitely one of our new favourite spots.

Disappointed, no sings on doors, that they sell food only for booking, not even little porch of chips for kids. Beer was good 🍻

Just wanted to say thank you to your waitresses Kirsty and shay they were such lovely ladies and really polite and nothing was any bother, there was 8 of us and food was great for the price, and kids eat free x

This is a fantastic pub, unless you'd like a drink. Actually that's unfair. You just can't have a hot drink, because the hot drinks machine doesn't work. You can't have a pint, because the taps are off. That also goes for draft soft drinks, because they're off too. You can have something in a bottle, as long as it has sugar in, because they don't have anything diet or sugar free in bottles. At least that was our experience on our last visit. What we could have was two kids apple juices for £7. As we handed over our money we agreed that we won't ever be back.

Food just wasn't it... My fries were good but the steak wasn't rare like ordered, more med-rare/medium but had a bit of a sour aftertaste. The dessert was poor though. Took the apple crumble, it's like 4mm deep and just burnt. Staff were great, very helpful. Just the food was poor unfortunately

No draught beer no draught soft drinks. And overpriced

Nice lake view delicious burguer and nice staff

We went there for lunch sat 1st Feb 2025 with the wife and inlaws and we were very disappointed. I hope they were just a bit short staffed and it was a one off as the pub is in a lovely location right by willen lake. We waited 50 minutes for 3 portions of cheesey bacon chips which didn't have much cheese on and weren't very hot. We also ordered onion rings and nachos which were nice. The service staff were all nice and friendly. I hope next time we return we will have a better experience.

What to say, a lovely location but the food was dreadful. Just by chance, walking past and the kids were hungry. looked nice enough, so popped in for a bite. Wish we hadn't. Staff were lovely, and drinks went down ok. But the food just looked and tasted wrong. Just about managed the chips to keep us going till we found somewhere else to eat. Maybe just an off day but not for us. Shame.

Food is consistently disappointing. At lunch today my friends and I ordered ciabattas. They were stale and mouldy. We complained and received an apology and weren’t charged, but I will not be eating there again.

Good food nice staff, thanks, (Chris) just one thing though small menu. But good place to eat.

OK pub, lovely staff, decent pint, no toilets... well, one disabled one to share. 😒 would get a higher rating if loos were available.

Didn't have fish and chips and 1other meal cannot remember what it was

Booked a table to treat my father for an Xmas visit, on arriving waited ten minutes for someone to sit us down, they put us on a table that was not big enough for four people even though they were less than 50% capacity. After twenty five minutes of no one coming to take a drink or food order we had to ask someone to come over. We asked for a better table, they told us we could move to another table but no assistance and we had to move chairs to accommodate our party size, again another ten minute wait to put in an order. When ordering we are then told there are no burgers once we tried to order them, never mentioned when we arrived. Food was ok for pub grub but once we finished it was twenty minutes before anyone came to clear a plate and offer a dessert. Staff need leadership and training or you will never retain customers and build a successful business

Amazing staff 100% recommended service is really good and great choice of beers

Nice food. Lovely staff. Great setting. Great seeing people outside watching the ducks and swans

Excellent all round. Food good and very reasonably priced. Place clean and well furnished. Waitress Lucy was excellent very friendly, polite and efficient.

What a venue, loved everything about it, we will be back!

Came here for dinner for my son’s birthday and had a lovely time. We were a large table and the staff were fantastic, our drinks and food arrived in great timing and our meals were delicious. I would definitely recommend this place, it’s a lovely location and I must say the Christmas decorations looked fab!

Had a great afternoon with the family this weekend. Staff were great, food was tasty what more could you ask for

Unfortunately there was a technical problem within the kitchen today so we was unable to try the food but the service was great for the drinks. Staff really friendly and welcoming.

Visited with work colleagues......Honestly the worst meal I have ever endured. Wrong orders, no wine glasses (apparently only had six in restaurant 🤦‍♂️), overcooked food (not a cleared plate between us), cold plates, bland and tasteless, both food and restaurant. Absolutely shocking.

Called here for a take out coffee. Both Jake and Rachel gave excellent service,polite and friendly. The restaurant looked clean and tidy. We didn't have food as we were going for a walk around the lake

So disappointed that this place, since change of ownership, no longer offers cooked breakfast. Visited with family and friends after my 200th Parkrun on 19th October and found a disappointing variety of snacks. However, coffee was good and service acceptable.

My friend and I had lunch here today. We sat inside by the window with lovely views of the lake. We were served by Lucy who was great, she was helpful and friendly, within minutes she had taken our drinks order and given us a menu to read. We ordered our food and when Lucy came out with it she asked us if we needed anything else. She also checked in with us later to make sure everything was to our liking. Well done to Lucy, with service like you gave today We will be back.

Lucy made us feel right at home. Great service and a lovely pit stop.

We booked for a Sunday afternoon. Staff member Joshua was very welcoming, accommodating and friendly. Also the tablet they use for those with allergies was amazing and really helpful for those who need it! Best allergy info I’ve yet experienced. Unfortunately the food itself wasn't as good. The Sunday dinner was luke warm, the gravy cool and way too thick. The burgers came with chips that were very nice but hardly any of them. The steak portions were better. It is a lovely setting and by the lake and staff Joshua really excellent! But sadly the meal wasn’t good which was disappointing for a Greene King which we usually enjoy.

Ordered two adult meals and a child tomato pasta and corn on cob, adult meals where nothing special but the child meal was very poor the pasta was cold and dry like it had been left under the heated lights too long the cob looked like the chef had already sucked it clean. On complaining to our waiter he said he would replace it. But after 30 mins nothing showed and couldn’t see anyone to complain to and with our parking running out we left. Very poor quality and service. Will not be going back

Nice lunch with a great view. Joshua who was our waiter was absolutely great!

Steaks are lovely and staff are very efficient

Thanks Josh, really great service! :-)

Served by Josh who was just amazing. Super helpful when our table needed to be cleaned, very attentive regarding our daughter’s allergies and generally a great manner and super professional. An absolute credit to the team there.