Marlborough Gate Bistro at Milton Keynes Theatre in Milton Keynes

This little restaurant is a hidden gem!! We ate here last night (27th Feb). The lay out of the restaurant is modern and stylish. The waitress Emily was rushed off her feet, but she was perfect and made us feel very welcome. Nothing was too much for her and she made our evening enjoyable and relaxing. Thank you very much Emily 😊 The menu is on the smaller side but with a time limit I understand why. My husband had fish cakes to start which looked very well presented. He said they were very light and beautifully cooked. We waited 10 minutes before our mains arrived. For mains my husband had a New York burger and I had a chicken and bacon salad. The burger was full of flavour and again well presented. The cheese was melted perfectly and the bacon was cooked just right (not too crispy or undercooked). My husband would have liked more cheese but he does love the stuff. Normally I’m a little worried about ordering a salad because they come with just lettuce and tomatoes. BUT this salad was without a doubt the best salad I have ever eaten!! It had everything you could ask for! The chicken and bacon were cooked to perfection. It was dressed with a lemony dressing which worked so well. I can’t fault it!! It looked gorgeous! I have never had such a lovely salad. Even thinking about it is making my mouth water! I then had a cheesecake, my husband was too full for dessert. The cheesecake came out on a decorated board with lemon and gin coulis stars which made me smile - lovely little touch. It had a delicious crumb sprinkled around the board which gave it that extra little touch. Overall, our dining experience here was 10/10 we will be back again very soon. I hope this gets shown to Emily and the chefs in the kitchen. It was also nice seeing the chefs smiling and enjoying themselves through the kitchen window. You can tell the chefs who made our food really really cared and puts all their love and passion into making the food look fabulous. Again thank you 😊

As a family we had paid extra and booked a theatre show which included a meal at the Bistro in the theatre premises for New Years Eve. We arrived early , and were directed over to the restaurant by the Doormen where we waited for someone to help us. No one came over , so I went to someone selling the merchandise and asked if the restaurant was open, and she said no it is shut tonight . I went to the Box Office, who said they had to close it due to staff shortages. They provided a very small refund, and told us to go to a nearby restaurant. By this time, the previous theatre showing audience were just leaving the Theatre so all of the restaurants would be full, and being New Years Eve, most would need reservations. This was terrible customer service, appalling to have to close a whole restaurant due to staff shortage , why on earth are Milton Keynes Theatre even contemplating having this restaurant under the same premises when they constantly seem to be letting them down . I would advise people not to waste their money or time on booking this restaurant and go elsewhere. It was a huge disappointment to our plans on New Years Eve , and they don't really seem to care which made it worse.

Where to start. The two course meal in this add on to the ticket price was good but expensive when drinks are £9.20 a glass of wine so with a tip over £50 for two people. The second part of the VIP experience was worse. On our previous trip to see 9 TO 5 (excellent show) we used the Ambassador Lounge and received a large G & T as a welcome with nibbles and also in the interval. On our latest visit Kinky Boots again excellent stage show we got a Tonic and a single G & T and no nibbles. We were told that any further drinks eg interval were at full cost. Considering the cost is £15 each a rip off in our view and we will not get caught again. I asked for a complaint form but didn't get one.

Myself and my partner booked the VIP Bistro and Lounge Package before watching Motown the Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre, what a dissapointment!! On taking our seats in the Bistro we were informed by the friendly waitress, that 'Due to the hot weather and delivery problems', there were numerous things not available on the menu, one being the Steak Burger which takes up half the menu. Appartently they had run out of the bought in patties! (There was a Budgens two minutes down the road, if someone really cared) On trying to order drinks we were told they hardly had any lager left and no Heineken, so my partner enjoyed her tap water! We ordered starters which were not great, small Chicken Yakatori Skewers and over cooked dry Halloumi. We then both had Chicken and Bacon Burgers, the first attempt at us being served them saw the chips end up on the floor, as the now flustered waitress dropped them as she came out of the kitchen. When they did arrive it was more like a children's meal, very small portions, no garnish and we even had to ask for cuttlery and salt and pepper! The burgers were dreadful, chicken over cooked and rubbery and chips soggy! Let me say the waitress was so appologetic and tried her best, but there are obviously many problems behind the sceens at the Bistro, management was no where to be seen and we actually felt sorry for the staff. There is no way we would go back to the bistro and the VIP package is really not worth it, very poor all round!!

My son has recently discovered Fawlty Towers so booked to bring him to this themed interactive supper.Approx 70 guests seated at large round communal tables with Basil, Polly, Sybil & Manuel acting out and improvising whilst Bistro team served dinner.Evening was fun, the actors were amusing but the food was disappointing- was’t expecting gourmet but the meal was a la school dinner in the 80’s!

We were worried about previous reviews, but today The Bistro nailed it. We had a lovely meal, cooked to order and well presented. Our attendant Richard was attentive without being invasive and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. It was so easy to be on site and in the same place as the Show. We will be returning. Thank you and keep it up.

This was our first visit before a show. It was easy to book by email - they responded quickly. The menu was limited but it was understandable noting the hours of opening and it was supporting the theatre performances. We had the soup and the chicken skewers for starters both delicious. For the main course we both had burgers although there was confusion and we were served one wrong But decided to keep it and the waitress deducted our drinks bill. Very friendly staff and a good meal. Will definitely go again.

I ate here with friends as part of a murder mystery evening. The food itself was average pub type food but it was a great evening, good service and lovely ambience.

Arrived at 5.20 for a 5.30 meal prior to a 7.30 performance. After waiting for 15 minutes to be seated we were shown the menus. 30 minutes later our drinks order was taken and both starter and main. The starter arrived after 15 mins. Finished in 5 mins (and half our available time). 30 minutes later and no main I asked what was happening. Amazingly they arrived 2 mins later. We ate them in 5 mins. Now 30 mins before performance. 20 mins later we still had the dishes in front of us and asked for the bill (no opportunity for desert or coffee). Bill arrived 10 mins later and we had to rush.Starters were good, meal was average, veg were cold and sweat potato fries were underdone. I told the waiter that they clearly couldn’t offer a pre-performance meal and the service was very poor. His answer ‘yes, it was’.Dont think he cared. Never using this again. Better food within walking distance of theater.Incidentally ‘the band’ was a lovely, moving play. That made up for the terrible start.

Having enjoyed a previous pre-theatre expeience at this cosy bistro, I feel really disappointed by a return trip. The booking experience was frustrating - I left a message as requested to confirm online booking, but recived no reply so we took a chance anyway. On arrival we were asked to go to the theatre ticket office to pay for the set menu before we ate. The food was very baci, but over cooked halloumi & luke warm fries did not provide good value for money. To cap the eperience, the bill was then calculated ignoring our pre-payment! On a plus, the staff were attentive, ad the pianist playing is always a treat. However, the booking system is failing & the food poor value so not sure I can recomment this to others again

I am determined to write this review because most reviews on here are negative and really put me off, and as I have had a good experience want to make sure I offered a balanced opinion.

Poor ambience, very limited menu and average food, could not be covered by the lady who served us and tried hard to please.The decor was poor, and they had obviously run out of chairs as they were using some white plastic as well as the usual upholstered ones. There are much better places to eat near the theatre if you were attending a show as we were

Awful food! Dry burnt burgers. Couldn’t eat it and partner felt ill after his. Over priced drinks and it’s like eating in the foyer! Do not waste your money. Better food in Weatherspoons!

We ate lunch here before seeing a show here only because England was in the semi final in the world cup and wanted to get home to watch it.....

It is a long time since I have eaten at a “restaurant “ which has such a poor menu.

I suspect they have "got their act together" since the time of the earlier poor reviews on here.

Having had a disappointing meal here a while back we ventured there once more as part of a theatre deal. We had a set two-course menu and have to say that things were much better. Food was plentiful and hot and service was good. Being in the theatre foyer it can get a bit chilly in winter so be prepared to wrap up.

Are you looking for an elegant, sophisticated, yet charming night out? Well, this is the place for you. I took my mother and father to the Murder Mystery night in association with 'Little Chico Productions'. The performance was fabulous and the meal was faultless. The homemade parsnip soup was to die for, the pork belly was so succulent with a beautiful crunchy glaze on top and the pear and chocolate strudel was delightfully crisp and naughty. I will be returning for future events held at this establishment and I would highly recommend it to others. Bravo indeed!

A pre-performance meal here can be a challenge, because the kitchen has clearly not been sized to meet potential demand, which is unfair on the customers and also the staff. As a result the menu is quite limited and the wine prices too high. But we had excellent service from friendly staff, coping heroically with inadequate facitilities and the dishes that the party chose were simple, but really good. A quinotto/risotto was well made and offered a good vegetarian choice; sausages and mash had good meat and first-rate mashed potato. Sounds simple but not always well-done. The theatre, its customers and the staff all deserve something more adequate than this, in an immdeiate area which is not over-endowed with places to eat offering anything better than high street routine.

Had dinner here as part of a murder mystery evening; this review and rating relates specifically to the meal only. As it was a set menu, I cannot comment on the range of choices normally available. We started with a chunky vegetable soup, which was bland beyond reason, with even the vegetables deprived of any taste; the whole table reached for the salt and pepper in a vain attempt to make it palatable. The main course was a chicken pie, again fairly bland but at least edible; presentationally though, they had somehow managed to make it look more like a bowl of dog food, which didn't enhance the culinary experience. In all fairness, the sticky toffee pudding and ice cream was absolutely fine.

Firstly lovely surroundings. Comfortable seeking. Service fine.

We had a meal at this restaurant prior to seeing Grease. Staff were very pleasant and attentive. Order was taken very quickly. We had the burger choice. We could really have had one between us as it was so large. Well cooked and hot. Chips were really nice. I had Ice cream chocolate cake and my daughter the apple crumble. Again both servings were large. Would definately go again.

Visited the Milton Keynes Bistro before a Saturday evening performance

Very poor meal. The pizza and bread in each course were burnt. Whilst the food was not expensive the drinks were over priced. Disappointed and will not be back.

We arrived for our booking 15 mins early and were told we would have time for 3 courses as they were quiet that evening. We had looked at menu on line to ensure they had something that each of us could choose, as two of has have food intolerances. Having a small menu is understandable, as the bistro is designed to offer pre theatre meals, hence the reason we checked menu beforehand.and they have limited time to serve. However, to have two of these limited dishes unavailable and then both of them being non meat, reduced the options for the group with intolerances. The only main dish offered for vegetarians was the marinated olive salad, which arrived with no olives ! When asking for vinegar for the fries, we were informed only balsamic was available. The cheese sharing platter was also off the menu. The bistro could be lovely given the decor and the convenience. The waiting staff were polite and apologetic, but it put a dampner to the start to our evening. We did have to wait a considerable time for the food to arrive and then had to rush dessert. Definately not enough time to have had 3 courses. As a non drinker I was somewhat overcome at the price of a cup of tea £2.60! I prefer to write positive reviews but also believe constructive criticism gives a chance for improvement. I hope the Bistro overcomes some of the issues they obviously encounter, as it could be such a lovely venue to enhance your whole theatre visit.

Booked here as thought would be relaxing before the theatre. How wrong could I be! Should of known when the manager took our names, checked us off and then went and fetched the waiter to seat us. It is not a big place! Presumably it was beneath him. 50 minute wait for our starter. To be fair it was tasty but very simple. Had to chase main as only 20 mins till performance ( we had allowed an hour and a half). My salmon was over cooked and my friends risotto tepid.

I really enjoyed the light meal in the new Bistro, a pleasure to find somewhere quiet and welcoming within the theatre rather than the chain eateries in the district. The food was hot, tasty and efficiently served.

Went to have something to eat just before the show as the-location was good, especially as it was raining outside. The decor is OK and the chairs were very comfortable.

We went here because we got to the theatre an hour early and were pleasantly surprised. We didn't expect a theatre cafe to be particularly good, but our food was lovely, with quite a good range of vegetarian/vegan food. It was hot, tasty and reasonably priced.

I went with a friend to see rocky horror show.we pre booked the bistro for late lunch as was a matinee show.we had the soup with plenty bread then the salmon on a bed of noodles.It was just lovely we really enjoyed it and the service and quality were both excellent.I have rebooked for the Simon and Garfunkel night and will look forward to another delicious meal,well done guys.

I would recommend eating here before your show. opens at 5.30 so you have plenty of time pre show, they know the timings! Great waiter, very informative. You can book your interval drinks and you get your table reserved. The toilets as not as busy and the mains ones which is an advantage on its own!! Small menu choice but the food is very nice.

We thought it would be busy so booked for four about 90 minutes before the show. We only just made the show and only had main and a desert.

The only thing that was nice was the starter. The Berger was hard chips turned up after the meal was taken away my meal was tasteless both meals were just rubbish but they did give me a rebate on our meal £1.54 of £39.00 I would just call that a JOKE. No more though never again think before you ear in rubbish Bistro

My wife and myself booked a table today. Our starter was a Bistro Platter which was quite nice, Then came the main meal a Bistro Pizza Which was just tasteless only could eat just very little. My wife ordered a Berger & Fries, the Berger came up with the chips but dropped them on the floor he picked them up and took them away about 20 mins went by he brought a second lot out but were almost raw he took them back and brought a 3rd lot out again 20 mins had passed when he gave them to us the salt & pepper was still on the chips also the Berger was hard and the bun was dry unable to eat. When I complained to the waiter that the food was rubbish he told me he would give me a discount the bill was £40.30 he gave me just £1.54 = £38.76 I did not make a fuss as many people was eating two women sat next to me and also left there food. I will never ever eat in there again

Nicely presented. Food not bad but limited menu and service a bit slow as not that many people dining...

I went on my own to the Bistro last week before seeing Hobson's Choice. I was seated immediately by friendly staff, who were really attentive and accomodating. I ordered the Pulled Pork which I noticed came with jalapenos, and not a fan of spice though they prepare the filling before service, they made sure that they had removed the Jalapenos for me. Its was delicious and full of flavour, and was well presented on a unique wooden board that looked like a cross section of a tree. I ended up coming back after the matinee for dinner service and had the pasta. I wasnt so bowled over by the pasta as they serve a gluten free version and I am not partial to Gluten Free pastas, but it was still very tasty and I would recommend it for a lighter option

After booking a table I read some of the reviews and started to get concerned, but there was no need. The staff were very friendly,helpful and didn't rush you. The food was very good and well presented. The way they have it set up ensures you have time to enjoy your meal before the show begins. Only criticism is the drinkw were a little pricey but probably no worse than any restuarant

This was a great place to come with my family. We shared a platter to start and me and my son shared the main pizza which I was informed was freshly made to order and my partner had the burger. My son had the ice cream cake for dessert. We were served in time for the show and I was really impressed with the manner of the waitresses and host. Great value for money, and where I had seen the burgers had poor ratings here they looked great and full of fillings - so I think they have been given a jazz up in the last few days.

This bistro is nicely furnished and the staff are pleasant. However, the food is dire and an absolute insult to anyone choosing to dine there. It amazes me that the manager of this “bistro” might think that they can run an establishment serving such poor quality products. I returned the thin, grey “burger” that was served to me without even touching it and it was replaced with something else that was edible, but I would not recommend this restaurant nor would I return unless there was a significant improvement. I think that this was probably the worst meal I have ever been served. Give it a miss and go to one of the chain restaurants located outside the theatre.

This new restaurant is a real gem. I understand it only opened a couple of weeks ago but I have got to say that the food there was great value. The service was fast and friendly obviously understanding the need to get you served in time for the show. I had the pizza and my family shared some platters that were freshly made. This little place is perfect for something to eat before the event. Cant recommend it highly enough.

Ordered a burger as a pre-theatre snack. Took ages to arrive, and when it did it was horrid. Dry, overdone little patty on a big dry bun with a derisory square of plastic cheese, garnished with limp rocket

Even though there is a lovely theatre at Milton Keynes there was no where that offered great food for goers. The theatre has now been fitted with a brand new Bistro and I am incredibly impressed with the variety of food on the menu and also the quality and speed that the food was delivered to the table to ensure that we had a great evening, unrushed and pleasantly satisfied. I had the Butternut Squash curry, with I had chicken free, being a vegetarian, and it was gorgeous - full of flavour. My husband had the Pulled Pork burger which I can admit smelled delicious. We also shared the Mediterranean platter to start with my favourite part being the Mango and Brie parcels. My husband has the ice-cream Cake for dessert butI was full. Also great value for 2 courses for £12.95. Wonderful and will be going back!