The Black Horse in Milton Keynes

As great lunch spent at the Black Horse. Service was proactive and friendly, the food was good value and of very good quality. Thank you to the “Thursday Ladies” Julie, Sandy, Kim, Sam and Vibeke for a great time.

I’ve always had a gorgeous time at The Black Horse but our host today (Lucy) was absolutely brilliant; attentive, personable and really seemed to enjoy working at the restaurant. Food was 10/10 as always. I believe the chef was Rob today and he and his team cooked the tastiest Sea Bass I’ve had since I was there last! The area manager even popped by for a delightful casual chat. Great job all round - thank you ☺️

Right beside the Grand Union canal we ate outside on the lovely patio, it was busy and the atmosphere was great. We ordered mains which came in good time and all were really yummy. We had the trio of deserts which was ample to share. A little more expensive than the average pub but great value for money. Our waiter Julie was exceptional, friendly chatty and informative. We were on a narrow boat but if we were in the area again we’d definitely go there again

Stunning dinner on the canal, we were served by Julia who was amazing and so lovely, definitely recommend for a warm evening to enjoy outside :)

We gathered to celebrate my partners birthday. It was the first time he’d left the hospital in a month and seen the outside world. We all had a glorious time, thank you Adriana for your service. You really did go way above and beyond. Nothing was too much trouble and you looked after us all. Thank you

Brilliant table service, funny, engaging and great with our kids. Food was really tasty too and it's a lovely atmosphere inside too!

Overpriced for tiny portions, and not good at all for people with food allergies/intolerances. One waitress was very nice and friendly but the other was extremely grumpy and unhappy to be asked about whether food was gluten free, then returned from the kitchen with incomplete information. Would not return.

Great place. Good service, great staff & the food is excellent. Had the Sunday Roast here last weekend. Definitely one of the best places in/around MK.

The assistant from Stockport was excellent even though she was a Man United fan.

Great little canal side pub, with little oak beam rooms a plenty. Expect table sevice at no extra cost. Friendly staff. Ample garden area by canal. Found by cycling along canal.

Excellent food and excellent service.

Lovely food, amazing service (as always), friendly, warm and welcoming. Thank you 😊

10/10 food is good prices good staff so friendly and welcoming in

My wife and I went for a three-course lunch menu and found the value and quality of the food was excellent, one of the best meals I have had. I have often visited but this was my first visit there for food and would highly recommend it for anyone wanting a quality experience. The menu options were also very varied. A special mention must go to our waitress Kim who was very friendly and helpful as well as our chef Taron for excellent food.

Fantastic lunch with friends last Saturday. Firstly the service from Viki was absolutely brilliant, Viki really made our visit. Great attention to our needs, really friendly and very approachable. Secondly a shout out to Taron the Chef, the food was SO delicious, the flavours out of this world. Will be back VERY soon!

Amazing service every time! We go to the black horse for our group cafe settles. With lovely table service and such a welcoming (and super dog friendly) attitude we’ll be returning regularly with our club! Thank you to the amazing team at the Black Horse!

Lovely pub with great service and really tasty food

Not welcomed and couldn't order a pint at the bar and wouldn't do table service to the picnic benches on the grass. Limited beer on tap (2 bitters). Had to call after someone (she herself was nice) to get served. Toilet wouldn't flush, sink blocked and level of lighting in ladies toilets so low that it was hard to see and therefore dangerous. Other customers also mentioned they had the same issues with service.

Don't come if you only want a drink at the bar or in the garden as you cannot order at the bar, you can only order from one of the staff, that is if they are taking notice of you. A traditional English pub it is not unfortunately. This obviously is my opinion, but it is a sad indictment of the way the pub trade is going in the UK. We are English not American and some of us like traditional ways of being served.

Great meal and excellent service from Sharon and Beke👌🏻

Black Horse feels like a warm welcome on a cold day. Their Steak & Malbec Pie is a comforting dish that really lifts the spirit in winter, and the sticky toffee pudding is a delightful sweet finish. It’s the kind of place that makes the season feel extra special.

Great restaurant. Found by chance on our canal boat holiday. Julie was a fantastic server and we had a fantastic night. Even without the amazing food, it's a charming and fun place to dine.. but the food was exceptional. Thanks all!

Been a few times so far and the experience has been consistently fantastic. Food is great, typical pub fare is delicious (previously had a malbec beef pie which was amazing) but the burgers were lovely too. Had the dirty burger most recently and it had an excellent amount of cheese and was juicy and tasty. Service is always friendly and helpful and a nice atmosphere both inside and also outside seated by the canal.

It was very busy due to it being mother's day weekend but staff were attentive. There was a bit of a wait for drinks and we did have to ask to order food after a bit of a miscommunication. The food was nice, my fries were a bit cold but my mum really enjoyed the pie and chips. Onion rings were great, not too greasy. The mini pudding and coffee were fab. Cocktails/mocktails were worth the ££. Staff were polite and friendly despite being busy.

Really nice pub, we had the Mother’s Day set menu and the food was delicious. Nice outdoor area, lots of green space and tables to sit. Lovely attentive waitress.

A terrific pub in a brilliant spot beside the Grand Union Canal. On a cold early spring afternoon it was the perfect place for lunch with my family. The staff were very good and made our visit even better. Highly recommended.

I used to drink here back in the '90's, my friends and I would often take a walk along the canal from New Bradwell, which would bring us to this wonderful pub. I came here with my family for the first time in decades, just a couple of afternoons back. It's changed a lot, it's a really beautiful place now and the staff are absolutely wonderful, food great, beer great. Highly recommend!!

Had a lovely birthday meal out. The food was lovely, compliments to the chef Tarim & Natalie. Viki was the best server- nothing was too much trouble! Thank you so much, we will be back soon :)

Wonderful food in a friendly relaxed environment. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend.

Great pub, as a local I'm very lucky!!

This restaurant is excellent, never fails to give an amazing experience. The staff Julie, Vibeke, Sandy and Chef Robert are a credit to this restaurant. Food is incredible and the service never fails to disappoint.

Amazing place. Wonderful food. Lucy was such an amazing waitress. Attention to detail and customer service second to none!! 🙏❤️

Just excellent. Highly recommend

There's always a nice atmosphere at the Black Horse. The staff are welcoming and helpful. Yesterday, Julie and Kim made my birthday meal a real treat!

Julie and sandy were amazing! Thanks so much. Great service and great food - thank you to roberto and Natalia also great chefs!

Brilliant food and such a warm welcome from the staff.

Yesterday we went to a walk with my wife and we found this pub on way. Very next to the canal, where many people walking. We wanted to get a pint just like anytime in any pub but here you can't be served at the bar, you need to get a card with QR code from the stuff then sit to the table and order and pay by phone. No option to pay by cash or card. We had no phones because we did not take our phones to walk. They refused to any other way for service. My personal opinion, this pub is definitely not a 5 Michelin stars pub, where dress code enter only in suit and the golden American express accepted only. It's a completely pointless and unwanted rule on their side. The staff also inflexible and not helpful. This was the second time when we tried this pub, the first was around the end period of covid. Then my wife got the worst chewy and undercooked steak ever. Staf then offered not to pay for that.

Very disappointed, took my girlfriend and dad for lunch, most of the outside area was closed off, very few tables in the glorious sunshine. Ordered food, selected a side to be served with main as shown in the attachment. It was served with starters, questioned the waiter who told me that I should have ordered separately and they do not get to see the request. Showed him the order summary on my phone which showed this was clearly marked as serve with main and he still argued rather than apologising. He was argumentative, rude and disrespectful. Food arrived without cutlery, had to wait for that to be brought to the table whilst food was getting cold. Not a good experience, will not be returning.

Excellent service, lovely place, delicious food. We will be back, for sure.

Lovely meal and great service from Vicky and Layton. Great food by Ustuner . Will definitely be back , would recommend.

Went there for the first time for my birthday yesterday. The atmosphere, staff and food were excellent. We will definitely visit again.

Had a great Saturday lunch here! The food was tasty, the prices were fair, and the place had a really nice vibe. We all plus three dogs had such a good time!

Excellent food and great service. Interior is starting to look faded though and could do with a refresh.

Typical British pub food in a pub aspiring to be more premium, but at the end still being part of a chain. From the Sunday roast, the potatoes were not nice, and chicken very average. Quite expensive drinks and very typical (limited) selection; if you are fine with peroni or madri you will be fine...

Very enjoyable meal. Our scallops were outstanding. The lamb rump was excellent. The pork belly was a little more fatty than my partner prefers but still good. Also very good and efficient service.

Living in Great Linford, I've visited the black horse on myriad occasions. Revisiting, knowing each time ownership has changed hands, but, somehow, the experience never improves. Today, I took my mother and friend for lunch. I know, from previous experience, you're unable to order a drink at the bar as it's table service only, which is inherently annoying and runs contrary to a proper pub experience, but its annoyance is exacerbated massively when it takes 15 minutes to be asked what drink you want, especially given there were only about 6 other punters in the entire establishment. Sadly, the overpriced food didn't make up for the diabolical service. The 'toasted' chicken sandwich was so under-toasted that it just made the bread feel stale, and the chicken was overcooked and extremely dry. Such a lovely, aesthetic public house, ruined by terrible service, poor policy and mediocre overpriced food

The food is amazing! The service is relaxed, friendly and professional, plus both the interior and exterior provide a great atmosphere: sit out by the canal when the weather is nice or tuck yourself inside when it turns cold. The real wood fires are a welcome touch in Winter.

Fantastic place! Very welcoming, brilliant staff, and really amazing food. Would definitely recommend.

We had a smashing evening. Our Chateaubriand was cooked perfectly by Aiden and our waitress Vibeke was lovely and looked after us perfectly. We always have a good time at the Black Horse

Great food, lovely staff and cosy atmosphere

Great pub and lovely (but pricy) food. Friendly staff.

On a first date. Service was good. Very friendly staff. Only had drinks this time but will be back for food 😀

We had a lovely 3 course lunch here from the all day menu. All 3 courses were delicious

Absolutely beautiful. Food was so nice lots of flavors, Customer service was really superb, the place was such a very calm chilled place. We can't waite to come back agian

Lovely to be back in my favourite pub

Amazing food. Very good atmosphere 👌

Excellent atmosphere good choice of menu friendly and efficient staff. Also love the smell of a log fire as you approach entrance.

Really lovely place, waiters were really friendly and polite! Atmosphere was also great with a lovely open fire on!!

Went here for a new year work team lunch. It is traditional pub food but far above expectations. Menu had a good choice of dishes catering for vegetarian, vegan and meat options. First question waitress has when coming to take order was if any of us had any allergies, dietary or intolerances. That was a wow factor, never had that at any other restaurants or eateries including up market ones. Food was piping hot, good portion sizes and presentation on the plate was gold standard. I had fish and chips served with tartar and mushy peas (with a hint of mint) condiments plus wedge of fresh lemon. For dessert was poached pear with strawberry ice cream and chocolate sauce. Delicious. Waitress was friendly, smiling and displayed excellent customer service. Everyone was made to feel welcome (our group included disabled, white, Indian and Muslim members) Building was warm, well maintained, well laid out and quaint. Relaxing atmosphere where you could relax and leave the outside world outside. Yes there is a bar with alcohol. Dining area set off to the side. Not too large but set so each table can talk/eat without feeling cramped. Good size car park and relatively easy to find. Complements to Chef/Chefs - not seen but clearly pride, passion and expertise in food preparation. The presentation was like a five star restaurant and would not look out of place on MasterChef! Prices in line with normal pub cuisine and affordable. Would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Very nice atmosphere. Attentitive staff and lovely food. Have rebooked

Lovely food and service in a beautiful country pub. Julie was great .

Stopped off for a drink after a walk. Was lovely to sit next to a log fire. Welcomed straight away by the staff who was fab.

Wonderful drafts, dinner, dessert, and drinks with the lovely Kim and Vicki. Thanks for splitting our table’s bills and sending us away with a group photo. Cheers!

The food was great. Location & ambience were perfect.

Gave this place another shot today. Turned up, said we’d just like drinks. Immediately told there was no room. - this is not a pub it’s a restaurant - don’t think if you’re walking down the canal you can stop for a quick drink I only say that as the time we went there were available tables…. so it wasn’t full. (See photo) they didn’t ever say it was for diners only, I’m guessing we just wasn’t going to be spending enough so not worth their time. That’s the trouble with M&B chains- corporate greed, bad decisions, confused identity. In the hands of a proper landlord this would be a great place. Stopped there during a walk along the canal. Stood at the ‘wait here to be seated’ sign like wallies while staff members walked past ignoring us. The bar had no one serving at it. Went to find someone and was quickly told no tables today. Shame as the garden was empty and it would have been a nice place for a quick pint. Another fine example of how this chain of pubs buys up beautiful property and turns them into weirdly non inviting (often expensive) establishments that definitely aren’t pubs.

We visited with friends for dinner. We have unusual dietary requirements but this did not phase either Sharon our waitress or Taron the chef. The meal that Taron created was excellent and so tasty. Thank you so much. Food intolerances are not a choice and being able to enjoy a great, safe meal with friends means a lot.

Food was absolutely incredible - a big thanks to the chefs (we had the 4 cheese and mushroom pizza)! Sophie & Georgia was lovely! Really great customerbservic3 and theybwere so welcoming and friendly from start to finish. Thank you! ☺️ Highly recommend!

As usual... Fab service especially from Sandy. Great food and great atmosphere. Also easy to book and took really good care of allergy sufferer in the group...

Good food and beer (London Pride and Adnams Ghost Ship). Food very good. Service friendly and very good. Venue atmospheric but cold and draughty despite open fires and central heating. It was a very cold day.

The food was really excellent and we really enjoyed our meal. The pub is a very atmospheric old building but unfortunately it was a very cold day and we tried two different tables both of which were in a cold draught. So if it's a chilly day wrap up warm!

Fantastic lunch. Sunday lunch was absolutely 1st class Very generous portions and wonderful service from Kim. Lovely atmosphere,very friendly and cozy atmosphere with the wood fires. Will definitely be back!

Lovely pub for food. Always extremely tasty and the service is brilliant (we had Sharon serving us and she is always so friendly and goes above and beyond to make our visit as good as possible!)

Another great dinner at the Black Horse. One of my favourite spots in MK! Never fails & menu is so good. Our hostesses Sandy & Lucy were both amazing & gave us great recommendations, and shoutout to chef Rob. Thank you to all the team! Desserts were delicious, had to add a pic.

Great local pub restaurant with great staff. Sharon looked after us as usual and we had a fabulous birthday celebration.

Lovely meal, our server was Sharon and she was so lovely and very helpful!

Julie was amazinggggg!!!!! made the meal 10 times better, thanks Jules!! xx

Good wasn't that good a bit bland and meat not cooked well

A wonderful pub with an excellent menu. Service is warm and attentive

Lovely waitress and atmosphere. Food was okay

Although the pub was very busy, including large Christmas parties, the service and food were first class. Highly recommended! Particular thanks to Lucy, our server, who looked after us so well. Glad you liked my Christmas jumper!

Had Christmas lunch deal here on Saturday 14th December. Lovely atmosphere in a very busy environment. Food was good and the waitress Vicki was extremely attentive and friendly.

Great food, comfortable surroundings, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere.

Food and drinks are great. Very good and friendly service. Great atmosphere.

Julie and Sandy were the best at the Black horse

The food is very tasty and not too pricey in comparison to other places around MK; unfortunately, staff quite rude. The lady that was serving us didn’t have any patience at all; she was taking food away with unfinished food without asking; my friend had to tell her to leave her plate, as she was about to take it away while she was still eating off it 🤦🏻‍♀️ Straight after we paid, she was circling us looking annoyed and after we said we will leave in a moment, she replied: yeah, people are waiting 😖 We didn’t feel very welcomed. What a shame, as I’ve been coming here for years 😢

Lovely food and terrific service from Julie!

Nice welcome, lovely atmosphere, friendly helpful staff. Then of course we enjoyed the meals and drinks. A really good place to visit

The food was delicious (as always). Staff are friendly and helpful..... particularly our server (who was either Katie or Libetie? Vibetie?)...who overheard me wish my stepmum a happy birthday and brought her desert decorated with a candle and 'happy birthday' written on the plate in chocolate sauce. Such a lovely, unexpected touch. My stepmum was chuffed to bits! Thank you so much.

An enjoyable evening eating a well cooked chicken meal. Attended early so very quiet

Excellent food and service thank you

The setting is beautiful and the pub was so prettily decorated for Christmas, giving it such a lovely festive feel. Our 'primary' waitress, Julie was amazing....warm, friendly, polite, helpful and so professional. A real asset to your business. Her fellow waitress was also great. I'm so sorry we didn't get her name. The food was all really lovely - tasty, well cooked and presented.

Welcoming friendly staff. Delicious food good value for money.

We love this pub - the food is always amazing, and the service fantastic. We went for a meal here last Saturday, and our server Julie was excellent - really looked after us. Always know it is going to be excellent here - I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area.

Very nice food. A lovely place, great service.

Starter was cold, 2 desserts had to be chased and arrived after rest of party had finished eating, had to ask for cutlery. Told we could order drinks from the bar by table staff, then told we had to order drinks at table by bar staff. Food was average in my opinion for price. Bill was wrong by over £100 and had to ask twice before it was finally correct. Took over 30 minutes to pay. Nice looking venue with friendly staff but wouldn’t return.

Had a wonderful lunch experience with my aunt on a Saturday to celebrate her birthday. I booked a table & put a note on requesting a birthday message on my aunt’ s dessert plate. And Julie made it special with a candle & birthday song. Appreciate her detailed mind & thoughtfulness for everything.

Lovely pub and great food with service to match

The Black Horse has a fantastic location, but I've knocked a star off because of the slightly steep prices. The pub itself has plenty of character and is an absolute delight to visit and winner around. I have no idea the age of the building but it certainly stands out amidst Milton Keynes' newer builds. It's not just the building that is great, the location is also. It is situated right on the canal, weather permitting, you can enjoy the seating area metres away from passing narrow boats. There is often a good selection of beers on tap. I can't comment on wines and other drinks. Food is nice, but not quite deserving of the price tag. The food is enjoyable, but I've eaten better locally for the same/less money. While food is good, but not great, the staff and service is excellent! Ultimately you're paying for the location here (and service), which is excellent. If it's a sunny hot day there isn't much better in MK. But if you're after the best gastro pub meal in MK I'd look elsewhere. Post Covid there is no longer bar service, and the pub operates table service only. In principle I'm not a fan of this restricted operating model, but it's made entirely barrable by the fantastic staff.

Nice food and atmosphere would recommend this restaurant and pub.

What's not to love about the Black horse? The staff are friendly helpful and cheerful, even though when we visited they were fully booked and rushed off their feet they had plenty of time to help with anything, be it lighting an extra candle for us or answering menu questions. The food was terrific. We all enjoyed every course. Not one minor thing to complain about. All in all had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back.