April 2024. Little Brickhill. Milton Keynes.
Many folk would be traumatised at the prospect of two (2) pubs in suburban Milton Keynes;
I was overjoyed at an overdue return to Newport Pagnell, and a first ever visit to tiny Little Brickhill, virtually a hamlet just south of our most successful soccer franchise and a giant McDonalds.
Little Brickhill is happily bypassed, which means its lovely church and posh Bucks houses escape the traffic scars of the A5.
Sadly, the George hasn’t escaped the modernisation that relegates its name to a “G” on the pub sign,
and redecorated the last village pub (of 12 !) in 50 shades of beige.
But that beige makeover seems to work in making it a decent allrounder; Sunday lunches in the back, Man U v Liverpool to the front.
And proving that one beer is plenty, often more than enough, in 2024;
Now, Mrs RM never warmed to the decor, apart from the ultrasmart loos, but she did rate that Otter (love a local beer) as good, and it was. The soda, without lime this time, was a bad idea.
The soundtrack, competing with the “ooohs” and “aaahs” of the Scouse fans, was eclectic;
We left just as the team from Trafford had their first shot on goal,
an unlikely equaliser to the dismay of the ‘Pool fans. And just as we left they scored a second.
Also as we left the best thing about the George revealed itself, a lovely young staff member saying “Thanks” and “See ya guys” and meaning it. Once again, the youth of today are the best thing about pubs, but no-one will believe you when you tell them.
Little Brickhill can safely be explored in its entirety in 5 minutes,
and that was fine, as Mrs RM needed the loo almost as soon as we pulled out of the car park. Not just me, then.
retiredmartin 