The Birch,
Newport Road,
Woburn,
Bedfordshire,
MK17 9AX
Phone 01525 290295
On A5130 just north of Woburn village. Central Milton Keynes about 15 minute drive; M1 J13, five minute drive. Ample car parking. Must book in advance.

This place is considered pretty posh these days and attracts full houses lunchtime and evenings, mostly "Milton Keynies" who want good food in a building and atmosphere that has been around for more than ten minutes, architecturally speaking. Actually The Birch started out in life as the mere Birchmoor Arms, a pub a couple of hundred yards north of Woburn village on the A5130. After a few years as a more than passable Indian restaurant it was re-engineered again, this time as a modern eaterie with touchy-feely natural woods, fabrics, tiled floors and gigantic houseplants. Food is top-end gastro-pub, the wine list is OK if rather restricted. Service is a bit on the happy-clappy side especially if you're used to grovelling waiters; this crowd is largely Antipodean at the moment complete with g'days, enjoys, and "this way to your table, guys." Hot recommendations are the pigeon and the duck ­ my son (14 yrs) regards these as appetising enough to be his birthday treat and I have
to say they are delicious. Specials of the day are good and fresh, too, often including venison culled from the herds in Woburn Park.

This review is by very old friend Suze "Food&BoozeBySuze"