If you’re searching for the best gastro pub near Milton Keynes or a top-rated country pub in Buckinghamshire, The Wavendon Arms is the one to book.
Tucked away in the charming village of Wavendon in Buckinghamshire, not far from the emerald fairways of Woburn Golf Club, the retro intrigue of Bletchley Park and the fun-filled rides at Gulliver’s Land Theme Park, lies The Wavendon Arms – a pub that doesn’t try too hard, yet gets everything so very right.
Part of the Premium Country Pub Collection, The Wavendon Arms in Buckinghamshire is a family-friendly, dog-welcoming country pub that delivers everything you want from a premium dining experience.
With its picturesque exterior, expansive beer garden and plush velvet booths you’ll never want to leave, The Wavendon Arms blends countryside comfort with contemporary style – making it the sort of place where one can happily while away a long weekend lunch with family, dogs at your feet and the unmistakable scent of delicious food drifting in from the kitchen.
Inside, the décor dances the line between rustic charm and boutique chic. Wooden beams, artfully placed pendant lights and a warm, humming atmosphere make The Wavendon Arms a proper gastro sanctuary. And with the arrival of their new spring menu, they’re not just serving style, but seasonal substance too.
Drinks at The Wavendon Arms
No fine spring feast is complete without a tipple – or indeed, the perfect alcohol-free alternative – and The Wavendon Arms does both with panache. The Peroni Nastro-Azzurro is a masterclass in balance: light, crisp and clean, with floral notes that flirt on the nose and a citrusy zing that finishes fast and bright.
For something a little sweeter, the Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider at 3.4% ABV is the very essence of summer sunshine – juicy flavours, gently sparkling and blissfully refreshing over ice. Prefer to keep things dry as the designated driver? The alcohol-free version of Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider delivers the same vibrant burst of fruit with none of the buzz, making it the perfect family-friendly pour to savour in the springtime sun.
For the kids, choose from two varieties of Cawston Press Fruit Water – Apple & Mango or Apple & Summer Berries. Made from pressed apple juice, still water and fruit purees with no added sugar or sweeteners and no concentrates, the fruit waters are a healthy choice to accompany the mains and desserts on the Children’s Menu. Parents will be pleased to hear that all of children’s main courses contain at least one of their five a day.
Starters at The Wavendon Arms
The Stonebaked Garlic Pizzette is a thing of casual beauty – a golden disc, perfectly blistered, crowned with molten mozzarella and a house pesto that’s rich and fragrant with basil. It’s simple, yes, but simplicity done well is always a winning move, and this is the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can say “just one more slice”.
A standout on the new spring menu is the Pan-fried King Prawns – plump and precisely cooked, luxuriating in a harissa and lemon butter that’s smoky, tangy and utterly addictive. Served with a slice of rosemary and sea salt focaccia to soak up the juices, this dish is a bold, sun-kissed opening act.
Equally compelling is the Chicken Liver and Fig Parfait – a smooth, velvety number served with cherry amaretto compote on the side that lends just the right hint of boozy sweetness. The toasted focaccia adds crunch and contrast, turning this classic starter into something altogether more memorable.
We were delighted to see Cod Cheeks on the Specials menu – a rarely seen treasure that’s handled with finesse here. Lightly breaded and resting atop a caper-studded aioli, the cheeks are tender, delicate and rich, showcasing the kitchen’s ability to elevate the humble into the heavenly.
Mains at The Wavendon Arms
As mains arrive, the must-try dish at The Wavendon Arms for seafood lovers is the King Prawn, Crab and Ortiz Chorizo Linguine with Scallops – a jubilant tangle of pasta drenched in a white wine, garlic, and chilli sauce that packs warmth without overpowering the sweet seafood. The addition of perfectly seared scallops lends a luxurious edge, and the smoky hit of chorizo adds real depth.
The British Half Rotisserie Chicken is another showstopper – juicy, golden-skinned, and brimming with comforting flavour, the chicken is neither too big nor too small – it’s the perfect size to be satisfying without overwhelming the diner. Paired with skin-on fries, smoked garlic aioli and a rich, glossy gravy for added umami flavour, it’s a dish that delivers roast dinner satisfaction without the Sunday formality.
The Wavendon Arms knows what it’s doing when it comes to stonebaked pizzas. The Diablo Pizza is unapologetically bold, a carnivore’s dream with chorizo, pepperoni and red chilli atop a perfectly cooked base. Spiced honey drizzled over the top adds a clever contrast, balancing heat with just a lick of sweetness.
Sides at The Wavendon Arms
The sides deserve centre stage. The Billionaire’s Fries are as decadent as their name suggests – crisp, golden and loaded with prosciutto, Parmesan and that gorgeously earthy truffle-flavoured mayonnaise.
The Crispy Onion Rings live up to their name: ethereally light, shatteringly crisp, and quite possibly the best you’ll ever taste.
We couldn’t resist the Mac & Cheese, which comes bubbling hot with a topping of golden crumbs and a cheese sauce so rich and velvety it should come with a warning. It’s indulgence incarnate, and yes, we scraped the dish clean.
Desserts at The Wavendon Arms
Dessert is where The Wavendon Arms pulls out all the stops. The Sticky Toffee and Rum Pudding is warm, wicked and wondrously moist, its boozy richness offset by a scoop of crystallised ginger ice cream that delivers both gentle spice and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated with finesse.
Then there’s the signature Chocolate Bomb, a theatrical showpiece that melts under a stream of warm chocolate sauce…
… to reveal a hidden trove of amarena cherries, brownie pieces, popping candy, crushed meringue, and dried raspberries. It’s extravagant, fun and completely irresistible.
For younger diners, the Home-baked Triple Chocolate Cookie with Ice Cream is a charming finale – soft, crumbly cookie goodness paired with two scoops of ice cream (we went for the classic vanilla and chocolate combo), it’s the sort of dessert that makes little eyes go wide with delight.
The Verdict
At The Wavendon Arms, parents will revel in the smart setting, quality ingredients and thoughtful flourishes while children will enjoy the mini dishes on the Children’s Menu and the warm friendly welcome from the staff.
Whether you’re local or visiting Buckinghamshire, The Wavendon Arms pub in Wavendon is a must-visit dining destination that is the very model of a modern country pub – unpretentious yet polished, indulgent yet inviting, and above all, a place that knows how to do food worth talking about.
Premium Country Pub Collection has also recently launched its new “Rewards by Premium Country Pub Collection” App, offering enticing loyalty rewards and exclusive offers for guests. From a complimentary glass of Moet champagne just for signing up* to an entire bottle of Veuve Clicquot upon collecting all stamps**, guests can be well and truly spoiled.
*One 125ml glass of Moet champagne with the purchase of a main meal. May take up to 24-hours to activate. Full T&Cs can be found within the app and on the website.
**One complimentary 75cl bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne with the purchase of a main meal. Full T&Cs can be found within the app and on the website.
The Wavendon Arms
2 Newport Road, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8LJ
01908 584277
thewavendonarms.co.uk
