This restaurant review was undertaken on Saturday May 9, 2009

I, unlike my partner, had already sampled food at The Cock Inn and consequently had already raved about the food there before we arrived. This can sometimes be a dangerous precedent – but my confidence was not misplaced as we sampled some incredible food cooked to perfection.

We knew we would be eating predominantly fish (The Cock Inn always have several fish specials which change daily depending on what is available from their suppliers). We therefore opted for the Alta Vista Premium Chardonnay hoping this would be an ideal accompaniment. We were delighted with our choice – a delightfully refreshing wine with fruity flavours that lingered on the palate.

As well as an appealing menu, this restaurant is the only one of it’s kind that I have visited in Milton Keynes where there are several dishes that are prepared Gluten free. Approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK suffer from coeliac disease. Eating Gluten free food is crucial for their wellbeing so if you are aware of anyone who suffers from this condition – make sure you tell them about The Cock Inn.

Although I was convinced I would start with fish, I opted for the irresistible option of Pigeon breast, seared and served on a black pudding with reduced port wine dressing and fried capers. This arrived on a piping hot plate. A masterpiece in presentation, the food tasted as good as it looked. This dish was oozing with flavour. What a way to start!

My partner decided to start with the Tiger prawns pan fried in garlic and chilli. She was equally delighted with her choice – the prawns were incredibly fresh and meaty. My eyes lit up when I saw that some of the garlic and chilli sauce had been left on the plate and I promptly mopped this up with some of our fresh bread.

We both opted for ‘specials’ from the fish board; the Seared Swordfish loin served on a wilted rocket finished with curried cream was my choice. For those of you yet to try swordfish, it has a meaty texture not too dissimilar to tuna, but the fish is whiter. Tasty, moist and soft, the fish combined extremely well with the cream and with the freshest of vegetables as an accompaniment, this was a first class dish.

My partner opted for what would have been my preferred choice – the large Sea Bream steamed with shredded leeks, fresh herbs and wine. This, put simply, was fish at its very best. Once again, presented beautifully, this dish screamed “eat me” and was thoroughly enjoyed. It was clear from all the food we had sampled that every attention is given to each single ingredient.

For dessert we decided to have some ‘fun’ food and opted for the chocolate fondue which arrived with marshmallows, pineapple, banana and strawberries. We had a good laugh and a fight too over the chocolate – you know the kind, where someone accidently on purpose drops their food into the fondue, therefore ensuring a more generous covering of chocolate. This is a good trick to use and I am delighted to report I won!

Service

Despite the ever-changing specials which are noticeably the first thing anyone checks when visiting the restaurant, the staff are fully versed with the food that is being served. Friendly, courteous and unobtrusive – the service was exemplary and all our dishes were served in timely fashion.

Décor

The Cock Inn is a charming pub that is clearly loved by it’s regulars. A little nook to the far end which is next to a fire is good place to chill out and have a drink before eating your meal. It is an old-style establishment with a cosy feel that is very tastefully decorated with fresh flowers on your table adding to the warmth. Outside the restaurant you will find a cute garden situated on different levels that is decked throughout – a brilliant place to escape in the summer months.

Atmosphere

The restaurant has a unique and relaxed feel. Because the food and service is so good, you are cannot fail to enjoy the experience. This was not only judging by our own experience – a look round the restaurant showed several people clearly relaxed and having a good time. With space aplenty between the tables, this can be an intimate dining experience but also an ideal location to treat your family or friends.

At MK Reviews, we are always on the look for venues serving great tasting food that is full of flavour. Here, at The Cock Inn, we had certainly found such a venue.