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The Grand Union Canal stretches some 137 miles from London to
Birmingham, boasting some wonderful pubs and eateries along the
way. Yet right here in Milton Keynes we can, with some
justification, claim to have one of the very best waterside
pubs, not only along the Grand Union but in the entire country.
Welcome to The Navigation Inn, voted in 2009 as one of the top
10 waterside pubs in the country in a Sunday Telegraph pole
alongside one of Gordon Ramsay’s recent pub ventures.
The Cameron family took over this wonderful establishment in
2007. They have continually made improvements throughout the pub
whilst Head Chef Dan Cameron has been equally busy in his
ongoing quest to improve the menu.
I
sampled the loin of pork stuffed with sage and mustard. The meat
was beautifully cooked and well seasoned, was incredibly soft
and tender and served alongside the freshest of vegetables with
the tastiest of roast potatoes. My guest opted for the roast
topside of beef and was given the option of whether this was
served pink or well done. Not enough places give you this option
when ordering Sunday lunch. This dish was served with the same
tasty vegetables and potatoes, with the perfect helping of a
thick, yet silky smooth gravy.
I
find it annoying when I eat a Sunday roast and feel there is
something lacking. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve wanted more
gravy or more roast potatoes. This can often be the case with
the meat too! This must have happened to you? The Navigation Inn
serve plenty of everything and if you do not arrive feeling
hungry, you’ll struggle to finish these fulsome meals. What’s
more, this was a truly fantastic meal and as regulars to this
venue on a Sunday we can confirm they consistently deliver where
others often fail in terms of quality.
We
have also sampled (on more than a few occasions) their slow
roast, mouth watering shoulder of lamb. It seems, whatever you
order, it will be of the highest quality. Be advised that
booking is a must, simply because of how popular this venue is
at weekends.
Service
As
mentioned, Sundays are extremely busy here. If you sample the
food, you’ll find out why. With that in mind, you occasionally
need to give a little more time for your food to arrive because
the kitchen will not send out a single dish that they are not
happy with. A large team of waiting staff however, ensure you
are well looked after and we were made to feel warm and relaxed
in front of the fire. We could have stayed here all day!
Atmosphere
 We
have booked at various times on a Sunday. We arrived early on
this occasion and as soon as the doors opened, a stream of
diners quickly filled the entire pub. The Navigation Inn is an
excellent family venue and hugely popular with locals and a
clear favourite with many of those who use the Grand Union
Canal. Crackling is placed at the bar, and with people enjoying
a drink before their meal, there’s an atmosphere you can only
get on a Sunday. Fantastic!
Decor
The establishment has undergone refurbishments throughout the
pub over the last year and this has helped to create an
immensely cosy environment. The bar is particularly well stocked
with countless whiskies and the feeling about the place is one
of warmth. With great views overlooking the canal and the new
mariner, this is the perfect year-round social venue to chill
out and get away from it all.
In
summary, The Navigation Inn continues to grow both in stature
and popularity and alongside the newly opened fine dining
restaurant that is Cameron’s, this really is the perfect venue
for those who appreciate outstanding food. |
