The Crooked Billet

Timbers from a vessel surplus to requirements around the time of Sir Francis Drake were recycled to create the core of this magnificently thatched village pub, and it remained for centuries a farming community local in a rural village setting. Time and tide wait for no one, however, and the countryside became part of greater Milton Keynes, Newton just remaining detached from the new town; the fascinating Bletchley Park World War II code-breaking centre is just down the road. Fortunately, the soul of the rural alehouse remains; crackling winter log fires (the house bacon is smoked in the inglenook) cast flickering shadows across oak beams whilst a glimpse of village green life is recalled by the huge lawned gardens. Top sommelier John Gilchrist and wife/chef Emma took on the run-down Billet a decade ago and realised their dream of running a high-end destination dining pub together. Local foodies flock to the two intimate wine-themed dining rooms for Emma's menus, which are based on the finest, freshest ingredients from a multitude of small, local specialist food producers and suppliers. The emphasis is on taste, combined with modern presentation; a cosmopolitan mix of contemporary and classical with definite English and French influences. Set lunch and dinner menus change daily, whilst the carte selection reads like a gastronome's wish list; all meals are matched on the menus to particular wines, astonishingly well over 200 are listed, all available by the glass. An opening gambit could be truffle and thyme marinated pan-fried pigeon breast, pinot noir reduced Puy lentils, bacon and tarragon parsnip purée; paving the way for guinea fowl breast with spinach and roasted garlic stuffing, creamed pearl barley and chimney smoked bacon with leek gratin, roasted salsify and a port reduction; or pan-fried cod fillet and crispy squid linguine nero with lemon marinated fennel salad, chive and chervil cream. The sweets and cheeseboard are equally fulfilling, whilst evening luxury taster menus, including vegetarian, are available.