Mk Gallery Cafe Bar

It was a wet and windy morning and we needed a good space to keep our youngest happy and have a coffee whilst we we were out doing some errands in CMK. The Cafe/Bar at MK Gallery is excellent. There is lots of room. It’s airy and light with some funky fittings and colours giving it that expected gallery feel to it. The staff were so friendly and the coffee and cake was very good. They do a hot food menu daily so check that out. We also noticed they had a selection of beers from local independent breweries which was great to see. For mums and dads with little ones, they have high chairs which is good to know if you are looking for a space to go for an hour or so - we packed a sticker book, small toy cars and a puzzle for our little one. Opening times for the Cafe/Bar: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 10am-5pm | Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10am-7.30pm. It’s great to know there is an independent cafe close to the shopping centre. Do try them out when you get a chance.

Great revamp of the Milton Keynes gallery. The extension has given the space to attract more major artists and bigger more expansive shows that previously would have required a trip to London.The current Paula Rego show amply demonstrates the galleries new pulling power. The addition of a new cafe with lite bites adds the finishing touch after soaking up all that culture.Lastly a well stocked gift shop with a lovely selection of books greets on your entrance and exit. I look forward to more big named artists and touring exhibitions choosing Milton Keynes and using this wonderful space. It’s free for MK residents on a Tuesday. Just bring proof of address. George Stubbs ‘all done from nature’ is currently showing. It’s worth going just to see ‘Whistlejacket’ a magnificent picture that looks so modern due to lack of a background. There are another 79 pictures, drawings and publications ranging from the Landed gentry to exotic animals and human dissection drawings as well as the skeleton of a horse that for some reason I was particularly drawn to. Well worth a visit if you like this period or you are interested in art featuring lots of animals.