THREE CHEERS FOR MILTON KEYNES' FIRST MICRO-PUB, THE BIERGARTEN

We've all walked into a pub, asked for a beer and then been underwhelmed by the resulting wet stuff that is more fizz than taste, and fails to satisfy, writes Sammy Jones.

And if you are like us, you've probably had to queue to buy it for longer than it takes to sink the drink!

So allow us to introduce you to The Biergarten, Milton Keynes' first micro-pub where the beer is chilled and service warm.

Having already won over the foodies with the introduction of MK Feast, Franzi Florack is the brains behind this new venture too.

It opened at the start of May in Wolverton and is keeping thirsts at bay with a plethora of beers.

The Biergarten offers bottled and draft craft beer from the UK and further afield, and you can drink in.

Not propped up at a bar, but in comfortable surrounds.

...it is going to become the ideal destination for beer lovers who would like London's range and expertise in craft beer but are also looking for that little bit of northern hospitality,” says Franzi.

An inviting seating area offers tasting space for 20 people and a three tap bar will also work for you.

There are four specialist areas at work here, with attention to local beers, German beers and beer from London and Yorkshire, but a small selection from breweries from other parts of the world will also feature.

Local beers are sourced via the breweries,” Franzi said, “We currently have 18 on our list and hope to discover more over time.

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Beers from further afield and international beers are bought from national and international suppliers.”

And that snuggly social space we mentioned really is a break from the norm – you can pop in on your own, or with pals, and enjoy a pint or two in a pleasant space where you won't fill ill at ease.

Quite the contrary – you'll find it very easy to settle in and stay put!

Pick a book from the bookshelf, or play one of the in-house board games. Franzi's got this place licked. Even the way the venture came together is cool – 12-beer loving locals and their families invested in the community scheme idea.

When my partner and I moved to MK last year, we were desperately looking for a friendly, comfortable place to go to on a Friday evening and while there are some nice pubs in MK, not many of them champion the diversity of the local beer scene,” says Franzi - pictured with partner Hagar - above.

We are keen to share the traditional German concept: In German beer culture, a Biergarten is a comfortable, friendly space where you can spend time on your own or with friends and family alike. “It's a place where you meet strangers for a chat and watch the world go by.

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And while The Biergarten is a beer-beast, you don't need to be an aficionado to swing by for a sup.

Anybody who is looking for a friendly social space is welcome in The Biergarten.

We hope to cater for craft beer lovers, traditional ale drinkers and beer novices alike,” Franzi says.

We put a lot of thought into our beer selection and will provide tasting notes and tips for those who visit us with an open mind.

We believe that cosy armchairs and a welcoming atmosphere are appealing to a lot of people. 

Whilst the shop and bar will also source a limited selection of wine, cider and soft drinks, we hope that people who are not traditional beer drinkers will also give some of our beers a go.

We pride ourselves on our expert service and recommendations.”

The Biergarten will give you good beer and good cheer at The Triangle, Wolverton Park, MK12 5FJ

Opening hours are Thursday (Midday-8pm), Friday/Saturday (Midday-10pm) and Sunday (Midday-6pm).

Visit www.mkbiergarten.co.uk for details.

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