New bar and kitchen to open at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes

The cafe at Willen Lake is set to re-open next week under the name of the Drift Bar & Kitchen.

The venue is the latest venture from the local team behind several popular restaurants in the Milton Keynes area including Blossom Room, Parrilla, Maaya and the soon-to-open Chapel in Stony Stratford, marking the start of an ambitious new chapter for the Willen Lake venue.

The initial reopening on Saturday 25 July will see visitors able to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks with views spanning across the adjacent Willen Lake. Opening daily from 8am until 9pm, Drift will offer significantly longer opening hours, giving visitors more opportunities to enjoy the waterfront throughout the day and into the evening.

Guests can enjoy a refreshed menu of freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, alongside quality coffee supplied by local specialists Doe and Fawn, all served in a relaxed atmosphere that makes the most of one of Milton Keynes’ most scenic locations.

While the venue will reopen next week, the new operators have already confirmed ambitious plans for the New Year, when Drift will undergo a refurbishment. The transformation will introduce a brand-new look and feel, enhanced facilities and exciting new features designed to create an even more vibrant destination for both local residents and visitors.

Future plans also include live entertainment, seasonal events, private celebrations and corporate hire, establishing Drift as more than just a café but a year-round social destination at the heart of Willen Lake.

Leigh Strathearn, new joint owner of Drift Bar & Kitchen, said, “Our priority was to get the café back open so people can once again enjoy this incredible lakeside location. Willen Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Milton Keynes, and we wanted to create somewhere people can simply come to eat, drink and relax while taking in the surroundings. This reopening is just the first step. In the New Year we’ll be investing significantly in a complete refurbishment that will transform Drift into something really special, with exciting new experiences and a venue that reflects the quality of its setting.”

Rob Wood, Director at Willen Lake, added, “We’re delighted to welcome the new operators to Willen Lake and see the café reopen for visitors. It’s fantastic to see the venue back in operation, and we’re especially pleased to be working with a local operator who understands the area and is passionate about meeting the needs of our visitors. We’re excited by their longer-term vision to invest in the space, creating an even better destination for everyone who enjoys spending time at Willen Lake.”

The reopening marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the lakeside venue, with visitors once again able to enjoy food, drinks and waterside views. Visitors are invited to come along from Saturday 25 July to experience the new offering and enjoy one of Milton Keynes’ most scenic locations.