Retro Rarities and Craft Beer: A Perfect Evening at the Tap House
If you were at the Bucks Star Brewery Tap House for the recent Milton Keynes Classic Car Club meet-up, you might’ve spotted a couple of quirky little cars that had everyone scratching their heads. What are they? Some kind of vintage European convertibles? A shrunken Jag?
Surprisingly, both of them are actually humble Nissan Micras underneath the fancy styling!
The black convertible was a Nissan Figaro, built back in 1991 as part of a special project by Nissan’s “Pike” Factory in Japan. Only 20,000 were made — and they were so popular that buyers had to win a lottery just for the chance to get one. With its retro curves, white leather seats, and full sunroof, it’s got serious charm. But under the skin, it’s still a first-generation Micra (known as the K10 March in Japan), powered by a 1.0L turbocharged engine with an automatic gearbox.
Parked nearby was a real head-turner: the Mitsuoka Viewt, which looked like someone had shrunk Inspector Morse’s Jaguar MK2. Mitsuoka is a Japanese company famous for building eccentric cars inspired by classic British designs — and yes, they also build hearses! The Viewt is based on the slightly newer K11 Micra, and the craftsmanship is unreal. Steel bodywork, leather interiors, and all kinds of lovely vintage details. The one on display at the Tap House used to belong to the motoring correspondent of the Daily Telegraph and was imported to the UK over 15 years ago.
The whole event was a great example of what makes the Bucks Star Tap House such a special craft beer shop in Milton Keynes. It’s not just about great beer (though the fresh, unfiltered brews are reason enough to visit). It’s also a proper local hub that hosts all sorts of events in Milton Keynes, from free events like this car meet to networking events Milton Keynes locals actually want to go to.
If you’re ever wondering about events today in Milton Keynes or thinking of plans for events this weekend in Milton Keynes, check out what’s happening at the Tap House. Whether you’re into cars, craft beer, or just meeting friendly people, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back.
By Robert Buckby