Lacock has always been one of my family’s favourite places, so a wander round the streets and a spot of lunch seemed the perfect way to celebrate a birthday.

We picked out The Carpenters Arms, which used to be one of our favourite watering holes but in recent years has been turned into much more of a food pub.

On a Sunday lunchtime it was busy but not crammed, and they found us a table easily.

The historic pub has several dining areas and we found ourselves quite near the back but in a pleasantly sunny spot, in a very traditionally decorated room with hunting prints, horse brasses and half-panelled walls.

Lots of people were enjoying Sunday roasts, but with a special dinner to come we settled for a lighter lunch.

The birthday girl picked out the haddock fishcakes (£8.35), fishcakes being one of her favourites, and declared the two generous patties which arrived with a pile of chips and proper, not mushy, peas, delicious.

“They’ve got real chunks of fish in them and no lumps in the potato,” she remarked approvingly.

The rest of the party went for wraps with various hot fillings, with two portions of chips (£1.50 each) to be shared out.

There was a huge choice of fillings, and prices ranged from £4-£5.

After a little confusion when they arrived, as one folded wrap looks very much like another and it was difficult to tell which contained what, we all tucked in. My bacon, brie and cranberry was very pleasant, and the generous serving of salad just as enjoyable, with a light but tasty oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.

The chicken, brie and cranberry and chicken and bacon versions were just as good.

Some extremely yummy puddings went past, but we decided the family tradition of ice-creams on the way back to the car park had to be followed, so we left for a stroll round the village, finding yet another little footpath to explore and a bridge to pause on for a game of Pooh sticks.

Our lovely lunch, served promptly by smiling staff, with a pint-and-a-half of cider and Cokes all round for the kids, came to £35.10.

* Meals served: noon-2.30pm, 6.30-9pm, every day except Sunday when there is no food in the evenings.
* Booking recommended for Sunday lunch.
* Disabled access possible but it is a 400-year-old building.
* Parking spaces outside.