A GLORIOUS view across the countryside and a slight breeze to challenge the muggy weather were the most important items on our list to while away a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

The Lansdowne Arms at Derry Hill seemed to fit the bill perfectly and the fact that the food and beer were first class topped it off nicely.

Inside, the Lansdowne Arms has a rather quaint feel with stacks of logs for the fireplace and free book-swap shop.

Walking into the pub we almost had to fight our way to the bar always a positive sign.

But it was a lovely clear day and we decided to take full advantage of the pub's lofty position and sit outside.

Armed with pints of ale, we found a table at the front of the pub adjacent to the road, rather than in the enclosed beer garden.

The lunchtime menu ranges from jacket potatoes and warm baguettes to traditional roast dinners and steaks.

Planning a barbecue if the weather stayed fine, we wanted something to keep us going until the evening rather than a full meal.

As a veggie and a fussy veggie at that I was faced with several yummy-sounding options to choose from.

In the end I opted for a pepper stuffed with vegetable risotto and side salad.

My meat-loving sister Kelly surprised us by picking the interestingly named creamy vegetable basket, which meant we could try each other's meals.

And my fianc, Tristan, plumped for a warm bacon and brie baguette with chips and salad.

Despite the packed pub, our food arrived within ten minutes of ordering.

As well as our main meals, we were given a huge basket of thick cut chips and a generous sized salad (topped with homemade coleslaw) to share between us.

So much for saving ourselves for the barbecue.

My stuffed pepper had the others dribbling as they waited to try a mouthful.

It was beautifully presented, colourful and tasted divine.

Tristan and Kelly were just as delighted with their choices.

The foot-long baguette was crammed full of bacon and oozing brie, just the way it should be.

And the vegetable basket was, as Kelly eloquently put it, like a creamy stir-fry sitting on a big prawn cracker.

It was obvious all three meals were handmade from scratch and we polished them off in no time.

However, it pains me to say that the chips and salad beat us all. The portion sizes were just so generous.

Another pint later and we were ready to wobble back to the car, each one of us unable to bear the thought of the aforementioned barbecue.

For the three of us, plus drinks, lunch came to £33.95.

For tasty pub fare at a reasonable price look no further than the Lansdowne Arms.

And don't forget, the view's thrown in for free.

Lansdowne Arms

Derry Hill

Calne,

SN11 9NS

(01249) 812422

  • Food served all day at weekends
  • Beer garden
  • Children and dogs welcome
  • Disabled access
  • Plenty of parking