IF YOU like a bustling atmosphere and as much salad as you can eat, head for Swindon's newest restaurant.

And if you've been to a Harvester before you'll know exactly what to expect.

The Grove in Drove Road has had a fair few changes over the years.

Until recently it was a Beefeater, with a char-grill and fake flaming torches outside. The inside was dark, with big booths and a warm, welcoming feel. I rather liked it.

So perhaps I was a bit prejudiced towards any changes to the place in advance but I didn't think they were particularly for the better.

The booths, mood lighting and deep red walls have gone and instead there's a lighter colour scheme, pale wood and lots of ceiling beams (it's intended as a rustic look).

I don't know if I'm remembering it rightly but I thought the Grove had higher ceilings - perhaps it was just where we were sat.

However, these were low, and combined with the fact that there were lots of tables packed in and it was busy, made it feel a bit claustrophobic.

And it was busy, VERY busy.

The staff managed to keep their smiles in place but you could tell they were struggling to cope.

It was an early evening a few days after the restaurant reopened after its changeover and refit.

It's certainly a very popular place.

Manager Philip Turton explained: "It's the only Harvester within 50 miles and people are travelling up to 30 miles to get here. It's the busiest place I've worked for.

"One of the biggest attractions is the salad cart, which you can visit as many times as you want.'' Another temptation is an early bird special menu where prices are a third off the regular cost.

But I quite honestly couldn't see the attraction. The food was perfectly respectable and the flame-grill remains, but it was nothing special.

The starters include soup (£2.40), melon (£3.35) and prawn cocktail (£3.75) - safe but dull.

We tried the crackerjack king prawns (£3.75), nachos for one (£3.99) and cheesy garlic bread (£1.65) from the side orders.

Mains were flame-grilled salmon (£9.95), a child's steak (£3.99 for all "young guest" options) and the most exciting sounding thing I could find on the menu - piri piri chicken (£7.99), a flame grilled chicken breast with cajun rice.

They were all fine. And perhaps that's why the restaurant is so popular - and why I won't be in a hurry to return.

The food is safe and predictable, which makes it popular with people who don't like surprises on their plate. I do.

The Grove Harvester

Drove Road, Swindon, SN1 3AG

01793 521028

Pub opening times: Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 11pm. Sunday 11.30am to 10.30pm.

Food served: Noon to 10pm. From 11am Sunday. Early bird specials Monday to Friday until 6.30pm; Saturday noon until 5pm.

Beer garden, patio, wheelchair access, disabled toilet, baby changing, children welcome, parking