THE Linnet at Great Hinton, near Trowbridge, has come a long way since its present owners took over the reins.

Owner and chef Jonathan Furby came to the pub from The Pear Tree in Whitley and has truly stamped his mark on the place.

The menu features fresh and local produce with sausages, ice cream, bread and pasta all made on the premises by the chefs.

Mr Furby, 36, said: "I started out at the Inter Continental in Park Lane, London where I learnt all about flavours and how to cook.

"But it wasn't really me and I went to Australia for two years - that taught me how to live and really enjoy food.

"When I came back to England I wanted something that was really me."

Under Mr Furby's leadership over the past seven years the pub has gone from strength to strength - in 2005 the head chef was awarded the Pub Chef of the Year award and this year the pastry chef won the desserts section in the same competition.

Mr Furby describes the food as modern English with a twist' and the focus is on quality fresh ingredients that are cooked well and food that is value for money.

There is both a lunch menu and a dinner menu, with the signature dishes including baked tenderloin of pork filled with prunes and spinach, a trio of chocolate puddings and stem ginger pudding with ginger toffee sauce.

The pub's meat is bought locally from Walter Rose in Devizes, as is the fruit and vegetables from Lovejoy's in Melksham and from a market garden in Bromham.

Fresh fish is also brought up from Brixham in Devon five days a week.

The pub can seat 45 people up to about 60 at the weekends and it is advisable to book in advance at the weekends.

FACT FILE:

  • Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-2.30pm and 6pm-11pm
  • Food served Tues-Sat 12pm-2pm and 6.30pm-9.30pm and Sun 12pm-2.30pm and from 7pm-9pm
  • Ample car parking
  • Child friendly
  • Non-smoking area
  • Call (01380) 870354