IT wasn’t exactly the ideal night to be out doing a food review.

The weather wasn’t great and neither my other half nor my youngest – whose experience as a chef is always useful – were available because they were on the other side of the country enjoying a night out in the fine city of Norwich.

But the deadline was looming, so it was with only a moderate amount of enthusiasm that I had a quick Google to find some likely venues.

I wasn’t even sure what kind of food I fancied that night. Then I saw the Fox and Hounds in Wroughton.

A quick perusal of the menu decided things – I needed some comfort food.

This Is Wiltshire:

The pub, which is right at the high street end of Markham Road, was given a complete revamp about five years ago but has been serving up pints since 1866 when it was called the Drum and Monkey.

I arrived for an 8pm booking and walked in to find the bar was pretty busy for a Thursday night. There were several groups of people having dinner and others enjoying a chat and a drink.

I was taken to a small table in the bar and left for a minute to get settled. It felt a bit weird sitting there by myself but I was able to appreciate the pleasant atmosphere.

The open plan bar was nicely decorated and hung with strings of lights. It’s also dog friendly.

In the better weather there’s a garden with countryside views and space for children to play.

Within a few minutes a friendly member of staff had arrived to take my drink order and give me a menu.

I went for a Becks Blue. It’s not ideal if you’re an ale-lover, but in the absence of something really good like my favourite low alcohol Ghost Ship from Adnams, it’s passable. And at least it doesn’t have too much of the aftertaste that spoils so many low and no alcohol brews.

This Is Wiltshire:

I was tempted by the FH Hangers – hanging skewers of beef, chicken or lamb with garlic and sweet chilli butter – but the lure of the slow roasted lamb shank in a rich mint gravy with and veg was too much.

There was plenty of traditional pub fare on the menu, like burgers, haddock and chips and steak and several vegan choices such as butternut squash and red onion tagine.

I didn’t have too long to wait until my lamb shank arrived and when it did I was glad I hadn’t gone for a starter.

It was a huge portion and it came with a side dish full of vegetables. The meat, sitting on a hill of mash, surrounded by a moat of gravy, was tender and fell off the bone in satisfying chunks.

The vegetables still had a little crunch, which is precisely how I like them.

Slowly I worked my way through it, enjoying every mouthful so much I Whatsapped pictures of the food to the lads in Norwich.

This Is Wiltshire:

In fact if I have any criticism of the dish it could only be the amount - some diners might feel a little over-faced.

That said, it didn’t stop me accepting the dessert menu when the main course had been cleared away.

The choice here was harder, there were so many favourites. In the end I went for the chocolate brownie ice cream sundae.

It’s an easy dessert but I hadn’t had one for ages and it was going to be a proper treat – as indeed it was.

The combination of good vanilla ice cream and brownie pieces was just right.

As I paid the bill (£25) I decided it was one to put on the list for a later visit when I’m in the area.

And next time I’ll bring the other half with me.

FACT FILE

The Fox and Hounds

Markham Road, Wroughton, SN4 9JT

Monday-Saturday: 12-2.30pm, 6-9.30pm

Sunday: Lunch 12-6pm

Trip Advisor: 4/5

Our rating:

Food: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Ambience: 9/10

Parking: Yes

Disabled access: Yes

Dog friendly: Bar area