The Patriots Arms, 6 New Road, Chiseldon, near Swindon.

(01793) 740331

The Patriots Arms, which we visited on a hot summer evening, has great potential, with two large airy restaurants and spacious gardens.

However, it didn’t hit the spot because the ingredients of our meals were disappointing as was the presentation.

That was in spite of the fact that my main course pie was lovely, with succulent chunks of meat under a flaky pastry topping.

The staff also earned full marks for providing a non-sugar fresh fruit salad for me, after I told them when booking that I am diabetic.

Many older people have the same affliction and while pubs and restaurants cater for vegetarians, I have never come across one that has given any thought to diabetics.

Joy and I shared a rustic platter for our starter which should have come with a baked Camembert but had Brie as a substitute. It was quite nice with a selection of breads, breadsticks and vegetable crudites to dip into the gooey cheese.

The main menu was very restricted with no steaks or even gammon, which was surprising because the pub is surrounded by young families who one might expect to enjoy a good steak.

Joy chose a pork rib steak with a baked potato which came accompanied by a very crudely assembled salad, a huge dollop of bought-in mayonnaise and a couple of floppy spears of asparagus.

The tiny piece of pork was no thicker than a pencil and had been mercilessly overcooked.

I had been warned that my beef and ale pie would take half an hour to come because it was freshly cooked.

It lived up to its promise, although the new potatoes that accompanied it were disappointing as were the two asparagus shoots and green beans.

However I have to say that my fruit salad was probably the biggest and best I have ever had.

The meal, with two drinks, came to £37 which would have been fair if a bit more care had been taken with the cooking and presentation. We plan to make a return visit in about six months time to see if we just chose a bad night.

Spacious car park

Disabled access

Set menu and daily specials board

Children welcome with their own pirate ship play area

Guest beers

Newspapers and magazines

Freshly made coffee

Disabled access

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Times without prior knowledge of the owners.