Longs Bar, 86-87 Victoria Road, Old Town, Swindon.

(01793) 534519

I haven’t been to Longs Bar in Old Town, Swindon for about 15 years and have always thought of it as being a trendy evening drinking establishment.

However its website it describes itself as offering “the perfect eclectic mix”.

In the evening, it says, the cocktail scene gives way to a lively dance floor but: “In the day it’s more laidback: ideal for lunch time snacks and caffeine fixes.”

So my husband Jason and I decided to give it a go for lunch.

The building has a Victorian exterior, but inside it is sleek and modern, open plan with a large bar and a conservatory.

The menu offered ciabatta, panini and salads but, as it was a bitterly cold day, I fancied something a bit more substantial.

There were half a dozen pub grub type meals, as well as burgers, pasta and jacket potatoes but in the end I chose Mexican chilli nachos and Jason went for the char-grilled gammon steak with a choice of pineapple or fried eggs (both £7.95).

The food arrived promptly and my plate of nachos was enormous – a huge bowl of crispy tortilla chips topped with minced beef, jalapeno peppers, spicy salsa and a hefty dollop of sour cream.

Jason’s meal was just as large, and came with chunky chips and rocket salad.

My meal was very satisfying, however, by the time I got nearer the bottom of the bowl, the tortilla chips were a bit soggy.

I would also have preferred the meat to have been a little more spicy.

Jason enjoyed his meal but was disappointed because the eggs were overcooked, not with runny yolks as he likes them.

His comment overall was “nice, but the beer was better”.

We passed over the puddings, although I did like the sound of the Irish cream lumpy bumpy layered cheesecake (£4.25). The total bill came to a very reasonable £20.85, including a pint of a beer and a half of cider.

I wouldn’t go to Swindon especially to go to Longs, but I would recommend it if you should happen to be in Old Town.

Alas, I fear I am a little too old to go for the nightlife.

Contemporary bar with conservatory, terrace and wireless internet access

Frequent special events, like parties, balls and discos

Sunday roasts

Limited children’s menu

Weekend DJ/party nights

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Times without prior