The Chef's Table

When did you first take an interest in cooking, and when did you decide you wanted to become a chef?

There has always been chefs and cooks in our family so I have been brought up with it. I had my first job in a kitchen at 16 and it grew from there.

Where did you do your training?

I have been taught by my husband, Vince, who is a trained chef. Also by my mother who has been a cook in different kitchens, so it’s only natural to follow her with home cooking.

How would you describe the style of food served in your restaurant?

I would describe the style of food we cook as old fashioned British, with Indian and European dishes as well.

Do you have a signature dish? If so, what?

Our signature dish, I would say, is our Homemade Steak and Ale Pie. When our regulars come in they just say we will have our usual, and we know it’s Steak and Ale Pie. It’s made with chunks of tender British beef and cooked to our own traditional recipe encased in short crust pastry. Yes we do have a top and bottom to our pie - it’s a big hit here.

What would you order from your own menu?

From our menu I would choose our fresh fish. We have different fish all the time and some really tasty sauces to go with them. Then there's our homemade batter to go with our fresh haddock or plaice, it's so hard to choose.

Your favourite vegetable, and why?

My favourite vegetable would have to be roasted butternut squash. We use it in our Homemade Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup. Which is one of our most popular starters.

And favourite dessert?

Desserts are my favourite. I can't choose between the homemade fruit crumble or the homemade apple pie with a good helping of creamy custard.

Do you cook a lot at home? What sort of food?

I do a lot of cooking for my family. I like to try out new recipes on them so we can put different dishes on the menu.

Where else locally do you like to eat?

When we go out we usually go to a good Indian restaurant in Swindon.

Why should people come to The Village Inn?

At the Village Inn we have a large menu to choose from, at affordable prices. Many dishes are homemade including multiple vegetarian options and we are able to cater for those with special dietary requirements. We open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. We can cater for up to 90 people and offer set menus or buffets for larger parties. We use a local family butcher and vegetable supplier. We have no music and no children under eight-years, so you can have a relaxing get together whether you are a couple or a family or at a friends get together.