Now under new management, the Crown Inn has been revamped as a premier steakhouse.

So when a vegetarian colleague felt unable to attend its official re-opening, I felt it my duty to step forward to help out.

I headed up to the restaurant after work with my equally steak-loving housemate Sylvestr.

We arrived to find the launch party in full swing, with new owner David Bennett keen to show off the changes he has brought in.

This has involved a complete re-imagining of the menu, scrapping the traditional pub food and focusing purely on prime steaks, cooked in front of you on slabs of high-temperature volcanic rock.

After 30 minutes at the bar we were seated and both chose to skip a starter and get straight to the main event.

I opted for a 12oz fillet, while Sylvestr went for the 16oz sirloin.

While all steaks come with salad, a flat mushroom, onion rings and a choice of jacket potato or homemade chips, considering the premium prices I did wonder at them charging an extra £2.95 each for sauces.

The sight of fresh steaks sizzling on the plate as they’re brought out to fellow diners was enough to make us regret skipping the starters, with each new meal to emerge stopping conversation as people watched on in admiration.

Our steaks arrived, and we tucked in.

The meat was excellent, and cooking it yourself definitely adds to the experience, with the heated rock keeping it warm throughout the meal.

The chips were thick and in generous portions, and our peppercorn and Jack Daniels sauces made a welcome addition.

We then moved on to dessert, a baked New York cheesecake and a sticky toffee pudding, both served with raspberry ripple ice cream.

Despite some issues with the service, which can probably be put down to inexperienced staff and opening night jitters, we were both thoroughly impressed with our meals, and I would be more than happy to return.

At over £60 for the two of us it’s not a cheap night out, but for special occasions a welcome addition to the Chippenham area, which I hope will do well.

Children’s portions available.

Steaks can be chargrilled on request.

Five hotel rooms available.

Full lunch menu during the day.

Public car park nearby.