The more things change, the more they stay the same. So the saying goes and, not having visited the Barge for nigh on 15 years, I wondered how it might have changed in that time.

Plenty has happened in that time, including a community buyout, as a result of Lottery funding, which was not successful.

The good news now is that this pub, at the centre of crop circle territory, has retained the laidback, quirky atmosphere with its popular campsite at the rear that I remember, but inside it has been smartened up with a chic grey colour scheme, chandeliers and an impressive rock Wall of Fame, displaying black and white photographs of many of the greats, such as The Rolling Stones. In fact, Ronnie Wood’s artwork also adorns the walls.

The focus is heavily on music here, where Honeyfest originated, with bands lined up almost every weekend.

It was quiet when we visited for a Father’s Day treat, but it filled up very quickly later on with walkers, a school party, bikers – the whole universe really.

The menu offers the staple pub food you would expect, with fish and chips, burgers, lasagne and so on. I suspect the focus is more on the beer, and although tempted, we did not try the famed Honeystreet Ales’ Alien Abduction brew. Drinking three pints of it protects you from the little green men, apparently.

We chose the Sunday roast (£10.95), which was beef on the day we visited, a ham, egg and chips (£9.50) for my daughter, who had to have an adult portion as this wasn’t one of the children’s options, and a children’s sausage and chips (£4.95). I was assured, however, the kitchen is hoping to expand its children’s meals in the near future.

We took a seat opposite the Wall of Fame, and gazed out over the campsite, very chilled out with a mixture of caravans and tents, groups of friends and families.

The food arrived promptly and the roasts were an impressive plate full of tender beef, roast potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots, smothered in a rich and flavoursome gravy.

The Wiltshire dry cured ham was particulary tasty and thick and again the portion was generous, with two eggs and copious amounts of chips plus salad.

The children’s meal was adequate for a five-year-old but I’m not sure the one sausage would have been enough for an older child.

Overall the choice of food is not extensive and this is not a gastro pub but what is on offer is top quality fare.

The bill came to just short of £44 with soft drinks, a very reasonable price to escape the washing-up.

*Food served: noon-8.30pm.

* Opening times: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-3pm.

* Beer garden: with adjacant campsite.

* Parking: outside pub, also moorings for boats.