We emerged with plenty of food for thought from a talk on the First World War poets given by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at the Marlborough LitFest on Saturday.

But then it was time to feed the inner man with a family visit to the recently revamped and renamed Marlborough pub.

I had feared that the historic inn might have lost some of its character during the modernisation, but was delighted to find the same cosy feel.

It was extremely busy yet the efficient and friendly staff were not fazed by our request to move from our reserved table in the rather noisy bar, a newly-vacated table in the quieter restaurant towards the back of the pub being swiftly cleared for us.

I chose the most expensive starter: chilli prawns at £11.95. The dish was worth every mouthful, the plump prawns were presented in a small copper frying pan and oozed with flavoursome juices that I mopped up with the accompanying bread.

Daughter Rebecca’s beetroot and goat’s cheese risotto (£7.95) also arrived in a copper frying pan and swiftly disappeared, son Joel made fast work of his Scotch egg (£8.50) while the only word of unease came from husband Julian who felt his squid (£7.95) a little chewy, although flavoursome.

All was made up for in his choice of seabass (£19.95) for main. A whole, large fish arrived perfectly cooked, moist and flaking off the bone. Rebecca loved her butternut salad (£12.95), a large bowl of salad leaves, served with roasted butternut, peppers and a tangy dressing, but she said the accompanying sweet potato chips (£4.50) justified the night out on their own. Perfect.

Joel was the cat that got the cream with his open pie of ox cheeks at £13.50. I had the mussels and French fries, which were delicious. It was fortunate that Rebecca and Joel chose to share the sticky toffee pudding (£7.95) because a giant-sized portion arrived and, despite even a few sample tastings by my husband and I, a little was left on the plate.

The total bill was £141.65, well worth it for a special night out.

* Food served 12 noon-2.30pm every lunchtime; evening meals 6.30-9.30pm Mon-Thurs, until 10pm Fri/Sat and until 9pm Sundays.
* No children’s menu, smaller portions available.
* Disabled access possible at front, but steps up to restaurant.