The Bell, Bath Road, West Overton, near Marlborough.

Phone (01672) 861099

As you drive around Wiltshire it is obvious from the number of empty establishments that the pub trade is not an easy one to make a go of at the moment.

But this did not daunt Mandy and Mark Scott, who decided to invest a hefty sum to transform The Bell at West Overton from a rather run down roadside hostelry into a destination pub and restaurant.

The couple, who have no experience of the pub trade, have been rewarded for their bravery. They have also sensibly put in chef Andrew McNaughton and his wife Hannah to run the pub.

The beautifully restored pub opened just before Christmas and has been doing well ever since with both drinkers and diners.

We visited on a chilly Sunday lunchtime and received a friendly welcome which then extended to efficient service.

Our group of seven, which included four oldies, two young adults and a five-year-old, were quickly seated, presented with menus and had our drinks order taken. Personally as soon as these niceties are out of the way I can relax in a restaurant.

We all went for one of the traditional Sunday roasts on offer but the flexibility of the kitchen was tested when my brother asked for Yorkshire puddings with his pork and his partner asked for crackling with her beef.

No-one seemed fazed by these requests and the beef was also cooked exactly as each person had requested.

It came in a red wine gravy that everyone but me raved about. I liked the gravy but being a traditionalist when it comes to roast I would have preferred a thicker, browner version.

The food on offer is available in half portions for children which is a great idea. It meant that Jack, five, got a plentiful portion of roast beef and was delighted with the ice cream that followed. The rest of us were equally impressed with our puddings that included an amazing dark chocolate tart with white chocolate ice cream and a treacle tart with rum and raisin syrup and clotted cream.

Starters at The Bell range from £4 to £7 with main courses going from £11 to £24. Puddings are from £4.50 to £6.

Large car park

Food available in restaurant and bar

Half portions for children

Disabled access

Credit cards accepted

Real ale sold

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.