The Crown, New Park Street, Devizes.

(01380) 722692

The Crown in Devizes has a reputation as a favourite night spot with the under-30s, or those who, after a few drinks, think they fit this bracket.

But go at lunchtime or before the dance floor starts to throb and the pub in New Park Street has a very different atmosphere, with its tasteful contemporary-style decor.

It also has an unexpectedly full wine list, which can be bought by the glass or the bottle.

When I was unsure which one to go for landlord Jim Lynch was quick to offer me a taste before I made a decision.

Most of the food is homemade and the main menu is supplemented by an ever-changing specials list.

For starters I chose king prawn skewers which came in a tangy chorizo butter sauce but were surrounded by rather too much oil for my liking. Next time I would ask them to hold this part of the dressing.

My husband had stuffed field mushrooms from the specials menu while my teenage daughter had fried goat’s cheese.

The absolute winner among this selection were the mushrooms, which were giant-sized and filled with a mixture of celery and Stilton.

Francesca liked the goat’s cheese but would have preferred her absolute favourite of deep-fried camembert. (Note to Jim).

For the main course I went for a chargrilled chicken breast in a toasted bun served with salad and chips that must have been about quadruple fried.

They came in a side dish and tasted heavenly and I tried not to think about how many calories each one must have contained.

Francesca and Ron both went for homemade chicken and ham pie with mashed potato.

The bowl of fresh vegetables that came with the pies would have been enough to feed a family of six at Sunday lunch. The selection included carrots, swede and cabbage. The pies were bursting with meat and the pastry was crumbly and yet moist.

The Crown offers very good value with our bill for three coming in at under £40 for the food.

Car park and on-road parking.

Wadworth’s beer

Open for food Monday to Saturday, noon to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm. Sunday noon to 4pm.

Starters from £3.95, main courses from £4.95

Disabled access possible

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