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APPEALING: The Black Swan in Devizes has an imaginative menu and a good selection of dishes

Having been abandoned by husband and son for a rugby weekend, I decided to treat my two young daughters to lunch out.

The first pub we tried had a staffing crisis and was not doing food, so we ended up at the Black Swan Hotel in the Market Place, Devizes.

The former coaching inn dates from 1737 and is reputed to be haunted, a paranormal all night vigil being advertised.

The bar was busy, but we were shown to a table in the dining room at the back, which was very homely, almost like being in someone's lounge, and there was a huge fish tank, which fascinated four-year-old Pippa.

Amelia, eight, and Pippa quickly decided to have the traditional Sunday lunch (£6.95 for a child's portion).

I was toying between scallops in hazelnut butter and the chicken stuffed with goats cheese but in the end, I opted for the roast as well (£8.95). We all chose pork although lamb and beef were also available.

The food was served quickly and was nicely presented. The meat was topped with a slice of apple and came with roast potatoes, gravy and a separate plate of carrots, beans, red cabbage, and cauliflower. The girls were disappointed to be given only one roast potato each, so I asked if it was possible to have more, and they managed to polish off another three each.

We passed on the pudding - I could quite happily have polished off a portion of the lemon crunch cheesecake, but Amelia and Pippa were raring to go.

We all enjoyed our meal, my only criticism being that the portion sizes were a bit small.

The staff were very friendly, the menu is imaginative and has a good selection plus chef's daily specials. The prices are reasonable, with main courses ranging from £8.95 to £14.95.

Our meal came to £26.35 including drinks, which I thought was good value. We will definitely return with the whole family, if only to sample that cheesecake.

Sue Cockrem

6:00am Thursday 1st May 2008

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