After a chilly and busy morning spent car booting and ferrying the kids round we thought we’d treat ourselves to Sunday lunch. We had recently tried booking a table last minute at the Fox & Hounds but it was full. This time we were in luck and got a nice table for two under an archway.

After ordering drinks – Bath Gem Ale on tap here, one of my favourites – we sat down. The main menu, available every day, was not too extensive, but boasted some interesting-sounding and reasonably-priced dishes, including a hog roast at £15.95, duck leg in port wine sauce, £11.95, and homemade steak and mushroom pie at £10.95. There were also daily specials, with one of the veggie options, a homemade spinach, feta cheese and mushroom pie with tomato herb sauce, at £9.95, sounding particularly attractive.

I chose coarse chicken liver pate with toast and salad followed by roast beef. Alison chose crab and Gruyere tart from the specials board, followed by roast lamb. Sunday lunch costs £9.95 for adults, £5.95 for children, for the main course only, which comes with roasties, steamed seasonal veg, a generous serving of meat and lots of gravy.

The dark and rich looking pate arrived with a generous portion of toast and butter – top marks for that, as so often you end up trying to spread a great lump of pate on a tiny piece of toast. It tasted as good as it looked, enhanced by a thoughtful spoonful of redcurrant jelly which balanced the rich flavour.

Alison’s slice of tart was also delicious – I stole some! – with melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry and a soft filling packed with flavour, perfectly complemented by the generous salad of leaves with balsamic dressing.

The roast beef dinner was one of the best I’ve had, with large tender slices of local Church Farm beef covered with a thick dark and tasty gravy. Roast potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The lamb was good too, flavoursome and tender, and an ample plateful. Both roasts were served with a generous portion of steamed seasonal vegetables.

Despite the restaurant being full, service was prompt and friendly.

This pub is perfectly placed for meeting friends who live in Bath or Bristol for a meal – simple to find, plenty of parking, and food easily as good as that in the city.

* Two-course lunchtime menu and coffee for £10 (Tues-Sat)
* Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6-11pm
* Dogs allowed
* Real log fire
* Large car park and beer garden

Tel: 01225 863122. Web: www.foxandhounds farleighwick.co.uk