The Seven Stars at Winsley (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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The Seven Stars at Winsley
3:09pm Thursday 20th November 2008 in Search By Diana Deal
The Seven Stars dates from the 1700s but has been revamped to give a contemporary interior
The Seven Stars at Winsley has had a chequered history.
Years ago, it had a good reputation as a locals’ pub.
But then it became much more of a restaurant, to the extent that drinkers-only felt unwelcome.
Now, three villagers who describe themselves on the website as “passionate and principled” about fine food and drink have taken over the hostelry, and are aiming to welcome both drinkers-only and diners.
We went on a Saturday night and found the bar with several couples – plus one woman sitting on her own reading a book – and a full dining room.
We chose mixed olives and homemade bread for starters to share. It was advertised as a side order but the barmaid said we were not the first to ask for it as a starter.
For mains, both my husband and I chose braised venison with red cabbage and dauphinoise potatoes at £13 each.
The venison came in lovely rich gravy but the best taste of all was the red cabbage which was both sweet and tart at the same time.
I would have rather liked less venison (although it was extremely tasty) and had another vegetable instead.
Our daughter chose Wiltshire ham, two free-range eggs, which come from Hartley Farm in the village, and hand cut chips at £9.
For dessert (all £4.90), I chose apple and brandy trifle while Paul had treacle and apple tart with ice cream.
Rebecca had four homemade chocolate truffles at £2. She dropped one on the floor and the barmaid very kindly asked if she wanted a replacement. The tart seemed more treacle than apple and was rich and gooey.
My trifle was lovely, refreshing and light with a distinct taste and texture of apple.
The bill, which included two glasses of wine, one gin and tonic and a coke, came to £66.80 which I thought was expensive for just three. But there’s cost for passion and principles over fine food.
Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without the prior knowledge of the owners.
