AS THE summer draws ever closer and the nights stay lighter, the opportunity to revel in a beer garden at your local pub becomes an opportunity too good to miss.

Two friends and I hopped on the train to Bradford on Avon to see where we could grab a bite to eat on a sunny Wednesday evening, knowing we would be sure to find something to satisfy our hunger, and The Lock Inn Café did exactly that.

Situated down by the canal, The Lock Inn has a very relaxed atmosphere with the choice of sitting either inside in the cosy seating area or in the large garden, which even has canal boats set up to cater to diners.

After searching through the expansive menu, I decided to start with Swedish meatballs in a peppercorn sauce (£3.60) and my friends went for mozzarella sticks with salsa (£3.60) and mushroom soup with crusty bread (£3.60).

Each was brought to the table with haste by the friendly waitress, and devoured even faster.

The peppercorn sauce had to easily be one of the best I had ever tasted with just enough kick to leave me wanting more. But keeping what was left for the main was a smart move.

Shortly after we had polished off the starters the waitress arrived carrying two of the biggest mixed grills I have ever seen, or as the Lock Inn calls them the Boatman’s Grill (£12.25).

This consisted of steak, pork, lamb, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions and salad, and for the price you couldn’t get better.

My other friend had opted for a traditional bangers and mash (£7.95), getting equally good value for money.

The meal itself was superb and cooked to perfection. Halfway through I felt myself starting to feel drowsy, but I shall blame the beer for that.

The only issue one of my friends had was the inclusion of a cold salad on the same plate as the hot food, something I personally had no problem with, but each to their own.

The Lock Inn is a must visit for those looking for anything from a light bite to a full table meal, with the view over the canal adding to the aesthetic of a sunny evening.

The Lock Inn Café
Frome Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE
01225 868068
http://www.thelockinn.co.uk

Parking: Not on location but close by at either the train station or the canal car park.
Disabled access: Yes – no steps to enter the premises.

Gazette ratings:
Food: 9/10
Choice: 9/10
Décor: 8/10
Customer service: 9/10

Main course prices: £5.95- £12.25

TripAdvisor rating: 4/5

PATRICK MCLEAN