The Kicking Donkey, Brokerswood, near Westbury, BA13 4EG

01373 823685

It was a lovely autumn day as we drove through the countryside to the Kicking Donkey.

Set right in the countryside at Brokerswood, within easy reach of Trowbridge and Westbury, this is a proper country pub, with stone floors, stripped pine tables, low ceilings and a warm welcome from the friendly staff.

There was a steady flow of customers, from locals dropping in for a real ale to those, like my son David and I, who had driven out for lunch.

The pub is also clearly popular with walkers, who can bring well-behaved dogs into the bar.

No sign of gastropub pretensions here, just a straightforward bar menu and generous portions.

A blackboard of specials also promised homemade delights, and there was plenty of choice for vegetarians.

David chose our seats in the light and airy restaurant, with its trademark donkeys decorating the shelves and French doors overlooking the lovely garden.

We tucked ourselves away next to the hearth, rather wishing the woodburner was offering the same roaring welcome as in the front half of the pub.

David opted for his perennial favourite, scampi and chips (£8.95), and was provided with a brimming plateful, with really substantial pieces of breaded scampi and a pile of chips and peas.

I chose fisherman’s pie (£8.50), being intrigued by the idea of a filo pastry topping instead of the usual mash and found it a very tasty combination. Chunks of fish were served in a creamy sauce and the pastry had been carefully cooked to retain lots of texture.

The dessert board included sorbets and ice creams, traditional dishes like Eve’s pudding, a scrummy-sounding chocolate roly poly and a cheeseboard.

David chose chocolate fudge cake and I went for raspberry and vanilla torte, both £4.25.

They arrived promptly and were both served with delicious coulis of raspberry and apricot which provided just the right tart contrast.

A very enjoyable lunch which, with several soft drinks, came to £31.45.

Snacks from £4.95, main meals from £7.95, evening meals £10.95-£14.95

Children’s menu, or small portions of adult dishes

Disabled access possible, step to some areas

Large car park, spacious outside play area

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