The Barge Inn, off A361, Seend Cleeve.
(01380) 828230
Walking up the path to The Barge Inn at Seend I could already hear the laughter and chatter from within before we entered the cosy interior.
Frankie and I were led to our table at the back of the canalside pub, which we had booked in advance because it gets busy, especially at weekends.
Looking around, the pub has incorporated both the countryside and canal into its decor with images of canal boats, local buildings and paintings of the Wiltshire countryside as well as an eclectic mix of wooden chairs - some made from wagon wheels - and bar stools made from milk churns painted in bright canal boat colours.
Despite being quite busy, the service was quick and the staff were friendly and polite helping wherever possible.
We decided to skip the starters although they sounded good with a number of sharing boards and small plate’ on offer that could be eaten as a starter or a snack.
Initially I chose the braised lamb shank as a main, but everybody else had had the same idea and they had run out of the dish, so I opted for the trio of Walter Rose sausages with mash, dressed green beans and caramelised onion gravy (£9.50) while Frankie chose the home-cooked honey roast Wiltshire ham with chips and a brace of local duck eggs (£9.95).
My main was just the right size and the dish worked really well as the sausages were good quality, made with spices that added flavour and gave the dish a nice kick, contrasting with the creamy mash and the fresh crunchy, flavoursome beans.
The quality of the produce also shone out in Frankie’s main, the ham was flavoured well and the duck eggs were done perfectly, along with the crunchy chips.
For a dessert, I went for homemade mango sorbet (£3.75), which was refreshing and full of flavour with pieces of mango adding texture. Frankie’s sticky toffee pudding with Marshfield vanilla ice cream (£4.95) melted in the mouth and was delicious – a winner for someone with a sweet tooth.
The bill came to just under £40 with drinks, a bargain for such good quality food.
Beer garden next to canal
Food served from noon to 3pm daily with lite bite menu from 3pm to 5pm, evening meal 6pm to 10pm.
Cater to dietary needs with gluten free menu and diabetic ice cream
Disabled access
www.bargeinnseend.co.uk
Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.
