The Hourglass

Devizes Marina

Horton Avenue

Devizes SN10 2RH

www.hourglassdevizes.co.uk

01380 727313

Hours: Open from 11am daily, closes 10pm Sunday, 11pm weeknights, 12 midnight Friday and Saturday

Parking: Free in small car park

Disabled access: yes and to toilets

Food: 7/10

Decor: 7/10

Service: 8/10

TripAdvisor rating: 3.5

WANTING to meet a friend in Devizes for a leisurely lunch, I remembered a recommendation from a different pal, who lives nearby, so suggested The Hourglass.

She said she'd been there recently and enjoyed it, so we sallied forth.

I have to say I found it a tadge hard to find, not being familiar with the edges of the town (it's tucked away down what looks like a street leading onto an estate) but I was pleasantly surprised when we got there.

The inside is large and light-filled, thanks to big windows leading out to the terrace overlooking the Kennet and Avon.

It was a sunny day, so we made the most of it by sitting outside with our drinks and catching up on the gossip.

The smily waitress came to take our order and didn't mind at all that were still dithering.

Having glanced at the menu online beforehand I had almost settled on the smoked salmon and crayfish salad, but then couldn't resist the lure of grilled goats cheese on garlic bread (£7.25). Abandoning the healthy eating plan, I decided that at least there was salad as well as chips to go without.

Claiming she only wanted a light bite, my friend ordered the grilled marinated chicken and Brie wrap (£7.95) which also came with a side of chips and salad.

Both of us missed the note on the menu about a specials board.

We chatted away and when our food arrived tucked in. The wrap was pronounced as success, but I was a bit disappointed with the mine - the two generous rounds of goats cheese had only been grilled lightly, so they weren't as runny as I like, and the advertised garlic bread seemed to have been replaced by slices off a granary bloomer.

When we went on to pudding, I was once again drawn by temptation and plumped for the pecan pie, especially when the waitress confirmed it came warm, and yes of course I could have ice cream with it if I preferred it to the runny cream advertised.

My friend chose the lemon cheesecake, also with ice cream (both £5.95).

Both desserts were really good, better than the mains, we agreed. The cheesecake was a very substantial serving but light and fluffy so you did not feel too full, while the pecan pie was lovely and sticky, with well made pastry.

Feeling that the meal had redeemed itself we paid and left - looking at the evening menu there seems to be a great range of dishes, and the Sunday lunch attracts some rave online reviews, so its quite possible we will return.

The bill, with drinks came to £31.20, reasonable for a two-course lunch.

ALISON PHILLIPS