Popular Wiltshire pub reopens after huge transformation

The Wheatsheaf, a 239-year-old pub in Chilton Foliat, just a few miles from Marlborough on the edge of the North Wessex Downs, has reopened after “an ambitious refurbishment” was completed.

The pub closed to create “a compelling new countryside destination” that its owners hope will draw visitors from Wiltshire and beyond.

Its kitchen will be led by chef director Leigh Evans, whose menus feature British classics alongside “refined cooking.”

“We've always believed the British pub is one of the country's greatest institutions,” said Mr Evans.

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“But for it to thrive, it has to be more than somewhere local people happen to visit. It should be somewhere worth travelling for.

“We wanted to create a pub that feels completely authentic to its village while offering the quality of food, design and hospitality that encourages guests to return again and again.”

For the first time in its long history, The Wheatsheaf will offer seven individually designed guest bedrooms, alongside a front bar, an oak orangery, and a large beer garden.

A spokesperson for the pub said its dinner service has been close to capacity most evenings since it reopened.