WITHOUT wanting to spoil too much of this review, Kirsten and I recently popped into the Gladstone Arms in Chippenham, and I can’t stop thinking about the food. The evening started with a lovely trip to Chippenham Museum. We were shown around the exhibits and (in a rare peek behind the curtain) the rooms where the museum archives a lot of the most interesting materials you could hope to see. It felt like a proper patch day for both of us – even if my usual realm is Wiltshire and the town councils.
After we left, we spent a good wee while walking around to get potential locator images for future articles and scoping out spots to take a well-deserved break. We settled on The Gladstone Arms and it could not have been a better pick.
When we sat down we were told there would be some wait for food because they were busy, so we set about ordering tropical cocktails before deciding on what we fancied. But we both agreed that the cocktails were divine and if it was not a school night, I’m sure we would have stayed for a lot more than just the one.
Looking through the options for the Wiltshire weekly’s resident picky eaters is always a joy but I liked the sounds of the Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Roulade with chips. And call me uncouth – I’m sure you will – but I hadn’t a Scooby of what a roulade might be and spent a few minutes before the waitress arrived looking it up.
When the waitress came back for our orders I decided to take a punt, and Kirsten ordered Beer Battered Cod and Chips as her main. Despite being uneducated as to what a roulade is, I think it may have been the best meal out I’ve eaten since moving to Wiltshire. Everything from the texture to the Cajun spice was perfect, and I could have ordered again in absence of desert.
It’s needless to say that both mains went down an absolute treat after taking photos in the balmy evening heat.
Next up though, was desert, and I admittedly don’t have much of a sweet tooth. But I always try with these reviews to be fair and plumbed for Meryl’s Choc Chip Banana Bread, Stewed Berries and Vanilla Ice Cream. And, again admittedly, I’m not one for banana bread. I didn’t make banana bread during the first lockdown and never quite understood the hype. This was different though, I’m not sure if it was the stewed berries or the ice cream on offer, but it was beautiful – if not slightly too decadent for me.
But what was more decadent was the charging ports on the walls, I’ve never been to a pub or restaurant with phone chargers on the walls. To me, this is majestic and other establishments would do well to take note. You might think I’m being silly here, but I don’t care. This was a great feature.
Kirsten on the other hand went for the Creme Brûlée which was equally lovely and looked fantastic.
All in the meal came to £57.45 which for two mains, desserts, cocktails and pints was well worth it. I would have been prepared to pay more for the food and the service could not have been any better.
If you’re in Chippenham and in the market for pub grub which is a little different then you cannot do any better than The Gladstone Arms. I’d bet good money you won’t regret it.
Ratings:
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 5/5
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