The New Inn sits at the entrance to the village of Westwood, near Bradford on Avon, and is both a cosy local and gastropub.

It is believed to date from the 1750s, when thirsty wayfarers paying the toll at the turnpike might have dropped in for a pint, but is now more likely to be a destination in itself.

The pub has an established reputation for serving good food, and new owners Mike and Hannah Taylor clearly aim to continue that tradition.

Despite its extensive exterior, the pub is not large, though space is augmented by a number of tables outside. Inside, it is bright and well-maintained.

For my visit the serving staff were welcoming and polite, though not well organised, I was not told there was a specials board, an oversight as it doubled the number of meals on offer. I opted to start with devilled kidneys, served on lightly toasted bread with a fried egg. This was an excellent portion size and had a richly flavoured sauce.

For mains I chose sausage and mash, doused in caramelised onion gravy.

The locally-sourced sausages certainly tasted good and the mash had a good consistency. The gravy (though sauce is perhaps a better word given the sweetness) complemented the meal well, despite a very slight hint of carbon.

Other choices included a wide range of seafood from dressed crab, potted shrimp and fish and chips to scallops linguini and lobster with mango, chilli and couscous.

The New Inn, Main Road, Lower Westwood,near Bradford on Avon, BA15 2AE.

(01225) 863123

The Inn serves venison on certain days, using all parts of the deer for various meals and advertising them as available, including a roast joint on Sunday.

Having disgracefully chosen to drive from Bradford, rather than taking the scenic footpath through the fields, I opted for one small glass of the house red, an excellent Chilean merlot.

I chose, from the usual list, a lemon tart for dessert. The total bill was £23.25, sans tip. On the whole I felt the New Inn was very good value for money, serving good-sized portions of tasty and carefully made food.

Next time I shall walk.

Free house, with real ales

Built in the 1750s

A small garden area and seats outside

Large car park

Booking is advisable

Partial disabled access

Old world village charm

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