EATING OUT: The Owl, which was built in the 1800s, is a traditional olde worlde inn tucked away in the village of Little Cheverell on the B3095 West Lavington to Westbury road.

We had heard that they served very good meals, so decided to find out for ourselves.

The pub has low ceilings, hops decorating the beams, old pictures on the walls, jugs hanging from the ceiling and horse tack on the walls, giving a feeling of stepping back in time.

Our table was booked for 7.30pm and we received a warm welcome.

After getting our drinks we went to sit at our table. There are tables for diners at the opposite end of the pub to the bar as well as a cosy room just off the bar with only three tables.

There was a specials board, which included T-bone steak and a salmon dish but we both decided to choose from the main menu.

The service was unhurried, giving us plenty of time to choose, which we needed.

Malcolm decided to have the Owl mushrooms, which came with bacon, onions and garlic in a white wine and cream sauce, served with garlic bread (£4.95).

I chose the home-made vegetable soup and roll, which was absolutely delicious and very filling (£3.25).

Other starters included home-made chicken liver and brandy pate, smoked salmon and shell-on king prawns.

With such a choice of main course dishes, which included Magret of duck breast, penne arabbiata, beef and Guinness casserole, salmon fillet and a mega mixed grill, it was it was difficult deciding what to have.

My choice of the lamb and apricot casserole (£6.95) could not have been better. The lamb was very tender and there was plenty of tasty gravy.

Malcolm had the peppered fillet steak with a peppercorn and brandy cream sauce (£11.95) and also a side salad.

The vegetables were served in a separate dish.

We had carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and saute potatoes.

Desserts included traditional favourites like hot chocolate pudding, hot lemon ginger pudding and spotted dick, all served with custard.

I was going to try the interesting sounding Creme de Menthe sundae, but after such a filling main course had to give it a miss.

Malcolm still had some room left so he had the iced lemon brulee which was very tangy and refreshing with a gorgeous crunchy burnt sugar topping.

All sweets were priced at £3.25.

We spent a most enjoyable evening in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and the the total bill came to £37.75 including drinks.

Kathy Worsdall