We had passed through Aldbourne on a previous search for somewhere to eat but sadly two of the pubs were full.

But the welcome we received from both was so friendly that we decided we must return.

To make sure we got a table I booked at the Blue Boar on a Friday night.

Aldbourne is a pretty village and the striking backdrop of St Michael's Church by The Green has a wow factor for me.

The Blue Boar, a Wadworth-owned pub, is in the middle of The Green and on summer days and light evenings I could imagine how nice it would be to sit outside with a drink.

The pub is already no smoking throughout. The bar was packed and there was a friendly feel to the chatter.

We received a warm welcome in the restaurant and were able to have a tab for drinks as we sat by a window overlooking The Green.

The restaurant is spacious and the tables have enough room between them to afford privacy. There is wood panelling on the walls, untreated wooden floorboards and a beamed ceiling.

The tables had interesting slate effect table mats and the menu was written on a blackboard.

There was a good choice and the starters included goats' cheese with beetroot salad.

Keith and I both chose pate, which came with brown and white quarter slices of toast and salad (£4.50). It was a generous portion and very tasty. Keith's only gripe was that one cafeteria size portion of butter was not enough.

The main courses ranged in price from £7.50 to £15.95 and included homemade steak and kidney pie and a 22oz mixed grill. Keith chose Cajun chicken breast which was tasty and succulent (£8.50) while I had sirloin steak with chips, peas and mushrooms cooked in breadcrumbs, which was a welcome change from batter.

My steak tasted slightly more than medium cooked as I ordered, which was slightly disappointing.

Neither of us could finish our main course and so there was no chance of a dessert. The choice included homemade apple pie and trifle.

Including two rounds of drinks, the bill came to £38.55, which we thought good value.

The Blue Boar
The Green
Aldbourne
Wiltshire
SN8 2EN
(01672) 540237

  • Specials
  • Vegetarian options
  • Credit cards accepted
  • Food served noon-2pm and 7pm-9.30pm (9pm on Sundays)
  • Car parking on street

    Jill Crooks