IF YOU'RE looking for a traditional Swindon pub, they don't come better qualified than The Kingsdown in Stratton.

For it's the brewery tap for Arkell's, an outlet for it's beers right on the doorstep.

In fact the original Kingsdown granted a full licence in 1847 was on the other side of Hyde Road but was swallowed up by the brewery's expansion.

The new building was built in the late 1860s and has been a thriving hostelry ever since.

It's a friendly kind of place.

Landlady Liz Macgregor, who has been running the pub with her husband John for 14 years, said: "If you're 18, you can bring in your grandmother of 88.

"There's a real mix of customers.

"Anyone can come in and feel safe. It's like a family."

The pub has a public bar leading into a comfy seating area and onto a restaurant area, which is partly in the conservatory extension which was added 12 years ago.

Although it's open plan, there are nooks and crannies and with lots of beams, a carpeted floor and wooden furniture, it's still got a cosy feel to it.

Customers range from locals there are league-winning pool and darts teams to Japanese visitors from the nearby Honda factory.

On a couple of recent early evening visits to eat with my son Tom, 10, he was disappointed that the weather wasn't good enough for him to enjoy the outside play area at the back of the pub.

But he perked up when his beefburger,chips and peas (£4 off the children's menu) arrived and tucked in happily.

In fact he enjoyed it so much he stuck with it on both visits, even though he could also have chosen fish fingers, sausages or chicken (all at £4 and served with chips, peas and baked beans).

I tried a couple of dishes the home-cooked Wiltshire ham and eggs, served with chips, peas and salad (£6.25) and medallions of beef with horseradish and juniper berry jus (£8.50).

It was good comfort food, pub grub. The ham and eggs need no explanation, while the beef medallions came with a tasty gravy and plenty of veg the peas were probably tinned but there were fresh carrots, cabbage and cauliflower, along with mash and new potatoes.

There are half a dozen starters, ranging from £3.50 for soup and a crusty roll to rosemary and garlic coated brie with a sweet chilli sauce at £4.95; there are pastas, homemade currys and chiilis and vegetarian dishes all at £7.25; a range of salads at £6.50; fish dishes from £6.25 for salmon and cod fishcakes to £6.95 for cod and prawn fisherman's pie; and grills from £6.50 for a steak burger to £14.50 for a 16oz T-bone.

The restaurant is deservedly popular and booking is recommended for weekend evenings and Sunday lunchtimes when a £6.50 roast is served.

Facilities include a large car park across the road from the pub, garden, pool/snooker, pub games, food and disabled toilet.

Food served: Monday to Fridays noon to 1.45pm and 6pm to 9pm; Saturday noon to 2pm snack menu and 6pm to 9pm; Sunday noon to 2pm.

The Kingsdown, Upper Stratton

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 2.30pm Friday and Saturday 11am to 3pm, Sunday 11am to 3.30pm; evening 6pm to 11pm and 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays

01793 824802