IT was a balmy night as we walked around Marlborough looking for somewhere to eat.

Marlborough is a delightful town and, as we did a circuit of the High Street, we noted that it has plenty of national restaurant chains, notably for pizza and pasta food.

We wanted something a little more special and settled for the Green Dragon, a Wadworth pub selling traditional English fare and ales.

Outside there were boards telling us what was on offer and the charming old pub looked very warm and inviting.

Inside there were a couple of vacant tables but we were put off by the smokey atmosphere.

We got the impression that the bar is used by drinkers rather than those dining.

The pub also has the Cask Marque award for the quality of the ales it serves up and has regular guest ales.

The friendly barmaid and barman spotted us looking through a menu and they invited us to the downstairs non-smoking eating area.

This is a small room containing four tables and opposite from a room containing a pool table.

The barman lit a candle in a wine bottle on our table and took our drinks order while we read the menu.

I am difficult to please and always feel happier when there is a large number of dishes on a menu (but even then I can be fussy).

So I found the menu at the Green Dragon limited but nevertheless I wasn't disappointed with the dishes I chose.

There was a good range of meat and fish dishes and also a wine list.

I skipped a starter while Keith tucked into prawn cocktail accompanied by tiny triangles of buttered wholemeal bread and served on a lettuce bed. Keith described his starter as refreshing.

The room, called The Lair, was cosy and midway through our meal three people, clearly tourists, arrived to occupy another table.

For mains Keith chose Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak (£11.75). It came with chips, onion rings, peas, mushrooms and salad.

Keith said the steak was succulent and the whole meal was wonderfully cooked.

I had tuna steak served on a bed of julienne vegetables (£8.95) and with new potatoes.

It was sprinkled with herbs and was beautifully presented.

It came with a gorgeous citrus and herb sauce and was tasty.

Keith passed on the desserts but I succumbed to temptation and chose chocolate fudge cake.

It was a gorgeous slice of dark, moist chocolate and was beautifully served with chocolate sauce and fresh cream.

Again we were impressed at the way the food was presented, with slices of green and red grapes interspersed around the edge of the plate.

We were well looked after by the barman and barmaid and were impressed by the attentive service.

The bill, including drinks, came to £32.15.

Based on our experience we look forward to returning to the Green Dragon sometime soon.

By Jill Crooks

The Green Dragon

13 High Street

Marlborough

(01672) 512366

  • Breakfast served between 10am and noon; lunch noon to 2pm Monday to Saturday and until 3pm on Sunday, evening meals from 6pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday.
  • Non-smoking area downstairs
  • Vegetarian dishes
  • Car parking on the street