I had heard a number of good reports about the Wiltshire Yeamon at Chirton but decided not to get my hopes up too much.

It was not long ago that this wayside pub was due for closure as Wadworth wanted to use the money to pay for renovations to the nearby Millstream at Marden.

But planners did not want the pub to be turned into homes and the Wiltshire Yeoman lived to fight another day.

Now under new tenants it is forging a reputation to match that of its rival in Marden.

First impressions are always important and we were not disappointed by the welcome.

The main bar remains a haven for drinkers but food, especially at lunchtime, is also served in this area.

We were greeted by a young waitress with a ready smile who showed us to our table in the dining area.

The ambience was friendly and the menu inviting. A number of seafood specials were written on a board above the bar and other additions to the menu were relayed by our waitress.

I was delighted the starters included Thai-style Brixham crab cakes and was not let down by the taste. My son Michael opted for the grilled goats cheese and wild mushroom salad and he was full of praise for both the presentation and the mixtures of ingredients.

For the main course I was tempted by the bream, which was one of the specials, and this was served with chips and salad.

It was delightfully pan fried with a crispy skin and succulent flesh.

My husband claimed his scallops were probably the best he had ever tried.

The only slight complaint came from Mike who thought his chargrilled courgette, camembert and plum tomato filo pastry wrap had a bit too much pastry and not enough filling. But you would not have detected this from his plate at the finish of the meal.

In too many places these days starters are priced close to £8 for even the least inspiring choices.

But at the Wiltshire Yeoman all of the starters were £5.50 or less or could be ordered as main courses for under £11.

The chef served the starters with a flourish himself, which was nice personal touch.

All in all the Wiltshire Yeoman seems to have almost everything right and is gaining a well deserved reputation. Next time we will order a taxi.

Fact file

  • Large car park
  • Credit cards accepted
  • Special lunch menu
  • Chef's favourites
  • Vegetarian options
  • Garden
  • Meat from local suppliers
  • Menu changes weekly
  • Many seafood dishes

    (01380) 840665