The Roebuck Inn, Marlborough

3:18pm Wednesday 16th April 2008

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WAITING for a new kitchen to be completed, we have been eating out rather more than usual. Twice in the space of six days we ended up at our local, the Roebuck Inn.

It is just two minutes from home so the car was not needed.

The Roebuck Inn, London Road, Marlborough

(01672) 512610

Although the Roebuck is our nearest pub it was the first time we had eaten there since Dave and Ania Barrone took it over.

We were impressed from the start by the friendly greeting from the bar staff who cheerily served our drinks and took our food orders.

They also brought the food to the table so we thought there was a bit of a conflict of interest over their bar-keeping and table-waiting duties.

The starters were priced from £4.95 and there was a good choice, although not much for anyone who is vegetarian.

Joy started with a rather splendid looking Greek salad, which she said was fresh, and flavoursome.

I began with goat's cheese crostini, with the cheeses heaped on four half-slices of beautifully crisped bread with some salad.

For her main course Joy had a slow braised lamb shank with rosemary gravy and vegetables. She said it was tender and cooked perfectly.

After seeing that all meat comes from the local butcher Sumblers I ascertained from the waitress that they cooked their own ham.

So it was my all time favourite of ham, egg and chips. The chips were freshly made- some of the best I have tasted for years, and two beautifully cooked eggs.

We skipped dessert being pleasantly full but having tasted them on another foray to the Roebuck six days before. They are all homemade, all cost £4.50.

Our bill came to £44.05 which included a bottle of Cutler Crest rosé and a pint of Butser bitter.

The food was beautifully presented. Pity the friendly waitress was pulled away on bar duties.

Nigel Kerton