Kings Arms Hotel, Melksham

10:00am Thursday 1st May 2008

THE owners of the Kings Arms Hotel in Melksham are keeping things local with their new menu, by using produce from within a 15-mile radius of the pub.

Colin and Pam Lugg, who took over the Market Place pub two years ago, aim to serve quality local food from nearby as much as possible.

Beef comes from Lodge Farm in Poulshot, pork from Downland Farm in Lacock, chicken and duck are from Woolley Park Farm in Bradford on Avon, trout are from Manningford Trout Fisheries and they buy their fruit and vegetables from Lovejoys in Melksham, who are also committed to supplying local produce.

Mr Lugg said the reason behind their decision was to try and support other local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint, as well as serving better quality produce.

Spurred on by the tough economic climate the couple have designed their new menu so that customers can enjoy either large or small versions of their dishes.

Mr Lugg said: "People can enjoy the same great produce but at a lower price for a smaller version."

His wife added: "People still want to have that feelgood factor when they go out so our meals will vary in price whether they are large or small."

The couple, who have also run the popular Black Swan Hotel in Devizes for the last 14 years, say they want to change the perception of the hotel from a place to go and drink to a place where you can have a nice meal.The new menu will be finalised soon and will be complimented by daily specials that will be advertised in the pub and on the hotel's website.

They also have a function room for hire that has proved popular with all kinds of family events from christenings to birthdays and wakes after funerals.

The room can also be split into two and used for conferences with an overhead projector, television and DVD player provided too.

There are 10 tastefully decorated bedrooms, all with en-suites and kept scrupulously clean.

Mrs Lugg said: "Change doesn't happen overnight but we are hoping that with the new menu things will start to pick up and trade will go from strength to strength."

FACT FILE:

• The Kings Arms Hotel, Market Place, Melksham (01225) 707272.
• Food served 12-2pm daily, 6-9pm on weekdays and until 9.30pm at weekends
• Large car park
• Disabled access for function room and dining room only
• Children welcome
• Visit the website www.kingsarmsuk.com