The Goddard Arms Hotel, Swindon (From Swindon Advertiser)

The Goddard Arms Hotel, Swindon

9:38am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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CABBAGE, broccoli, carrots, new potatoes and peas ... the selection of veg was plentiful as we surveyed the Goddard Arms’ Sunday carvery.

I only mention this as when my colleague visited to review the lunchtime menu last December, the only greenery to be found on the menu was peas alone and, I must admit, I was apprehensive about a Sunday lunch minus the veg.

I needn’t have worried. There was more than enough to go around - for us and for everyone else in the lively restaurant - and we happily heaped the greens onto our plates in the hope it would offset the naughty roast potatoes and Yorkshire pud alongside.

Sunday lunch at the Goddards is a busy affair. The pub has really taken off since it reopened its doors before Christmas and most of the tables were filled with friends and families escaping the kitchen, not to mention blokes with one eye on the football.

It’s worth remembering that food is served all day here, and that includes the carvery, so when other pubs stop cooking at 3pm you can still get the roast dinner you’re craving.

The carvery system works well too - buy a ticket from the bar (£7.99 for adults, £3.99 for kids), take it to the carvery chef and you’re away. There was no queue at all when we visited, and we were tucking in within about 10 minutes of arriving.

The choices of beef, chicken or pork suited all of our tastes, and the kids were especially pleased that Yorkshire pudding came as standard.

My beef was tender and medium to well done, just how I like it, and the roast potatoes certainly appeared home-cooked - crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle. There was also stuffing alongside the veg for those who wanted it.

My one grumble (and it could be a matter of personal preference, as no one else mentioned it) was the over-cooked broccoli. I like mine al dente, this was slightly soggy. But I suppose it must be difficult keeping such large quantities warm for so long.

The carvery is not the only option for a Sunday. Other main dishes include steak and ale pie (£6.15), chicken pasta alfredo (£5.49) and ham, egg and chips (£4.35).

There are also six puddings to choose from, all for under £3, and it would have been rude not to try one. Chocolate orange ooze (£2.99) was as rich and gooey as promised and rounded off a very satistying meal.

Other choices included jam roly poly and sticky toffee pudding.

I went to the Goddards with some apprehension, but I left pleasantly surprised. No wonder the place is going from strength to strength. - MICHELLE TOMPKINS

The Goddard Arms Hotel, 1 High Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3EG. Tel: 01793 619090 Food served on a Sunday from noon to 8pm (or until the meat runs out). Normal menu to 9pm