Having worked up an appetite, ANNIE GRANT, her partner and dog are more than ready for a warm welcome and fine feast

HODSON. The sign directing travellers in its direction along Broome Manor Lane is one I must have past hundreds, nay thousands, of times over the years, without ever really venturing towards it.

A short journey down that lane and you come to The Calley Arms – and the view of the pub was a welcome sight to two hungry house movers (unpacking builds up an appetite) and an over-excited Springer Spaniel.

Friends who had previously visited the pub had reported only good things, so hopes were high as we crossed the threshold into the traditionally decorated venue.

A beaming smile and cheery greeting met us from across the bar (pint of 6X - £3.85 and pint of diet coke £3.20) and within minutes the three of us had drinks and were settled into a cosy corner to peruse the menu.

And peruse we did. While the dog happily chomped on a biscuit given to her by one of the bar staff.

Usually meals out are flawed by our eyes being bigger than our bellies, and over-indulging with three courses... followed by spending the remainder of the evening wishing we’d curtailed our ordering. So common sense was the order of the day, and after lengthy discussion we decided to forego starters in favour of a pudding.

It was a tough call though, with homemade soup (which on our visit was tomato and paprika - £5), asparagus with poached egg and hollandaise sauce (£6.50) and panko breaded prawns (£6) amongst the dishes trying to tempt us to kick off our meal with them.

But we stayed strong and glossed over these to focus on the mains. The choice is generous without being overly so and leaving you feeling pressure debating between four or five things while everyone else stares at you as they’ve already given their order. Or is that just me?

Everything sounded like good, solid pub fare, and as plates laden with food started to pass us while we were discussing what we were considering ordering, it wasn’t just the dog who was gazing longingly at other tables who were already tucking in.

The options included beer battered haddock and chips (£11), house glazed honey and mustard ham, bubble and squeak and poached eggs (£11), The Calley beef burger (£12), wild mushroom tagliatelle (£12) and rack of lamb with garlic and rosemary crust with crushed potatoes (£20).

All had us salivating, but we opted for pie of the day (steak and ale) with chips and a jug of gravy (£12) and the pork tenderloin with a cider, cream and pear sauce with mash with green beans and crispy herb and cheese dumplings (£16).

We didn’t have to wait long to satisfy rumbling stomachs (neither did the dog – cue another biscuit from the bar staff).

Both plates came out well presented and piping hot. The pie was every bit as good as hoped for – the pastry was beautifully thin (Mary Berry would approve) while the filling, tender chunks of beef in a rich, meaty gravy that had a punch of ale, was packed in.

The chips were first class – crispy on the outside but beautifully fluffy on the inside. So far, so good.

The pork tenderloin impressed too. The sauce was a lovely balance of creaminess and sharpness and complemented the meat perfectly.

The only negative comment made on the dish was that the dumplings were slightly too greasy for my dining companion’s taste (but that didn’t stop him from eating them... so it obviously didn’t put him off!)

Once the plates were cleared (both of food and the table) thoughts turned to sweet things, and we cast our eyes over the puddings on offer. All priced at £5.50, choices included cinnamon waffle with ice cream, salted caramel brulee and NY cheesecake. We opted for personal favourites - the lemon tart with raspberry coulis and chocolate fudge cake with ice cream.

Neither disappointed. The lemon tart was the perfect combination of sweet and sharp, while the chocolate fudge cake was rich and gooey. Between mouthfuls I think I heard the words ‘best chocolate fudge cake’ muttered.

Our total bill, including a round of drinks, was £46.05.

A friendly welcome and attentive service is one of the key ingredients at The Calley Arms. Walking in you feel as though you are amongst good friends – regardless of whether you have two or four legs.

We’ll certainly be planning a return visit in the near future.

The Calley Arms

Broome Manor Ln, Hodson, Swindon SN4 0QG

Tel: 01793 740350

calleyarmshodson.com

Parking: Yes

Disabled access: Yes

Our ratings:

Food: 9/10

Choice: 8/10

Decor: 8/10

Customer service: 9/10

Main course prices: £11 - £20

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5