With a day off to savour, we fancied a meal out, and ended up at The Angel in Heytesbury, one of the many Wiltshire villages which since being bypassed has become home to pubs where you can relax and watch the world go by.

It was so warm that we opted to eat inside, rather than in the pretty garden, and we admired the pub’s varied decor, with some rather wacky wallpapers.

After relaxing over a pint of lager and half of cider we eventually chose starters and mains from the menu, which offers a good selection (the same at lunch as in the evening) plus there is a specials board and a sandwich selection at lunchtime..

The spring roll starter was very good, not too oily and served with a sweet chilli sauce which complemented it, while I really enjoyed the pea and mint soup. The fresh flavour was delicious, though my companion, who demanded a taste after I raved about it, said there was too much mint for him. It was a large bowl with a chunk of ciabatta on the side, and I began to wonder if I had made the right choice for my main after I saw other diners’ food appearing on brimming platefuls.

My partner had opted for a club sandwich and serving of fries, and soon realised he had made a good choice again, as there was plenty of meat in the sandwich and the fries were crisp.

Fascinated by the original variation on a favourite, I’d gone for the mac and cheese – but this version offered goat’s cheese, which I love, with asparagus mixed into the sauce.

It was very attractively presented, with little green spear tips poking up among the crusty brown surface, but it was soon clear that the best will in the world would not allow me to finish the portion. Or even to make much of an inroad into the bowl of salad which accompanied it.

It was a really tasty dish, with chunks of creamy soft goat’s cheese mixed in with the pasta and cheesy sauce, with the asparagus taste adding another flavour layer. Definitely one to try if you like goat’s cheese, which not everyone does, and more interesting than the tart or warm salad it’s often served with.

The pub is very welcoming, and the staff chat happily with customers old and new. There are rooms to let here too, and lots of nice friendly touches – we liked the jar of biscuits on the bar for visiting dogs, and water bowl outside.

Our meal came to a very reasonable £36.20.

* Open all day, every day, bar closes 8pm Sundays. 
* Food served Mon-Sat 12 noon-2.30pm, 6.30-8pm, Sundays noon-3pm 
* Dogs welcome 
* Car park at rear 
* Disabled access possible