SUE SMITH dines out in style... though her pal attracts a bit of attention

MY friend was doing a brilliant impersonation of Meg Ryan in the film When Harry Met Sally as she tucked in to each mouthful

“People are staring,” I said

“Don’t care, I can’t help it,” she said, rolling her eyes. “This is soooo good.”

We were at The Potting Shed in Crudwell, near Malmesbury, once a drinking haunt and romantic rendevouz for Wills and Kate during their early courtship.

“My heart sank when you suggested this place,” said my friend, mid-mouthful as she loaded her fork for another taste explosion and I tried to slip quietly under the table.

“Why’s that?”

“My husband said it would be full of guffawing loudmouths. That’s how he remembers it.”

“So not quiet and reserved like you, keeping their very loud noises to themselves then.” I said smiling at the waitress who was clearly wondering if a cardiac response team might need to be called.

To be fair, the pub has gone through a few changes of hands over the years and has had its ups and downs. It was transformed many moons ago from a village local with a swirly patterned carpet and a limited repertoire of meals that mostly came in baskets.

But despite the odd blip along the way the current owners seem to have finally nailed it.

The biggest hurdle of the night was choosing from the menu as we both wanted everything. Jersey Royal Tart Tatin with Watercress and Radish Salad, or maybe Grilled Asparagus Risotto with Charred Cabbage and Summer Truffle to start.

Or Pan Roasted Hake, Chorizo, Baby Squid, Spinach and Parmesan Potatoes perhaps or Whole Roast Pigeon, Peas, Broad Beans, Cauliflower, Black Pudding Croquette for mains.

“I draw the line at the Crispy Pig’s Head though,” said the Meg impersonator.

Fair enough. Not top of my list either.

We settled for Dressed Cornish Crab, Sourdough Toast and Pea Shoots, and Grilled Chimi Chouri Lamb Cutlets with Grilled Peppers, Courgettes, Aubergine, Yogurt and Mint for me and Smoked Chicken Ceasar Salad followed by Tandoori Monkfish Tail with Mint and Cucumber Salad and Shallot Bajis for my companion.

And so the evening gathered pace until the main dishes arrived. My friend had gone strangely quiet.

“Is this meant to be cold?” she whispered when her main course, the Tandori Monkfish arrived.

The discreetly attentive staff swooped, sensing something was up and were duly mortified. In a flurry of apologies the plate was whisked away and brought back minutes later at the right temperature.

“Things happen,” said my philosophical friend. “What matters is how you deal with the crisis.”

She was right. The staff couldn’t have been more apologetic and the manager came over to reinforce their regret.

We were satisfied it had been one of those unfortunate mishaps in a busy kitchen for although it was only a Wednesday night the place was full to the rafters.

Having devoured two courses each we struggled to squeeze in a dessert which was a bit of a shame as we could have gone for White Chocolate & Salted Caramel Mousse with Shortbread and Chocolate Sauce, or Pecan Pie with Ice-cream or Chocolate Fondant with Blueberry Compote and Vanilla Ice Cream as an example from a choice of five.

“We can always come back and just have the puds another time,” said my companion and the thought left me feeling quite uplifted.

The atmosphere at The Potting Shed is convivial. The soft green walls, exposed stone and gnarled beams are in-keeping with the style of the new breed of gastro-pup but there is also a homeliness about it with jelly moulds on the window ledges and folded napkins and cutlery in the wooden dresser.

There’s a stag’s head on one of the walls and some ancient farming equipment on another alongside a coat of arms and a series of botanical pictures.

We had started the evening in the garden which is only a stone’s throw from the main road but the noise of the traffic seemed to disappear quickly as we soaked up the sun and savoured a very fine, crisp New Zealand Sauvignon.

The pub has two acres of garden given over to a mixture of apple trees, lawns and extensive vegetable patch providing for both the restaurant and the Rectory Hotel across the road.

When it came to paying the bill ten percent had been deducted for the earlier mishap and we left feeling the evening had been, overall, extremely enjoyable.

We both agreed we would definitely return and not just for the puds.

The Potting Shed

The Street Crudwell

Malmesbury

Wiltshire, SN16 9EW

01666 577 833

events@thepottingshedpub.com

Parking: Yes at the back

Disabled access: Yes

Adver ratings:

Food: 9/10

Choice: 10/10

Décor: 9/10

Customer service: 10/10

Main course prices: From £14-£19

Trip Advisor rating: 5/5