THE owners of a village pub are celebrating after reaching the finals of a national competition run by brewery Greene King to find the best pub they supply.

Geoff Bell, 64, and Kim Tuck, 27, have been at The Fox pub in Broughton Gifford, near Melksham, for three years and although they did not win the competition, they are thrilled to have reached the final.

Mr Bell said: "The nationwide competition has about eight or 10 categories and is held by the Greene King brewing and retail company, who supply The Fox.

"It is not the first time that our pub has been commended on the service we provide as we've previously won an award for Pub Newcomer of the Year in the same competition."

The Fox offers three types of real ale including the fastest selling cask ale in the UK, Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and a guest ale, which is currently Ruddles County.

As well as real ales The Fox has an array of wines, such as a Spanish white Rioja, an Italian Pinot Grigio, an Argentinean Otravida and a French Chateauneuf du Pape.

Alcohol is served from noon and the pub is open seven days a week.

Its food menu provides a choice of six starters, main courses and desserts and all the dishes are made from fresh ingredients at the premises, with the chef even popping out to chat to you when he has finished.

The pub starters range from £3.95 to £5.25 and include bread and mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham with a sweet chilli pesto and a pâté of goat's cheese served with strawberry and sweet chilli chutney.

The main course menu ranges from £11.95 to £14 and includes a rump steak and roasted beetroot, brandy and cream sauce and a venison steak with a redcurrant, orange and port sauce.

The dessert list includes a rum punch ice cream served with rum and pineapple syrup.

The current specials board has dishes such as a fillet of sea bass with a grain mustard sauce and a fillet of hake cooked with lime, ginger and chilli.

Mr Bell said: "A specific children's menu is not available but the pub does cater for people who want variations on the menu.

"We pride ourselves on the fact that we can cater for customers and adapt to the needs of people such as vegetarians or coeliacs."

"The pub's food is very successful and the place has a friendly atmosphere, we like to feel that everyone can enjoy a meal here."

FACT FILE:
  • The Fox, The Street, Broughton Gifford, Melksham. Tel: (01225) 782949
  • Opening hours are from noon every day
  • Food is served from 12 noon-2pm and 7-9pm everyday.
  • Large beer garden
  • Parking for about 25 cars