It was a bit like walking on to a Neighbours Australian soap set when we walked into the French Horn at Pewsey.

We knew that the new mine hosts Greg and Michelle Toogood were Australian.

But the barman, Greg's brother Albi is also Oz and the menu included kangaroo and crocodile - although both had sold out that night.

For starters, Joy chose duck spring rolls while I went for a goats cheese salad. Both were delightfully served and delicious.

The duck rolls were crispy and came with a tangy plum sauce dip.

The goats' cheese was nicely toasted and served on a bed of salad that included watercress and rocket.

For our main course I had steak on the recommendation of friends.

My sirloin was cooked perfectly as I had ordered it, medium rare, and was so tender it could be parted with a fork.

The steak came with more than adequate chips and a double helping of onion rings because I had asked for no mushrooms.

Joy chose baked hake fillet and had a choice of several kinds of potatoes including rosti but opted for new potatoes and vegetables. It was topped with a generous helping of wild mushrooms.

We both pronounced our main courses faultless.

We could not resist the choice of home made desserts with Joy choosing banoffee tart while I went for the bread and butter pudding.

The desserts were superb with Joy saying hers was one of the best banoffees she had ever had and I had to admit that my bread and butter pudding was as good as my late mother used to make it.

We had a pleasant night out; the restaurant was just busy enough to provide a gentle background burble. The service was excellent.

There was no music, a very pleasant change to most restaurants we visit, and no TV. Our bill for food and drinks came to just over £53.

FACT FILE

Marlborough Road, Pewsey, SN9 5NT

  • Open every day except Tuesdays
  • Disabled access
  • Vegetarian options
  • Children's portions on request
  • Booking advisable
  • Close to the Kennet and Avon canal

    (01672) 562 443