A WEST Wiltshire pub has been recognised as having the best food in the area by rail passengers.

The Inn at Freshford, near Bradford on Avon, has been voted the best place to eat along the Bristol to Weymouth railway line.

The Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership invited rail customers to follow the trail and send in their own restaurant reviews.

The reviewers selected the Inn at Freshford for its quality of food and its excellent service.

Owner Ken Roberts said: "I think it's the mix of experience, careful selection of basic ingredients and having a sensible range that made us win.

"All the staff here come in fresh and on the ball and the customers love the buzz of this place, it's very atmospheric."

The Inn, which is being restored to its former glory, dates back to the 16th century and still has wooden floors, original beams and an open fireplace.

The beer garden offers a view over the river Frome and the water meadows and there is car parking at the back and side of the pub.

The pub has a huge community appeal due to its accessibility by train and on foot.

Food is served from midday to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday and midday to 9pm Friday to Sunday and dishes include bubble and squeak made with cheesy savoy cabbage and a duo of pork honey and mustard sausages on a bed of leek and wholegrain mustard mash with a red wine and onion gravy.

There is also Tunnel Vision beer battered fresh fish available with the fish changing regularly and the beer coming from the Box Steam Brewery.

All of the meat served is British and the vegetables come from a Somerset supplier, so the menu changes according to season.

A selection of fruit wines and locally brewed ales, some from the Box Steam Brewery, are available as well as fresh espresso coffee.

The Inn holds a curry and quiz night on the first Monday of each month, a Melody Makers night, where anyone can perform a song or piece of music, on every third Monday of the month, while every Thursday it holds a traditional live jazz night and there is usually a barbecue at weekends.

The Inn has its own conference room with wi-fi connection, suitable for business meetings, and can also cater for wedding receptions.

FACT FILE:
  • The Inn at Freshford, The Hill, Freshford, Bath, BA2 7WG. (01225) 722250.
  • Open Mon-Thurs 10.30am-2.30pm and 6.30pm-11pm; Fri-Sun 10.30am-11pm.
  • Seats around 135 people inside and out.
  • Dogs and children welcome.
  • Ale sourced from local and own brewery.
  • Available for wedding receptions.
  • www.theinnatfreshford.co.uk