“I’LL have the roast beef but you’ll have to eat my Yorkshire pudding,” I said to my son as we decided what to have for Sunday lunch.

That plan went a bit awry when the dish arrived with the potatoes inside a giant Yorkshire, but it was so tasty, even though I’m not very keen on them and usually palm mine off on a fellow diner, that I actually ended up eating half of it.

A generous serving of thinly-sliced beef, which melted in the mouth, came covered in a nice thick, rich gravy.

The potatoes weren’t quite crispy enough for my liking but the hearty mix of vegetables made up for that.

There were parsnips, new potatoes, carrots, mange tout, cauliflower, broccoli and swede.

The Rat Trap is a warm, friendly place and was full of customers - both couples and families - enjoying a roast lunch.

I was glad I’d dragged my teenage son away from the computer games and saved myself from the washing-up.

The price was reasonable - £20 for two lunches, a large glass of merlot and a soft drink - and set us up nicely for a lazy afternoon with the papers . . . and the XBox!

The Rat Trap serves Sunday lunches at £7.50 from noon to 4pm. On the day we dined there was lamb, beef, pork, half a chicken, steak and ale pie or chilli con carne on offer.

Desserts, which included chocolate fudge cake and sticky toffee pudding, were £3.95.

Perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn day.

The Rat Trap, Highworth Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN3 4QS. Telephone (01793) 823282