I love Sunday dinners. And after a long and lovely walk with our dog on Sunday afternoon we ventured into The Royal Oak at Wootton Rivers.

It was about 5pm, so we were really glad that this is one of the few pubs around the area to serve food after 2pm on a Sunday. And they welcome dogs too - even offering them a little titbit or two!

As we were famished we decided to splash out and order one of the mouthwatering starters.

I had the homemade artichoke soup, which came with croutons and a herbed bread which really complimented the soup.

My partner had the pan-fried scallops with bacon and mixed leaves. They were deliciously sweet with just the right amount of dressing.

For mains (and I know this is against the rules) we both had the same, roast beef with Yorkshire puddings.

This was served up with roast potatoes and gravy and an assortment of vegetables including roast squash, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.

Horseradish sauce was brought over on request.

There was a generous serving of beef, which was juicy and tender, and the roast potatoes were crisp and tasty.

Sitting in the dedicated restaurant area with a table by the large log fire made for a very relaxed atmosphere.

We felt able to kick back and take our time over dinner, enjoying a few glasses of wine and pints of Guinness for the other half.

We weren’t rushed, the friendly laid back service was just perfect and helped us to carry on a perfect Sunday.

The Sunday roasts cost £9.95 for either beef, chicken or pork. Soup of the day was just £4.75, while the scallops were £7.50.

Imbibing a few large drinks each pushed our bill to just short of £60, but as we were sitting rosy-faced by the roaring fire in this lovely 16th century thatch, we thought it was money well spent and an indulgence well earned.

I also love pies, and am thinking of going again on a Tuesday to take up the ‘Tuesday Night is Pie Night’ offer of a pie and chips (from a selection of at least five) for a fiver, or with a pint for £7.50.

- SIOBHAN BOYLE Open daily serving food from noon to 2.30pm and again from 6.30pm to 9.30pm (last orders at 9.30pm).

Menu ranges from bar snacks to a la carte, with ingredients sourced from local producers where possible.

There is a B&B service and private function rooms also available.

Tel: 01672 810 322