Spread Eagle Inn, Warminster

Well described by others, below, and part of the Stourhead estate. Food looked like reasonable VFM, the atmosphere was gentile, and the beer was in good condition. There was water for dogs, who were welcome in the bar but not the restaurant area. Ales on were Wessex Kilmington and Stourton, plus Butcombe Original. Worth a visit in its own right and a must if visiting the Estate.

An attractive stone and brick built pub close to the National Trust's Stourhead Gardens. Despite the heavy National Trust presence here, the pub is on a public road, next to the village church. We visited on a sunny October morning, on the day the clocks went back for the winter. We were fairly early, but half of Wiltshire and adjacent counties were there to worship the trees in the Gardens, and to have lunch at the Spread Eagle. Even just after noon, the pub was packed with mainly diners, but we were able to find a table outside in the courtyard. Inside, there are three rooms, all laid up for dining,but with some space for drinkers in the front bar. Orders for both food and drink were processed at the bar, which made for a rather hectic experience, but the staff were friendly and seemingly unflustered. Calmer moments prevailed in the shrines to Farrow and Ball further into the pub. On the bar, in addition to the standard fizz fonts, were three hand pumps offering Stourton Pale and Kilmington Best from the fairly local Wessex micro brewery, together with Butcome Bitter. The first two beers, at any rate, were well presented . I seem to think that there were a couple of craft keg beers available, but don't quote me on this. Our meals -ham 'n'eggs for me- were reasonable if a bit on the pricey side. However, if given the choice between a real pub and a National Trust cafe,I which one I'd choose.

Large pub on a new development, run by Youngs. seem to be twin sister to Riverside, same design interior and just as windy outside. Large windows offer a view across the river, but the view isn't much cop, there is, what looks like, a cement works opposite. Never mind, you can watch the boats go up and down. Usual Youngs ales on sale. Comfortable seating. They had the Youngs dray there when I visited. I've corrected the map as best I could, Juniper Drive is a bit longer now than it is on the map.

Located next to National Trust property of Stourhead, thus obviously caters for grockles as there are no locals to speak of More of a restaurant than pub for this reason, food served all day, 3 bitters I noted Finding a seat could be hard at times as they are very busy on sunny days Food was standard pub grub at more than standard prices, expect around £10 meal, £3 pint, luckily they take credit cards, you could need one The staff are busy , and the woman taking the payments was curt verging on rude at times, I never heard a please or thank you all the time I, and others, were waiting to pay at the bar Not 4 stars, but churlish to give it 2 based on one staff member, so 3 it is Not one to drive to visit, but OK if there

Official site of the Spread Eagle Inn, contains menus - www.spreadeagleinn.com

Official site of the Spread Eagle Inn, contains menus - www.spreadeagleinn.com