The Potting Shed Pub, Malmesbury

A large roadside pub around 300 years old, restaurant-led but pretentious and expensive. It was originally called The Plough. There are extensive gardens, very pleasant and well-kept, and there is plenty of parking. Inside, there are oak beams, a single L-shaped bar with a tiled floor and a large stone fireplace, and it all felt a bit artificial, an image supported by the food being served on bits of old driftwood and enamel dishes, very 2000s, and still naff. That said, the food itself was freshly cooked and very good, though predictably expensive. The ambience was slightly marred by screaming children running loose. The staff, who were pleasant if a little functional, did very well to keep their cool. There were 4 fork-handle pumps on the bar, another little artifice, but the ales were real enough and in very good condition. Ramsbury RPA, Butcombe Original, Stroud Budding and Stroud OPA, al very enjoyable though again very expensive. I’m not sure I’d rush back unless I were bringing a nonagenarian relative out for a treat.