Freke Arms, Swanborough, Swindon

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An Arkell's roadside pub in a Victorian house which has been extended at the back with a modern single story structure to provide extra dining areas and a wonderful view to the countryside behind. There is a small smoking shelter at the front and a good sized carpark at the side. The current building is mainly early Victorian but the site has much earlier origins as a beerhouse and claims to be one of Wiltshire's oldest continuously trading pubs. The landlord says the pub is haunted, and there are stories of a Victorian lady being seen in the building. As you enter, the aroma of home-cooked food is very appealing, creating a good atmosphere marred only slightly by the awful – if subdued – background music. The main bar and extension together create a large L-shaped bar and dining room with a few bar stools and a lot more dining places. It all feels a bit contrived, a bit like an American bungalow, but the landlord was very welcoming and the beer was good – 3B, Moonlight and Wiltshire Gold were on draft, all very well kept, and it was good to see Woods Navy Rum showing prominently on the bar. I'd happily spend a few hours here eating or drinking.

On 13^th July 2016 - rating: 7
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