Kingsdown Inn in Swindon

Been here often for drinks and the odd meal when it's been great, however, decided to try the breakfast before a trip to the airport for a short break. Sadly, very disappointing. We ordered the large full English which was on a very small plate, too small for all the food so it was piled up high on top of each other, ridiculous amount of mushrooms which took over most the plate and the egg was over cooked and hard. Also ordered Eggs Benedict and bacon on the side as a paid extra. Both poached eggs which should be runny and soft were hard boiled inside and the ham which is part of Eggs Benedict was missing so only got the bacon on the side. Ordered a cappuccino which came with no frothy milk at all and was just a milky coffee. Sadly will be returning to a Wetherspoons for a breakfast on these occasions where a breakfast is of far superior quality and half the price!

We’ve been coming here for a few years now, usually lunch. The pub has changed hands many times recently with good and not so good management, currently Laura is doing a much better job than past owners, well done, highly recommend

Good home cooked pub food and a warm welcome.. conservatory overlooks large gardens with a variety of seating. Staff are efficient and probably the nicest I have encountered for a long time.

we walked in the pub and got the look of what you want we asked for a table outside and a menu went outside to find a table which there was lots only 2 tables taken got shouted at good luck finding a table without bird poo omg they were covered and days old went back inside and asked a girl could clean one got told can’t stop the birds pooing and no didn’t clean one off so we sit in door there was 2 tables one eating and the other was just ordering yes my brother can be a bit loud we were talking to the people and having a laugh with them. i called the girl over so we could order i ask if the steak and ale pie was homemade and the mash potatoes, fresh i don’t told yes my brother ordered the chicken we were talking to the people next to us and ordered some drinks and we got them a drink my brother start to play about with the girls and ask how long will are meal be as we been waiting over a hour got told in a bit my brother said he only got one table to cook for after a hour and 40 minutes the food come out omg this pie with a big frozen top coming to wards me 😱 she bang the food down and i looked at it i took the so called pastry off and went to take the meat out omg there was about a tablespoon of this disgusting looking pie mix’s the beef looked like it had died with this runny awful sauce and it was so cold that was no way steak that was left over sunday bit of beef the mash potato was cold and it wasn’t fresh mash. It was packet mash lucky for them i wasn’t allergic to wheat it should of said on the menu and bloody cold again will my brother wwent to cut the chicken and couldn’t it was half cooked in the oven and than microwaved . i had some bad food but this was the worst meal i ever had it was vile uneatable i wouldn’t recommend eating here at all

First visit for a couple of years as we had become disillusioned with the menu and food. However we went again after a friend had recommended and we were not disappointed. The food was exceptional and plentiful. There was lots of variety on the menu and service was excellent too. Will definitely be returning.

The food was fantastic, very busy Mother’s Day, best food I’ve had at a pub for a long time! Would highly recommend a visit.

Stopped here for a quick lunch with a colleague before a work meeting and I was expecting standard pub food. The menu was great with lots of choice and the food arrived quickly and was delicous. The staff are friendly and the chef even came out of the kitchen to see if we liked the food. Highly recommend this pub and will definately be back when I next visit the area.

This pub has improved so much since last year. The whole menu has changed and the food is excellent. The team and management seem to really care and the pub is very welcoming and friendly. (Dog friendly too). Looking forward to visiting in summer as the beer garden looks lovely!

It’s been a while since we last visited the Kingsdown , we wanted to try it again as it was under new management. What can I say, what a change, warm welcome by new tenants Niel and Susie, they they are awesome hosts. Amazing menu and food served is of high restaurant quality and value for money. We don’t really order dessert, but would be rude not too here, they are fantastic. Chocolate orange cheese cake and sticky toffee best ever. Hats off to the chief.The teat there are brilliant , we will definitely be back more often now

Food was excellent! The halloumi & red pepper burger was the best I’ve ever had. Staff very friendly. Especially the young waitress named Tia. Will definitely be returning

Some of the best food I’ve eaten in Swindon before. The baked beetroot starter was presented with skill and passion. The salmon main was cooked to perfection, crispy skin and flaky flesh. The beurre blanc was fresh and well balanced and the new potatoes were buttery.This is some food made with dedication and love, highly recommendChef Matt was a pleasure

Great food, great chef. The kitchen is under new management as far as I'm aware and the food I enjoyed today has fantastic, home cooked up grub. Would come again.

Please give this pub a try it’s been taken over by new a whole new passionate team. Menu is fresh and covers all tastes. Very friendly welcome for all guests inc the four legged variety!

Arrived at 7pm for 7.30pm meal 30 people seated for meal. Starters came out to different tables leaving unserved guest on each table food was adequate, but service shambolic. If this wasn't bad enough the mains were again served to different tables leaving some with and some without food. As I watched others trying to cut the leather like slices of pork or turkey and complaining the roast potatoes were something else, burnt and dried up and again very difficult to cut as they were so overcooked. Two of us were left without mains one finally getting theirs at 8.30pm. Staff thought they had finished serving when I asked where mine was, finally got my main course at 9pm 2 hours after arrival. The last two meals served were actually edible the roast spuds replaced with boiled and the leather turkey with tender turkey. Desserts came out frozen. All in all absolutely terrible Xmas party and food. Arkels need to seriously review this flagship before it becomes a Titanic and sinks without trace.

Food was absolutely awful, horrible atmosphere; you walk in the front entrance and everyone stops what they’re doing and stares! Expensive for what you pay for. This place needs new management as they clearly don’t care.

Not very good choice for vegetarians. Fish not very good quality and a funny taste and the chips were very very over cooked .

We used to go to this pub a lot as within walking distance and would always praise it up. We visited yesterday and the first thing we noticed was the menu had reduced drastically. And found that the prices were also very high. £11 for fish and chips and curry and rice £12. Could get proper Indian curry for less. We ordered anyway as raining hard so didnt want to get wet again. Meals came out and were pleasant and hot but was not over impressed with portion size.

Having booked a table two days before we were looking forward to a family night out.This was not to be I aproced the landlord and said I had booked a table and gave him my name .He looked at his bookings and said no booking was there then just stood there looking at me without saying anything.I looked on his booking list and my name was on there but crossed out .I pointed this out to him still no response ,his wife had heard me and said she sorry and found us a table .I wish she had not the food was very poor and over priced.I found the landlord just plain rude.

Came here for a meal a few weeks ago with my family and it was disgusting-chips where cold as well as the pie being flavourless and the other meals Where average, nothing I couldn’t cook myself. I also felt that the meals where very over priced for the quality, the only good thing I can honestly think of is that the waitresses was really polite and helpful. Just to top this visit of all we could hear everything the manager was saying to these poor waitresses and the way she spoke to them sounded like she needed to really gain some respect not just to her staff but to her customers as well and smile. Either food and customer service improves or we shell not visit again, think it’s time for someone to retire!!!!!

Visited a couple of weeks ago thinking it might be of a decent standard being Arkells tap - the pride of fleet and all that. No way.The uninspiring menu should have set the alarm bells ringing that this pub doesn't take it's food seriously and that was certainly the case for the four of us - none of us enjoyed the food - pretty dreadful to be honest and won't be going back.

Brilliant Saturday night out. Could not fault our 4 meals, desert and coffee. Had a great evening complimented by live music, Saga louts were great

Came here recently with my family for a spur of the moment lunch. We ordered two chicken and bacon pasta dishes which were in a word SUBLIME, we also had two specials of steak and ale pie with a wonderful gravy and a chicken and chorizo pasty that was so good we ended up taking some of it home. The staff were once again lovely really attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you!!!

We came here for lunch on a Saturday early afternoon. It was sunny, yet we were the only ones in the pub garden, which we found strange and should have taken that as a sign in hindsight. There were a handful of locals stood up in the sports bar area to the left of the bar, and that was it. My husband had a classic style beef burger, which he enjoyed but described as “average”. However my veggie bean burger was the WORST pub/restaurant burger I have ever had! Simply two burger patties, and a bun slice either side. That was it. No sauce, salad, or cheese to be seen. The pattie itself was still cold on the inside, with very hard kidney beans. I had to remove one pattie due to how tall this made the burger overall, and bodge together some salad and sauce to make it remotely edible. I ate half, and we waited around for a few minutes to mention how bad it was to a member of staff however when none could be seen we gave up. It’s a shame as this was our first visit to what is now our local, but this has put has off returning.

A group of us attended the Rock n Roll Bingo night. Food was mediocre, landlady wasn’t very welcoming or friendly. Rest of the staff were nice.the bingo was fun, however we won’t be going back.

We held my father’s Wake at the Kingsdown and were very impressed with the quality of the food and service. Everyone commented on how good it had been. There was plenty to go round which was much appreciated when there is an element of the unknown as to how many extra people might attend! There was enough for people to take some home too.We had the restaurant area of the pub which goes into the conservatory with a lovely view of the garden. It was perfect for the 50 people we estimated would be there.We were allowed to take our own cakes as the menu is savoury and tea and coffee was unlimited. The Kingsdown is close to the crematorium so an ideal location and a reasonable price per head. I’d certainly recommend going there. Thank you for helping my dad have a Wake he’d have loved.

Lateish lunch for 3 adults. Warm welcome from staff, helpful with menu and all food freshly cooked and good quality. Very clean and airy pub.

We went here yo watch football England playing Tunisia. Went with my children and granddaughters. Food was delicious large portion. Friendly atmosphere

Had a last minute get together with some old friends, Landlady ( i think ) was very welcoming and soon sorted out A table for us even though it was busy ! Food was plentiful and piping hot ! Being a real ales drinker i am quit fussy but was very pleased with the quality Only arkells on offer the only down side ! Will deffinatly make a return visit next time in the area

Popped in for lunch, and it was very nice. Good portions and good service. Everyone was friendly and it’s a nice roomy pub. I would happily return if I was in the area.

We booked the Kingsdown for a saturday lunch in December after a recommendation. We live in London but my Mum is still in Swindon. Thre of us had the 12oz gammon with egg and chips, I have never seen my mum eat so much! Gammon beautifully cooked. My wife had the home made chicken and tarragon pie, lovely crust and full of flavour. Washed down with an Arkells gold. I have to return to have a pie myself, only problem is that my dear wife has to drive back to London. My mum is keen to return.

After sampling some sandwiches and chips after the Arkells Xmas market we came back for a early evening meal. Good portions, well cooked and good table service. The Kingsdown is back on form!

Four of us booked in for a meal last Friday evening. First impressions were okay but the pub seemed to be full of young bucks at one end of the bar. The bar seemed adequately staffed and while most of them were young, they were polite and courteous.

Popped into the Kingsdown for a spot of lunch ordered a jacket potato and an omelette but was told that there were no jackets a available so then ordered two omelettes one cheese, ham and mushroom and the other cheese and onion. The cheese, ham and mushroom omelette was satisfactory however the cheese and onion omelette was over cooked and burnt so my husband just ate the middle part only to discover that there was also no cheese and only onion in the omelette. When asked if the meals were ok I said mine was fine however my husband omelette was burnt. The waitress did offer to get another meal for my husband but by that time we were both in the middle of our meals so declined she said she would go and speak to the kitchen but didn't return to us with a response. When I went to settle the bill we were charged full price for my husbands meal which was a little surprising as we had expressed dissatisfaction. This was our first experience of lunch here and I am afraid that we would have second thoughts of returning.

Visited this pub following a funeral nearby (so I guess they think they have a captive audience) a couple of weeks ago in the snowy weather The manageress had a bad attitude when asked why the snow hadn't been cleared in the car park (we had many elderly people in the group). Following this complaint, nothing was done and the icy snow remained. Also specific vegetarian food had been ordered and all the sandwiches were mixed up with the meat on the same serving plate. Isn't this just common sense to get someone to clear away the compacted snow? Again common sense to separate the meat and veggie items - & surely these issues are both a health and safety requirement.

Can't fault the waitress. Think her name was Millie , wonderful service and was very polite and chatty. Food though was not. Sadly looked like reheated as veg were not fully cooked and appeared dry. The dinner tasted okay but was certainly not impressive. Sadly not worth the cost. Will think carefully before eating there again. This is not the 1st meal i have had since change of managers. The first meal was disappointing too but had put it down to management still trying to settle down. As a pub though it has a lovely friendly easy appeal of you are after a quiet get together. Will use for drinking. I live local and used to use it regularly. Come on Mr Arkell get this place back on track.

Went here for a Christmas works 'do' so probably not the best scenario to do a review. Plenty of food but reminded me of school dinners. Very good staff who coped well Good value but not worth another visit

Firstly the new landlady was very friendly and staff we dealt with great. We were visiting my brother and he had booked us here for Sunday lunch, unfortunately upon arrival we were told that the head chef had not turned up. They could have closed...

I have called in at Lunchtime, on my travels, to enjoy one of their excellent tasty toasted sarnies and a small glass of wine - super value for money - well worth a visit !

We wanted a venue for a buffet wake after a funeral service at the Kingsdown Crematorium and were recommended by Pearce Funeral Directors to try the Kingsdown Inn, which is just half a mile away.

We heard that the Kingsdown had changed hands and decided to give it a try. There was plenty to choose from the extensive menu. We were a party of six and our starters were Beer battered mushrooms with blue cheese mayo, Breaded panko prawns with sweet chilli dip, Homemade soup of the day with crusty bread & butter, and Breaded whitebait with tartare sauce. All were quite delicious. Our second course choices were 10oz Minted Barnsley lamb chop, 10oz Rump steak, Slow cooked belly pork with crispy herb potatoes, cabbage & gravy and Homemade cottage pie with green beans & gravy. All were cooked very well and piping hot – could not fault any. The portions were very generous. Everyone who had the chips said they were really good! The meals were so filling, and no one could fit in a pudding, so unfortunately, I cannot comment on them, but I’m sure they would have been just the same high standards as we got with the starters and the mains! A bottle of Prosecco was just £15 and a really nice Shiraz was £11.50 per bottle. Overall superb value for money. Service was excellent and very attentive. We were served by Milly who was just amazing and such a credit to the establishment!

Been for lunch and now for an evening meal at the kingsdown from the new menu .

Visited for dinner on Friday evening and was very pleasantly surprised to see new management and a new menu. The service was excellent, friendly and efficient. The food was delicious. Plenty to choose from on the new menu and we were spoilt for choice, with some traditional pub meals as well as some more unusual dishes. Will definitely be back to try other dishes from the menu,

Visited to try the food with the new landlord , we ordered :-a ham egg and chips (L) .a scampi (L) ,steak and ale pie ,and a large fish and chips . All the meals were ok except my chips were not that hot .Onto the sweets, a banoffi and a treacle tart ,which again were ok .

Have not visited for some while, used to live nearby, so used fairly often then, but now live opposite side of town, so the reason for infrequent visits. However, I was pleased to see, that the food was just as good and the Lunchtime Specials, included a Roast meal. I chose Pork with all the trimmings and my Son ( who was treating me ) had the home cooked Chicken and Ham Pie, also with plenty of well cooked vegetables. Did not require a Pud, as well filled up, with the main meal, washed down with a glass of Red ! Pleasant, friendly staff with attentive service . Thanks all, will return !

Pub is in new hands previously enjoyed coming here for cheap simple food. Decided to try new menu out. I ordered a burger and chips the burger came out uncooked with blood coming out from it, i accepted an exchange of it, when it was brought out the salad was dry with no dressing and no apology was made to me.No one came to check if it was ok either. Al in all gone downhill very fast.

Great food, lovely pub. Not sure when previous reviews were submitted but this pub has changed hands and we had a smashing, freshly cooked meal there. Very reasonable prices too

On two separate occasions now whilst visiting Swindon we have tried to have a meal at this establishment. The first time they took our booking for six but when we turned up they announced that they did not have a chef so no hot meals -we went elsewhere.Second time we needed to find somewhere at lunchtime for a meal so took a chance and called in again only to be told no hot meals till the evening. Don't think there will be a third visit.

We went to this place yesterday for sunday lunch and can only say how very dissappointing it was..for a start when we got there it was empty,and for a Easter Sunday should have sent alarm bells ringing!!..After some confusion as to where we were seated(not sure why,as empty!!)the 3 teenagers that were working,well,chatting brought over the menu after 10 mins..then after waiting a further 10 mins and trying to attract the attention of the chatting teenagers one of them came to take our order..the starter came out quite prompt,considering it was by then only us and another table of 4 i'm not surprised!!..after finishing our starter,the pate and soup of the day(which the teenage waitress didnt even know what it was!!)it took them a further 15 mins to clear our table,after waving at them and actually standing up with plates in my hand they eventually noticed!!..then came the sunday lunch..which i can only describe as awful!!..the potatoes were hard,the lamb,which we all ordered looked like it was boil in a bag stuff,it was quite hard to seperate the fat from the meat as there was so much fat on it!!..vegetables were the only decent thing and the 2 yorkshire puddings..after they decided to clear our table i told the waiter that i was disappointed with the meat and he said he would c what he could do..we all got our desserts for free,which was ok but to be honest we should have refused to pay for any of it..really dissapointed as have been here a few times before and always been lovely,seems the change of management has really set this place up for a fall,which is a real shame as its a lovely pub..will NOT be coming here again.

The Kingsdown Inn was on the route into Swindon. We saw the Inn as we drove past. A decision was made to turn round and have lunch there. We were not disappointed, it's a large pub, right on the corner, plenty of parking and a great bar service. The brewery is nearby and orders supplied in good time. Food excellent and we enjoyed a nice corner seat by the window. Service was with a smile and we will certainly call in there again when in Swindon.

Met friends for early dinner on Thursday 23rd March I ordered scampi and chips, within 3 hours I was feeling very ill, vomiting and diarrhoea. I am still too weak to write anything else at the moment and will do so when feeling much better.

This place is on to a winning roll food is excellent staff are very good and the prices are very responsible. Would say this place is on par with any five star local restaurant with its food and service

Met another couple for a fortnightly catch upThe pub was empty at 11am . We ordered our dinners . The men had a steak and chips that was served very presentable and cooked really nice.I had the chicken curry and rice . The curry had NO taste at all it was like a tin of tomatoes had been poured over bits of chicken and a bit of curry powder had been added Most disgusting meal I've ever eaten out. My friend had chilli with nachos , it was so dry she left most of it . The heating was off and we were all so cold we couldn't stop shivering . My friend wanted a coffee but was told coffee machines were being replaced so no coffee available . We paid and left and agreed we won't be coming back anytime soon. We chose to go to the Kingstown as I had been before Christmas and the food and staff were great . The staff today were all looking fed up and the chef went outside in his whites with his phone a few times in the rain making calls in the garden. They had workman replacing what looked like cabinets working whilst we were there as well as the coffee machines . They had a few more customers come in but not busy at all .

Went valentines night at 6.30, already loads of items missing from menu as out of stock. Could tell issues in pub; waitress not happy, couple chefs had left, undergoing refurb and menu change which didn't seem to be going to plan. Just ordered well cooked burgers for mains as no starters in stock we liked, missing coleslaw from plates, when enquired told they had run out of that too. Burgers not cooked through as requested. Only thing we liked was the chips... please don't change them in the menu change!In the end we complained to the manager, agreed we wouldn't be paying for our meal so we got up and left with full plates and went elsewhere for our meal. Very diaappointing.Won't be returning anytime soon, will wait for them to sort problems out. Real shame as went in December and food was fab so we had been recommending them until now!

We eat here fairly regularly and the food is always pretty good but last night the Cheerful bit of my title was very much missing!!

We visited just after Christmas . Several menu items were unavailable and there were very limited desserts. My husband had steak which was quite tough. The steak and ale pie was quite bland and vegetables were basic. Service was friendly . All in all it was just about ok but nothing special.

I've just had a meal here today and it has been one of the worse meals that I have had in a long time.I ordered the steak and ale pie and got a load of slop no huncky steak in site just a load of gravy with a tiny amount of tiny strands of meat .They did change the pie for me but the replacement meal took a very long time to come out and it was only a burger with chips .I also ordered the bbq chicken ,this was the worse chicken breat that I have ever had it was like rubber and very over cooked we did complain and was asked did I want a replacement piece of chicken we refused as it was deep fried and not worth trying again , the sauce was disgusting it was the weirdest taste ever definatly not bbq sauce .the waiter didn't even refund this meal even tho it was hardly eaten he just said that he was sorry .The baby's meal was deep fried too but to much the chicken nuggets were black and also like rubber .The whole meal was just disgusting , we paid over £26 fior this terrible meal .All I can say is if you like over fried food then thi is the pub for you but if you want good food then don't go anywhere near this pub.I wouldn't mind but there was only us ordering food at the time so they could of gotten it spot on relly it's just pub food

What a disappointment, I booked a table for 13, for a family get together.The room was cold as the heating had gone and the tables were dirty. The Sunday lunch was ok not a patch on the dinners that they used to serve. We ordered pudding ,the sticky toffee pudding was cold and the custard had congealed in the bowl. We will not be frequenting this establishment any time in the near future. Such a shame as it is a really lovely looking pub!

It's a shame as I have always loved the food. The steak was incredibly tough even as medium rare. Seafood risotto came out luke warm..not great for seafood. Hopefully they will then back around

Been on a few times since the new management both times had to wait over 10 minutes to get a drink as nobody was behind the bar, also we were not the only people waiting, for a minute I thought it was South service. Also when we were served by a tall bloke with glasses he seems very uninterested and did not seem to want to serve us. don't bother go somewhere else. The place has gone down hill in the last few months will not be returning

We have been visiting this pub on and off for over 25 years and this was our first visit since the new landlord took over.At 7:00pm there was approx 12 people in the whole pub and it was like a ghost town, no background music and a very dour atmosphere.The beer was very average and the first 2 beers I asked for were "off" for the night. The food was OK, hot and well presented and good value however the small menu was disappointing and left nothing to look forward to if we were to revisit. The Chips were the best thing served, hot, crunchy and did not go soggy. Service was efficient and friendly.All in all a grey pub inside and out.

A top quality sunday lunch at fantastic price. Why go to a bland chain pub when for the same money you can have a Sunday lunch prepared with love?Im booking again . Superb keep it up.

Handily placed pub (at a crossroads), not far away from the A419, and only half a mile from the crematorium! - Useful place to meet before or after.Good size car park and garden. Drinks and food fairly priced and portions of a decent size and reasonable quality.Sandwiches were good value, and probably the thickest I've ever had!

Would like to say we vist the kingsdown quite regularly and have always had a warm friendly welcome, the pub always looks beautiful from the outside. It has been taken over by a new landlord and you can already see changes happening. The food is priced very reasonably. Would definitly recommend this pub :)

Been to this pub twice over the last week and combination of pot service and attitude every time you visit.Would not recommend this pub if you want a friendly welcomeVery disappointing that the new management are not resolving these basic problems

Been coming here regularly for years and Just had Sunday lunch and it was disgusting. The food sat in warm water the potatoes 2 of them could have kept a safe door open. I had chicken and it clearly was just a chicken Brest that had been cooked days before hand..... So so disappointed. Not sure where the normal staff have gone but the place has gone downhill ... Food going back all dinner time. The girl behind the bar was suffering from whopping cough or pleurisy..... All in all a very regrettable experience that we will never repeat.... Such a shame.

Very nice local pub food great staff very friendly very responsible prices for a good quality meal also very nice garden lovely decor and lovely flowers outside this pub is ideal if you fancy a traditional pub with character

OK, first time here at the " kinger " for food in years , the outlaws are here to stay so seemed like a good excuse to try the menu out.First impression's not a lot has changed , not a bad thing. The menu looks very similar with the normal pub dishes on the menu.4 main courses ordered , all arrived at the same time and all the food on all 4 dishes arrived hot and nicely cooked, however......My dish the mixed grill looked a little light weight . having checked with the menu i seemed to be missing the bacon and fried egg. Umm, called the waitress over who confirmed my mixed grill had indeed been mixed up. She returned from the kitchen with a fried egg , and the a couple of minutes later she returned again with some bacon , that looked like it had been deep fried , inedible and completely burnt.Now the good service , to be fair without any arguing the mixed grill was removed from the bill . So would we visit again , yes .

Have not been to the kingsdown inn for quite a while but when we walked in you were welcomed . The food was very good company was good too, everything was very clean Meals on a Friday night was around £ 7.50 which was good for full plate .My friend could use the toilet with her wheel chair which is a plus the only thing I could fine wrong was the menu card was a bit dirty.

good food ,always hot , nice friendly staff , good selection of food always great. Specials are only £6.25 .

Many thanks to the staff at the Kingsdown who put on a spread for us (4th May 2016) in the separate area of the pub following a funeral at Kingsdown Crem. We very much appreciated the food quality and the pleasantness of the staff who assisted and cleared tables for us on what was, as usual, a fairly sombre occasion, but was much improved by us choosing the pub for the after-event.

Very reasonably priced sandwiches and baguettes, there all the same price! It's a nice large spacious pub with a huge beer garden which would be great for bbq's in the summer

I enjoyed my food. It was what I would have expected. It wasn't spectacular, but it was certainly edible and exactly what I might have expected. Our waitress was attentive, our meals were served quickly and hot. I rate it mid-range, only because it wasn't exceptionally special. However, it is what it is.

The staff were so welcoming and friendly, the food was what you'd hope for in a real English pub. All freshly prepared and cooked. Would really recommend this pub. 10/10

Nice restaurant area , friendly staff and good home cooking served hot. We had a chicken curry (£7.95 ) and a chicken and mushroom pie (£6.25 ) both tasty with plenty on the plate . My wife had a sweet which was tasty , the total bill was only just over £20 including a large soft drink and a coke. What a bargain !!!!!.We will be returning .

A long drive down from the North West brought us to Kingsdown a couple of hours ahead of schedule so we were delighted to find this little gem. The food is good old fashioned home cooking - unpretentious and delicious. The braised steak is melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous and the mashed potatoes heavenly! Prices very good too at around £6 for the special of the day. Definitely worth a look-in.

My girlfriend and I had an excellent meal at the Kingsdown Inn. We were staying locally so just wanted somewhere nearby for a meal.We went on a Friday night and the pub was quite busy, we were informed by a member of staff (I think she was the manager) that there may be a wait for food. She was very apologetic and polite. The food came within 5 or 10 minutes and was delicious. We had the chilli and the scampi and the portions were good, as was the quality.Good food, good beer, good atmosphere and excellent service, we could't have asked for anything else. 10/10

My husband and I decided to try this pub and we were not disappointed. Nice atmosphere, nice big garden out the back. Food was ok. I had the Salmon with the Hollandise Source which was nice was a bit disappointed with the peas though. A dull colour of green not the nice bright green peas you get with birds eye. Husband had the Chilli con carni which he seemed to enjoy. I would go back again though.

I really recommend the home-made fish pie! It was tasty and great value for money. Really beautiful garden and non-pretentious atmosphere =) Though I'm not a huge fan of Arkell's Ale...

have known landlord and landlady for 30 yrs. always had good welcomes, food, ale and company. thanks.

Jovial and genuinely friendly staff. Steaks were cooked to our liking but vegetarian option was tiny and other menu items uninventive. Nice pub decor and cleanliness wise.

We went for a family pre Christmas meal and to be honest we were disappointed with the food. I had steak and kidney pie which was so salty I could hardly eat it and the pie crust was more like a piece of soft bread . My daughters chicken was very dry and my step daughter had hollandais sauce on her salmon that had a weird cheesy taste. The staff seemed pretty miserable apart from one young man who was more positive and did a good job. All in all it was rather disappointing.

Me and my partner decided to go out for a quiet meal and were very disappointed with the food, suppose to be a pub and on our plates were mushrooms from a tin, under cooked chicken wings and peas, battered mushrooms that were grey and not very appealing at all. Also who butterflies a rump steak.

went in on Saturday afternoon, just had drink on this occasion beer good, only off putting thing was someone who worked in pub and small child having shouting match with each other but will revisit

I live locally and have been visiting this pub for many years and the standards have never slipped from excellent! The food is always very well presented and is always good old tasty home cooking, you may have to wait a little bit longer but this isn't a fast food vendor! The menu is wide ranging and at very reasonable prices. The waitress service is prompt, efficient and polite. The pub atmosphere is very cosy even regardless of the time of day. I cannot fault this pub at all!

Bar service is a bit slow, even when quiet. Food is good and reasonable prices. Trio of lamb chops are my favourite from the menu, recommend them.

Had the 'buffet' following a funeral at the nearby crematorium. Although the food was plentiful, it comprised of sandwiches and all things pastry and/or deep friied and unhealthy. There was so much food left over and it was all such a waste. Some more healthy options wod have been better.

We when from work the pub look clean the staff happy,we had to order from the bar which ok because it was quite,the food was reasonable.

Good honest pub food, the daily specials are excellant if you want a change from the normal menu, just good home cooking worth a visit, cannot fault the food or the service

If you want good pub grub then the Kingsdown is your answer. Nothing fancy, just good cooking. Cheese omelette to die for! Friendly staff.

With friends, looking at houses in the area. Whilst there was a good selection of lunchtime 'specials' we went for the very varied snack menu, as time was 'at a premium'. Nice atmosphere, in a well laid out eating area, away from the bar areas, with comfortable seating. We all went for toasted sandwiches, quickly delivered and 'very tasty' at that ! Good value, friendly staff and will return again, when next in that district of Swindon.

Popped in for lunch before attending a funeral at the nearby crematorium. Pleasant staff, nice atmosphere, and a very nice meal. When joined later, unexpectedly, by family members also intent on having lunch, they were advised that last orders for hot food was 1.45 (5 minutes earlier), so had to make do with a sandwich - a bit disappointing after a four hour drive. That said, the sandwiches they received were fantastic - fresh tasty bread, and absolutely packed with filling. Overall, very good, but it would be nice if lunch was available a little longer.

Lovely staff, food and atmosphere!Suitable for all agesNothing is too much trouble and they have a good selection of meals.

Decided to go here after busy day and have lunch in the garden. Weather lovely but the garden was not. Sat down overlooking a load of rotten fence panels and what looked like bits of an old garage just dumped for all to see. We arrived at opening time 6pm and there were loads of ashtrays not emptied from the lunchtime opening. Tables not washed down. Food was mediocre and a surprise seeing as it is supposed to be Arkells flagship restaurant right next to their brewery. Good service though hence have given it 2 stars but that was probably because we were the only ones there apart from another group. They are missing a trick here as the garden area could be so inviting if a bit of effort put in. Food menu very static looking and only 2 specials on the day which were on the menu anyway so not sure how they can call it a specials board!.

Inside the pub is very clean with a lovely old english layout and plenty of bar staff. The beer is very good as it should be next to to the Arkells brewery however it is strange that it does not stock the full range of Arkells ales with the Golden brew not available.We both ordered rib eye steaks and although there was nothing wrong with them they lacked any flavour and could have been any other cut. We will return in a few months time to try the food menu again as the fish looked very nice on the table next to us!.