the Duke Hotel in Wiltshire

Having ate here before and had a good time I thought it would be good for a birthday meal for 4 on a Monday lunch time how disappointing it was. 2 Steak & Stiton pies ordered although very tasty lacked Stiton and was meant to be served with veg we had to ask for the veg which when it arrived after several minutes the excuse was we only have 2 microwaves not the excuse I wanted, the other 2 meals were fine,unfortunately we will not go back.

We visited on a Sunday for breakfast. Arriving a couple of minutes after 10am (opening time), we queued for a table and then again to order food. There were plenty of tables but appreciated it was busy - not all tables were full. We waited for 50 minutes for our food to arrive, although coffee arrived much earlier. This was prompted by us asking where our food was/checking the order had been made, to which we were told ‘we’d just have to wait because it was busy’. The food arrived 5 minutes later. The food was tasty and we’ve no complaints about the quality or price. But, something about the system here just doesn’t make sense, queuing at every point and then waiting another 50 minutes for scrambled eggs on toast and a bacon sandwich, doesn’t make sense. We arrived at 10 and didn’t leave until 12:15…. People had started arriving for lunch! Sadly, we’d not return. There are just other places nearby that are doing it better.

We booked a table for the opening party, the pub opened earlier in the week with new staff and owners.

The location of this establishment is strange because the shop/restaurant sits within what is essentially a business park in the middle of nowhere but it is not hard to find. The setting was ideal for a summer lunch with lots of variously covered areas to shelter from the sun or rain if it happens. Then you realise that all these covered areas are, in fact, the restaurant! I saw no evidence of indoor seating. The main seating area is fundamentally a plastic marquee attached to a shop unit and all the seats are picnic benches. They have an interesting menu, which changes regularly I understand, and it is obvious that this establishment is not trying be a full all ‘singing and dancing’ restaurant and they do make that clear. It uses locally sourced quality produce for Deli style light meals, specifically lunches, and also snacks. The people running it are personable, welcoming and efficient. We found them very helpful and attentive and the food was delicious. Overall, the food menu is a little overpriced I feel but not excessive. That said, a few dishes do seem “over the top’ for what they are. It is the shop where the prices are eyewatering expensive and I think they have gone too far. I can here them now saying that they are supporting local suppliers and that this comes at a cost but times are hard and I do truly believe they, or their suppliers, need to face reality as the pricing is far too high. We need to support businesses like this but they have to respond too! Did I enjoy my meal? Yes, fantastic, Would I go again? Yes, definitely! Would I encourage you to go? Yes definitely! I just warn you that your visit will be enjoyable but not cheap so be prepared.

Great evening! It did not disappoint!The black rock fillet steaks were amazing. The young waitresses were both lovely, always smiling & nothing was too much trouble for them. The pub has a lovely atmosphere and we all enjoyed the evening. We would highly recommend a visit here!