The best restaurants in Melksham Without North Wiltshire South West

This used to be one of my favourite pubs but unfortunately I feel like it’s a totally different pub now. The energy wasn’t friendly when we walked in, it felt cold and stale. The lady behind the bar made me feel very unwelcome for bringing my toddler with me (it was 1pm on a Monday). The lady behind the bar seemed really on edge when my toddler was looking curiously at their trophy collection which they had left on a shelf half a metre from the ground, so very inviting for most children to look at being at such a child friendly and also accessible height. (I suggest moving it to a higher shelf if you don’t wish children or even animals to touch/look at them). The lady behind the bar impatiently rushed me and my partner into ordering our drinks and seemed extremely fed up when my partner asked to try one of the ciders. It felt like doing her job was a massive chore for her everything was a hassle and she’d much rather be some where else. We ended up drinking our drink quickly and leaving as we simply just didn’t want to be there after such a unfriendly and uncomfortable experience. We ended up going to the pub up the road called the Fox & Hounds which was so so lovely. The staff were so friendly warm and welcoming we sat talking to them for hours and our little one explored and played with the vintage cars they had in the garden. We also had some delicious food there which I rate highly. Such a shame I can’t say the same for the bell on the common.

Hilarious experience! Consisted of many waiters wandering around, looking confused and attempting to foist whatever food they were carrying with anyone who showed a slight interest or didn't avoid eye contact. We were served the wrong drink and the two meals came over 10 minutes apart so one person had finished before the other person had started! Food was ok, small portion of scampi and chips, large piece of fish with chips. Both with mushy peas. Service in general very slow, couldn't find sauces so had to ask. Menu very short so no idea how so much confusion seemed to arise! The cafe was quiet, unsurprising as I don't think many people would make a return trip!