WEST Wiltshire residents are being offered a meaty challenge by a local pub which is preparing to host a tasty community treasure hunt.

The Water Meadow in Verbena Court, Melksham, will hold its ‘Great Steak Out’ from Friday and manager Keith Newby is hoping residents will join the stampede.

He'll be asking them to hunt for ‘Grill and Pizza’ cow-bells hidden throughout the town, which they’ll be able to exchange for a range of treats in the pub.

Keith said: “The Water Meadow reopened last year after a refurbishment into a Grill and Pizza Pub and with spring well and truly on its way and people keen to get out and make the most of the better weather, we thought this would be a great way for them to get outside and take part in a bit of a treasure hunt.

“But instead of hiding Easter eggs as you might expect at this time of year, we’ve decided to hide cow-bells as a nod to our new steakhouse status, and to offer treats, including drinks and meals, for families and friends, after bringing them together to solve the clues and find the prizes,” he said.

The new-look pub also has a new menu offering a host of traditional favourites including beer-battered fish and chips, gravy rich pies and a ‘light bites’ lunch menu with dishes starting from just £5, all washed down with a great range of cask ales.

But the pub particularly prides itself on its offering of 35 day aged, chargrilled steaks and hand-stretched and topped pizzas, stone baked to order.

“All our chefs are trained in steak excellence,” explained Keith. “This is to ensure that they understand each cut of meat that we offer on the menu, how best to store it, cook it and serve it, to give our customers a great steak meal in their local pub.

"Our chefs take great pride in pizzas too, prepared and cooked in the front of house pizza kitchen for everyone to see – look out for the chef with dough throwing skills.

“We thought the Great Steak-Out would be the perfect opportunity for people to head outside and find the cow-bells and trade them in for a variety of food-and-drink related prizes.

“The bells could be hidden anywhere within the community, including doctors’ surgeries, community centres, playgrounds or libraries, so it’s a challenge for all ages to take part in – but the pub will be posting hints on its Facebook page to help point people in the right direction.

“We hope that the challenge provides some fun for local residents and also tempts them to visit us, try the menu and enjoy the experience. We’re looking forward to meeting some new faces, and hope that they’ll become regular ones over time,” he added.

The Great Steak-Out will take place from Friday until Monday,April 16. For clues on how to get your hands on the hidden cow-bells, visit https://www.facebook.com/watermeadowpubmelksham