Factfile

The Red Admiral

Hackett Place, Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 7GW

01225 767400

www.redadmiralpub.co.uk

Parking: in district centre car park nearby - two hour limit applies to some areas

Disabled access: Yes

Times ratings:

Food: 7/10

Choice: 9/10

Decor: 7/10

Customer service: 8/10

Main course prices: £9.45-£14.20

Trip Advisor rating: 3 stars

WHEN you want to go nip out for a meal because you want a rest from the cooking, the Red Admiral on Paxcroft Mead can't, in our experience, be beaten.

That's because its style of decor, and menu of family favourites, means you have a pleasant evening in a very home-like environment - and, thanks to the pub's two-for-one meal deal on most weeknights, can end up comfortably full without too light a wallet.

It's ever-popular with families, and on our most recent evening visit we spotted multi-generation family parties, couples of all ages out for dinner, mums and dads with little ones who were struggling manfully to stay awake and finish their puddings and single pringles who might, for all we knew, have been hoping to find romance.

The menu is very generous with its choices, and there's also always a wide range of specials, often involving freshly caught fish, which makes this more than the usual run-of-the-mill pub.

Whether you fancy a pub classic like lasagna and chips, or scampi (though sadly no longer served in a basket), want to tuck into a juicy steak, are trying to be good and only have a salad or are out for Sunday lunch with all the trimmings, you will find something you like here.

The two-for-one offer, which means you can often order two meals and only pay for the higher priced one, is a great deal.

Children are more than welcome, and the place is spacious and welcoming, although its decor is, to us, like eating in someone's front room, circa the 1970s, complete with prints of 'classic' pictures.

I couldn't decide between steak or fish so went for the rump and scampi option (£13.34), with chips of course, and a cute little boat of peppercorn sauce. This was a little bland for my taste, but did come in very handy for dipping the chips in.

My daughter wanted her perennial favourite scampi and chips (£9.90), and was very pleased the waitress took the trouble to check if she preferred garden or mushy peas, as she hates the mushy sort but in other places has found them on her plate uninvited.

We did try to be good and avoid pudding but didn't quite make it, opting to share a caramel brownie (£4.10)which she had been recommended to try by friends. Unable to choose between cream or ice cream we were helpfully offered both for an extra 50p, which seemed a good way out of the dilemma. We were almost defeated by the delicious stickiness, so would never have managed a portion each.

Our bill, for food, two rounds of drinks and one for a friend who joined us later, came to £31.50, which we thought excellent value.

Alison Phillips