The Poplars, Shop Lane, Wingfield, Trowbridge.

(01225) 752426

Boasting its own cricket pitch and awards for its gardens, 18th century inn The Poplars in Wingfield is everything a country pub should be.

With candles on every table, and wall-mounted lanterns giving off a warm and comfy glow on a spring evening, The Poplars generates an ambience conducive with a romantic meal for two, or a chance to unwind with family and friends.

Cricket memorabilia on the walls remind you of one of the pub’s finest assets, its neighbouring cricket pitch, adding more character to what is already a charming building.

The pub is split into sections by a central bar, with two main dining areas complete with dark wood tables and cushioned chairs and a separate bar area for those wanting a quiet pint.

The number of starters and main courses on the menu and specials board is impressive. Starters range from traditional fare, including garlic mushrooms and crab cakes, to more intricate signature dishes, such as figs wrapped in Parma ham.

After much procrastination, I chose the duck liver pate; a rich and sumptuous pate served with a spoonful of zesty orange marmalade, crisp white toast and a generous fresh side salad. It was just bursting with flavour.

Tim went for flat mushrooms in red wine, topped with grilled cheese and accompanied by a side salad, they were simply delicious.

Equally superb was my main course of a thick slice of grilled gammon topped with a pineapple ring and accompanied by another generous salad and a fried egg. Thick-cut chips were served in a separate bowl.

Tim’s main course consisted of a homemade steak and ale pie with puff pastry top. The pie was served in its own dish and full of thick, succulent gravy and packed full of lean meat. This meal is served with new potatoes, chips or a jacket and salad or vegetables.

Desserts, priced at £4.95 each, proved to be a course too far for us, but the menu included syrup sponge, a mixed nut tart, lime cheesecake and a rather delicious sounding caramel shortbread roulade and toffee ice cream.

The total bill came to just over £39, well worth every penny for such superb food.

Food is served from Monday to Saturday, noon to 2pm, 6.30pm to 9pm; and Sunday, noon to 2pm and 7pm to 9pm

Ales including 6X, Henry’s IPA, St George of the Dragon

Disabled access

Large car park

Visit poplarswingfield.co.uk

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.