Malet Arms

Quite unpretentious and with plenty of character, this friendly place is run with much enthusiasm by the cheerful landlord. The two low-beamed interconnecting rooms have nice furnishings, including a mix of different-sized tables with high-winged wall settles, carved pews, chapel and carver chairs, and lots of pictures, mainly from imperial days. The main front windows are said to have come from the stern of a ship, and there's a log and coal fire in a huge fireplace. At the back is a homely dining room. Four real ales are well kept on handpump from breweries such as Andwell, Butcombe, Itchen Valley, Plain Ales, Ramsbury and Stonehenge; they also have 24 malt whiskies, 11 wines by the glass and Weston's Old Rosie cider. The small front terrace has old-fashioned garden seats and some picnic-sets on the grass, and there are more tables in the back garden, along with a wendy house. There's also a little aviary and a horse paddock behind. Getting to the pub takes you through a ford and it may be best to use an alternative route in winter, as it can be quite deep. There's now an all-weather cricket pitch on the village green.