Cross Guns, Avoncliff, Wiltshire
Well, what a lovely spot, right on the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal, with far reaching views of verdant green countryside. You can sit out on the terrace or down in the beer garden and watch swans glide by. Inside it's nice and rustic, just like country pubs ought to be, and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Food is traditional pub fare from menus that work with the seasons; smoked garlic and chilli hot dog, smoked lamb leg, cider battered fish and skinny fries, that sort of thing. In the warmer months there's an outdoor kitchen where they do barbecues on the first Sunday of the month, and there's a deli on the terrace that serves coffee and wraps, and ice creams. They kick off by serving breakfast from 10-12, and every Sunday there's a roast.
Bear in mind that it does get busy in the summer - because it's a good pub in a lovely location, so car parking can be a problem. But don't let that worry you - walk along there along the towpath from Bradford on Avon, go by train (the village of Avoncliff has its own station), or go by boat. Take the family, take the dog, and most of all, take the time to relax and have a jolly good time of it.
Open 10am-11pm every day T: 01225 862 335 All information correct at the time of writing