Mark and Mark packed in their jobs and took over this village pub near Chippenham during Covid, and what a fantastic job they’ve made of it – see full Muddy review here.

They’ve managed to create a real pub: locals at the bar, dogs lounging by the wood-burner, real ale and pub classics on the menu. However these two have upped-the-ante on the classic British inn by adding a pleasingly pared-down style and a super-hospitable warmth.

It’s full of details that make us happy: scrubbed wooden tables, antique silver candlesticks; restrained but with the odd well-chosen flourish, like the monkey candlesticks we fell in love with. It’s traditional in the best sense, but without all that brass bed-pan tat that all too often comes with trad pubs. It’s a style that has allowed the handsome bones of the place to shine – original chunky beams and warm bath stone, offset by distinctive deep moss green paintwork.

There are a selection of menus – main, light lunch and Sunday Roast. The menu alters with the seasons and has all the classics done well: fish & chips, pies, burgers, sausage & mash, steak; along with some highlights above and beyond pub expectations, such as homemade game paté, pan-fried pigeon breast or the perfect treacle tart; and lots of more unusual vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options like pumpkin, sage & wild mushroom risotto or Black bean, roasted pepper & harissa burger. Some great wines by the glass start at a very reasonable £4.

There’s also a funky converted horse box that serves fresh wood-fired pizza which rotates between The Langley Tap and Mark and Mark’s other pub, The Wellesley Arms – check their websites for details – both pubs are very near each other. Eat in the spacious garden or take it into the bar if there’s room.

This is a nice area for walks too -Maud’s Walk is on their website – and it’s the perfect pub for a pint at the end of one – a pairing Wiltshire does so well. The warm Langley Tap welcome is extended to dogs, so Fido can also enjoy the walk. Get down there and see just how great a village pub can be.