The Langley Tap

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 too, 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. So far, so English country pub. However these two have brought a couple of things all their own: a pleasingly pared-down style and a super-hospitable warmth.

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 traditional pubs. It’s a style that has allowed the handsome bones of the place to shine – original chunky beams and warm bath stone set off by distinctive deep moss green paintwork.

The menu has all the classics done well: fish & chips, pies, burgers, sausage & mash, seafood pie; along with some highlights above and beyond pub expectations, such as homemade game paté and perfect treacle tart; and lots of more unusual vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options like pumpkin, sage & wild mushroom risotto. Some great wines by the glass start at a very reasonable £4.

New for this autumn is a funky converted horse box out front, serving fresh wood-fired pizza on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Eat in the spacious garden or take it into the bar if there’s room.

This is a nice area for walks, and 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 enjoy the walk too. Get down there and see just how great a village pub can be.