Langton, The

The Langton is an attractive addition to the good life in Cheltenham, conveniently close to the Racecourse and nestling in the heart of Charlton Kings. The charming, listed Regency house has been skilfully refurbished, guided by English Heritage, to produce a unique blend of organic, new and old features. This proves that the old and the new can be combined using patience and flair.

The Inn is truly a place for all seasons, and the menu reflects this as it embraces not only the seasons, but also the atmosphere within, ranging from cool chic in summer to the cosy warmth of a winter's day with the hatches well battened down. It is a wonderful surprise to find a pub that has firmly grasped the gastro nettle in and around the Midlands, with pretty sensational results that include demonstrably freshly cooked food and a high zing factor.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, baked Camembert with rustic bread, Greek mezze of taramasalata with humus, tzatziki, feta and flatbread, or a pizzette with garlic, rocket and Parmesan.

Amongst the starters, there is baked French onion soup with gruyere cheese, smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, seared pigeon with roasted beetroot or red onion and apple tarte tatin with rocket. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer chicken Caesar with marinated anchovies and parmesan, for the seafood fiends some seared prawns, chorizo and baby spinach or Dolcelatte, honey roast pears, chicory and walnut salad

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic Margherita of tomato, mozzarella and basil, another with pepperoni, chorizo and jalapeno. Pastas include spaghetti with salmon, peas, spinach and cream or chef's choice risotto.

For the big event, there is always a fish of the day on request. The line caught swordfish with warm salad of pak choi, shitake mushrooms and mango is worth trying too. The lamb burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with minted Greek yoghurt and frites. For hearty eaters there are good fillet steaks with flat mushroom, pate and mash.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgian frites, creamed potatoes and sautéed green beans. For desserts, resort to the blackboard, where there is always a good display, often with some of the local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

A well-travelled wine list and service that is cheerful and efficient completes the recipe for success. The Langton also has ten different beers on tap, ranging from standard lagers to European speciality beers, such as Leffe and Erdinger, as well as great cask ales like the award winning and ever-popular Timothy Taylor Landlord.

They also benefit from outside seating with 50 seats on the terrace and a lawn at the rear; but, to keep up to date with what is going on at The Langton, including the latest menu, take a tour round their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.