Wild Duck Inn

As Michael Caine might have said, not many people have heard of Ewen, which is all part of its undeniable charm, tucked away in a quiet Cotswold village. The pub's history can be traced back to 1563 and once ensconced in the Post Horn Bar you may well feel that not a great deal has changed. To say 'atmospheric' could be the understatement of the month.

All of these, and more, qualities are alive and well in the restaurant. On offer could be

a pate made from chicken livers and flavoured with wild mushrooms served with bread, a welcome relief from toast that all too often disintegrates upon contact into a thousand pieces. A kebab made up scallops and tiger prawns comes on a cous-cous of lemon and parsley with a crème fraiche dressing of just the right consistency. In the realms of mains there is the Wild Duck platter, an assembly of meats, cheese and roasted Mediterranean vegetables, with olives and bread. Or you could restore your faith in the humble burger with the truly delicious Wild Duck beefburger, made with meat from Michael Hart Family Butchers in Cricklade. Fish comes overnight from Brixham, retaining its very recent and close acquaintance with the sea, knowing which you might be tempted by the wokfried monkfish with lemon and black pepper, sweet potato mash, a rocket and spinach salad with an aged balsamic dressing. Prices are incredibly reasonable for such appealing food.

A wine list of considerable character all adds to the pleasure of this relaxing and thoroughly genuine place.