The Chilworth Arms

Following an extensive refurbishment, The Chilworth Arms, formerly The Clump, has benefited from its stylish makeover.

This modern country pub has a good-sized patio and garden, so you can enjoy alfresco dining in warmer weather. A popular venue, it has always enjoyed a regular clientele of local customers, plus its handy location serves a growing base of office workers around the area seeking a worthy location for a business lunch.

Leading off the bar, the separate dining area has the ambience of a bistro - plain wooden floors and rustic wood tables, spacious enough to accommodate groups and couples. It has an air of elegance and its own character and identity, so much so that you almost could be mistaken for forgetting the pub bar is through the archway next door.

The menu is easy to read and separated into categories such as sharing plates, little dishes, and leaves (salads), together with a range of traditional pub dishes, plus some with an Italian twist, such as fired pizzas and pasta. Under the stove, grill and rotisserie section of the menu, you'll find selections such as duck confit with honey roasted roots, which we sampled and found particularly delectable. A specials menu gives you further options and is changed regularly. Portions are generous and well presented, so much so that we nearly didn't have room for a dessert but managed to try the chocolate pudding and the sticky ginger and toffee pudding with lime sauce. Both were exquisite.

With an excellent range of wines, some available by the glass, plus friendly, attentive service, this dining experience was certainly a cut above your usual pub fayre. The Chilworth Arms offers stylish pub dining in quality upmarket surroundings. With unpretentious prices this venue is a great choice and can be found within easy reach of the M3/M27.