Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, a great place to spend a summer's evening

There are so few ‘unique’ pubs nowadays; many claim to be, few are.

One that does hit the spot is The Royal Oak at Bishopstone which was bought by organic farmer Helen Browning. 

It’s in the middle of this idyllic village six miles east of Swindon, and effectively the centre of Helen’s farm. She is best known for her organic black and white pigs which run all over the Wiltshire Downs, and end up as bacon and sausages on the shelves of Tesco, Sainsbury and Budgen, nationwide. Just look for her name and the big orange pig icon.

The pub is the only one in the Swindon district which is rated by Michelin in their 2009 Best UK food pubs guide; it now features in the new Alastair Sawday Pub and Inns of UK 2009, again in the top 500; and on top of the food, there are great, clean Arkells’ ales, plus a short organic wine list.

The menu changes twice each day, and is completely local, seasonal, organic and even foraged. What’s more, the Royal Oak has a great garden, easy parking, friendly staff and good access to lovely walking and cycling country.

Where better to while away an evening, or stop-by for refreshment whilst out walking?