Smoking Dog, 62 High Street, MALMESBURY, SN16 9AT [Map]
01666 825823 
11:30-23 MO-SA; 12-20:30 SU
Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals

The Smoking Dog, September 2000

This is a pub that I guess I hadn't planned to end up at, but whilst travelling from Birmingham to Dorset along the A429 and then the long drag down the A350 we thought we needed a break so called in. I'm pleased to say that the pub was the definitely the highlight of the journey. It had a very friendly feel about it along with a relaxed atmosphere. It's situated on the main high street in Malmesbury a little down the hill from the main shopping area of the town so its not really much of an issue finding the place. It's an 18th century pub with a smart interior with both elm and stone floors and warming log fires during the winter months.

They pride themselves on the good quality food and real ale that they sell. Their menu is wide ranging from trout with almond stuffing to homemade burgers to venison in a rich ale sauce and its all reasonably priced. You're welcome to eat your food in the main bar or the bistro towards the rear. There's also a few tables out the back up some steps, great on a warm summer evening. Plenty of variety on the beer front too to satisfy most ale connoisseurs with Archers, Adnams and Brains breweries to mention just three.

Just before I finish Roy from the Winged Wheels website E-mailed to say that the pub has a rather rare 24-inch diameter cast iron early Cyclists' Touring Club logo ('winged wheel') adorning it's walls that's been there for over a century. If anyone does visit this pub, he'd be grateful for a digital image of the sign.