The Barge Inn at Honey Street has had a chequered history in the recent past but is now in the hands of new owners who want to restore it to its former glory plus some.

Originally built in 1810 to service the newly built Kennet and Avon canal, the equivalent of a modern day motorway service station, it burnt down in the 1850s. Rebuilt in record time it now stands as it did then.

If it was any closer to the canal it would be in it. The setting is glorious with views across the canal to the Marlborough Downs and the Alton Barnes White Horse. Plenty of seating outside to absorb the magnificence of the scenery on warm summer days.

The approach to the pub might be considered uninspiring, going down a track through a wood yard then past some cottages on the right before you get to the actual pub at the end, but what you get then is anything but uninspiring.

There is a campsite behind the pub which we are hoping to keep open all year round, money has been spent on drainage and it remains to be seen how successfully.

Meals are served daily and as a free house there is a good selection of beers and cider. Bands every Saturday and most Fridays with impromptu sessions on a regular basis.