The Flemish Weaver — Restaurant in England

Editing my previous 5-star review... this WAS our favourite pub bar far but sadly it's been stripped of its character. Suffice to say, the place has recently been bought by 'pub-flippers' who I'm guessing have applied a formula of 'decluttering' and 'opening up' pubs which hasn't worked for the Flemish. It's gone from a totally unique place that made our eyes light up the first time we walked in, and that we raved about to all our friends... to a soulless version of its former self. If we wanted a modern-airy pub, we'd go to the Met. The Met is a building that suits that style. The Flemish is basically an old cottage that suits a cosy wonderland style. Many if the little touches that tied the place together are gone. Now the old mismatched furniture looks untidy and out of place rather than charming and even the display out front has been binned to make way for a couple more tables 😞 It also sounds like they're taking the awesome 'secret garden' with all its hidy-holes and turning it into an events space. Sorry guys, I know you've put effort in and had the best intentions but what a gem the Fleming used to be 😭 Plus the Merlot was pants so between that and the above, plus an unimaginative menu, we decided to leave. Just...

Run by 'two-brothers-and-a-wife' the tenants of this establishment must have stripped the antique and bric-a-brac shops from the whole county, to decorate the insides of the Flemish Weaver.

And it's not just the inside - the beer garden to the rear (found by negotiating a short but winding narrow passageway) is also a mini-maze of raised beds and covered grottos and dotted with assorted curios.

As well as more communal areas, little knooks and crannies inside, provide intimate areas where your next door neighbour could be but feet away and you would know nothing of it.

All the walls - indeed, almost every level surface, is covered with a plethora of (some) quite interesting artifacts; dusting must be a nightmare.

The pub is on the Cask Marque Ale Trail and deservedly so, the pint of Stone Henge, Sign of Spring 4.6%ABV (the green stuff, for those not in the know) was in excellent condition as I'm sure, as were the other ales proffered.

There is food aplenty (courtesy of '...and a wife') with some original viands on the menu. I was on a specific mission and didn't eat here, but a return visit is chalked high on my 'do list' and I'll look forward to the lunch I have here.

Well worth more than just...

Had a lovely morning in Lacock, checking out the quaint village and natural beauty, but are tummy's rumbled and so we made are way back to Bath, and stopped here for a bite to eat.

Atmosphere: A very cool, traditional looking English pub. A nice social atmosphere. Well worn furniture and walls ladened with memorabilia. Can't fault it.

Service: Whilst it was busy, we were left standing awkwardly at the front door for ten minutes, with a waiter moving past us. Thankfully we managed to eventually find a seat.

Food: I opted for the Mozzarella Arancini balls to start. A creamy interior coupled with a nice crumb. The spicy mayo beneath cut through the heaviness. Nothing about the flavour profile wowed me beyond belief though. Needs something extra. Perhaps nutmeg?

Fish and chips was my main, or should I say fish and fries! The width of the ((chips)) was defiantly lacking. Peas were not mushed, and therefore felt unloved. It did feel a low effort display. The fish redeemed it. Flaky cod which was well cooked. I know it was from frozen, but this is pub grub were talking about here. With enough mayonnaise and ketchup, anything...