A lovely local pub in Winterbourne Down…read more This has been my family's local pub for around 20 years and it hasn't changed one bit. It's still as charming, still has the same locals, still the same landlord and, I think, still the same roaring log fire. The Cross Hands doesn't do food, but it does do lots of guest ciders, ales and a brilliant atmosphere. The landlord and landlady (Pete and Lesley) are great (Pete is the spitting image of Peter Stringfellow - with open shirt and hairy chest) and make you feel like part of the furniture - which can make leaving quite difficult at times! Friday nights are good fun. Typical local pub style. A bit of cheese on the jukebox and a good mix of young'ens and old'ens to keep it interesting from one end of the pub to the other. But the best thing about this pub isn't its huge back garden. It isn't the fact you can use one of their massive BBQ's and bring your own meat/food. It isn't even the regular events they hold in the summer with live bands and cider in boxes. The best thing about the Cross Hands is the pub dog. A beautiful Staffordshire Bull terrier who has the gentlest demeanour and wonderful personality. She'll pin her belly to the ground and wiggle her way over to say hello. All the while snorting like a little pig. She has her own arm chair and sits with the locals who play cards on the big round table from 4pm every day. This is a lovely little boozer that has a huge garden for the summer and wonderful warm log fire for the winter. As it is out of town, you can knock 40-80p off the price of pint. A must if you're in the area.

They dont do food here mate ! But you can bring your own and cook it up on one of the complimentry…read morefree bbqs ! This place has tons of character and a great choice of beers ciders and ales all at a very reasonable price. There is a beautiful big garden out back or benches out front if you fancy just sitting and watching the world drift by. Pete the barman is one of lifes winners always there with a warm welcome and a joke or two for you to enjoy. Stick a lepord print thong on him and marvel at the way he transform into Peter Stringfellow oh yeah ! All in all a class bozzer in the country.

After a day spent at National Trust Dyrham Park (which I intend to review as it was an excellent…read moreday), we were looking for somewhere to cater for a party of six adults and four children at very short notice (immediate). I popped in to see if they had any space or if we would need to book and was quickly told that they could serve us as soon as they had rearranged some tables. At the same time, I was reassured to find that they would happily cater for the two Coeliacs in the party and had a decent range of dishes they could provide as Gluten Free. This place is more of a traditional inn than a 'gastropub' and the quality of both the freshly cooked food and the attentive staff underlines that. Our order contained pan-fried salmon, risotto, chicken breast on mustard mash, a home-made burger, ham & eggs, linguine and some side orders of chips. Drinks included, the bill only came to £140 or so, granted we didn't go for starters or dessert as we had to travel back to Manchester that evening, but the prices on the menu looked reasonable for that side of things too. I can only speak for the chicken breast and a spoonful of risotto, but they had plenty of flavour, not too much salt, tender and not dry chicken with a crisp skin and lovely creamy sauce. The risotto was everything you would expect from a good risotto, perfectly separated rice with lots of interesting veg mixed in and full of flavour. The staff were extremely courteous and helpful and they made sure that all the food arrived at the same time so we all had it hot and together, which was really good. The belated side order which was requested as the other dishes were delivered was brought immediately too which is a touch of class. All round a fantastic experience and no complaints from anyone, everybody really enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

This a english country pub dining experience, with a slight bit of fine dining to it - abit more…read morethan pub grub. Reasonable priced for the food as its really nice food and Menu changes regually. Lots of strong tastes on menu such as goats cheese and wild mushrooms etc! Log burner, wooden table atmosphere....and is also nice for just bottle of vino with the partner! This is one to try for a celebration nice 3 course meal.

This is a very lovely old pub. With very nice rooms, so I've heard from a friend who has a fairly…read moregrand mother. The landlord is very pleasant, friendly and helpful. They have a reputation for food. But I'm vegetarian and, as per usual, the veggie food lacks imagination. I think it's probably a risotto or something like that and not that good. We've been disappointed more than once. However, plenty of people like it and the meat dishes are probably better. The restaurant is very cosy and the general atmosphere is more grad than your usual pub but it s authentic. It's not trying to be something it is not. You can sit outside, but it's always pretty blowy, so bring something warm to put on. Lovely tables and chairs though and very enticing. I am happier with the bar food. Nice sarnies come with crisps and a salad. It's in the Good Hotel Guide 2011. I notice there is a new website for it. http://www.the-carpenters-arms.co.uk/ I'm a bit concerned that it's been she-she'd up since I was last there. It looks a bit corporate and not my kind of thing. But I hope it's still in the same hands.

Firstly, the food is superb. Perfectly cooked steak, and my friend's lamb shank almost literally…read morefell off the bone, it was so good. Clearly, a lot of trouble is taken over the food preparation and then the actual cooking. Would recommend the venue as fantastic value for money. A big shout out to the serving staff, Libby and Emma, who could not do enough for us and had smiles on their faces all evening although the place was full. The ambiance was all one would hope for from a country inn - beams and fires and lovely hangings on the walls. A first class experience.

This is a really nice country pub. Old fashioned on the inside and out. It's warm and friendly with…read morea good atmosphere. However the menu is not very exciting. In fact it's down right boring. They have had the same dishes on there for probably the last 10-11 years. The portion sizes are good and you do get your money worth but it's the same old stuff all the time. For a pub with such a unique location in the countryside you would think that there would be seasonal specials on a regular basis but there isn't. The food isn't exciting or adventurous. Some may argue that it is outdated! Pie and chips, scampi and chips, gammon and chips, steak and chips you see where I'm going with this? I pity the chef that has to cook this day in day out. With no flair or imagination I'd loose the will to live having to cook this all the time. Having said that the pub is pretty much fully booked every weekend so they must be doing something right at least? The food is cooked well although the steaks can be a bit hit and miss? If you want simple food and a menu that is so predictable it would make Mystic Meg look like an ammeter then this is the place for you. If you want somewhere with a bit more flair and excitement then go somewhere else. Personally with so much in offer in the way of food and drink I'd find somewhere else to eat and drink but everybody is different in their tastes.

excellent food and a roaring log fire, plenty of parking and a big garden / outdoor seating area,…read moresafe are happy and there is plenty of space which is ideal for a birthday , wake etc. I've never had a bad meal or experience here and use this pub as one of my go to eatery's when I fancy good food (I don't eat takeaways anymore)

Had lovely Sunday lunch very family friendly. Excellent prices service a little slow but they were…read morebusy, would definitely come again

This is a good old fashioned no frills country inn. A great spot to bring the younguns ! As there's…read morea fantastic enclosed park opposite. When I was a boy id stay in that park rain, snow, sleet and whatever the gods threw at me. Mostly with only a packets of smiths cheese and onion and a panda pop for comapany. Whilst my loving parents had a slap up meal and got 80s driving tipsey. Still its nice to be allowed to enter the bar area now ! And it literally has not changed. There is brass horsey stuff hangin off the walls and a very inviting log fire. There is a fine bar selection , providing you like cider which I do so that suits me then ! They have wine and beer but cant say I spent any time noticing what they had so tough tits on that! Food wise its an uninspired at first glance menu. But when you finally order im sure you'll be pleasently suprised. I had steak and guiness pie chips and peas. 5 quid . The pie was gert lovely jubbly. Lumps of tender steak like icebergs in a yummy guinesss gravy sea. It was tummy rubbin nice. Me old man had faggots. I think he's trying to tell me something, but I cant put me pinky on it ! He said that these were divine ! And much nicer than the faggot s he picked up in the shilling last night! Faggots or no faggot s this place is good food great atmosphere for a bargain price.

Was a great pub, but I've been up here 5 times In a row and there has been no food available…read morebecause "it was a busy lunch". Frankly it's pretty disappointing and a poor level of service. We really used to enjoy the atmosphere and social interaction from the staff, but the fact that this is the 5th time that food has been 'off the menu', and also it generally takes 15 mins to get served because the Staff are chatting... well let's just say I'm glad I'm moving from the area soon.

This pub has recently changed hands and I haven't eaten here since the new people took over. The…read moreactual pub itself is a really pretty place with lots of history. There is a nice eating area and also have entertainment on some evenings. There is a large car park to the rear of the pub which can take up to around 100 cars.

I rate this place highly since coming upon it is like fishing water after wandering in the desert…read more This is a very local neighborhood pub that is never too crowded. This place has plenty of outdoor seating in the front and back. Toilets are a little crowded, but overall, I would come back.

This pub is one of a dying breed, a proper "boozer" with friendly engaging staff and a fabulous…read moreatmosphere Fine range of draft beers and ciders, full range of snacks, even cheesy moments! Warm and friendly, always enjoy a pint in here