Grapes Inn

This is a proper working pub that's been serving the local community for generations, the kind of place where you'll find regulars nursing pints alongside visitors who've stumbled upon it exploring the quieter corners of the region.

Inside, you'll find the sort of details that mark out an older pub – exposed beams, a log fire when the weather turns cold – and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere whether you're stopping in for lunch or an evening drink. The drinks selection leans into local ales alongside the usual suspects, and the food is straightforward comfort fare, the kind that tastes particularly good after a morning's walk through the countryside.

What makes it worth seeking out is that it feels genuinely rooted in its community rather than existing purely for passing trade. You can sit quietly with a book or strike up a conversation with whoever's at the bar. It's a useful spot to know about if you're planning to visit Lacock, the well-known village with its abbey and film location connections, which is just a short drive away, or the market town of Melksham. Come here if you want to experience how locals actually spend their time rather than following the main tourist routes.