Swindon
The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys

5 Burycroft,SN4 0AP, United Kingdom, Swindon

Steak • Pizza • Cakes • British


"I have visited The Cross Keys many times in the past and so was really happy that it was open again, but sadly do not where to start with our experience last night. Service was slow, staff didn’t seem to have a clue what was going on. When I asked about the Specials Board I was told that the specials were sold out, despite the board being almost the first thing we saw when we entered the pub. We were then told there was no lasagne but when we ordered it turned out there were no pies either or soprano burgers. I ordered a chicken burger on a normal burger bun and not a brioche as advertised and the food quite frankly looked like it had been dropped onto the plate from a great height. The staff got our drinks confused and then when we asked for the dessert menu, took so long coming back to us that we just got up, paid the bill and left. I’ve read other reviews on here and noted Management comments and I would just like to say that there wasn’t any sign of management on a Saturday night and the floor appeared to be being run by very nice, but slightly disinterested teenagers. I have been in hospitality for over 20 years (maybe this makes me slightly more critical) and actually did a management stint at The Cross Keys a long time ago so would just like to say to the (new) owners that some staff training would be a great idea and clean glasses would be even better! It was very disappointing all round."

The Check Inn

The Check Inn

79 Woodland View, SN4 9AA, Swindon, United Kingdom

Pub • Asiatic • British • Ice Cream


"So let me explain my header as it is slightly confusing.For all of my followers they will know i am firm but fair and certainly not a gourmet food critic. We had booked a restaurant nearby for a meaty chicken and chorizo dish for valentines...night and were looking forward to the meal we chose on the set menu UNTIL our local priest reminded us at church on Sunday that meat was a no no. Not a hint of abstinence on this one we checked the menu and to our horror found no fish. My Polska Princess and i googled Food near our home and saw the Check Inn looked traditional and friendly, the menu was to our satisfaction and the price for the set menu very reasonable. So we booked, blind, never seeing the place or tried the food. We booked a table for and arrived on time. The pub has a quaint village feeling and set in a quite location from the road but near the However on a chilly February night this was not an issue. We entered the restaurant through the rear door and were promptly seated at a table near the warm fire in a cosy little restaurant and it was all of our wish list rolled into one. Cosy restaurant, clean, friendly staff, an attentive Landlord and steeped in the traditions of what a real country local should be. The Prosseco was the best that my Polska had tasted in a long long time and me being a not too romantic had couple of pints of an awesome beer from somewhere in Eastern Europe that apparently cannot be purchased any nearer than Reading. However i digress as my readers know i always do so i will now get to the point good and could be better but any criticism really should be taken as constructive because we will be definitely be going back and do not want to get barred after our first visit. The starters we had was Baked Camembert and a mix of fresh bread, it was perfectly cooked and was to die for, absolutely spot on, the Princess had Fish under instruction from the previous Sunday with Lemon Potatoes, alas the first thing she did was put a chunk of Lemon in her mouth thinking it was potato which somewhat tainted the meal for a while, however she enjoyed the fish and no complaint there. Me being a rebel had a carnivore sirloin steak which i found very chewy and gristley which is no fault of the kitchen but maybe a word with your butcher might not go amiss. My only criticism was the red wine jus was at first forgotten then came out cold. I did not use it. The desserts we had was Chocolate brownie with ice cream for the missus and cheese and biscuits for me. Both were well received and finished the night off to perfection. Surprised at the price of a glass of red wine to accompany my cheese but in fairness i did ask for a good one. I would seriously recommend this Inn/Restaurant as it is home from home and the icing on the cake for future use is the bar area is dog friendly and you are seconds away from those long walks into the countryside with a hearty meal waiting when you get back. I have suggested this Inn to my dear friends Hannah and Priya and maybe when they break their ties with busy town living they will venture out and give the Check Inn a visit."