The Pony and Trap, Chew Magna

Oh, this is going so well.... I'm so enjoying going out to dinner with different groups of my friends. This time my builder friend and used-to-be neighbour who has converted my loft bedroom, beautifully extended the studio, made a roof space into the spare bedroom, choreographed the next door refurbishment and many many more little helpful things over the fifteen years that I have lived in my house. I remember one day shortly after I moved in, I was nailing down loose floorboards and punctured a water pipe and he came down and rescued me from fountains of water when I didn't even know where the stopcock was! His partner came too, and our next door neighbour carpenter/builder who has also done loads of work on my house.

After an exciting rally drive down little country lanes much too fast, we arrived at the highly acclaimed, recent Michelin star winner country pub with a great view. It was informal and relaxing and there was no amuse bouche, just a menu. The portions were generous but with a good impression of fine dining. Scott had mussels (he always does) which were tasty and had the finger bowl and bowl for the shells, the rare beef carpaccio was good and my rather gory-sounding duck's liver and heart on toast was actually incredibly delicious.

The main courses were also admirable - pork belly with crackling and lumps of loin with black pudding and smears of this and that, lamb tagine with chops and deep fried sweetbreads, whilst Scott and I had the rabbit. Picturesque galantine with a stuffing and asparagus in the middle, roasted leg and some tasty puree with a great gravy. The roasted new potatoes (waste of time roasting new pots!) and fresh green vegetables were abundant and we were not sure we could manage a dessert. We did though, and the trio of lemon was divine.

Yup.... the conversation was excellent, the red wine flowed for two people and the other three of us sipped a cold rose, and a very good evening was had by all. I drove sedately home and enjoyed the country roads and the sparkling lights of Bristol as we came over the heights of Dundry.

I fear that this was not "petit plats" and taking my 81-year old aunt for a cream tea at Tart yesterday, followed by a party and a Gaswork Singer's singing and feasting day today is not going to help my slimming this week! We'll see on Wednesday!