FOOD&DRINK

Named after the vessel in which Drake circumnavigated the globe, Chew Magna’s Pelican is a pub you’ll delight in discovering (and get kudos for recommending). Its look is clean and stylish yet its feel is relaxed and homely, with punters on the night of Venue’s visit ranging from hoodied cider drinkers and pashmina-wearing ladies of leisure to a dad relaxing with his football kit-clad lad post-training.

A recent makeover combines the best of old and new. An open-plan bar boasts Clifton chic with wooden floorboards, plentiful fresh flowers, fat sofas, a cosy booth and innovative tear-off paper specials board. An elegant slate-tiled courtyard (with comfortable smoking area) leads on to a cosy back garden complete with boules piste. Rainbow trout from Chew Magna Lake spend time in the garden’s smoker before chef Rob Lisle works his magic in the kitchen.

Diverse food offerings feature prominently, with the seafood pot special a bellyful of the ocean’s booty enough to make the eponymous seabird smile. Venue’s mixed roast veg ‘Pelly plank’ brings flavoursome, colourful, textural treats on a board resembling a hollowed-out oar tip. Extensive drink offers pair perfectly with food; two chaps seek cheesy chips with their lager, Chalky’s Bite bottled beer matches mussels magnificently while the CAMRA member who dropped off Pints West gets a cheese platter to accompany their drop.

“It’s like social life but work!” says boss Andy McClellan of an atmosphere where staff, management and punters interact harmoniously. Friendly waitress Anita recalls one generous local throwing a swell shindig for wife and daughter.

A discrete blue light ensures kitchen and waiting service is quick and efficient: Andy runs a tight ship at the Pelican. (Simon Fry; pics: Mark Simmons Photography)

The information

Lager Amstel, Fosters, Bira Moretti. From £3.10.

Beer Doom Bar, Butcombe, guest (currently Otter.) From £2.80.

Cider Ashton Press, Symonds, Pheasant Plucker. From £3.

Wine Up to 16 white, up to 16 red. From £3.25 gls/£12.95 btl.

Food Served Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6.30-9pm, Sun 12noon-3pm. Classic pub, modern European. Club sandwich £5.95, calves’ livers £9.95, gammon, free-range double egg & chips £8.95, fish & chips £8.95, chicken, mushroom & tarragon tagliatelle £9.25.  

PELICAN 10 SOUTH PARADE, CHEW MAGNA, BS40 8SL. TEL: 01275 331777, WEB: WWW.PELICANCHEWMAGNA.COM. OPEN DAILY 12NOON-12 MIDNIGHT.

Pics copyright Mark Simmons Photography; text copyright Simon Fry 2010