Review on The Vine Tree
Originally a watermill, The Vine Tree at Norton is now a truly inviting pub/restaurant in a tiny Wiltshire hamlet a few miles to the south of Malmesbury. The place still has its quota of oak beams and flagstones floors and even plays host to two resident ghosts. In winter, enjoy a pint by the roaring log fire while behind the bar the owners and staff are genuinely pleased to see you, offering gentle but helpful guidance on the food and wines should you need it; in summer, take advantage of the sun-trap terrace or the expansive, child-friendly garden.
There's an intimate little dining room upstairs, but the entire pub makes a congenial rustic backdrop for food with direct, modern flavours. Menus change every couple of weeks, and the kitchen makes admirable use of local and seasonal produce (Beef and Venison are reared locally, although fish does have to travel up from the West Country ports).
As you can see on the attached sample Menus, there is a wide selection of dishes to suit every need. Among the list of starters you might find creamy chicken and duck liver parfait with toasted brioche, Goat's Cheese & Tangy Red Onion Jam "Cheesecake" or the seasonal Game Up!! - Local Partridge & Pigeon Breast. The eclectic style extends to main courses like creamy mash with locally produced Cumberland Sausages served with delectable steaming hot onion gravy, fabulously authentic Spanish Paella and Jimmy Butler's Award Winning Blythburgh Organic Free Range Pork Belly – a true British classic. Desserts might feature Eton mess, the flourless cake "Chocolate Nemesis" or the popular classic Crème Brulée.
The impressive international wine list has a big crop of more than 30 'favourites', all available by the glass. A 'Wine of the Month' may help those who struggle to choose from the extensive list! Regular events are a feature of life at the Vine Tree, whether it's vintage car rallies, Weddings or outdoor music festivals.
The owners have a wealth of experience when it comes to organising weddings and private functions and you can rest assured that your every need will be expertly catered for, ensuring that everyone has a magical time.
The Vine Tree is also featured in: Good Food Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30 (3.15 Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.30pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
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