Silks on the Downs

We use this place for special occassions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) as bit pricey for everyday. Never had a bad meal. Restaurant service is very good. Friendly atmosphere and roomy (i.e. they haven’t tried to get as many tables into the available space as possible). Would recommend to a friend without hesitation.

I must apologise immediately for posting this review as its not in London, but 84.1 miles near London, but after visiting this establishment I felt that I should share this with you.
I found this little gem on a recent trip to Marlborough and just happened to stumble across it. the Silks on the Downs (formerly known as the Wheatsheaf) is located in the very small village of Ogbourne St Andrew, it is one of those blink and you will miss it villages, located on the A346, which is a very busy road, however once inside the general ambience and polite and cheerful outlook of the staff and proprietors soon erases any misgivings. The building has been tastefully renovated to transform it from a pub to the now gastropub, with the dining area being laid out allowing you to dine privately without being in close proximity to other diners.
They pride themselves of sourcing all there main ingredients from in and around the area. They go as far as naming the local butcher, fishmonger and gamekeeper.
Our meal commenced with Soup of the day, which was displayed as a being a tomato soup blended with spices, which sounded quite tasty, but we were informed that they were just in the process of replacing it with fresh cream of mushroom soup, as they had sold out of tomato soup. Reading that as a good sign and not wanting a heavy first course, I went for the mushroom soup, even though I’m not keen on mushrooms in there raw state, that aside I found it to be just perfect, I even surprised my wife by consuming it all.
For the main course I opted for the Venison Goulash slowly braised in 6x Beer, (which I was reliably informed was shot locally), a selection of root Vegetables and herb Dumplings. The meat was braised to perfection, leaving it just gently resting in the juices, the taste being succulent without being overpowering and leaving your taste buds knowing that you have eaten a very well prepared cut of venison.
We declined the dessert menu, being that our hunger had been suitably satiated, but they did look very tempting.
So if your ever travelling this way, you might find this place to be a pleasant detour from your journey.

Looks like an ordinary pub from the outside but a nice surprise when you go in the door. Very spacious and modern. Sometimes a bit slow at the bar. The food is really good — have never had a bad meal there. Nice choice. Very good atmosphere — more upmarket than most. do book a table though.