
The Longs Arms
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

The Longs Arms in Bradford-on-Avon opens like a story you can taste: a late 17th-century Bath stone pub opposite a medieval church, where the scent of wood smoke and fresh herbs greets you as you step inside. Located in South Wraxall, the restaurant blends the friendliness of a village pub with the exacting standards of modern British gastronomy. Modern British and gastropub appear together on every menu page, and the dining room—once a skittle alley—invites conversation, slow courses, and the sort of meal you plan months ahead for. Looking for a memorable meal in Bradford-on-Avon? The Longs Arms places seasonal cooking at the center of the experience. Chef-owner Rob Allcock runs a kitchen that emphasizes provenance, house techniques, and clear flavor direction from starter to dessert. Rob Allcock and his team focus on fresh, local ingredients, many sourced from the pub’s own kitchen garden and artisan suppliers across Wiltshire and the Cotswolds. Since taking over in 2011 and buying the freehold in 2017, Rob and Liz Allcock have refined a menu built around smoke, daily-baked bread, homemade butter, and small-batch ice creams. That commitment to craft has earned The Longs Arms a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2012 and a 2-Rosette AA rating, recognitions that reflect consistent value and culinary skill rather than showy excess. The pub’s freehouse status lets the team choose regional ales and wines to match dishes precisely. The kitchen’s approach is direct: precise cooking techniques, clear seasoning, and menus that change with the week’s best produce. House smoking transforms salmon and other proteins, lending depth to bright citrus and saline accents. Dry-aged or carefully rested cuts and classic British preparations—sausage and mash, steak and kidney pie—sit alongside inventive plates that test familiar boundaries while remaining approachable. Signature dishes crystallize this balance. The house-smoked salmon arrives with keta roe, yuzu and linseed crisp, pairing gentle smoke with bright citrus and textural snap. Hand-dived Orkney scallops are served with haggis, preserved lemon and herb butter, a dish where richness meets sharp acidity. The warm black pudding Scotch egg presents comforting spice and a runny yolk, while Manchego croquetas with chili jelly show a playful nod to European flavors. Mains rotate from haddock with mushy peas and homemade tartare to courgette flowers stuffed with lemony mint filling, reflecting seasonal produce and careful technique. Desserts emphasize house-made ice creams and sorbets, such as a licorice crème diplomat tart with rhubarb and honeycomb, offering sharp, creamy contrasts that close the meal cleanly. Service at The Longs Arms is attentive without being formal; staff know the menu, explain dishes, and tailor recommendations, including vegetarian specials prepared thoughtfully on request. The front-of-house balances village warmth with professional timing, ensuring courses arrive at a measured pace and guests feel welcome throughout long lunches or evening meals. Interiors favor honest materials and human scale: flagstone floors, low ceilings, church pew seating, and a woodburner beneath a mantel create a warm, inviting atmosphere on cooler evenings. A former skittle alley converted into a dining room gives the space intimate proportions and good acoustics, while twinkling lights and well-chosen table settings keep focus on the food. The Longs Arms’ design highlights original stone mullioned windows and preserved architectural details that anchor the dining experience in place and history. Practical details matter: book online through the official site to secure a weekend table, and call ahead for larger groups or dietary requirements. Lunches and early weekday services offer a quieter meal, while Friday and Saturday evenings fill quickly—reservations are advised, especially for special occasions and holiday weekends. Dress leans smart-casual; comfortable layers work well for the small dining rooms and village location. For those seeking a thoughtfully composed, ingredient-forward meal in Wiltshire, The Longs Arms delivers a clear promise: modern British dishes made with care in an historic setting. Reserve your table at The Longs Arms to taste seasonal plates, house-smoked specialties, and local ales in a relaxed, refined village pub setting.
CHEF
ACCOLADES
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(2024) Michelin Plate
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(2025) Michelin Plate
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