EACH month, the Standard’s Pub Spy visits a pub to give his verdict on the place. Here, he describes his experience at The Thames Head Inn, Cirencester.

EVER since I was a child, garlic bread has always been on the menu in the Pub Spy household.

I just love that invigorating mix of crunchy bread and garlic butter, so when I saw it on the menu at The Thames Head Inn, Tetbury Road near Cirencester, it was inevitable that I was going to order it.

I was eagerly anticipating great things when my starter arrived but my excitement turned to disappointment when I bit in to a piece of my neatly sliced ciabatta and discovered it was dry, lacking in herbs and with only a smidgen of garlic butter.

It was priced at £3.95 and I was glad to be able to enjoy a very nice, sharp and fruity Moonlight ale to wash it down.

For an extra 75p, you can have your garlic bread smothered in mozzarella cheese and after eating the starter I couldn’t help but think that I should maybe have chosen that particular addition.

I was impressed with the pub when I walked through the door and was charmed by the quaint, rustic decor. I was made to feel very welcome by the staff, who fell over themselves to ensure I got everything I needed.

I am happy to say that my second round of food was far tastier than my starter.

The bubble and squeak (£10.95) was very nicely presented; the bacon, mushrooms and egg were neatly stacked. The bacon was brimming with flavour and the mushrooms were well seasoned.

But what puzzled me was that the sauce was not drizzled over the main, it was poured around it. And it was not a sprinkling of sauce, it felt like there was gallons on the plate which I felt overpowered it somewhat.

I chose to leave without a dessert, but the pub does boast a good selection of sweet treats including vanilla cheesecake and apple crumble, with all items priced at £5.50.

The Thames Head has potential to be a brilliant establishment, it has a beautiful interior and the staff tend to your every need, but I felt it could maybe work harder on its menu to attract more diners in future.

Atmosphere: 7/10

Decor: 7/10

Staff: 8/10

Drink: 7/10

Food: 5/10

Prices: 4/10

Overall: 6/10