THE King’s Head at Kingscourt is an unfussy, laidback pub with a community feel.

It doesn’t try to be more than it is – there’s no pretension, nor inflated prices, just decent pub fare, good beer, comfortable furnishings and a warm ambience.

I’d go as far as saying it’s more an extension of one’s living room (complete with crumpled cushions and the slightly worn look).

But with drinks on tap and the locals for company, it makes for an easy, truly relaxed hostelry.

The outside is nothing to shout home about but don’t let that put you off.

It’s very unremarkable in appearance, and perhaps more of an effort could be done to spruce up its approach.

But I suspect this establishment is less about appearances and more about convivial atmosphere, food and drink.

Yet, the pub’s location, up the windy, narrow lane to the top of Kingscourt, boasts incredible views of the town and surrounding Woodchester Valley.

St Mary’s Church in the distance looked stunning in the soft colours of twilight.

It really is a sight to behold while savouring a pint of Timothy Taylor.

Luck, sadly, wasn’t on my side and it was a shame the weather had turned decidedly autumnal and I was not dressed to sit outside to soak up the beautiful evening setting.

I opted to sit inside and noticed the open fire which must be a great draw for the punters on cold, winter days.

The main pub room is small, but with plenty of standing area for drinkers and enough tables for diners.

Also eating were a family with young children, who having relished the child-friendly pub garden and play area, were contentedly tucking into their meals.

My food, the ‘sizzlers’ salmon with creamy sauce served on a hot slate was just £11.50 with a ginger ale to drink.

The salmon was done beautifully and I chose green beans and a jacket potato to accompany it.

It was delicious and I was delighted that it was presented to me by the lady chef.

In fact, the pub and its decor had quite a feminine feel to it – and not just evidenced by the three members of staff who were all ladies but little touches to the decor, such as the dried bouquets around the top of the bar, did not go unnoticed.

With my meal having taken a little longer to appear than I had thought, I was disappointed that I didn’t have time for dessert and so the raspberry meringue nest (£4.95) will have to wait for my return – perhaps for Sunday lunch.

In all, an affable, low-key pub with an informal, easy ambience.