The Heart in Hand

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#17 of 375 Restaurants in Swindon££ - £££, Bar, British, Vegetarian friendly

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

5.0

144 reviews

#17 of 375 Restaurants in Swindon

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

“Wood burner had heated the whole bar and was burning bright.”

“Greta Service & Fab Roast Dinner”

Special Occasion Dining, Groups, Bar Scene

“Great pub!”

“Orders made were not exactly correctly provided ie wrong beer and crumble wit...”

Location and contact

43 High Street Blunsdon, Swindon SN26 7AG England

+44 1793 721314

Improve this listing

Is this restaurant good for breakfast?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

Contribute

Write a review

Upload a photo

Ask a question

We perform checks on reviews.

Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews

Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.

When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.

Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.

Learn more about our review moderation.

5.0

144 reviews

Excellent

117

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Lostpassport

536 contributions

No Frills Just good grub

Aug 2020 • none

Booked a table due to covid, its been about 20 years since i was last here and little has changed, its still the same decor but dont let that put you off. The welcome was warm and there had been some thought put into making it as best as possible with distanced tables, a one way system in and out of the pub. Menu isnt huge (but thats good), plenty to choose from for most diets and tastes. Service was good and portions were huge, well cooked good honest food at very reasonable prices. Very good option for a bit of pub grub, i'm sure we will revisit

Written 25 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anthony D

Grays Thurrock218 contributions

Wonderful hospitality and fabulous beer

Apr 2021 • none

I met a very old and very good friend for a few beers at the Heart in Hand, and had a superb afternoon. On arrival you are directed to a gate where you sign in for Covid 19 purposes, and then move to a large area of outdoor seating, all very comfortable and safely spaced. Much of this was covered by a large and airy marquee, with heating supplied. Service was fast and super friendly. It's family run and staffed, and we couldn't have been made to feel more welcome. The outside area was packed but the staff still found time for a friendly chat with customers; quite a feat when under pressure. The beer was in excellent condition. I decided to start with Butcombe Bitter and enjoyed it so much that I just stuck with it. Delicious. Apparently the cider was great too for those who like such things! We only had snacks (a selection of light bites), but these were delicious and served quickly. I can particularly recommend the Loaded Chips which were very tasty but notably also plentiful. One of those makes a pretty filling snack for two, and the toppings were delicious and just the right amount - all for a fiver. More substantial meals were available and looked really good, but we did not try them so can't offer an opinion further than that. I only went inside to use the loo, and obviously the inside dining area is closed at present, but it looked very pleasant if unsurprisingly much smaller than the outside area. All aspects of hygiene and safety were very well handled throughout. I highly recommend this pub. Everything was tip top, but if I were to have to choose a single main reason to visit it would be the staff and service. You won't find better anywhere. Visit and you won't be disappointed.

Written 3 May 2021

Louise Thompson

6 contributions

The Heart in the Hand is just Elite from the Greet to the Sweet.

Oct 2021 • none

Great range of well-cooked/presented food, with great staff to serve you, nothing Is too much trouble for any of the team and all of this served with a smile. On both occasion we have had the Roast Dinner, beef for my husband and I, Lamb for our daughter. Our meals have been second to none. If you like a little topple after and Whiskey is your thing you won’t be disappointed it is top notch, pretty sure Darren will find you a Quaich so you and your friends can celebrate the wonderful evening you will have had. Darren, Claire and their team know true hospitality, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you have the experience of being a valued customer, great food, great wines, great atmosphere and topped off with great Prices.

Written 8 October 2021

Claire R

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your comments and support and we are pleased to hear that you have enjoyed our roast dinners and the service we provide. Best regards Claire Heart In Hand

Written 10 October 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ruth...

Wiltshire914 contributions

Evening Dinner.

Feb 2020 • family

Short notice but chose this place to meet up with family. It's a lovely place, staff were great...Evie our waitress was brilliant. Our food came out very quick and piping hot and was delicious. We will return soon.

Written 25 February 2020

seanv16

Swindon30 contributions

Best place to eat and drink

Apr 2021 • couples

Gave this place a try a few times and every time I have not been disappointed. The new landlord and landlady are very friendly and instantly you feel welcome either inside or outside in the marquee. The mix of customers is about right with locals and youngsters and the vibe is very positive. The food is of a very high standard and the dishes have that home cooked flare about them. All in all if your looking for a date night or a catch up with your friends or family then book a table to avoid being disappointed. One thing is for sure you will certainly come back for more.

Written 21 May 2021

DebbieHampshire

Swindon189 contributions

Great recommendation

Aug 2021 • none

The Heart in Hand was recommended by a friend but we have had trouble getting booked in as it’s so popular. We opted to visit today after finally getting booked in to have the Sunday roast and was not disappointed. Lovely welcome by a staff member who we discovered was Claire the owner with her husband Darren. You can immediately tell that it’s family run by how every member of staff were extremely friendly and very efficient. Lovely clean tables and very nice decor. Nice choice of roasts and we opted for the pork and beef. Both arrived without much of a wait considering how busy it was, nice quantity of both meats with great roasties and big Yorkshire pudding, separately came a nice selection of veg, really fresh and not overdone. A nice jug of proper gravy, you could tell it was home made, delicious. We had the chocolate fudge cake which we shared, wish I’d had my own portion now as it was amazing, really light and tasty. Throughly recommend the Heart in Hand, both Claire an Darren made us feel very welcome, will be back soon.

Written 8 August 2021

John S

Swindon5 contributions

One love, one heart, one great pub.....

Jul 2021 • family

I have visited this establishment several times since the new owners took over earlier this year and I have only great things to say about the quality of service from this dog friendly pub. The owners and their staff con not do any more to make your experience very special, from a excellent range of beers through to an outstanding menu of perfectly prepared and presented food. The rib eye steaks are without doubt the best I have ever tasted and keep calling me back. I understand they have plans to enhance the experience of your visit further. This is a visit you should not miss, definatley an evening to be savoured. I can not recommend this enough. Go and like us, have a wonderful time.

Written 6 July 2021

Sharon S

7 contributions

Lunch

Sept 2021 • couples

We decided to try the heart in hand, it was lovely, great service, lovely and friendly. I had homemade burger, which was delicious, my partner had sirloin, cooked to perfection, chips we're beautiful, we then had dessert i had waffle, delicious lashings of chocolate sauce, my other half had homemade benoffee pie, which was also lovely. Will be definitely going back next Tuesday

Written 23 September 2021

Claire R

Hello Sharon S Many thanks for your recent review. We are pleased you enjoyed your experience and we look forward to seeing you again. Best Regards The Heart In Hand

Written 27 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jade Kinnett

Worthing143 contributions

Fantastic pub.

Aug 2021 • couples

We were staying in a hotel close by for the weekend and a local told us to try out the heart in hand pub for food, so we decided to have dinner here. When we arrived, we were told there was no space for food, however the landlord managed to squeeze us in befote a large party ordered. I had the hunters chicken and my fiance had the steak, both which were amazing, cooked perfectly, cake out hot and portion sizes was fab. For dessert we had the panna cotta and bannoffe pie, which were both very tasty and great portions. If we are back in the area, I'd deffinately return and would highly recommend.

Written 29 August 2021

anitacc2015

Swindon22 contributions

Fantastic Sunday roast we we

Apr 2023 • none

We’ve been to the Heart In Hand a few times for Sunday lunch and it just gets better and better. We went yesterday and the food arrived about 10 mins after ordering and was delicious! Generous portions of home cooked food at a very reasonable price. Sunday roast was followed by home made cheesecake which was equally delicious! I can’t rate his place highly enough for genuine home cooked food in a village setting.

Written 1 May 2023

Claire Rule

Many thanks for your review and feedback. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your experience with us and we hope you will visit again. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 4 May 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Beverley Julie N

4 contributions

Mrs Neal

Nov 2021 • family

We have just came home from our first visit to the Heart and hand Blunsdon. What a clean beautiful cosy friendly old school pub !! Our first visit and absolutely blown away with the welcome and just the best proper traditional roast we have had since we hung up our aprons 😂 Ample fresh veg beautiful tender beef and massive portions with gravy to die for!! And nothing to much trouble. Followed by dream puddings. And my Pete is a bit fussy on his real ale but he said it was just perfect and the best choice of wines. We are just totally won over and we wlll definitely be regular visitors from here on in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Written 21 November 2021

Claire R

Thank you so much for your support and kind comments. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your visit and Sunday roast. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 23 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tina_reading

Reading37 contributions

How a good English pub should be....

Oct 2021 • friends

I visited here with a friend as we were staying nearby. We initially went for a couple of drinks, planning to return to our hotel for dinner, but we were so warmly welcomed and accommodated, despite most if not all of the tables being already taken or prebooked for the evening, we eventually ordered food. The camembert starter to share was amazing (who'd have thought sweet chilli sauce would work so well!). We ordered mains which were equally tasty, but maybe the camembert starter was intended for 4 sharers not 2 and we weren't able to finish all of our meals. Whilst we probably won't need to stay overnight in the area again, this pub is definitely on my list of places to stop and eat, a short distance from the M4 and such a friendly landlord and landlady.... If I lived closer, this would be my local. Good honest food, and a genuinely friendly pub.

Written 31 October 2021

Claire R

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. It was great to read your positive comments and we are very happy that you enjoyed your evening with us. We look forward to welcoming you again, when you are next in the area. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 2 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richard D

13 contributions

Efficient, friendly, delicious

Jul 2023 • couples

We booked a Sunday lunch when we were going to be on the road between Gloucester and London. The Heart in Hand is well placed - about half a mile off the A417. We were welcomed when we arrived and shown straight to our table. The pub interior is modern yet cosy. We both ordered the roast beef dinner (£14.95) and it was in front of us in ten minutes. Absolutely delicious. The beef was the tenderest, most succulent I have ever tasted. We finished off with dessert and coffee and were on our way again in an hour. I'm not saying that speed is actually a virtue but service was so efficient and attentive that speed was the natural consequence of that, and although the service was speedy we did not feel rushed: we felt we had all the time we wanted We will definitely return.

Written 9 July 2023

Claire Rule

Thank you very much for your review and feedback. We really appreciate your comments and are pleased that you enjoyed your visit to us. We hope to see you again in the future. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 13 July 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

OLDBOY

Swindon1043 contributions

Great meals tonight

May 2022 • none

Our first time here for a long time really impressed , food was excellent.We ordered a Fish and Chips and a Cajan chicken both £12.95 , both were large portions hot and tasty . My only nit picks were I would prefer fat chips and less batter on the fish , this is my preference there were nothing wrong what we were served . Still an excellent meal .The Cheese for sweet was also excellent

Written 18 May 2022

Claire R

Many thanks for your response. We agree with chips and yesterday changed the menu, so fries are only served with burgers👍🏻 We just wanted to try different options. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 20 May 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marvin63

2 contributions

Poor Sunday lunch

Oct 2022 • none

Unable to cater for someone who is celiac even though we mentioned this when we booked. The only comment was not to order the Yorkshire pudding and stuffing balls with no alternative available. After some discussion a small reduction was made in the price since it seemed unfair to be charged the full price when some of the components were missing. Vegetables were cold and sent back. Returned 5 minutes later after being microwaved but the meat still not hot. Overall, we found the food to be bland and not very well prepared When we came to pay the bill, we found 3 drinks had been added to our bill from another table luckily, I checked the bill as the staff obviously had not.

Written 11 October 2022

Claire R

Many thanks for your review and negative comments. As you will see from our history of reviews, that we pride ourselves on providing a great service and good food, so I will definitely pass your comments onto our chefs and the rest of the team, so this does not happen again. Best regards Claire and Darren Heart In Hand

Written 15 October 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

…

Showing results 1-15 of 142

Best moderately priced restaurants

See all