Great restaurant , lovely staff. Highly recommend! We booked in advance & grateful we did..it was packed @ lunchtime!
“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, always ready with a smile. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor — you can tell the chefs put real passion into their cooking. My personal highlight was the [Linguine pasta], which was cooked to perfection. Prices are fair for the quality, and I left already planning my next visit. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food and genuine hospitality.”
We were recommended coming here by a friend. Didn't really know what to expect, but we were absolutely delighted with what we found! It's just opposite Lowdens Garden Centre as you head out of Melksham. From the road it just looks like a country pub, but once you get inside it's just fabulous. It's a little bit like walking into the 1970's, but in the best way possible. As you walk through the very low door, it feels warm and welcoming. Bring the autumn we didn't go outside, but there is outdoor seating and what looks like a huge garden. Would be great for families when it's sunny and warm. Staff were just heavenly. Enough to make you feel attended too, without being in your face. We sat down and ordered a couple of drinks. Normally I wouldn't mention something like lemonade in a review, but this was out if this world. Not the sickly sweet guff you usually get served. It was lemony, sharp, sweet and just lovely! HWMBO had a pint of Meantime IPA. Ordered a couple of starters, calamari for The Mr and I went for the mozzarella in bread thing. I'm not a big fan of fried bread, but this was just something else. Light, but with that naughtiness you get from something you'd never cook at home! I had a report on the calamari and they were cooked to perfection... An art in itself. We both ordered the Milano pizza - not too much veggie choice directly on the menu, but they do have gluten free and vegan options. From the first bite of this gooey, cheesy, tomato-y delight we were both enamored. It was just fantastic pizza. I usually avoid garlic - doesn't always agree with me - but this was smothered in garlic. It tasted just as good as it looked. It wasn't a small lunch time pizza either. So by the last couple of slices I did have to slow down... I, somehow, managed to fit the whole thing inside. Thankfully, they also do take away so I probably should have put the last few slices in a box... It was good though... Fairly busy when we arrived. Car park was mostly full. Didn't have to wait too long for any of our dishes - and they were very busy. As I said, staff were great. Really fantastic lunch, we'll be back for dinner soon... I suggest you try it too!
Every year, our Bowls Club organizes a dinner at a venue to close the season. In 2025, we chose 'Il Vello d'Oro @ The Golden Fleece'. When we arrived, we were immediately greeted by a beautiful girl named Magda. She charmed us at first sight. Her hospitality and professional manner made us feel great, even on this rainy and gloomy day. The food was very tasty and exquisite, and we were happy we returned for a second time, as we got exactly what we hoped for.
Formerly known as The Golden Fleece the establishment is recently on the Cask Marque Ale Trail. It serves only one ale, but it is kept in excellent condition. Much refurbishment and extension, as well as a name change, has been made by the new owners who are clearly aiming more towards foodie clientele.
Wow, the best Sunday roast in ages! The red cabbage is just yummy. Seven difference vegetables plus potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and the most perfectly cooked belly pork, with tasty rich gravy. Delicious meal.
Three of us visited here a few weeks ago. Strange seeing so many glowing reviews; maybe I just got unlucky. Starters were not great. Dry garlic bread, and a sad plate of 4 undercooked breaded garlic mushrooms with a side of wilted salad. We all had a risotto or pasta dish for main. Pasta was fairly average, a decent portion at least. Porcini risotto was awful - bland, completely devoid of any flavour, had never been in contact with any seasoning or even any salt. I think it was just rice, water, and mushroom. Didn't try the pizzas so can't comment. Servers were friendly enough but by the end of the meal they had all disappeared to prepare the cutlery for the next day. Had to get up to find someone to ask for the bill, and again 15 minutes later to actually pay the bill. Based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend this place. If you like flavour in your food, go further on to Bath where you'll get much better food for the same price.
Christmas day lunch was fantastic. Flavoursome and plenty of it. Going again next year, definitely.
Booked a table for Friday lunch, glad we did as it was very busy. Greeted and seated very politely and efficiently, drinks order and delivered. Food ordered and delivered quickly considering on the number of full tables we were surprised at how quick. Oh my goodness was a treat we both had, it was absolutely delicious, himself had the lasagna and I had chicken al crème with chips and salad, we had an extra of garlic bread with cheese. Dessert’s of course himself had the lemon cheesecake which of course I had to test, I have to agree with himself it was delicious. I ordered the tiramisu and I wouldn’t let himself test as it was too good to share. All in all, wonderful service, delicious food and we will be back. Thank you all.
Il VELLO Doro @the Golden Fleece is located at The Golden Fleece, Folly Ln, Bath Rd, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8HB, UK
You can contact Il VELLO Doro @the Golden Fleece at +44 1225 702050
You can find directions to Il VELLO Doro @the Golden Fleece by following this map link