Blessed, Lydiard has three pubs and a cafe. (And that’s not counting the new community Monday Cake Break at All Saint’s Church).

Admittedly, two of the pubs are no longer the oak-beamed ale-serving hostelries they once were.

The Butcher’s Arms (formerly the Tavern) in Greatfield closed in 2000, but has since has been reborn as the live music venue, the Riff Bar. (It’s open when there aren’t gigs too, a friendly place for a quiet drink with friends or a reflective pint).

At the other end of the village, the former Forester’s Arms in Common Platt closed in 2010, but has since morphed into an Italian restaurant, Casa Paolo.

In the Street, in the geographic centre of the village, a stone’s throw from West Swindon and Lydiard Park, the Sun Inn still offers pints, oak beams, pub meals and occasional events.

Finally, hidden away in the recesses of the John Toomer’s garden centre, is Nicky’s Pantry, a coffee shop that serves much more than coffee.

In short, it’s a great place to have lunch. (And that’s even before venturing into Purton or the nether reaches of West Swindon).

For some reason, however, we’ve never really explored the options on our own doorstep. No more. In the interests of independent journalism (and because I’m a bit of a latent foodie) here is the Sunday Lunch Challenge.

Sundays, we will be eating out and sharing our findings here.

The initial aim is to cover all the options in Lydiard Millicent. (Please let me know if I have missed any!) However, in the fullness of time, we may venture further afield. But not too far. The aim will remain the same, a good walk followed by a good meal. And, ideally, a good glass of red, some real ale and child-friendly options.

It seems logical to start in the centre of the village, at the Sun Inn.