About Us

The Jolly Tar, a former farmhouse, opened in 1855 on a licence transferred from a pub called The Cat, and, Ironically there was one in the village called the dog. The jolly tar (or sailor) in question is Captain Willes Johnson who married the widow of Colonel Freke. Arkell's acquired the pub in 1922 after the break-up of the Freke Estate. In those days the right-hand side of the building - now the lounge - was a bicycle shop.

The Jolly Tar is run by Landlords Paul and Michelle Gilbert, Paul, also being the Chef, is well known to many people in the area after chefing for more than 22 years in and around Swindon, Michelle’s bubbly character shines as “front of house” and a cheery welcome is certainly felt as you come into the pub.

We want you to feel at home in our pub and we will do all we can to make sure you do, so see you ‘jolly’ soon.

Paul & Michelle