There are many great pubs across Wiltshire but few are led by a legendary landlady and dog duo like Badbury’s drinking spot.

The Bakers Arms, found just outside of Swindon, on Badbury Lane dates back to at least 1841 when the building was used as a beer house and bakers shop.

Fast forward to the present and the watering hole has been in the trusty hands of Louise Orford and her black Labrador Tilly for two and a half years.

Having previously managed six pubs, the landlady originally from Cheshire decided to make the move to the historic pub.

Swindon Advertiser: Tilly is the pub dog and very popular with the customers.Tilly is the pub dog and very popular with the customers. (Image: The Bakers Arms)

“We kept moving down gradually with work and ended up here,” said Louise.

“I love it because of the atmosphere and we are a very local-based pub so my regulars support us and they welcome anyone who isn’t local too.”

“I was a manager for Arkell's first of all before taking on the tenancy here but it’s the perfect size for me and my dog Tilly.”

Swindon Advertiser: Louise has been at the pub for two and a half years.Louise has been at the pub for two and a half years. (Image: The Bakers Arms)

The nine-year-old Labrador is a popular character around the pub but is not always allowed to roam freely throughout.

“She’s the pub dog so everyone knows her and she will go up to different tables and greet people,” said Louise.

“Not when food is about though as she would just eat it as she’s a food-obsessed Labrador.

“We are a very dog-orientated pub and sometimes there are more dogs than humans here.”

Swindon Advertiser: Inside the pub at Badbury featuring the log burner and bar.Inside the pub at Badbury featuring the log burner and bar. (Image: The Bakers Arms)

The Baker’s Arms is also famed for its menu with one particular dish ensuring customers come from far and wide to try.

“The last landlord Bill first started serving fish and chips which is what we have become famous for and I have tried to carry on that tradition,” said Louise.

“We serve classic pub food with a specials board full of fish dishes because people love that type of food here.

Swindon Advertiser: The beer garden at the pub is extensive.The beer garden at the pub is extensive. (Image: The Bakers Arms)

“There are homemade pies and pasta as we always try to make everything homemade because love and care has gone into it, it isn’t just a case of shoving it into the microwave.”

The pub is owned by Arkell’s and has several of the brewery’s classics on tap while the pub’s location and features make sure customers keep coming back.

“Because we are close to Junction 15, we are a halfway house for many travellers so we get a lot of motorists coming in which is nice to see some new faces,” said Louise.

“We have a massive beer garden, have a lovely log burner and do monthly quiz nights.”