Thankfully, the aroma of freshly-spread muck on the fields opposite the Swan Inn at Martin Hussingtree, near Droitwich, hadn't emanated into the building on the night we chose to drop in for a bite to eat.
Instead, we were greeted by the pleasant smell of food wafting from the kitchen and tempting our tastebuds.
The Swan is a family-friendly establishment, with lots of simple dishes on offer to satisfy all ages.
For starters, my partner and I opted for breaded mushrooms with a garlic dip (£2.70) and chicken tikka rolls with a sour cream and chive dip (£3.85).
The mushrooms were piping hot and served with a crisp, fresh salad, while the two aromatic spring rolls were zingy and satisfying.
Next up was vegetable tagine with cous cous for me (£5.75) and Canadian melt - smoked chicken topped with bacon and cheese - (£6.85) for my partner.
The tagine's chick peas, courgettes, chunky onion and sultanas were enveloped in a delicious thick North African-style sweet, thick and tangy sauce.
But the lemon cous cous accompaniment was sadly a touch glutinous, and the soggy garlic bread was decidedly a bit of a flop.
The Canadian chicken melt was described as moist and flavoursome, and came with a generous portion of chips.
Full to the brim, we opted to share a chocolate indulgence sundae - a calorific helping of vanilla, chocolate and stracciatela (a kind of chocolate chip) ice creams topped with cream, chopped nuts and chocolate flakes, drizzled with chocolate sauce - and all for just £2.85.
Even with two spoons delving into the sticky, moreish treat, we still couldn't polish it off - despite trying our hardest.
The Swan Inn isn't the venue for that extra special occasion, but for a quick bite to eat and somewhere to take the kids it is perfectly acceptable.
The service was efficient and friendly - and at just over £30 for the entire meal, including three drinks, you definitely can't argue with the price.
From Monday to Friday, noon to 7pm, the pub also serves two selected main courses for a bargain £7.
SERVICE: *** FOOD: ** VALUE: ***** AMBIENCE: **
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