The Salutation, Doncaster

A shortish stroll out from the town centre takes us to The Salutation a largish prominent building dating back to 1778 and which was a coaching inn on what was formerly The Great North Road. The pub is located in what appears to be one of the nicer parts of Doncaster – several leafy squares, period houses now occupied by legal firms etc. The feeling that we may be about to enter a reasonably salubrious establishment is reinforced by a notice on the front door telling us that “due to the atmosphere and nature of The Salutation, no large groups are permitted within the premises”. It was therefore something of a surprise and disappointment to enter into a rather chainy, dark bare boarded, interior typical of many town centre circuit pubs. We quickly discover that it belongs to the Punch Taverns pub portfolio. The interior features on large bar with different drinking areas and decorated with, inter alia,brewery posters – the standard Hobgoblin one being particularly prevalent – and some framed Doncaster Rovers football shirts and photos. Of particular note is a newspaper cutting showing Ray Clemence letting in a soft goal in a game against Doncaster. Apparently Doncaster Rovers football team used this pub as changing rooms for a time in days long gone, but I didn’t see any reference to this anywhere. One corner houses a fireplace over which are an impressive array of quiz trophies. There’s several old photos/ plans of the pub’s layout in former times, but the overall feeling is one of disappointment in an interior that doesn’t fit in with the imposing exterior and the age of the building. On the beer front, interestingly, the pub was hosting a Meet The Brewer evening on April 28th, with the Fullers team due to put in an appearance. There’s 7 handpumps and beers on included Barnsley Acorn Bitter, Marstons EPA and Spitfire. The Acorn Bitter – at a rather pricey £ 2.75p – was, perhaps surprisingly – pretty good. The pub is listed in the CAMRA 2011 Good Beer Guide. I didn’t particularly dislike this pub, but I prefer the more old fashioned basic pubs nearer the station – see previous postings for details.

Official site of the Salutation, contains menus - www.thesalutationdoncaster.co.uk

Upto 7 rotating cask ales.

Official site of the Salutation, contains menus - www.thesalutationdoncaster.co.uk