The Dog & Gun, Salisbury

Roadside pub on the A345. I'm guessing this place has had a bit of a refurb since the last review, both inside and out. In fact, a little research shows that it closed not long after the last review and didn't look as if it would ever re-open. The main bar is sub-divided and has slate tiles with a few rugs and exposed brick walls. It also has a fairly ornate fireplace and some pictures on the walls. As I was getting up to leave, I noticed further rooms off on the road side of the building. It's quite a big place, all in all. Across the car park, an outbuilding called The Barn looks as though it is available for functions or other large events. I believe it also houses accommodation. Music was playing inside, but there were no other customers. I suppose that being the hottest day of the year, most people wanted to sit on the outdoor patio. There were a few there enjoying alfresco lunches, but bar staff did suggest that it was quieter than normal. The main highlight for me was the beer selection. The 3 cask ales were all from local breweries - Stonehenge Pigswill & 40 Summers & Rude Giant Best. I plumped for the 40 Summers, which the well-spoken barmaid informed me was new to the pub. In fact, it was so new that it didn't have a button on the till. With the equally well-spoken bar manager telling her to plug something else in, my half set me back £3. It was in good condition though. There were also a couple of keg beers from Rude Giant - Giant Session IPA & LoIPA. There was no real cider. The keg cider was Thatcher's Gold. A wine list to the side of the bar was promoting wines ranging from between £29-38 per bottle. This was another Wiltshire pub that I struggled to take to. It felt rather upmarket, but lacked atmosphere again. Although the beer range was more adventurous than I was expecting.

Recently re-opened. Grubby from the outside and not much better within – the inside is fairly bashed-about with horrid meringue-style artex walls, modern black ceiling beams, dirty carpet and smells of damp. Pool table. Two ales on; Moles Gold which spluttered its way through the pump and was inevitably terrible and went back (not taken off) plus an utterly indifferent Doom Bar as a replacement – why no Stonehenge given it’s only a short walk to the brewery? Should have gone with the tub of Black Rat cider perched atop the bar. Also incredibly grubby glasses. Unless some big money is spent here, I can see this place being demolished for housing before long. Dire.