Five Bells, Salisbury

A Victorian town pub next to the busy Salt Lane carpark area consisting of a single corner bar and a shaded walled garden. Part of the bar is a games area. It's quite dark inside which makes it feel cosy rather than gloomy. There is a Victorian open fireplace, carpeted floor, pool table and gaming machines which make it feel a bit cluttered. Wood paneled walls and some interesting stained glass add to the character. The staff spoiled the effect slightly by being apathetic and inert, while the battered furniture cheapened the effect further. The only ale on was Ringwood Best which was well and truly past its – well, best. It's usually a decent enough pub, and I'd be happy to drop in as part of a crawl but I wouldn't stay too long.