The Pheasant, Salisbury

Another old Salisbury pub with a low and rather wonky beamed ceiling, some exposed brickwork, a split level mostly boarded floor and a pair of old fireplaces. The bar is central and unusually the counter is copper topped, one end returns around to a small intimate restaurant area with a modern feel in contrast to the building as a whole. The overall vibe is of a food led place although my visit was outside normal eating hours so I cannot be sure, on the bar were Ringwood Best Bitter and Fortyniner, Romsey Flack Catcher (£3.70)...a bit tired, with Ringwood Boondoggle clipped as "coming soon". All the tables had candles and the window cills had pots of plants and culinary herbs. Décor included a framed montage of the pubs of Salisbury as well as a case of shoemakers tools, the pub was once called The Crispin Inn, apparently after the patron saint of shoemakers if the plaque is to be believed. A few pump clips to the side of the bar hint at an occasional guest policy, bar food served as well as restaurant meals, steak and ale pie with spuds, veg and gravy, £8.95, two sirloin steaks, a bottle of wine come in at £29.50. Although I didn't feel that the beer is the star here a beer festival was advertised for 21-25th August including live music. There are many better pubs in Salisbury but this place was fine for one.