The Rai d'Or, Salisbury

A small L-shaped boarded room with the bar on the inside corner, this place is a fusion of pub and Thai restaurant. At busy times (the food is excellent and popular), priority seating is for diners so drinkers may need to prop up the bar which may not be popular with some. It is a historic building with an interesting past, at one time a brothel, an inglenook fireplace remains although nowadays housing a wood burning stove. Décor is mixed, a painting of a castle over a chimney breast, a mural of Stonehenge as well as Thai figures and carvings on wooden trellises which act as room dividers. There is foliage aplenty with every inch of window cill being utilised for plant pots. An advantage of the foody angle is that all the seating is of the regular type, no silly high tables or sofas in here. I ate here as planned on my recent Salisbury trip, the food certainly doesn't disappoint and the service is friendly, warm and efficient. The beer choice is none too shabby either, Downton Chimera Dry, Summer Slogger and Stonehenge Eye Opener. I tried the last two, both were in fine fettle and complement the chilli hit of the food well. To one side of the bar a few pump clips advise on which beer is coming soon. I like it here a great deal, I have been in previously just for a drink without any issues however it is probably wise to avoid peak food time if in search of a quiet pint. Opens 5pm Monday to Thursday.