Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Salisbury

A large Georgian house set in landscaped parkland which is well off the tourist trail. B&B is on offer as is restaurant food. There’s a gravel car park and a very pleasant informal garden, and the outside feels very grand. Inside, there is a floorboarded sitting room on the left with comfy chairs and a homely atmosphere. To the right is a large bar with an inglenook fireplace, various tables and chairs, exposed structural timbers and a parquet floor. Again the atmosphere is welcoming and homely, dogs running around freely and children under control. There was a small local cadre, though the beer prices were higher than necessary. The dining room is rather grand, and its large glass doors open onto a neat patio and well-tended garden. The staff were amenable, and the food was expensive. There was a selection of craft lagers on keg, plus three ales on draught. The ales were Gritchie’s English Lore, Butcombe Original and Keystone Large One (the latter re-badged as Beckford Phoenix). Well worth the 20 minute or so deviation from the A303 to find for lunch or dinner, I’d be happy to stay here for a night or two, and it’s a pleasant place to have a few al fresco beers in Summer.

Official site of Beckford Arms - www.beckfordarms.com

Official site of Beckford Arms - www.beckfordarms.com