Royal Oak, Salisbury

Attractive pub in the village of Great Wishford. It is the taproom for the nearby Rude Giant Brewery and is their only pub. The interior has 3 different sections. The front section has fireplaces at either end with Chesterfields to the left and a boar's head on the wall. Walls are wood panelled. The central section is carpeted and leads to a games room with pool table and dartboard to the rear. There are a few different outdoor areas, including a covered area adjacent to the large pub car park and a grassy area on the other side of a lane. With 6 handpulls on the bar, just 3 were clipped with Ride Giant Best Bitter & Juicy IPA & St Austell Proper Job. It seems that the brewery has a tie-up with St Austell whereby they supply St Austell pubs. Craft beers were Rude Giant Session IPA & Nitro Oat Stout. Ciders were Somersby Apple & Blackberry. I had a good chat with the friendly landlady here and locals seemed friendly too. Children and dogs are allowed in. The pub is in prime walking territory. So, a few ramblers, cyclists and hikers will often end up here. A decent soundtrack was playing and a wifi code is provided. Whilst they do not serve food, pizza vans pay regular visits and I was invited to stay for its arrival later in the evening. However, with 5 more pubs to visit, I politely declined! Other events staged include morris dancing and a meat draw. Certainly one of my favourite pubs of the day in Wiltshire. It would have been nice to have seen more Rude Giant beers on cask.

Facebook page of Royal Oak - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Royal Oak - www.facebook.com

Looked fabulous from the russet flora-clad exterior. But – it doesn’t live-up to what you’d hope for. Over two large knocked-through rooms with a rattly and odd décor (mint green??) it’s far from cosy and homely. Two ales on, the Veteran Ale was actually a well-kept pint (NBSS 3.5) and the staff were very friendly. Feels like somewhere being run on a very tight budget, though not without enthusiasm. Needs investment.

A village pub with 17th Century origins, mostly rebuilt in the 19th Century and recently reopened after renovation and alteration. There are three main bar areas, one of which has a podium for live music acts. There is a small car park at the side and seating outside. It has a very pleasant, welcoming village atmosphere and is at the heart of its community. The staff were very welcoming, while the locals were most accepting. Dogs are welcomed too. Eight ales on draft, I only had time for one so went for Wadworths 6X which was in perfect condition. Free nibbles were on the bar. Well worth deviating from the A36 to find.