Royal Oak, Salisbury

A village pub since 1852, originally an 18th Century tannery, renovated and rejuvenated around 8 years ago and saved from the developers. It’s very much a village local, though this is enhanced by also being an excellent restaurant. The original building at the front has been knocked through on one side to form a large, long bar. There is seating at the bar, a couple of tables and some sofas near the fire. At one end is a huge inglenook with a very welcoming open fire, while beyond that is another seating area. At the rear there is a large new timber-framed conservatory extension which is primarily a dining room. It all feels light and airy, cosy yet open, and is comfortable any way you look at it. It certainly isn’t cliched – the exterior is listed and has retained its traditional look, while the interior is modern, functional and entirely in keeping with its village pub role. The food is excellent and while pricier than some places, not as expensive as it might be given that everything is freshly cooked and sourced from local suppliers. There is parking at the front, a decent dog-friendly secluded rear garden and they offer B and B. Three ales on: Hophead Dark Star, Plain Ales’s Wintertide and Gritchie’s English Lore, all in perfect condition. The staff were extremely pleasant and welcoming, they went out of their way to welcome us as well as attend to their regulars. The other clients were friendly, a mixed bag from across the area, all enjoying good food and ale. The model village pub, a venue of choice for diners and unspoilt by its association with a minor celebrity.

Official site of Royal Oak - www.royaloakswallowcliffe.com

Official site of Royal Oak - www.royaloakswallowcliffe.com