Fox & Hounds, Salisbury

An unusual village pub in an affluent village well off the A303. It wasn’t the friendliest place, and there was a real 1990s Yuppie feel to it. It also wasn’t the cheapest – beer and food prices were well above average. There is parking next to the village green, opposite. It doesn’t really have its own garden, though there is some outside seating at the front which includes a smoking terrace. Entry is through plastic doors into an open-plan, conjoined single circular bar with the counter in the middle. There is also a side conservatory extension which is used as an additional dining area, much of the bar area is taken up with tables laid exclusively for diners while there remains a pleasant, comfy seating area in the older part of the pub which includes a large inglenook. Dogs roam freely, which helps to make bits of it homely. Ales on were Plain Ales’s Sheep Dip, Butcombe Original and Sunshine Reggae, all in good condition. It’s quite out of the way, and the prices and lack of welcome would put me off coming here unless I were actually visiting the village.

Official site of the Fox & Hounds - www.foxandhounds-eastknoyle.co.uk

Official site of the Fox & Hounds - www.foxandhounds-eastknoyle.co.uk

A part-thatched, whitewashed pub situated high on the hillside with extensive panoramic views overlooking the valley. Ales were Weymouth Durdle Door and Tribute. Cheddar Valley cider also. Quite foody but still welcoming to drinkers even if interior space is limited. Real fire and conservatory to be had. Spent most of my time outside gawping at the view so can’t be much more florid in my description. Worth diverting for, for the view if nothing else.

We pulled into the Little Chuff car park on the A303, and we saw the sign directing drivers down the little country road. This is a real out of the way pub, which welcomes dogs. They sell packets of designer dog biscuits at the bar. All that aside, I had an excellent pint of Sheep Dip, and my wife enjoyed her spritzer, with our equally excellent ploughman’s. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed. I do not see any reason for not making the detour, and calling in again.