Cuckoo Inn, Salisbury

What a fantastic pub this is once again, now that it has come through some troubled times. It sits in a very pleasant rural location, a picturesque thatched cottage with a small extension at one side, with a small sheltered garden at the back and a larger open grassed area with benches, tables and dog bowls at the front. There is a limited amount of car parking and separate parking for motorbikes and pedal cycles – leather and lycra both welcome here. Inside there are three small bar areas, all of which have a few tables for diners. It does get cramped though, especially given that the doorways tend to get blocked by slow moving humans. There is a piano, a dartboard and a Georgian fireplace to keep people entertained depending on their preference and intellect. Food is basic pub grub, home cooked and excellent value. There is now a large selection of ciders and perries available, plus five ales on gravity – HopBack Cuckoo and Summer Lightning, Palmer’s Dorset Gold and two others I couldn’t remember, probably because all were in superb condition. An iconic pub which is a must if visiting the new Forest or just passing through.

I shamefully have not been in this pub for some time. But when I last visited, it had good real ale, food and customers.