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Disappointment of the week with Mobyduck
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Detail Pages
The Salisbury, WC2
WC2
WC2N 4AP
Pub Type
Taylor Walker (Spirit Pubs)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about The Salisbury
There's a lot to like about this, the fourth pub on my London's Beautiful Pubs route, but I think it suffers from being in the heart of tourist London. This means it is busy all day long, and the quality of service and beer suffers. The beer I asked for was "finished" according to the foreign-accented barman, although the pump clip seemed to proclaim otherwise. This is a Greene King pub, and I can't remember what I then rejected before choosing their own London Glory, possibly Old Speckled Hen, but I hope it was a lot worse; assuming that that is possible. My mood at its lowest ebb for the day (as anyone interested enough to read my reviews of the 5th and 6th pubs will discover), I tried to foster some enjoyment by photographing interesting features of the interior without including people pigging themselves on burgers in the shot. In the course of this, I couldn't help noticing that the pub was in need of some sprucing up, with paintwork and wallpaper looking the worse for wear. Luckily, engraved mirrors and random statues of semi-clothed nymphs holding lamps seemed to be in better condition. A pub visit to put down to experience.
On 4th October 2021
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3733 recommendations about 3470 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Salisbury
Rather a glorious restoration in full late Victorian style, with lots of mirrors, etched glass and polished metalwork. Also retains a snug bar and a back room done out in green leather, plus an upstairs bar which is available for hire. For a Green King pub it has a good range of draught beers, based on Speckled Hen, IPA, London Glory, Landlord and Tribute as regulars with up to four changing guests.
On 2nd October 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about The Salisbury
I was surprised to find I hadn't reviewed this pub before, despite a good number of visits over many years,the last time being a month ago. Tris.C pretty much nails it with his review below, a beautiful interior, a non too bad beer range although in the past the beer temperature has been on the cold side, the only thing that lets it down a bit is the slight Greene King corporate foody feel, uniformed staff and the cheap and nasty condiments mentioned by Tris. Certainly worth a look, especially if you've not been here before, but its far from first on my list of pubs in the area.
On 27th August 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1871 recommendations about 1844 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The Salisbury
It's been a long time since I was last in here so recollections have faded somewhat. The first thing you notice is the fine three-sided projecting clock with its red Meux's Brewery horseshoes applied to the faces. The interior is of course stunning as mentioned, from the superb cut and etched mirrored panels applied to seemingly almost every surface, the Art Nouveau lamps as well as the polished steel chandeliers. Acoustics are muted due to the laying of a patterned carpet. Furniture is very conventional along with some black studded leatherette banquettes. Unfortunately, this is a Greene King pub and a big tourist magnet, meaning that the tables are decorated with wooden troughs containing sauce bottles and plastic pictorial menus for those who can't read English - dreadful.
Despite being a Greene King venture, there were three conventional guest ales on though I don't know what I drank as I didn't buy it.
This is certainly a must-visit pub if in this borough but the awful bottles of sauce and menus make the place look like a greasy spoon caff catering to royalty; visit then move on.
On 25th August 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Salisbury
Well it’s been quite a time since my last review and I found myself in here en route to somewhere else and decided a quick half would be a good idea as a catch-up. Basically the interior remains the same - it’s joyous and a real piece of pub history. Unfortunately Greene King (for it is they who now own the place) have decided that whacking on a huge amount of handpump (nine, I think – but they are spread around the bar in dribs and drabs) is a good idea. So I ended-up with a fairly awful Otter that had clearly been on well-beyond three days and probably not even cleared half the barrel. Shame. You should go see the place, but you're chancing your arm at the bar on cask.
February 2009
Given its location in theatreland, this place has every right to be a tourist-trap disaster but unlike a number of its nearby neighbours this place manages to Get It Right consistently. Initially the main draw is the preserved Victorian gin palace interior (CAMRA National Inventory listed) with a huge amount of cut glass, carved mahogany, splendid Art Nouveau lamps supported by bronze statuettes and a fine dark red plasterwork ceiling. Roger’s comment “a palatial collection of Victorian indulgence” is most apt. The walls leading down to the toilets are literally covered all over with old theatrical posters. Allied to this, there are six ales on the go which are usually pretty good and there’s even room for a couple of interesting guests alongside the usual London suspects. The staff are usually pretty well-mannered and have some knowledge of the stuff they’re selling which is nice to see. There are no TVs and football colours are banned. It can get stupidly busy in the early evening, so bear that in mind when you plan your visit. A pub that ticks a lot of boxes. Rated 8
On 13th June 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Salisbury
CAMRA National Inventory listed,so worth a visit to admire the etched glass around the exterior windows and around the island bar with an impressive bar back.There is a lot of wood panelling,and a fine staircase to a private function room.The main tap room off St Martins Lane has some small semi curcular banquettes in red leather,the curved bar has two sets of handpumps,totalling 9 serving on my trip "house" GK IPA and London Glory with guests Westerham brewed Taylor Walker 1730 Special Pale Ale,Portobello Market Porter,Harvey's Sussex Best,Timothy Taylor Landlord,St Austell Tribute and Purity Mad Goose (decent nick).
There is also a square back room,mainly for dining,but I thought the most charming spot was the side snug off St Martins Court,with leather bench seating,an unused fireplace ,it's own bar access and often a quiet oasis in theatre land.
Now tied to Greene King,the food comes from a corporate pub grub menu but at least the muzak was at background levels and with a decent selection of real ale ,it's certainly worth a visit to view a classic London street corner Victorian interior.
On 6th January 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about The Salisbury
Gin Palace with Mirrored interior and ornate fittings. Shame the beer was terrible (despite it being in the Good Beer Guide).
On 25th November 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about The Salisbury
Taylor Walker pub with an ornate mirrored interior(didn't visit upstairs). 8 real ales and food served.
On 25th April 2015
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Salisbury
Classic London pub interior, now operating under the Taylor Walker brand, with a reasonable selection of real ales (e.g. Portobello Market Porter) from the eight handpumps (up from six on my previous visit nearly three years ago). Usually very busy - hardly a surprise, given its location - but you can generally find somewhere to perch if you look around. Also has a few small tables out in the pedestrianised lane to one side. Expensive too (although you can get a 10% discount with a Camra membership card), but one of those 'must visit' pubs.
On 22nd March 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Salisbury
Always struggled to find decent boozers in the West End, but somehow, I have missed this absolute gem of a victorian drinking house. Ian Nairn, in his 1960s book on London Architecture, describes it as "West End Glamour, with all the Stops out". Beautiful etched glassworks, art deco lamps. Stunning place to have a pint.
Timothy Taylor was on and in exceptional condition. A touch shocked to find out it was £4.80 a pop, but I suppose its the norm. Food and Service really good in a small backroom dining area.
Will be my west end local.
On 10th March 2015
- rating: 10
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]