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Chat about:
Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Bell & Crown, Salisbury
Salisbury
SP1 2DH
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Cloisters
Aged C17th interior - or is it? Felt like a 1970s stab at recreation to me; separate areas (but not rooms), dark interior, heavy dark beams, cream wattle walls, oil lamps and a fake ‘ye olde worlde’ central squared fire. Quite upmarket but quiet on our visit, from seeing other reviews it sounds like a place which has settled on taking pre-booked coachloads of tourists for lunch and dinner. Three ales on; Butcombe, Bath Gem, and a so-so (and pricey!) Otter Bitter. With a bit of effort on the beer front, it could be a destination place. For now, it’s a fair shout for a swift half in relaxed surrounds (assuming a coach hasn’t just dumped its cargo inside).
On 1st April 2018
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Cloisters
Large corner 17th Century traditional pub with low ceilings and lots of exposed timber beams. The bar was situated down the left hand side and had a choice of ales from three handpumps. Butcombe, Hopback Summer Lightning and Doombore. We went for the Butcombe Bitter, which was in good shape. I was happy to call in here for a swift one, but I wouldn't be tempted to stay any longer, as the pub lacked atmosphere and the interior was poorly lit, which made it dark and gloomy.
On 22nd May 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about The Cloisters
A half decent pub,but with an Olde Worlde charm that just doesn't quite ring true.Pretty much usual suspect beer ,but Summer Lightning saved the day,I suppose thats usual suspect around these parts but was on good form.Worth a visit but nothing to write home about.
On 8th August 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1871 recommendations about 1844 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Nigel Rowe left this review about The Cloisters
Well kept Doom Bar (can't seem to get away from it, but at least it isn't Watney's Red!) and Butcombe Bitter, but pretty expensive at almost £4 a pint. Bottled cider at £4.20! Still a nice pub with plenty of charm.
On 1st August 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 65 recommendations about 57 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Cloisters
This City Centre pub certainly gives the impression having plenty of Olde Worlde charm with its aged beams, pillars and wonky walls but how much is original and how much is rebuilt from old leftovers to impress the tourists I am not certain.
The rambling interior has wooden divides that make it a bit of a maze when trying to negotiate your way around the pub.
The front of the pub has some cosy window seats, a central open fireplace and a few settles but much of the pub was laid out for diners when we were there (a coach load turned up as we were leaving). Whether this arrangement extends into the evening I don’t know but it was a bit of an effort finding a seat in what was for the most part a fairly empty pub at midday.
The 3 Ales available were Doom Bar, Summer Lightning and Ringwood Best (all pretty regular for the area) at reasonable enough prices and quality.
All in all, a decent enough place worthy of a pint and a quick nose at interior but I would avoid peak dining times as you will inevitably get a bit frustrated.
On 7th November 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Cloisters
One of Salisbury's longest running pubs, The Cloisters was built in the sixteenth Century. It is a large, rambling single bar in a busy pub quarter just off the City centre. It's popular with a vareity of people and is always lively. Food is good and reasonably priced. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Three ales on - Ringwood Best, Sharps Doom Bar and Hop Back Summer Lightning made for a safe if unimaginative selection, but all three were well kept and most enjoyable. This is a good place to spend an evening with friends and makes a good inclusion in a pub crawl.
On 29th August 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3280 recommendations about 3245 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Cloisters
Old pub with the appearance and ambience of a restaurant, but is probably more of a pub than looks suggest. The interior is a mix of modern and ancient, black ceiling beams some probably relocated although the building is claimed to be mid 18th century. Most of the seating is restaurant style tables and chairs but front and centre on entering is a raised area with a modern open fire and some comfy armchairs. Décor compliments the old beams with some fake looking half timber walls, tasteful victorian prints and oil lamp style lights. At the back of this long pub is a stone flagged area and a cast iron spiral staircase leading upstairs to further seating. The bar is offset to one side and carries three handpumps with Ringwood, Summer Lightning and Sharps Doom Bar which I believe was a guest. The Lightning was in excellent condition. The bar counter is decorated with rather twee cask ends along the front. Obviously a food led establishment but reasonably priced with mains at £8-12. The wines are described with tasting notes on the menu but the beer is not, how very English.
On 21st November 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3230 recommendations about 2939 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Martin Hellawell left this review about The Cloisters
Superb "Oldie Worldie" pub, beams etc. Very cosy, excellent service, friendly staff. Large portions of good food. (See Nachos for one!) Lovely pub.
On 16th August 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 6 recommendations about 6 pubs]