The Best Pubs in Salisbury, Wiltshire

Salisbury is jam packed with more than 100 pubs and inns within the city, some of which date back to the 14th century. Moving out into the surrounding villages & countryside there are a number of award winning pubs. In this blog we share some of our favourite pubs in Salisbury and the surrounding area with you.

The Best Historic Pubs in Salisbury

Haunch of Venison

Address: 1 Minster Street, Salisbury SP1 1TB

The Haunch of Venison is probably the oldest hostelry in Salisbury and certainly the most haunted! The Haunch of Venison is located in heart Salisbury, across the road from the Poultry Cross. Not only is this one of Salisbury oldest pubs, but they also serve great food & drink across their pewter topped bar.

Fun fact: Under the fireplace there is a smoke preserved mummified hand. It is believed to be from an 18th century whist player who lost it in a card game due cheating. The hand has been stolen few times, but now it is securely locked. There are lots more stories to discover about this pub, but we don’t want to spoil the surprises for you, just ask the friendly staff when you are there!

The Old Mill

Address: Town Path, West Harnham, Salisbury SP2 8EU

The Old Mill is a 15th century building with features dating back to 1250. After it’s early ecclesiastical beginnings, it was transformed in the 16th century to a paper mill. Now this area of the river is a tranquil haven just across the water meadows from the city centre. You can get to The Old Mill by walking across the town path before treating yourself to a drink & maybe a bit in the riverside garden.

The Victoria & Albert

Address: Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton, Salisbury SP2 8PU

The Victoria & Albert at Netherhampton is a CAMRA award winning 16th Century thatched pub just outside of Salisbury. The land lady Maggie, her sons and staff welcome you to their little but “Quintessential England” for classic pub food or just enjoying a drink by the fireplace.

The best pubs for real ale in Salisbury

Wyndham Arms

Address: 27 Estcourt Rd, Salisbury SP1 3AS

Just north of Salisbury city centre, the Wyndham Arms dates from the 1800’s and is the birthplace of Hop Back brewery. In 1987, John Gilbert set up a small microbrewery in the cellar, although the brewery has now moved to specialist premises The Wyndham remains the brewery tap of Hop Back in spirit, and most nights you will find one of the brewers there.

Radnor Arms

Address: Nunton, Salisbury SP5 4HS

The Radnor Arms at Nunton is a free house overlooked by the ancient hill fort Clearbury Rings, just off the A338, 3 miles south of Salisbury. They offer traditional British fare and a good selection of wines and real ales. The Radnor arms is a favourite with locals being cosy and warm in winter and boasting a large beer garden next to the River Ebble to be enjoyed during the summer.

The Horseshoe

Address: The Cross, Ebbesbourne Wake, Salisbury SP5 5JF

The Horseshoe Inn at Ebbesbourne Wake, has recently been voted Country Pub of the Year by members of the Salisbury & South Wilts Branch of CAMRA. This family run pub sits in the picturesque Chalke Valley 12 miles outside of Salisbury. Tony Bath is the landlord with his wife Pat taking charge in the kitchen, the Bath family have been running The Horseshoe from nearly a century. The pub has featured in almost every edition of CAMERA’s good beer guide.

The best Gastro pubs in and around Salisbury

The Chapter House

Address: 9-13 St John’s Street, Salisbury SP1 2SB

The Chapter House is situated in the heart of Salisbury just across the road from the historic Cathedral Close. This grill house is renouned for its food but also has unique and quirky interiors, with wood panelling and fireplaces. This is a local institution well-known local for it’s steaks and cuts. The daily specials’ boards include game roasts, speciality steaks and tempting fish dishes.

The Compasses

Address: Lower Chicksgrove, Salisbury SP3 6NB

The Compasses Inn at Lower Chicksgrove is hidden down narrow lanes in the Nadder Valley, is this laid-back country pub in Chicksgrove, near Salisbury. A consistent feature in the Michelin Guide this pub has won many awards including a Michelin Plate which is a mark of great cooking. The pub has a commitment to sustainable gastronomy and operate a barter scheme for customer to exchange locally grown produce for food and drinks. This hidden gem maybe a little off the beaten track but it’s well worth a visit.

The Beckford Arms

Address: Fonthill Gifford, Salisbury SP3 6PX

The Beckford Arms is a traditional yet stylish country inn located on the edge of the stunning rolling parkland of the Fonthill Estate, 15 miles west of Salisbury. The Beckford is no stranger to accolades which have included Dining Pub of the Year, Sawdays Special Place Pub and a Michelin Plate as well as numerous glowing reviews in publications such as The Telegraph and The Independent. The Beckford Arms was opened a decade ago by a group with connections to Soho House and has been a huge hit with foodies and locals ever since. It’s the perfect location for a leisurely walk follow by lunch or dinner.

The best pubs for something a little different in Salisbury

The Pembroke Arms

Address: Minster Street, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0BH

The Pembroke arms is situated directly opposite the entrance to Wilton House. Whilst this is a very quintessential inn with a traditional English menu you can also feast on the delights of Nole Pizza from Nole in the Barn directly behind the pub. Nole pizza is hand-stretched sourdough deliciousness.

The Rai d’Or

Address: 69 Brown St, Salisbury SP1 2AS

The Rai d’Or, next to Brown Street car park in Salisbury, has a colourful history spanning over 700 years. The pub was voted Salisbury & South Wilts CAMRA Pub of the Year 2008 and has been featured in the Good Beer Guide every year since the current landlords arrived in2002. Although the pub has altered over the years, the Rai d’Or still retains the atmosphere of a traditional English pub even though it now specialises in Thai food. Spicy!

Are you interested in living in Salisbury?

Our beautiful new homes in Salisbury are just a stone’s throw from the historic city centre and the vast array of excellent pubs and eateries. Get in touch with us today to find out what we’re able to offer.