Wiltshire pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Wiltshire - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Red Lion, Cricklade
Address: 74 High Street, Cricklade, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 6DD [map]
Phone: 01793 750776
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Reviews by BITE users:
The Glue Pot, Swindon
Address: 5 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BP [map]
Phone: 01793 523935
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Nearest train station: Swindon (0.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I do enjoy this pub. Hopback is about more than just Summer Lightning.
17 Jun 2008 16:17
Absolutely great pub, a real gem and a refreshing change from the local 'chain' pubs. Hop Back/ Downton beers are fantastic, always well-served, and in good condition. Staff are friendly and great sandwiches. If watching your team at swindon, this is a good place to go to avoid the crowds and get a decent beer.8 Jun 2008 15:10
Best thing about this pub is the selection of ales. Hopback Beers are always tip-top. On my Sun pm visit, this place was quiet (only two other customers at first), but still friendly and the beer was not lacking.18 Feb 2008 15:42
The Carters Rest, Wroughton
Address: High Street, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9JU [map]
Phone: 01793 812288
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Nearest train station: Swindon (3.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Agree with the previous reviewer. Much improved. Always a minimum of 8 real ales available, all in excellent condition. Locals tend to congregate in the "Tap Room" while in the larger "Lounge" regulars and strangers alike receive a friendly welcome.
This is a beer lovers pub where you can have an excellent pint and conversation.
Live music is on at certain weekends.
The best pub in the area in my opinion!
Reminds me of how the Glue Pot used to be when it was going well for Mike and Bec before Hopback became meanies.
Keep up the good work folks.
Though I've visited a few times and found it very friendly. Open fires in the winter. Good beer at very reasonable prices.
This is a beer lovers pub where you can have an excellent pint and conversation.
Live music is on at certain weekends.
The best pub in the area in my opinion!
13 May 2008 23:21
A good selection of ale was available on my recent visit. 2 from South Hams brewery and Cotswold Spring were the choices. Friendlier welcome than previous visits. Fine choice of Whiskies. Enough of a range of crisps to satisfy any dose of the munchies. Reminds me of how the Glue Pot used to be when it was going well for Mike and Bec before Hopback became meanies.
Keep up the good work folks.
12 May 2008 21:19
A bit out of the way for me as I live in East Swindon. Though I've visited a few times and found it very friendly. Open fires in the winter. Good beer at very reasonable prices.
3 Mar 2008 10:44
The Haunch of Venison, Salisbury
Address: 1 Minster Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1TB [map]
Phone: 01722 411313
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Nearest train station: Salisbury (0.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I liked the quirkiness of this pub. Interesting building. Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. I enjoyed the ales. Had to go earlier than I'd have liked 'cause the girls finished shopping and found me and the father-in-law!
The beer's okay but expensive and the food distinctly average. Yorkshire puddings straight from the freezer, gravy straight from a packet, and the ding of a microwave as I waited for my meal - disappointing.
23 Jun 2008 06:26
A pleasant and friendly pub, albeit a little on the small side! The skeletal hand with playing cards is in the room on the left as you go one flight of steps from the main bar. Next floor up is the restaurant, which my brother and I liked very much - there was an all in one menu available of three courses for £9.90. We dined there twice in the week we holidayed in Salisbury. The locals were really friendly.30 Apr 2008 14:31
Fails to live up to the wonderful building. The beer's okay but expensive and the food distinctly average. Yorkshire puddings straight from the freezer, gravy straight from a packet, and the ding of a microwave as I waited for my meal - disappointing.
22 Mar 2008 17:27
Sun Inn, Lydiard Millicent
Address: The Street, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 3LU [map]
Phone: 01793 770425
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Nearest train station: Swindon (3.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Without doubt, this has to be one of, if not the best pub in North Wiltshire in terms of surroundings, atmosphere, beer and food.
Both the food menu and the beers on tap always provide some nice surprises. Have recently sampled beers there from RCH and the Hidden Brewery. The beers are so well kept that the Hidden beer tasted better than it does at one of Hidden's own pubs.
Also some of the best food that I have dined out on in a very long time, all reasonably priced and service is excellent.
If the weather is good, the large beer garden is a real treat with an expansive grassy area and a patio close to the rear of the pub.
On arrival, a large beer garden overlooking fields awaits at the back of the pub, ideal for propping up your bike, and sinking down a pint. Typically 2-3 real ales on, sourced from local breweries, including Cottage and West Berkshire. All kept well.
Quite a busy pub, with very supportive locals. We've sampled several meals there, and can only echo the previous comments with the food - the Nachos are superb!
Snug and cosy in the winter, although space (especially if you intend to dine) is at a bit of a premium.
Both the food menu and the beers on tap always provide some nice surprises. Have recently sampled beers there from RCH and the Hidden Brewery. The beers are so well kept that the Hidden beer tasted better than it does at one of Hidden's own pubs.
Also some of the best food that I have dined out on in a very long time, all reasonably priced and service is excellent.
If the weather is good, the large beer garden is a real treat with an expansive grassy area and a patio close to the rear of the pub.
6 May 2008 08:38
Visited here several times over the past six months since discovering it last summer. The pub is a relatively easy cycle along quiet (ish) lanes from Swindon,On arrival, a large beer garden overlooking fields awaits at the back of the pub, ideal for propping up your bike, and sinking down a pint. Typically 2-3 real ales on, sourced from local breweries, including Cottage and West Berkshire. All kept well.
Quite a busy pub, with very supportive locals. We've sampled several meals there, and can only echo the previous comments with the food - the Nachos are superb!
Snug and cosy in the winter, although space (especially if you intend to dine) is at a bit of a premium.
21 Apr 2008 19:39
Can confirm other comments. Food is excellent and we will need to visit again to sample further delights!!18 Jan 2008 15:50
The Hare and Hounds, Corsham
Address: 48 Pickwick, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HY [map]
Phone: 01249 701106
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Reviews by BITE users:
If it's on the menu, I can highly recommend the home-made cheesecake! This is our favourite local for a good-value relaxing meal and a good pint of beer.
5 Mar 2008 15:21
Very friendly welcome and a very very nice pint of Bateman's. A little bit worn around the edges, but perfectly acceptable for ale drinking!22 Jan 2008 20:52
Went here for a Sunday lunch a few weeks ago and was generally quite impressed. Nicely laid out quite smart pub interior with 2 or 3 real ales (I had a veruy nice pint of Butcombe Bitter). The main bar was full so we ate in the restaurant area which was a very pleasant room. The Sunday roast was very good and well above the average pub roast. The landlord was very welcoming apologied when the barmaid was a bit slow becasue it was her first day. Took care to explain to her how to serve the beer etc. A good pub well worth a return visit.2 Jan 2008 13:14
The Plough, Swindon
Address: 26 Devizes Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4BQ [map]
Phone: 01793 535603
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Nearest train station: Swindon (1.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Excellent traditional local.Friendly landlord and clientele and a fine pint of 3b's.
But then I've also been told that real ale shouldn't be forced through a sparkler, so you judge.
Still a good little pub.
18 Apr 2008 17:41
I need to point out to anybody looking for this pub that the photo is of a different Plough, not the one in Old Town.27 Nov 2007 16:55
I am told by the people that drink it that it's the best pint of 3Bs in Swindon.But then I've also been told that real ale shouldn't be forced through a sparkler, so you judge.
Still a good little pub.
8 Nov 2007 13:21
The Wyndham Arms, Salisbury
Address: 27 Estcourt Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3AS [map]
Phone: 01722 331026
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Nearest train station: Salisbury (0.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
It feels like you're sitting in someone's living room, but that only adds to the enjoyment when the beer's this good. Great crisps too!
22 Mar 2008 17:31
Hop Back owned pub offering 5 on Sat, Summer Lightning, GFB, Crop Circle, Spring Zing, and Downton Forest King. Small front room beyond which is a narrow area with bar on left opening back out to seating area at far end with tv, prepping up for the afternoon rugby, below which is sited the somewhat inaccessible dartboard, my scribblings say there was another room to the right opposite the bar. Friendly enough welcome, the locals here were clustered at the bar itself and, with that choice, why not? Not a hugely characterful building, but good beer & folk.25 Feb 2008 18:53
A typical Hop Back pub, so it instantly acquires a high rating. A near full range, a seasonal plus a couple of guests, all in excellent condition. Local clientelle who just sit there and let you get on with the business of drinking. Highly recommended!12 Feb 2008 12:16
The Old Ale House, Salisbury
Address: Crane Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2QD [map]
Phone: 01722 333113
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Nearest train station: Salisbury (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Ales are nice, but no atmosphere. Nearly a fight at the back of the pub when I went in. Over a t-shirt! I ask you. Won't be going there again.
Apart from that, it's ace!
23 Jun 2008 06:28
Dreadful place, everyone is miserable as hell, the jukebox is cack and the drinks are extortionate.Apart from that, it's ace!
1 Jun 2008 21:59
Roomy bareboards pub, mostly young student clientele. Very friendly lively place. Quiz on a Monday night which was great fun, run by a really cool dude! We went there quite a bit whilst holidaying in Salisbury. Although we are not student age (unless you count us as mature students!) this did not put us off. Like this pub.30 Apr 2008 14:35
The Bell and Crown, Zeals
Address: New Rd, Zeals, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6NJ [map]
Phone: 01747 840404
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Nearest train station: Gillingham - Dorset (4.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Thanks for the positive comments. Delighted to be here and look forward to meeting you all!! John Harrington.
18 Jun 2008 09:12
Excellent meal, good wine list, friendly, efficient staff. What more needs to be said?10 Jun 2008 17:47
The Bell re-opened last night and what a transformation. The beer was excellent, the decor brilliant and the company fantastic. Its good to see the pub open again and with an owner who wants to make a go of it.5 Jun 2008 09:27
The Queens Tap, Swindon
Address: 74 Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DG [map]
Phone: 01793 535395
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Nearest train station: Swindon (0.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
improved beyond all recognition since reurbishmant / new landlords took over
24 Apr 2008 16:05
Refurbished, and the Adnams was drinkable, so I'll up my rating. There's better a very short walk away, but it's not now an automatic walkpast.21 Mar 2008 20:52
Hosed recently,Adnams is ok,they're making a bigger effort than has been made for years. Mind you it'll probably all go down the tubes in a few months.16 Mar 2008 11:19
The Royal Oak Inn, Great Wishford
Address: Langford Road, Great Wishford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 0PD [map]
Phone: 01722 790079
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Reviews by BITE users:
This pub has changed hands, of the three real ales available barely one was drinkable, as a non regular the welcome was frosty. I will contact the local CAMRA branch and pass on my view,this pub is a serious embarrasment to the Good Beer Guide.0/10
26 Jul 2008 21:46
Absolutely top class + imaginative food at pub prices and well very kept real ale (usually 3 hand-pumped beers). Excellent traditional fare on Sundays, but visit on other days if you want to see what the chef can really do.19 Mar 2008 23:59
I now eat here fairly regularly. Good pub atmosphere and superb food - a sort of modern take on British ingredients. Worth a visit.13 Mar 2008 15:36
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Address: 79 Woodland View, North Wroughton, near Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9AA [map]
Phone: 01793 845584
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Swindon (2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
10 handpulls,mostly from the Fullers new "empire" of breweries(Gales etc). Had Hidden and Sharps on as guests though. (The Sharps could have been cooler.)Ale was mostly around the £2.80 mark,but the ESB was £3.10(ouch!) Ginger barman from Dougs time here is still on the payroll so it mustn't that bad. Don't like the new layout bar. Nobody in the restaurant but a decent few punters in the bar. No recognisable faces from old. Probably would have had more in at the equivalent time of the week in the previous landlord's time. Not much that could be really complained about(gents could do with a bit more TLC),but no longer the attraction it was.
12 May 2008 21:26
not as good since it was taken over by fullers, beer has gone up nearly 30%. food also too expensive,bring back the old favourites at sensible prices see the customers flock back.The decor is now more modern but the radiaters are allways turned off freezing!!!!!!20 Feb 2008 21:49
I visited this pub the other lunchtime and had a lovely lunch and was very impressed with the range of beers.in fact im aranging a comeback for a friday or saturday to enjoy these beers with some colleagues. so if you love real ale and good food, good service this little gem out of the way is a must visit forget what the pub used to be like from what I saw the new kids on the block are doing a grand job so give it a visit14 Feb 2008 18:23
The Cross Guns, Avoncliff
Address: Avoncliff, Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2HB [map]
Phone: 01225 862335
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Nearest train stations: Avoncliff (0.1 miles), Freshford (1 mile), Bradford-on-avon (1.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Stunning location; as previous reviewer has said, go by bike,rail, boat or foot- barely accessible by car! Good food and beer, staff hard-working and helpful but booking muddled and room shabby for price and not serviced.
31 May 2008 20:06
Visited a few weeks ago and the landlord was away. Someone from the Inn at Freshford (apparently owned by the same people?) was running it and had no idea where stuff was but muddled through and we got reasonable food and drink served in what can only be described as a stunning setting. However i can think of much nicer pubs within 5 miles.16 Apr 2008 10:53
Visited as part of a group on 27th March, the Landlord was unwelcoming and the food was expensive but poor quality, beer undrinkable, suspect cleaning fluid in pipes, glasses dirty. Garden very untidy and crowded with tables. rated one only for location, beware if visiting the area. 29 Mar 2008 15:58
The Angel Inn, Heytesbury
Address: High Street, Heytesbury, Wiltshire, BA12 0ED [map]
Phone: 01985 840330
See full pub details
Nearest train station: Warminster (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Called in on our way to Bath, just of A36. What a find we both had the Ribeye which aparently is hung for 35 days. It certainly made a difference. Terrific.
Looking forward to our next visit as the roast looked pretty good aswell.
A great disappointment.
Looking forward to our next visit as the roast looked pretty good aswell.
11 Feb 2008 12:45
recently spent 5 nights at the angel, and was delighted to find a perfect place in such a charming country village. staff were very welcoming and helpful, and i spent each evening dining in the pub as the food was superb! a great selection varying each night, no complaints. although rooms were inexpensive, the great atmosphere, whether you're looking for a quiet pint or for a more lively night out, and friendly service made up for it. i'll definitely be back soon!10 Feb 2008 23:48
This Pub was strongly recommended by a friend who had visited ten or so years ago. Clearly time has taken its toll and we were very disappointed. The interior is similar to a city Pub pretending to be a country ale house and that doesn't work. The staff were disinterested and the food mediocre at best.A great disappointment.
3 Feb 2008 18:15
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Plenty of other ale fayre on offer, with little shot glasses lined up in front of each one to show colour (and presumably, act as a taster).
Plenty of people in and there was a nice convivial atmosphere. Sky sports on mute. Food served most days, except Mondays.
Good place, will have to return at some point.
If you haven't been there for a while give it a go.