THE landlord of a historic Salisbury pub has been credited by customers with turning it around in 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Robert Daley took over The Bell and Crown back in January with parents Amanda and Kevin.

Since then he and his team have “completely changed it around”, according to a customer who nominated the watering hole as part of the Journal website’s new ‘pub of the week’ feature.

'Every time we reopened...it was like starting from scratch'

Robert said it feels “fantastic” to be nominated by locals, while admitting it has been a tough year because of coronavirus, with each reopening after a lockdown feeling like a new start.

He said: “2020 has not been the best year for many pubs around town, every time we reopened not only did we come in and try and do our best, but each time it was like starting from scratch.

“You can have a pub but it is the people that make it, and it is up to me and my team to make sure everyone is happy.

“It’s really cheesy but just getting to know the customers will be such a fantastic memory to look back on, it’s all about starting to build that rapport and just becoming friends with the regulars.

“The team are fantastic, they are bubbly and happy and make customers feel as welcome as possible.”

'Amazing pizzas'

The pub, which dates back to the 13th century, has been commended by punters for its new interactive darts facility - installed at a cost of £30,000 - as well as its “cosy feel”, “amazing pizzas” and “truly amazing” staff.

One nominator described it as “a traditional pub that epitomises British culture”, while adding it has a “sense of old-meets-new” and again praising the pizzas, as well as the ales on offer.

Another complimentary customer shared memories of sitting on the pub’s sofas “by the fire enjoying a nice Rhubarb gin”.

'It's just so warm and cosy'

For landlord Robert, it is the history of the building that really helps it stand out.

He added: “It’s just such an old pub, it feels like you can trace it back to its roots. It makes it brilliant in the winter as it’s just so warm and cosy.”

To nominate your favourite local pubs fill out this form.