EIGHT Salisbury pubs feature in the 49th edition of the Good Beer Guide 2022, praised for their history, atmosphere and selection of drinks.

Every year the guide is published with pubs nominated by members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and this time round the Wessex region contains 291 pub listings, with 50 included for the first time.

62 of these pubs are in Wiltshire.

Surveying 4,500 pubs across the UK, here are the Salisbury breweries and pubs featured, with some highlights from the guide (with credit to CAMRA):

• Deacons – Friendly, quality real ale, local CAMRA pub of the year 2020.

• Duke of York – Popular, focus on the community, thriving conversation, home of the Fisherton History Society.

• Haunch of Venison – Nationally important historic interior, rare pewter-topped bar, showcases the mummified hand of a card cheat.

• Rai d’Or – Characterful with fascinating history (highlighted by blue plaque), appealing ambiance, 20 years in the guide, Thai food complimented by drink options.

• Rugby Club – Cosy, retains sporting roots through rugby memorabilia, annual beer festival.

• Village Freehouse – Lively, always at least one dark brew, local CAMRA pub of the year three times.

• Winchester Gate – Characterful, pleasant area to sit out, renowned for live music.

• Wyndham Arms – Birthplace of the Hop Back Brewery, celebrating 35 consecutive years in the guide, conversation and good-natured banter.

Pubs in and around Salisbury also feature in the guide, including Radnor Arms (Nunton), Malet Arms (Newton Tony), Butt of Sherry (Mere), Boot Inn (Tisbury), and Parish Lantern (Whiteparish).

“Thrilled” to be included in the guide, Dave Hancock, of Deacons, said: “As one of few independent free houses left in Salisbury, we pride ourselves on our selection and quality of real ale.

“We would like to thank all of our customers for the continued support throughout the pandemic and during this recovery period.”

Duke of York owner Jonty Newbery said: "Paul and I are very happy to see the Duke back in the Good Beer Guide. 

"We love our cosy pub and are working very hard to make sure the beers and the warm, friendly atmosphere stays just right for our regulars and new customers alike."

Following the Good Beer Guide release, CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “After the struggles of the past 18 months for the industry, it is great that The Good Beer Guide figures are showing the resilience of pubs and brewers in the face of strife – a national increase in brewery numbers after they dipped last year for the first time, as well as over 500 new pub entries.

“This is great to see, especially coupled with the news from the Government’s latest Budget, including the announcement of a new, lower rate of duty for draught beer and cider.”

Despite this, Nik has emphasised that the industry is “still vulnerable” following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Breweries still face issues around costs of goods, lack of business rate relief and silence from the Government on Small Brewers’ Relief reform,” the chairman said.

“We are calling on the Government to make sure the new draught duty rate applies to containers 20L and up so that all our small and independent brewers can benefit.”

The Good Beer Guide 2022 is now available from the CAMRA shop, which can be accessed here. 

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.