A NEW ‘chophouse’ is opening the heart of the city. 

Hixon will take over the former Wilding restaurant following a nine-week refurbishment.

Salisbury residents walking through the city centre would have noticed the Immersive Group branding in the doors and windows of the vacant unit in recent months. 

The restaurant closed just before Christmas due to rising costs. 

But now the site has been refurbished, and the new owners have said that Wilding has been transformed into “a carefully curated restaurant and bar space offering an exquisite menu of British meats accompanied by indulgent house-made sides, desserts, extensive drinks menu and awe-inspiring interior.”

Salisbury Journal:

Called Hixon - a nickname for a person from a rural area, and a British surname most common in the South West of England - the menu will incorporate steaks, fish, chicken, vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a focus on local supply in every aspect possible.

Expect to see lobster rolls, wagyu steaks, tomahawks, Sunday roasts and much more on the menu.

The Immersive Group recently won Tourism and Hospitality business of the year at the Salisbury Business Excellence Awards 2023. 

Its portfolio also includes Caboose, Deacons, FROST, Salisbury City Garden Bar and Tinga. 

They hope their ethos of engagement, utilising expert skill sets, and being driven by creating visceral experiences for all, will help in the wider efforts to reinvigorate the High Street in Salisbury with the opening of Hixon. 

The group say that after a nine-week refurbishment, the venue has been meticulously designed to “give the wow factor in a comfortable environment”. 

From design boards to hand painted walls, Dib Dab Designs have again been on the ground bringing the visual aspect to fruition. 

There is also a private dining room area built into the main restaurant space, which is able to accommodate up to twelve guests for special occasions.

In the previously open plan dining and bar area, you’ll now find glass feature walls to divide up the “ostentatious but cosy bar area”, from the copper ceiling, leather seated dining area.

Aimee Hancock, Director at The Immersive Group, said: “We are very excited to be revealing our brand-new concept restaurant and bar, which incorporates months of research, hard work from many local businesses and a team of twenty local staff who are incredibly skilled and passionate about bringing a vibrant, premium offering to the city.

"We’re proud to be working very closely with Pritchett’s again to bring an extensive menu suitable for meat eaters and vegan’s alike, using our specialist charcoal oven and expert skillsets in the kitchen and on the bar.”

Hixon opens on Friday April 7, and bookings can be made via their website at hixonsalisbury.com.