Salisbury Pubs: City's pubs voted amongst the nation's best

Six Salisbury pubs were voted into the Good Beer Guide (GBG) by members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

To make it into the GBG, pubs have to be nominated by CAMRA members and, once short-listed, the membership votes.

Here is a list of the pubs:

Duke of York

Jonty Newbery put his success down to his great team (Image: Joshua Truksa/Newsquest) Home to the Fisherton History Society, the Duke of York prides itself on its range of local draught ales and ciders.

Asked about his award, Landlord Jonty Newbery said: “I’m just a salesman!”

Jonty gave credit to his “great team” and Bar Manager Paul Cooper who, “Gets the right beer, to the right people at the right time.”

The pub can be found at 34 York Road, SP2 7AS.

Haunch of Venison

Is the Haunch of Venison the most haunted pub in Salisbury? (Image: James Terry) The Haunch says its, probably, the oldest hostelry in Salisbury and certainly the most haunted.

The GBG says its interior is nationally important, which can be seen in the enormous oak beams which can be seen throughout the building.

The pub says it’s been around since 1320 and upstairs can be found the mummified hand of a card cheat.

Recipient of numerous awards, it has even been listed in the ‘25 Pubs in the UK you must drink in before you die.’

The Haunch can be found at 1 Minster Street, SP1 1TB.

Rai d’Or

The Rai d'Or with some of its Thai dishes (Image: Newsquest) The Rai d’Or is a Thai food serving pub which prides itself on the history and heritage of its building.

The restaurant takes its name from an old ‘house of ill-repute’ and there is a plaque to a 14th century landlady who helped house old and retired prostitutes.

GBG notes the Rai d’Or’s historic interior, low ceilings and roaring fire give it an ‘appealing ambiance.’

The Rai d'Or can be found at 69 Brown Street, SP1 2AS.

Village Freehouse

The Village Freehouse on Wilton Road (Image: James Terry) On its Facebook, The Village Freehouse calls itself “a true backstreet boozer that is a beacon to all real ale fans.”

GBG says the three-time local CAMRA Pub of the Year has beers from producers both near and far.

The pub can be found at 33 Wilton Road, SP2 7EF.

Winchester Gate

The Winchester Gate regularly holds live events (Image: Newsquest / Winchester Gate) The Winchester Gate says it puts community at its core and hosts live-music, comedy and arts event throughout the year.

The pub also has a large beer garden, although GBG says its on the smaller side.

GBG says the pub has four changing beers, which are sourced regionally.

The pub can be found at 113-117 Rampart Road, SP1 1JA.

The Wyndham Arms

The Wyndham Arms is the birthplace of the Hop Back Brewery (Salisbury Journal)The birthplace of the Hop Back Brewery, The Wyndham Arms has been voted into the Guide for 36 years in a row.

On its website, The Wyndham says it is an intimate pub, divided into a front parlour, main bar area and a snug to one side.

Although simply decorated, the pub takes pride in banter which is as fine as its ales.

According GBG, the ale house has a selection of Hop Back ales, including Hop Back GFB, Citra, Crop Circle, Summer Lightning and one changing beer.

The pub can be found at 27 Estcourt Road, SP1 3AS.

For more information on which pubs made it into the Good Beer Guide, click here for their website and how to buy the book.