The Old Ale House - Wiltshire

Just back from lunch at this quirky, lovely restaurant in the middle of Salisbury. The place is a one off. And the staff are excellent. Couldn’t do enough for us. There were only 2 on duty it was busy but they still had time to chat. The food was excellent. I had wild mushrooms with toast and a poached Duck egg. Excellent at only £11. My wife had a superb aubergine gratin at only £11.50. I would highly recommend this excellent restaurant come pub come bar come coffee house.

It was a very hot day and we were supplied with plenty of ice and water. The food was delicious and the staff were very friendly and helpful. It is a very handy location for the cathedral and museum, both of which we were visiting, but nice and quiet.

Was just having a stroll around Salisbury with family looking for somewhere for lunch. This is one of those places that you congratulate yourselves on finding. Quirky decor, clean, friendly, excellent service and gorgeous food. Lovely courtyard garden with little private huts and plenty of seating. Will definitely return on our next visit.

So I just want to give an honest review. The location, decor, and staff were amazing. Really friendly and helpful. But the most important part, why we were there, was for the roast on a Sunday. I can truly say one of the worst roasts we've had. I know they had problems with the fridge, but it was a dry chicken breast on a bed of bland cabbage, with, what I think, was mashed carrot and swede, and roast potatos, that were not crispy or fresh tasting and bisto gravy. If I were the chef, I would have been embarrassed serving that. Now I should have realised, as we were the only reservation that Sunday and was very quiet in the pub compared to a very busy Salisbury. We didn't say anything at the time, because really, how could they improve it if they were happy to serve it? Other than not paying for it, it wouldn't have improved. So if you want a drink in a great bar with great staff, definitely visit, but if you want a Sunday roast please visit somewhere else.

We were visiting Salisbury for the day and on walking around four The Old Ale and Coffee House and decided to pop in for a drink and some lunch. We were greeted by a lovely young guy called Owain. We really can't praise him enough, he was friendly, polite and very helpful. The food was great too and we didn't have to wait long. Would definitely recommend The Old Ale and Coffee House. Thanks to Owain.