The best restaurants serving British food in Salisbury St Martin's and Cathedral Wiltshire South West

Great seasonal innovative food.

We do like to celebrate Valentine’s Day; because, after the Christmas and New Year festivities, there’s just nothing ‘happening’; at least until the weather improves! Valentine’s Day is just about the only occasion, in the depths of winter, that give’s us a reason to dine-out; it drives us to brave the elements and have a little fun. This year we decided we would have the best part of a couple of days away in Bournemouth; including a one-night stop-over. Our journey-down took us through Salisbury and onto the A338. Due to a road closure we sat for quite a while in a traffic jam on the Salisbury ring-road, so we resolved to stop at a Farm Café and get an early lunch; seeing the sign we pulled-in. Our immediate impression as we walked-in was that it was welcoming, it was bright and cheerful with a good display of produce to eat-in and take-away, including some fancy-goods as the farm-shop genre often stock. It was certainly busy and tables were at a premium; untaken tables bore ‘Reserved’ signs. There was a lady (the owner?) literally buzzing-around clearing-away plates from contented-looking diners, taking-orders and serving-food, as well as manning the servery. She barely acknowledged us (a “… be with you in a moment” would have sufficed and been much appreciated). So, there we stood wondering what the procedure was; should we go to a table and wait for table service, wait to be seated, queue and order food, or return to our car? Signage would have helped. Fortunately the owner soon reappeared and my Partner hailed her as she passed us, and asked “What’s the format here please?” We were hurriedly asked to find a free-table, then return to the servery to order food and/or drinks. We did find a large table (for six) that was free and unreserved, but needing a wipe, but we sat-down there. We studied the menu and we decided on a warm snack each and a pot of tea for two; my Partner returned to the servery and ordered. A few minutes later the owner reappeared at our table and, at the behest of my Partner, wiped-it down explaining that a party of children had last used it. So far it was not a great experience and it got worse, but fortunately not for us. A couple of ladies sat on an adjacent table for two, obviously waiting for food that they had already ordered. The owner appeared and apologised to them for the food-service delay; explaining that their order had not been “put into the kitchen” in error. To be fair the customers didn’t complain and seemed to understand. Apparently (we overheard) a senior staff member (possibly a partner in the business) had been away with an illness, but had today popped-in to confirm she was “on-the-mend” and would be returning to work soon. The overheard conversation indicated that this was a three-person team and that ‘Richard?’ was alone in the kitchen and working full-tilt. Now we understood, and served to illustrate that this was not the usual experience here. Our pot of tea soon arrived, with a tea-strainer … ah loose-leaf tea … promising. We both like really strong tea so we let it steep. The pot was big but not full, and when we did get to it the tea was very good; however the pot only yielded about a moderately-sized cup and a half each (which was slightly disappointing). The food was really good, we both had chosen the sausage roll snack; which arrived with a side-salad of colourful and flavoursome leaves and halved cherry tomatoes, also a potato and apple in mayonnaise salad and a small pot of Kashmiri pickle (one our favourite accompaniments). The meaty sausage roll was excellent with really flaky pastry; for us definitely home-made or if it wasn’t then where can I order some? It was a great snack, attractively served and all eaten. We did ‘do dessert’ by the way of a shared portion of apple cake with a large dollop of whipped fresh cream. This was really excellent cake with a wonderfully deep cinnamon favour. It was easily enough to be shared; not shared for any-other reason than we had planned a really extravagant dinner in Bournemouth that evening, and wanted to ensure we were going to be hungry. Tables were embellished with a small spray of fresh flower cuttings: Pussy Willow, Stinking Hellebore, Summer Snowflake, Goat Willow and Peruvian Lily; this really showed a bit of imagination and effort, much appreciated. I wish this business all success, the place was full by the time we left and therefore it’s getting good custom, it serves really good fare but, at a tad over £35, it was not a cheap snack. The quality however was extremely good.

We arrived and after 30 mins had to ask if we could order drinks. We all ordered the Coronation Chicken Burger which for over £16 when it arrived was extremely disappointing and over priced for what we got. The burger itself was very small, overcooked and hard. All that was in the burger was some kind of sauce and wilted lettuce, this was accompanied by a few chips. We did complain and they gave us our drinks for free! A diet coke, Pink Lemonade and a small spritzer. We won't be returning, sorry Cosy Club bad value for money and poorly cooked.

Do not eat here terrible. Fish soup instead of fish pie. Scotch egg no meat round it just breadcrumbs and gammon was ham. Disgusting. Never coming here again and would not recommend.

Some classic British dishes on the menu, helpful service, and the bar (which is associated with the hotel) has plenty of beers, lagers and wine. Lots of room between the 4 to 5 tables in the main dining area, although I suspect you could eat at tables by the bar. Meanwhile, you’re in a very old stylist building within the Salisbury city centre.

Agree with earlier reviews we had 2 slices of Quiche with a small salad a slice of bread an butter and some coleslaw a coffee and a Diet Coke it was very nice but not worth £35

We had a delicious afternoon treat of scones, with cream & jam, plus pots of tea. The staff were very friendly and the service was good.

Service was slow but the food was great.

The title of this review sums up our experience. The food was pretty good although the venison casserole was disappointing as the gravy/stew was a .little watery and there could/should have been more venison and vegetables in it. The service was okay but again could have been better. Would recommend as mid price local optio with good ales if in the area.

We have been to the Greyfisher a few times over the last few months and found it has changed for the better. I found the staff very helpful and the food 🥑 one hundred percent improved so very well done to management and staff.

The Old Mill hotel was where we chose to hold our wedding reception earlier this month. The whole event went very smoothly thanks to Lisa, Tobias and the rest of their team who went above and beyond to help us pull off the event. Because of them we were able to hold an intimate but amazing party for my family and friends that we will all remember this for years to come. The setting was magical, the food was amazing and the service was so friendly, accommodating and unbeatable. Thank you so much for all your help at the Old Mill Hotel. The hotel will always hold a special place in our memories and we can’t wait to be back

The shop, though small, has a variety of delicious-looking pastries. The Cheese & Onion pie is really good, and it is given in a paper wrapper - simple to enjoy while you explore Salisbury. There are also public benches in the little square next to the shop.

Wonderful service and the first pub that I have encountered In salisbury which I’m sure our foreign visitors will welcome and the. Staff are certainly making an effort to make customers feel welcome well done 👌

I visited Friday 11th October to a very busy bar. My server was John who was quick, prompt and friendly… Will definitely be back and recommend.