Wyndham Arms, Hop Back Brewers, 27 Estcourt Road, SALISBURY, SP1 3AS [Map]
01722 331026 
16:30-23 MO-TH; 15-23 FR; 12-23 SA; 12-22:30 SU

The Wyndham Arms, September 2000

This pub was a real find. We were heading back from a very pleasant weekend in Dorset and as we were heading around the Salisbury ring-road I caught a glimpse of this gem that many of you have raved about over the years in E-mails to me. We obviously had to break our journey and pop in to sample the ale delights of this 'cathedral of beer!' We were certainly not disappointed. People come from miles around to drink the very fine Hop Back beers that have won numerous awards since the brewery opened in 1985 and many of these awards are on display. The beers were formerly brewed on the premises but their popularity has grown to such an extent that they were forced to move to larger premises and the beers are now brewed a few miles down the A338 in Downton.

Summer Lightning (abv. 5%) is perhaps the best known of their beers with its wonderful hoppy aroma. The pub I guess can best be described as a back-street corner pub though attracts a wider audience due to the strong magnetic affect of the fine beers. A relatively simple interior with a no-smoking front room with the long bar behind.

They also serve simple bar meals at lunchtime though do call them to check for availability.