Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
double-cooked chunky chips and homemade tartare sauce. And yes, the chef still
makes the customer favorite, sticky toffee “pud” with butterscotch sauce.
6-7 Ox Row, Market Square, Salisbury.
&
01722/333118.
www.charter1227.co.uk. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses £12-£19; set lunch £13 for 2 courses, £16 for 3 courses. AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Sat
noon-2:30pm and 6-9:30pm.
WEST OF THE CITY
Compasses Inn
GASTROPUB Behind the whitewashed walls and latched
wooden door of this remote thatched inn lies one of the finest pub kitchens in Wilt-
shire. The chalkboard menu covers country gastro classics like pork and leek sausages
with mash or local game pie, but also lets fly with some exceptionally creative com-
binations served in hearty portions. Expect the likes of slow-cooked veal brisket with
parsley mash and a wild mushroom sauce, or poached breast and roast leg of guinea
fowl served in a haricot bean and lentil broth with a shallot and bacon rosti. Real ales
on tap include local brews.
Lower Chicksgrove, Tisbury, nr. Salisbury.
&
01722/714318.
www.thecompassesinn.com. Reservations
recommended. Main courses £8.50-£16. MC, V. Daily midday-2pm and 6:30-9pm. Take the westbound
A30 from Salisbury to Shaftesbury, turning off 1
1
⁄
2
miles west of Fovant toward Chicksgrove, from where
you should follow signs down a single-track road.
Howard's House
INTERNATIONAL This elegant hotel-restaurant in one of
Wiltshire's most beautiful villages showcases finely honed cooking that makes use of
first-class ingredients. The menu changes daily, but is likely to include such starters
as lasagna of wild rabbit, tarragon, and whole-grain mustard. Main courses feature
expertly balanced combinations of flavors, as exemplified by a filet of wild turbot with
thyme ravioli, fondant potato, and oyster beinget. An alternative, informal seasonal
“terrace menu” might include tian of Devon crab with watercress or a selection of
warm filled ciabattas.
Teffont Evias, nr. Salisbury.
&
01722/716392.
www.howardshousehotel.co.uk. Reservations required.
Fixed-price 3-course lunch £20, or a la carte £23 for 2 courses, £28 for 3 courses; dinner £36 for 2
courses, £45 for 3 courses. Terrace menu main courses £8.95-£11. AE, MC, V. Daily 12:30-2pm and
7-9pm. For directions, see the Howard's House Hotel listing, below.
Entertainment & Nightlife
THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Salisbury arts scene is thriving and varied. The
Salisbury Playhouse,
Malthouse
Lane (
&
01722/320333;
www.salisburyplayhouse.com), produces some of the finest
theatre in southwest England—their program could feature anything from Shakespeare
to a touring contemporary drama, and always includes productions aimed at youngsters.
At the
City Hall,
Malthouse Lane (
&
01722/434434;
www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk),
next door, you're more likely to encounter a big-name comedian or tribute band. It has
an accessible program of events to suit most tastes and ages. The
Salisbury Arts
Centre,
Bedwin Street (
&
01722/321744;
www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk), housed
within the former St. Edmund's Church, features a wide range of performing and visual
arts. Offerings include a broad, occasionally edgy mix of music, contemporary and clas-
sic theatre, and dance performances, plus cabaret, comedy, and family shows. Regular
workshops are available for all ages in arts, crafts, theatre, and dance. The lively cafe/
bar is a pleasant meeting place.
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