Salisbury Scrutineer

69 Brown Street, Salisbury, SP1 2AS.
For reservations: 01722 327137

Freehouse, with ancient origins (apparently 1292), the Rai d’Or - literally, Beam of Gold is a pub of good character and also lovingly known as Salisbury’s best ‘Thai pub’. It used to be the city’s medieval brothel whose madam, later founded Trinity Hospital next door for retired prostitutes in 1370. More recent infamy, some would say, was the pub’s period as a rough biker’s pub, then known as The Star.
There are generally only one or two real ales on tap, usually from the Downton Brewery or Stonehenge Ales who brew Great Bustard, the profits of which go towards the efforts to re-introduce the bird to Salisbury Plain. There is also sometimes Butt’s Brewery (West Berks) beers who brew organic ales. They also serve Moles Brewery’s(Melksham, Wilts) Black Rat clear and sparkly edition of their legendary cider. All the beer is beautifully kept and there is a good wine list too. This is definitely the ’snug’ of Salisbury pubs, coming into its own during chilly autumn and winter nights next to the cosy fires and served by the very warm and friendly bar staff.

Of course, there’s the food. Excellently cooked Thai food, with much of it made from locally sourced ingredients such as that from Futurefarms co-op in Martin, Hampshire. There is a good variety on the menu and all dishes can be made vegetarian and to your palette’s chilli tolerance on request. Follow it up with home made puds such as Wiltshire Apple Cake, made locally. They do get busy with eaters so if you just want to sup a pint and it’s a Thursday to Saturday night, don’t go too late if you want to sit down. The main dining area of the pub is non-smoking.
We like the Rai d’Or. It’s the pub that one January night persuaded us to move to Salisbury.

Share This