Overview

A rather grand-looking 18th-century inn, the Pembroke Arms sits prominently opposite the gates to Wilton House, just a short walk from the town centre.

It was originally used as overflow accommodation for the guests of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke, and later as an Officers' Mess in 1940, when Wilton House was requisitioned by the Army as the Headquarters of Southern Command. Ethan Davids, who also owns the Grosvenor Arms in Hindon (see entry) took over in 2019 and has been working hard at breathing new life into this substantial Victorian inn.

It's now a buzzy and vibrant place, especially in summer when the walled garden is transformed into a festival style dining space, with an outdoor Garden Kitchen and Tap Room. The addition of Ethan's cool Nole Pizza kitchen concept in a former barn has certainly pulled in an appreciative crowd.

Inside, you'll find rugs on wooden floors, an eclectic mix of old dining tables and chairs, warm hues and interesting paintings on the walls, and leather sofas fronting the log fire in the bar-cum-dining room. The glow of evening candlight enhances the cosy atmosphere and draws you in on cold winter nights.

Note: there's a local bus stop opposite, so you can enjoy a car-free visit to Salisbury.

Rooms from:

9 doubles/2 triple: £80

Good to know

Major credit cards accepted (not Amex)

Disabled access (not rooms)

Alfresco & private dining

Nole Pizza

Weddings

Parking available

Bus stop opposite for Salisbury

Dogs welcome overnight

Wilton House

Home of the Earls of Pembroke, Wilton House was designed by Inigo Jones in the 17th century, replacing the original house, which was destroyed by fire, and later remodelled by James Wyatt. Inside is the Double Cube Room, which contains a famous collection of Van Dyck paintings.

Wilton's Italinate Church

A five-minute walk away, the honey-hued Italianate church of St Mary and St Nicholas stands grandly beneath its campanile.

Rooms

Wind up the attractive 18th-century staircase to locate the nine eclectic bedrooms on the top two floors - all are individually furnished with a nod to the inn's heritage.

Comfort is key here and rooms are decorated in warm, soothing tones. Each is different, some have striking motif wallpaper on statement walls, others have unique wooden beds with carved headboards, interesting painted furnishings, old-fashioned tea trays, quirky lamps, and rugs on carpeted floors. Good, clean ensuite facilities - most have shower over baths, with smaller doubles having walk-in showers; all offer bathrobes and fragrant soaps & lotions from Land & Water.

Some rooms are very large - there are two triple rooms and a family room that can sleep four in two double beds, all perfect for a family stopover if visiting nearby Stonehenge.

Restaurant & bar

Menus offer something for everyone, from pizzas and grilled meat and fish on summer barbecues, to traditional shortcrust pies, and interesting modern British dishes in the bar.

Fresh, honestly prepared dishes with bags of flavour feature on the short daily menu in the bar and dining room. It evolves with the seasons and may include smoked mackerel rillette, beetroot, apple puree and rye crisps; pork steak, apple sauce, black pudding and potato hash; chocolate ganache, blueberries and toasted coconut.

The old barn and former saddle room were converted in 2020 into Nole Pizza, a pizza kitchen and dining room with tables (no bookings) on the terrace under in a huge heated stretch tent. Using a traditional Neapolitan hand-stretched sourdough recipe, creative toppings may include Hampshire buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, and anchovy, artichoke and chilli. The successful concept has since expanded into The Grosvenor Arms and a little eatery in Salisbury called Nole on the Square.

The Garden Kitchen's asado style grill offers fresh fish, local meat and veggies that are flame-grilled. All are served with seasonal salads and salty flat bread ,or fluffy new potatoes.

Private dining

The Pembroke Room is a cosy prviate dining space seating 12, with an open fire, antiques, period features and plenty of character and stmosphere.

Things to do

World Heritage Site Stonehenge is at least 5,000 years old and is the most famous prehistoric monument in Britain, perhaps. No one knows its exact purpose or how the smaller bluestones were brought here from Pembrokeshire. From every angle Stonehenge looks stunning but especially from a distance when the ancient stones blend into the timeless downland setting.

Take a stroll through the streets of Salisbury and you'll discover an assortment of riches. The magnificent cathedral is among the city's most famous landmarks and includes a medieval frieze and an original copy of the Magna Carta. Its spire is the tallest in the country, immortalised in John Constable's famous painting Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows, painted in 1831.

Built in 1880 as a grain mill Fisherton Mill Gallery & Cafe in Salisbury is one of the south's largest independent art galleries, set in a vibrant and beautiful venue comprising 3 floors of painting, sculpture, furniture makers, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and contemporary craft. There is also an outdoor seasonal exhibition area, studio workshops and café.