The Salisbury Arms (Bar, Restaurant)

Top 10 things you need to know about the Salisbury Arms pub:

1) What epitomises Blighty? A good old-fashioned pub. But not just any pub will do these days.

2) The Great British public craves beer gardens, real ale, an abundance of fine wine, jugs of Pimms, fireplaces, board games, and decent pub grub. And that's exactly what you’ll find at the Salisbury Arms in Winchmore Hill.

3) “Winchmore where?” I hear (most of) you cry. Winchmore Hill is a mere 10-minute train journey from Finsbury Park, yet the area still manages to retain a suburban feel. Perfect for ‘escaping’ the Big Smoke.

4) Here, you’ll find a gastropub that boasts an eclectic menu of seasonal favourites ranging from small plates – think handmade Scotch eggs and potted duck rillettes – to that British institution: Sunday roast.

5) The pub prides itself on sourcing the very best produce from suppliers who share their values, from the free-range Cherry Orchid pork loin to sustainable hake in cider batter.

6) But what to wash it down with? Sample the rotating casks of locally-brewed real ales, as well as more than 30 speciality beers and ciders. They also offer up mulled wine for when the weather, inevitably, turns.

7) Keen to foster a sense of community and regulars that would put the Queen Vic to shame (in terms of numbers, not questionable characters), the Salisbury Arms hosts Burger and Beer nights every Wednesday (where you can snap up both for just £9), in addition to parent and toddler mornings on Tuesdays.

8) For alfresco action when the sun shines, make the most of the beer garden and courtyard (available for private hire), and the pub even hosts BBQs come the summer months. See aforementioned point on community. This place really is a family affair (kids are very much welcome).

9) When winter descends (sometime around August, this is the UK after all) the pub’s interior – well lit with high ceilings and exposed brick – is just as appealing. Spend many a happy evening hunkering down here with a board game and bottle of red.

10) This pub is lively yet laid-back, with high-quality decently-priced food. Dare to leave Zone 2 and you’ll be nothing short of pleasantly surprised by this quintessentially British boozer. ...read more