The Red Lion is a hotel, restaurant, and bar close to Salisbury’s city centre. Unfortunately, it does not have its own car-parking facilities, so you’ll need to use the council-run car park, which is only a stone’s throw away. The costs are around £5 a day, but it’s free between 6pm and 6am.
This hostelry dates back to the 13th century, is now part of the Best Western group, and despite substantial modernisation and extension work over the years, retains a certain amount of its old charm. It has modern conference facilities, and I’m assured its rooms are to a high standard. We didn’t stay here, but many of our party (we were in Salisbury for a wedding) were staying here for the weekend.
We made the mistake of entering the hotel by the rear entrance (the front is more attractive), but once in the original coaching inn courtyard, we were well impressed with the whole appearance and ambience of this historic building. Care has been taken to retain as many of the original features as is practicable, and this alone makes it worth a visit. The reception lobby has a fine antique "skeleton" long case clock in pride of place. Skeleton because imbedded in the design of the clock are three gruesome cadavers – I’m note sure what message it is trying to give, but it suggests the solemn reminder that "time marches on relentlessly." Other rooms have various antiques on display, and the dining room had a fine display of blue willowware – of particular interest to me, as I have a small collection.
The wedding reception was held in one of the function rooms, and I always reckon that if a restaurant can cater well for 100 people, they’ll do even better for a small party. The Red Lion passes that test, and not only was our meal tasty, but it was well presented and efficiently served by a friendly and well-mannered staff who responded to any special requests with speed and a smile. The starter was buffalo mozzarella and plum tomato salad with a tasty vinaigrette dressing. A great appetiser followed by superbly cooked lamb chops presented on a bed of creamed potatoes with fresh vegetables. A homemade lemon tart was a delightful finale to our meal.
After the meal, we relaxed in one of the hotel’s comfortable lounges before adjourning to the dance hall. Through our evening the hotel staff continued to be attentive and thoroughly obliging. An overheard conversation, in the reception area, confirmed a young member of staff determined to answer the problem of a German visitor with limited English. She was kind and considerate and finally offered to find a colleague who could speak German.
The Red Lion Hotel just feels friendly, and it almost seems like a family-run business, with the emphasis on customer satisfaction. I think we might stay here next time we’re in Salisbury.