Kenneth Grahame wrote his famous children's book, The Wind in the Willows in 1908.

It is still in print and contains within it stories about the Wild Wood.

It is difficult not to reflect as to, for what reason the restaurant chain Wildwood was so called. I suspect that this is partially because these Restaurants cater for the family rather than the expectation that the waiting staff would be dressed up as Ratty or Mole!

There was no evidence of that on our recent visit; we were well looked after by Relief Manager Caroline and enjoyed the extensive menu.

Salisbury Journal: Wildwood, Queen Street, SalisburyWildwood, Queen Street, Salisbury (Image: Newsquest)

Before commenting upon our meal, I should point out that that the Wildwood has a special luncheon menu, Monday to Friday 12-5pm. 2 Courses £11.95. 3 Courses £14.95.

This includes a Minute Steak for a supplement of only £2.

Diane, started with a dish of five varieties of Olives £3.95p [scored 6.5] I had the Garlic Tiger Prawns £8.95.

Salisbury Journal: Olives

This was with a white wine, tomato and chilli sauce with a delish grilled, sourdough croute. [Scored 7.5] Starters were priced from £4.95 to £8.95.

Salisbury Journal: Garlic Tiger Prawns

Di’s main course was a Buttermilk chicken burger £15.45.

This consisted of breaded Chicken Breast with mayonnaise a good side salad. The chicken was beautifully cooked. The side salad needed a dressing, we couldn’t work out where the ‘buttermilk ‘ element was to be found. [Scored 7]

Salisbury Journal: Burger

I chose the Classic Burger with a salad, the burger was not over cooked and the salad was generous but no dressing. [Scored 7.5]. 

Salisbury Journal: Burger

There was an excellent selection of alternative dishes to chose from, Pizzas. Pasta. Risotto, and Grills. Priced from £7.95 tp £22.95

Dessert We Chose, Chocolate Brownie £7.15 with a honeycomb chocolate Sauce with vanilla ice-cream, and Chocolate Fondant £7.15 served warm with vanilla ice-cream.

There is a selection of eight desserts from £4.35 to £7.15. Scored 8.

The overall score was also, only just 8. Lack of seasoning and sauces requires attention.

Cocktails and Wines

There is a choice of 12 Cocktails from £7.75 to £8.85 and four mocktails all £5.45 each.

Nine white wines, five by the glass from £19.95 to £29.90 a bottle; two Rose and three Sparkling from £28.95 to £49.95

A choice of five red wines,  5 by the glass £5.80 to ££7.90 In addition  as one  would expect, a full range of Spirits, Beers Cider and Sof drinks, hot or cold.