A TRADITIONAL Salisbury pub that was the beginning of a new brewery venture in the 80s has been celebrated as the “home of the Hop Back beer”.

With a large cellar and yard for a microbrewery, two cosy bars, accommodation and a private room, back in 1986 the Wyndham Arms was the perfect start-up business for John Gilbert.

Following the pub’s rapid success, Hop Back Brewery was formed in October 1991, and the small pub’s brewery was moved to an industrial unit in Downton.

With its own selection of beers, both regular and seasonal, including its flagship beer Summer Lightning, Hop Back Brewery now has 10 pubs under its belt, located across the country.

The carved cornerstone above The Wyndham Arms’ front door, the laughing face of Dionysus, Greek god of wine, became the logo for the new business.

The award winning pub on Estcourt Road has been recognised by one customer as “home of the sublime Hop Back beer”, with “friendly locals, a truly wonderful landlady and staff”, making it the Journal’s pub of the week.

The nominator, who has been a regular at the watering hole for around 20 years, added the beer and the locals are what makes The Wyndham Arms so special, as well as the place to end a working week.

In response to the nomination, landlady Lisa Saberton, who has worked at the pub for more than 20 years, said: “It is lovely to know that people are thinking about us. It’s a great community pub and everyone takes care of each other.”

Talking about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lisa said: “The first lockdown was fine as we could stay open but since then it has been tough, you just have to stay with it and just hope it will pick up.”

As a wet establishment only, the pub could only offer a beer takeaway service last year during the ongoing crisis.

Reflecting on her time at The Wyndham Arms, where she has been landlady for around 12 years, Lisa said there are too many memories to choose a favourite.

Brewery director Steve Wright, who took over day-to-day management of the brewery when Mr Gilbert retired, said the The Wyndham Arms praise was “fantastic”.

He added: “It’s such a small pub but it does have very loyal customers.”

To nominate your favourite local pubs click HERE.

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