I need somewhere to take about 50 OAP for a Christmas lunch near Salisbury. Any ideas?

Question

We are planning to go out for lunch on Monday 8th December and they want a traditional Christmas lunch with an alternative available. Not too pricy and easy access.

Answer 1

The Red Lion Hotel:

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.