The Salutation has reportedly been a watering hole since the 15th century.

Although it claims to be the oldest pub in the city, it's not a staid, historical pub. Instead, The Sal wants to rock the socks off its punters.

The Venue
The Salutation is certainly quaint and the exterior manages to retain a historic feel, even down to the sign which is written in archaic italics. In fact, its full title is Ye Olde Salutation Inn, but regulars call it The Sal.

If you go through the Hounds Gate entrance, it's quite apparent this building has been around for ages (it's not often you can use the term ages and apply it literally). The ceiling height is a bit low, which is fine if you're short, but the tall might have to duck.

Through the Hounds Gate entrance (the other main entrance being on Maid Marian way), there is a small snug room, somewhere no doubt that women were once relegated to, while men enjoyed the much larger space of the main bar.

Some acerbic locals say the pub hasn't had a refit since it began trading back in 1652 (approximately). There is a distinct smell of stale beer and it appears the whole place could do with a good airing.

The People
For many years The Salutation was renowned for being a rock bar, an image it is trying hard to regain with some degree of success. It was the hangout of bikers and goths and they seem to be making a reappearance.

It was so busy back in the 80s and early 90s that even the large upstairs bar was just as full as the downstairs bar. Unfortunately, that's not true now. A few years ago you could lunch in the upstairs bar, but these day it's seldom used in the day.

However, they do hold rock nights upstairs, as well as rock karaoke, and they host regular theme nights. As they also serve real ales it's popular with serious beer drinkers. Oh, and it's supposed to be haunted so ghost hunters start their walks from here. Very goth.

The Food and Drink
The menu at The Salutation Inn is not too bad really - some of their dishes are homemade and very tasty. This is somewhere that the normal kind of pub menu fits perfectly, after all it is a normal kind of pub and the offerings slip into that category beautifully.

No sign of mead on draught anymore, but you will find a good selection of cask-conditioned ales and good quality draught. It’s not renowned for its wine list and it's not really the place to enjoy a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc anyway.

The Last Word
The Salutation is somewhere worth trying, for the historic value if nothing else. You won’t have your world rocked by the service or atmosphere, but it has been on the circuit for many, many years, so it may be rude not to give it a go, even if it is just once.

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