Probably the oldest hostelry in Salisbury, the Haunch of Venison provides refreshment in the historic downstairs bar and in the unique restaurant upstairs. The enormous oak beams, which can be seen throughout, pre-date the building by several hundred years and are thought to come from early sailing vessels.

The first record of the Haunch of Venison is circa 1320 when the building was used to house craftsmen working on the Cathedral spire. At this time Minster Street had open running sewers, so entrance to the property was at the back of the building facing the Church. St Thomas’s Church had significant interest in the Haunch in the early years, even during the 14th Century when the property was reputedly a brothel and to save any embarrassment to local and visiting clergy a tunnel was built between the church and the tavern.

The current layout of floors reflects this ecclesiastical link as the many different levels were to accommodate the hierarchical structure of the Church. The so called House of Lords situated on the upper ground floor was built to accommodate higher clergy orders.