| Ambiance: |  (3.5 / 5) |
| Service: | (4 / 5) |
| Value for money: | (2.5 / 5) |
| Toilet: | (3.5 / 5) |
I’d seen Wildwood whilst competitor researching in Reading and was surprised to see yet another chain open in Salisbury. However, as it’s still relatively unknown I hoped for something slightly quirkier than the standard chain offering, so on Friday lunch I had my opportunity to check it out. On first impressions, the outside reminded me a little of Café Rouge as its design is quite ‘loud’ and vibrant (you definitely wouldn’t miss it, let’s just say that much)! The inside didn’t let down the exterior perception either; with loud chart music and an open plan dining area, it almost took on the design of a club rather than a restaurant. Despite it being pretty busy, we were still seated within minutes. I don’t know what it is about restaurant booths/sofas but they are NEVER as comfortable as they look. So note to all of you reading, don’t be fooled by an ‘inviting’ looking sofa seat – choose the chair instead!
The Menu
The menu was an A3 piece of card with colour coded sections for pizza, pasta, meats and salads. Simple but eye-catching, I do quite like this design. In amazingly quick decision making time, we ordered a Sausage Calzone and Baby Back Rack of Ribs, with a side salad. The food came very quickly and on first impressions, the calzone didn’t look like anything to write home about. I’d have chosen one from Leonardos any day. On taste, it was a lot better – the dough was thin and crispy and the chef had been quite generous with the fillings – with mushrooms, chicken, sausage and tomato oozing out. The side salad came with a choice of dressings, of which I chose the house but for £3.50, it was a rip off. A few leaves, with raw onion and some cucumber, I definitely wouldn’t have it again, let alone recommend it.
Calzone…
The ribs were slightly more impressive, presented on a wooden board with a portion of fries. I was definitely facing food envy. Luckily I ended up being given two ribs and helped myself to the fries. Unfortunately the food was all a little cold and the fries were over-cooked. However, the ribs made up for it as the meat just fell off the bone, and I COULD have used a knife and fork and been civilised but then I thought, who does that?! And, we had to make use of the finger bowl!
We turned down puddings in favour of finding a café somewhere else. I left Wildwood a calzone down and still a little hungry, which amazed me as I don’t usually eat big lunches, let alone a whole calzone to myself, so maybe this implies that it wasn’t that big?! That’s the way I’m willing to justify it anyway…
Recommendation
Despite the service and atmosphere both being really good, I wouldn’t return to Wildwood and would recommend anyone to try somewhere else where food is a) cheaper and b) better.
Extra Information:
Address: Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1EY
Phone: 01722 442222
Website: http://www.wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk/
NTK: Go for a quick lunch, rather than a romantic dinner. Also, if you’re feeling hungry, think about ordering an extra side!
