Mark’s Score 8.4
Having lived in both the UK and Australia for a number of years I developed an appreciation for the local pub. Often the beer is mediocre, and the food worse, but they do serve a useful function as a friendly neighborhood gathering place. I would define a local pub as intimate, friendly, familiar, and just a wee bit raucous. It is a place where locals gather to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. Though Bury Tavern isn’t a typical British or Australian pub, it does fit my definition of a pub.
Bury Tavern is owned by two local men, Jordan Townsend and Colby Bounds, and was partially funded as part of Salisbury’s Project Restore initiative whose aim is to revitalize and repurpose vacant storefronts downtown. Bury Tavern had its grand opening last March. Bury offers food, drink (including draft beer from local brewers), and live entertainment. In my view, it is a welcome addition to downtown’s somnolent entertainment scene.
I have to be honest here, I visited Bury Tavern twice, on my first visit my expectations were low. I was expecting a local drinking hole, offering a cheerful convivial atmosphere, that was long on beer and short on good food. Afterall, bars and pubs aren’t often noted for their food. At first glance, the menu seemed to offer typical and uninspired pub faire. But first glances can be deceiving.
On my first visit, none of the menu items really popped out at me. As I was pondering the menu a waiter walked out of the kitchen with a plate of perfectly baked puff pastries accompanied with a ramakin filled with red sauce, expertly arranged on a wooden platter. I asked the bartender “what is that?” Before she could answer a woman sitting next to me said, “those are the Wagon Wheels, you have to try them!” They come in three flavors, pepperoni and cheese, buffalo chicken, and bacon and egg. The friendly woman next to me recommended the pepperoni and cheese, so I ordered it. Words fail me in describing it, it was a mouth bomb of flavor, perfectly cooked and seasoned with a delicate dipping sauce that complimented the pastry perfectly.
On my second occasion I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with pasta salad, again something that sounds very typical and uninspiring. But sometimes it is in the simple dishes that a chef proves their worth. Most times pasta salads can be heavy with an overpowering taste of vinegar that makes your mouth pucker. This salad was finely balanced with a light sauce, peppered with subtle olives and carrots. It was truly one of the best pasta salads I have had in some time. The chicken salad sandwich was perfectly toasted, with a memorable mayonnaise Dijon honey mustard dressing. Making a simple dish memorable is a true culinary achievement.
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