By Beth Doherty
Twitter:@bethdmedia / @new_valleynews
Instagram: @bethdohertymedia / @newvalleynews
Craig Barkham arrived at his new pub, The Railway Tavern in Salisbury, just before the pub restrictions were lifted.
The Railway Tavern is a 17th-century coaching inn and the first one seen after stepping off the train in Salisbury and walking out of the station setting.
Craig, an expert pub owner who has owned pubs for 17 years, saw the venue as a new business opportunity in its location, space, and as an attraction to welcome tourists and locals.
Aware of its previous reputation, Craig gave the pub some TLC, created two separate areas, one for sport and one for the quieter customers, and he aims to return the tavern to a community pub.
“I have this little saying, ‘it’s the people that make the pub’, so if you have a nice customer base, they do the work themselves,” Craig told New Valley News.
“A lot of pubs try to be something they’re not. I have been in this industry for 17 years and I have had a go at it all, but I have found I am best at being behind the bar and making people laugh.”
Craig has brought with him, his favourite bartender, assistant manager, and friend Amy Walsh, and his English Bulldog Barry.
Craig Barkham
Craig believes has exciting plans for the Railway Tavern, including pool and darts teams (contact the pub to sign up), live music festivals in the barn outside, and a BBQ.
“I run a regular BBQ for all my customers, I want to get people talking to each other and having a laugh. I want them to understand there’s a new person running the Railway Tavern and it’s family-friendly and here for the local community.
“Previously, I have hosted a pub conga for charity, we had half a pint in each of the local pubs. I love coming up with novelty ideas and I have some exciting plans coming up for Salisbury.”
New to the city, and originally from South London, Craig likes the slower pace of Salisbury life, adding that no-one’s in a rush. “People are always happy to give me the time of day,” Craig added.
With some exciting community ideas, and a determination to make the Railway Tavern a friendly pub, Craig believes he is the landlord who can make the pub steam ahead.