Beth Doherty
The Wood Bar has opened a new bistro at Parkwood Gym, Salisbury, serving up a fresh menu of brunch, lunch, drinks and desserts.
The Wood Bar launched last year as a park-side café in a kiosk in Victoria Park, and a vintage caravan in Churchill Gardens.
The concept is the lockdown brainchild of Events Manager Tom Britten, and trainee air traffic controller Dimi Romtsos, who were inspired to try something new during the pandemic.
“I love coffee and during lockdown I saw a guy selling coffee out of a horse trailer. I thought ‘I could give that a go!’ So we bought a vintage caravan and applied for it to go in Salisbury’s parks.”
Now, The Wood Bar has opened a new bistro after being approached by Parkwood Gym.
“When Parkwood came to visit the Churchill Gardens site they saw a lot of their members enjoying The Wood Bar’s coffee so they asked us to take over their food and drink offering,” explained owner Tom Britten.
The old café site has been transformed into a modern, foliage-covered bar, decorated with neon lights and locally sourced houseplants.
Tom and his team want to become the out of town brunch spot for socialising. Anyone is welcome at The Wood Bar, including non-members of Parkwood Gym.
“We have free parking and free WIFI. People can work from home here, or come and have some brunch and a glass of wine.
“Parkwood has been really supportive of our vision. We wanted to bring the outside in and I think we have done that,” added Tom.
The menu was built by Tom and his chefs based on what he eats at home.
“Before, everything here was deep-fried, but I wanted a healthy, freshly cooked menu because we are within a gym.
“We like eating in these environments, so this place is inspired by what we have enjoyed previously.”
The Wood Bar is keen to showcase local businesses, offering space to independents who wish to display their products.
“We will also be hosting workshops like craft workshops. People can have a glass of wine and make something to take home. People can also use the space for an event or conference; we want to utilize the space for the local community“.
The bistro has a license until 12am, and once the word is out, they will be serving drinks and light bites till late.
“Going forward we will open later and offer light plates and tapas inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
“We would also like to continue to expand the business and give people the chance to have their own Wood Bar. We are very keen to support the next generation of café owners. We believe that is a good way to give back.”
Find out more about The Wood Bar here.
Andy Munns
