Best pub in the world. But you can't got there. It's mine. All mine…read more I went there with my friends for their regular knitting night. They knitted, I drank beer. And, oh my, what beer. Sourced from the local Pots Brewery, I had a brand new Pots IPA and it's one of the nicest British beers that I've ever had. Plus the thing that I particularly liked was that it was a new barrel just set up behind the bar. The landlady then tapped it, took out a small sample, tasted it, considered it, and, seemingly based on that, decided on the price per pint. £3.50 if you're interested. I would have paid twice that. And at around 8% you don't need too many. Plus, Thursday is, of course, sausages night, so there were sausages to accompany the liquid gold available from the bar for a mere 70p a pop. Plus, there's a dog. Every pub needs a dog. This one was not only a gorqeous spaniel, but friendly and lovely. He was also even more excited by the prospect of sausage night than I was. He spent much of the evening resting his chin on the bar doing puppy dog eyes. This was much more effective from him than when I tried it. Plus, the third Thursday is also their poetry and story telling night, so I popped down to the cellar to take a look. Their cellar is, quite literally, a cellar, but crammed in there were a few budding poets and writers sharing their efforts. I felt kind of bad that I had nothing prepared. So, yes, stay away from this pub. I've bagsied it. I might move to Winchester just so it can be my local. In fact, I might just move into the pub.

The floors are wonky, the air is slightly smokey from the fire and the beer is warm, as is the…read moreatmosphere.. the perfect local!

Wow, what a place! Quirky, fun, crazy are just a few words to describe it…read more My friend took me here on our little adventure to Winchester. After getting over the initial shock (this place would never fly in the US, nope!) I began to explore the many rooms filled to the brim with antiques, knick-knacks, and oddities. Lots of oddities!! It is much bigger inside than it looks outside, and there seems to be a resident bar dog (who doesn't love a bar dog!!?). There are countless photo ops throughout this fantastic pub. The bathrooms are somewhat hidden within the fake bookcase. The ladies room was clean enough. However, I made the mistake of reading the writing on the wall and looked up. Don't look up. It is an image that will live forever in my mind! All part of the charm ;) Drinks were reasonably priced and they had a decent selection of holiday beers. I haven't stopped talking about this place and highly recommend for visitors. I hope to return to Winchester soon and introduce others to this gem. I would also like to visit the sister pubs (The Black Rat and The Black Bottle, though I think the Black Rat has closed).

We had a great little lunch on the dog-filled patio. The sandwiches were enjoyed by all, as was the…read morefriendly ambiance. Service was very good aside from one woman who was rather curt. Bathrooms were clean-ish. It's worth the pleasant little hike from the town center to have a meal here.

Excellent food and drink. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Very popular place so book early!read more

Just terrific. Located in an almost 300 year old building, rooms have been lovingly restored with…read moregreat care. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant was wonderful--clearly the chef takes pride in his work!

Standard pub fair. The last person to be beheaded in England's ghost haunts this inn.... So we are…read moretold. I didn't get a visit from her when I had my fish & chips.

If I could leave a 0 it would be 0. Should have realised immediately as we walked in from the…read moremiserable bar maid that this wouldn't be a great experience. Queit bar, expensive pint (£5.35), dirty carpet and tables and decor that is neglected. The BIGGEST insult was being rudely interrogated on 2 occasions by 2 members of staff about my gender when innocently using the ladies toilets. This place is like going back in time, but not in a good way..if you're straight, male, white, British you'll love it...anyone else give it a wide berth. Shame on you.

Great music and poetry venue with live performers almost every night. The bar stocks a good range…read moreof drinks at sensible prices. Bohemian atmosphere LGBT+ friendly. Recommended.

Best pub in Winchester for live music, poetry, comedy. Retro gaming and Cinema Terrible evenings…read moreupstairs. Beverages reasonably priced. Recently redecorated. Decent sized garden and friendly bouncers (Nicky is a legend:))

Great food, wine, and ambience! Service was outstanding. I had crab cakes which were good, but they…read morewere not my favorite type of crab cake as I prefer the non-breaded, meatier ones. I also had the crispy squid which was excellent! My dad had the pulled pork sandwich, and it was delicious.

From the owner: Contemporary Restaurant and Bar set in a beautiful period building in the heart of Winchester. No.5…read morealso has 6 Boutique Hotel Rooms and a Private Dining Room that can also be used as a Meeting Room.

In my mind, this is your typical Hampshire pub. It's got that grand, old country pub look about it…read moreand when you enter it has a few charming locals propping up the bar. My brother actually lives about a 2 minutes walk from this pub and he loves it, the reason he loves it is the landlord knows his name. He only brought me over for a swift half so he could introduce me, maybe he spends too much time here, who knows? That can only be a good thing though. Down to the nittie gritties, there's loads of beers on tap, they serve typical pub food and they even let you bring your dog in. There's also a huge car park which is ideal as this is the sort of place you bring the whole family for a relaxed Sunday dinner. I was really impressed with it although as mentioned I only stayed for a half but it had a really nice welcoming atmosphere.

It's a Wetherspoon's. As an American, I can kind of understand this franchise but it still does not…read moremake complete sense. So every pub that is a "Wetherspoon's" is it's own thing - they all have a different name, unique vibe, and may even have a different menu. There may be table service, there may not be. Again, I'm not entirely sure what is going on but I LOVE it!!! Highly recommend: chicken wings any beer on draft (especially if you are there during the Christmas season when they have limited edition drafts) Order at the bar, contactless payment only. Winchester is an amazing town and this is a great stop for some quick food before venturing into the city center. As an American, I recommend!!

The whole place needs a deep clean, the counter and the table was sticky. The food was extremely…read moretough, overcooked and lacking flavor. I don't think they employ a chef, just supermarket food incinerated in a frying pan. Cheap prices at under £10 a head including drinks but if not fussed about alcohol better options are out there.

Great English pub, directly across from Westminster Cathedral of annoying song fame, with friendly…read morestaff and fellow pub goers. Variety of tasty local beers on tap. But, best of all, brilliant food, lovingly prepared and served. We had spectacular salmon and mussels and scrumptious bread pudding. For a quick bite the next day, spicy tomato, bell pepper and lentil soup and a perfect sausage roll. We also stayed at the adjoining hotel which was homey and perfect for our needs. Staff could not have been more attentive. Included breakfast was sumptuous. Bravo.

Review summer 2019 "BC" (before covid):…read more Conveniently located a 'stone throw away' from Winchester Cathedral amongst other shops, this pub has a gorgeous indoor decor and offers a nice area to sit to rest those weary traveler's feet. Service was attentive and prompt despite is busy draw of customers Food is pricey especially when lacking in taste. Not a place for the wee ones due to the menu options Save your pence and try another to refuel unless you are stopping for a pint or soda

This place is great! My colleagues and I discovered this pub coming back from dinner one night. I…read morewish I found it sooner. We've been back three nights in a row so far. When I think of cozy English pubs, this is what comes to my American mind. The owners are amazing and we love talking with them every night.

We came here in the football match day. It was the only pub in Winchester which checked tables…read morebefore saying "we are fully booked" like others did with us. Great service and beer. Good for watching sport games on tv.