Eating & Drinking In Hampshire

Wheatsheaf

Braishfield Road, Braishfield, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QE - 01794 368372
Rambling pub on the south side of the village of Braishfield - just north of Romsey. The interior is large but on our last visit the sun was bright and warm so we took advantage of the large garden and had our lunch out there. The menu varies from simple snacks through to large and exotic meals and we found the food to be excellent. Well kept real ales are available.

Last visited: Summer 2005

The Flowerpots Inn

Cheriton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0QQ - 01962 771318
Opinion is divided on this one, but I think it's great and I think the old buildings and traditional interiors help to swell the numbers who descend on this pub at weekends. In the summer the garden can be an attractive place to relax. The menu is a bit limited, but I've always found something to appeal and it's always been tasty. The owners run their pub in their own way and their manner can seem a bit offputting to some.

Up until April 2006 they used to brew their own beer here, but I read that the pub owner and the brewer fell out - and so the original Cheriton beers (Pots etc) are no more. However I have heard that a new brewer is now supplying this pub but since children are only welcome here in the garden I may not be visiting again for a while.

It is possible to stay here in the converted outbuildings but I can't recommend this as the walls are very thin and I didn't get much sleep. The breakfast was good though.

Last visited: Summer 2005

Black Boy

1 Wharf Hill, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9NQ - 01962 861754
Larger photos of the Black Boy, Winchester
In my view this is the best pub in Winchester. It has been extended a couple of times since I first started coming here about 15 years ago and it now has many different rooms in which to find your little space to relax with friends and a drink. Each room is full of interesting bits and pieces - from stuffed animals to old bus signs, and there are many board games available at the bar. There is a small garden too.

There are a good selection of well-kept real ales on offer - some from local breweries. The menu may be limited at certain times but the food is very good and the staff are very friendly. They were happy for us to bring our baby daughter in and warm up her food for us. The pub does shut in the afternoons which is a shame as it would be a great place to while away a dull Saturday.

Last visited: October 2005

Bishop on the Bridge

1 High Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9JX - 01962 855111
Larger photos of the Bishop on the Bridge, Winchester
This pub has had a chequered past but has now become a Fuller's pub so its future should be more assured. Fuller's refurbished the pub on taking it over to produce an airy and light space which is very comfortable and friendly.

The food and beer are very good, and there is a garden area out the back overlooking the River Itchen as it races by.

Last visited: Summer 2005

Wykeham Arms

75 Kingsgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9PE - 01962 853834
Larger photos of the Wykeham Arms, Winchester
Traditional pub in the back streets behind the cathedral. The pub has two main bar areas and a couple of dining areas. I haven't eaten here recently but the food has always been good in the past and one time when I mentioned that we were celebrating our anniversary they gave us a bottle of champagne.

The pub was run by Gale's and the beer always tasted well kept - so it's effectively now a Fuller's pub.

You can stay here if you want to but it's quite pricey. I used to always come here to watch the 5 and then 6 Nations rugby matches as the atmosphere could not be beaten, but they don't seem to show them any more - I don't know why.

Last visited: Summer 2005

Eclipse

25 The Square, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9EX - 01962 865676
Friendly locals pub in the centre of Winchester close to the cathedral. Good selection of beers. The pub itself is quite small but there are tables outside for the summer. Not sure if food is available.

Last visited: Summer 2005

St James' Tavern

3 Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5BE - 01962 861288
Small locals pub just on the western side of the centre of Winchester. A good place for a quiet drink with friends. It's a Wadworth's pub and the beer seems well-kept.

Last visited: March 2004

Pizza Express

1 Bridge St, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9BH - 01962 841845
On the river bridge at the bottom of the High Street is this cozy little Pizza Express. The menu is standard for the chain and they do taste good. Try and get a table that overlooks the river - that's what makes it special.

Last visited: Spring 2005