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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Where are the best pubs in Winchester? Winchester has much to offer for a day trip or extended stay; this beautiful historic city will capture your heart, but where are the best places to grab a pint, watch the match, or enjoy some pub grub? This article has the answers.
Is there a pub in Winchester called The Winchester?
No, sadly, that is not one of the pubs the city of Winchester has to offer fans of the cult classic Shaun of the Dead. However, the historic city of Winchester has a variety of beautiful and cosy pubs to choose from, so you can grab a pint and wait for it all to blow over in one of these 15 lovely pubs.
What are the best pubs in Winchester?
- Best Historical Pubs in Winchester
- Best Pubs in Winchester for Live Sport
- Best Pubs in Winchester for Food
- Best Pubs in Winchester for Entertainment
- Best Pubs in Winchester for Accommodation
- Best Pubs in Winchester for Students
Best Historical Pubs in Winchester
Winchester is a historic city full of beautiful architecture. Some of those historic buildings are now pubs, and one special example has been a pub since the beginning.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is not only the oldest pub in Winchester but also the oldest pub in England. Opened in 1002 as a royal wedding present to the first queen in England (the Viking Queen Emma), this Green King pub pre-dates William the Conquerer. Although the wine can never match the vintage of the foundations, this pub serves up great food and drink and hosts a weekly pub quiz (Thursday 7:30-10pm).
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Accessibility: Unfortunately, as the building is historic and cannot be structurally changed, it does not have disabled toilets or baby changing facilities.
- Location: Royal Oak, Passage SO23 9AU
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11am–11pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–11pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–11pm |
| Thursday | 11am–12am |
| Friday | 11am–1am |
| Saturday | 11am–1am |
| Sunday | 11am–12am |
The Black Bottle
Housed in a building dating to the 1800s (formerly a greengrocer), The Black Bottle is Winchester’s best wine bar. If you love wine and want a quirky wine-tasting experience, you will love The Black Bottle. When you arrive in this historic shop turned bar-, you will receive a card to top up with money; once topped up, your card can be used in their wine dispensary machines. A range of 32 wines are on offer, and you can buy in bottles from their range of 140.
Simply put your card in the machine, select a measure (including the option for a small taster), and their Enomoatic dispenser will pour you a glass. This chic pub is the perfect location for a date night, as you can enjoy a wide range of wine and play a board game or two.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Seasonal outdoor seating is available.
- Accessibility: There is a small step into the pub, but an alternative entrance is available.
- Location: 4 Bridge St, Winchester SO23 0HN
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4:30–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12pm–12:30 am |
| Saturday | 4:30 pm–12:30 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm–12:30 am |
The William Walker
Located in a beautiful Victorian building, the William Walker is named after a famous Winchester diver of the same name. William Walker was a professional diver who was called in to help save the Winchester Cathedral in the early 1900s. William Walker worked for 6 years in the flooded basement of the cathedral to shore up its cracked foundations, ensuring Winchester’s beautiful cathedral still stands today. The pub sits across from the cathedral, and its cosy atmosphere and beautiful wood furniture will welcome you for drinks and food.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: No
- Location: 34 The Square, Winchester SO23 9EX
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12–10:30pm |
| Tuesday | 12–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–10:30pm |
| Thursday | 12–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12–11:30 pm |
Best Pubs in Winchester for Live Sport
Whether it’s football, rugby, or even tennis, there’s no better place to watch it than the local pub. Lucky for you, Winchester has a few pubs dedicated to sport or simply showing live sport every day of the week. Here are the best pubs in Winchester for watching live sport.
O’Neill’s
As someone from Northern Ireland, I can’t call O’Neill’s an Irish pub, but it is themed after one. Filled with traditional Irish phrases, memorabilia, and advertising, this fun pub is great for watching live sports. They have several large screens that often show different sporting events, and their food booths even have small TV screens so you don’t miss a moment of the action while having some of the food from their great menu. Check out their website for fixtures.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Small back smoking area available.
- Location: 90-91 High St, Winchester SO23 9AP
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 10am–12am |
| Tuesday | 10am–12am |
| Wednesday | 10am–12am |
| Thursday | 10am–12am |
| Friday | 9am–2am |
| Saturday | 9am–2am |
| Sunday | 10am–12am |
The Bakers Arms
This cheery local is a great place to relax and watch live sports on one of their HD TVs. They show a wide range of sporting events on their screens, including men’s and women’s football, cricket, wrestling, rugby, and more.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 22 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11am–11pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–11pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–11pm |
| Thursday | 11am–11pm |
| Friday | 11am–12 am |
| Saturday | 11am–12am |
| Sunday | 11 am–12 am |
The Exchange
This friendly pub is a great place to catch sports fixtures and play pool if you can get dibs on the table. It has lots of screens and plenty of events on them to keep you entertained. If the weather is good, you can also enjoy its large beer garden, which is a great sun trap. The beer garden also has screens so you don’t miss any of the action while getting some fresh air.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 9 Southgate St, Winchester SO23 9DZ
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12–10:30pm |
The Mucky Duck
Home to fantastic sports fixtures and their house ale on cask, The Mucky Duck is a great spot to relax and enjoy some live sports in Winchester. The Mucky Duck also contribute to local sport by supporting The Winchester Sport Art and Leisure Trust.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 84 Hyde St, Winchester SO23 7DW
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 5–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–11 pm |
| Thursday | 3–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–10 pm |
| Sunday | 12–10pm |
Best Pubs in Winchester for Food
Most pubs in Winchester offer a range of pub grub, but here are a few examples of the best pub food in Winchester.
Bishop on the Bridge
Housed in a building right by the River Itchen, this pub is known for a good Sunday Roast. Sit in its beautiful interior or take a seat in its beer garden and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 1 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–11pm |
| Wednesday | 12–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12–11 pm |
St. James Tavern
The St James Tavern is a pub with a comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff, and warm lighting. Its menu features pub classics, but it also has themed nights during the week when it offers Chilli and Burgers. Chilli Night is every Wednesday, when you can have chilli and a pint for £10, and Burger Night is Thursday when you can have a burger and a pint for £15. This cosy pub is a great place to relax with a pint and food.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: No
- Location: 3-5 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5BE
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–10 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–8 pm |
| Sunday | 12–8pm |
Turtle Bay
For a taste of the Caribbean, look no further than Turtle Bay, a restaurant and bar inspired by a surf shack. It is home to tasty cocktails and food inspired by beach snacks. They even have a new offering of a bottomless dinner: for £39.50, you receive two courses and two hours of bottomless cocktails. Even if you don’t fancy bottomless cocktails, their menu of delicious food and drinks is fantastic.
- Dog Friendly: No
- Beer Garden: No
- Location: Unit 2 – 4, Sunley House, St George’s St, Winchester SO23 8BG
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11am–11pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–11pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–11pm |
| Thursday | 11am–1am |
| Friday | 11am–2am |
| Saturday | 11am–2am |
| Sunday | 5am–11pm |
Crown and Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a friendly pub at the end of the high street that hosts various activities and events. They have a weekly pub quiz, open mic night, board games, pool table, and darts board. If the weather is nice you can even enjoy their beautiful secret garden. Their menu includes a selection of vegan and gluten-free options, which are very popular. They even advertise ‘Meat Free Mondays’ with 20% meat-free meals, perfect for those trying a flexitarian diet.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 168 High St, Winchester SO23 9BA
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–11pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–11 pm |
Best Pubs in Winchester for Entertainment
The County Arms
At the top of Romsey Road, between the two sections of the university’s campus, is the County Arms, a classic corner pub with a fantastic food menu and something going on to keep you busy most days of the week, from Monday when they hold a lively quiz night, to Sunday’s Karaoke, which brings down the house every time and everything in between. Thursdays are poker night, where many tables are set up and combined into one big table to end the night, if you’re lucky enough to make it that far.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Accessibility: Due to a permanent staircase in the middle of the bar, wheelchair users must exit and re-enter to avoid stairs when entering the lower dining space.
- Location: 85 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5DL
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11am–12am |
| Tuesday | 11am–12am |
| Wednesday | 11am–12am |
| Thursday | 11am–12am |
| Friday | 11am–12am |
| Saturday | 11am–12am |
| Sunday | 11am–12am |
Best Pubs in Winchester to Stay In
With all the beautiful sites to see and activities to do in Winchester, it’s no wonder you might want to stay. These pubs offer great food and drink, and they are a place to lay your head. Here are the best pubs in Winchester for accommodation.
The Old Vine
Just one minute’s walk from the beautiful Winchester Cathedral lies this beautiful pub filled with beams and original architectural features. Pop in for a pint and some pub grub, or stay a little longer in one of their comfortable rooms.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Accessibility: This is a Grade 2 listed building, and accessibility may be an issue. Please contact the pub beforehand to inquire.
- Location: 8 Great Minster St, Winchester SO23 9HA
The Westgate
Built in 1877, this beautiful building, once part of the castle defending Winchester’s west gate, is now a cosy pub and inn. It offers a great range of beers and ales, fantastic food with gluten-free and vegan options, and a nice place to end the day in one of its rooms upstairs. Have a pint, play a board game, and sleep for £86 a night.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 2 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TP
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 4–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–11pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–10 pm |
| Sunday | 12–10pm |
Best Pubs in Winchester for Students
Student life in Winchester may be less club-filled than most in the rest of the UK (Winchester only has one nightclub). However, the students of Winchester can still enjoy a social night out with friends in the local pubs and bars, many of which offer discounts and events. So, here are the best pubs in Winchester for students.
Alfie’s
Beyond the fact that Alfies stay open til a mind-boggling 3 am (the latest closure in Winchester), they also have more to offer students than just a never-ending party. Signing up for their student deals during freshers weeks gives you access to great discounts, which you can use throughout the year.
Alfies offers live sports and television events, which are a great opportunity to socialise with friends or make new ones. One great example is their live showing of Love Island while it’s on TV, with associated drink promotions. Their pizza menu and late-night BBQs will keep you well fed while you enjoy good company and an atmosphere.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 157 High St, Winchester SO23 9BA
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12 pm–3 am |
| Tuesday | 7:30 pm–3 am |
| Wednesday | 7:30 pm–3 am |
| Thursday | 7:30 pm–3 am |
| Friday | 12pm–3 am |
| Saturday | 6 pm–3 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm–3 am |
Already mentioned on this list for their great live sports, O’Neill’s is a solid pub to visit as a student if you are looking for a good night out with friends. Thursday nights at O’Niell’s are reserved for an event called ‘Twisted Thursdays’ where you can grab a great drinks promo or two.
Although, The County Arms is a great pub for everyone, and hosts a lot of local people as regulars, it is great for students just because of its perfect location. This great pub is nestled between the main campus and West Downs campus. So, reward yourself for walking up that hill to West Downs with a drink and some lovely food. Maybe, even stay for a round or two of karaoke.
The Rising Sun
This dog friendly pub in Winchester is known for its friendly service and cheap pints. Serving larger priced from £1.99 and focusing on quality service this pub is a great place to enjoy some atmosphere and drinks while not spending your entire student loan.
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Beer Garden: Yes
- Location: 14 Bride St, Winchester SO23 0HL
- Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm–12 am |
| Saturday | 12–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm–12 am |
Winchester is a beautiful city filled with culture and history, so you could pick worse places to spend the day enjoying a pint and some good times with family or friends. Are you a cider lover? Check out our article on The Stable Winchester, which specialises in pizza and cider. Did your favourite Winchester pub make the list? Think we missed the best one? Let us know in the comments below!
