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15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren’t called The Winchester

15 fantastic pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester

Updated On: April 16, 2024 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

Where are the best pubs in Winchester? The city of Winchester has a lot to offer for a day trip or a longer stay, this beautiful historic city will capture your heart, but where are the best places to go 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 cozy 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

Being a historic city Winchester is full of beautiful architecture and some of those historic buildings are now pubs, and one special example has been a pub since the beginning.

The Royal Oak

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is not only the oldest pub in Winchester it is 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 so cannot be structurally changed they do not have disabled toilets or baby changing facilities.
  • Location: Royal Oak, Passage SO23 9AU
  • Opening Hours:
Monday11am–11pm
Tuesday11am–11pm
Wednesday11am–11pm
Thursday11am–12am
Friday11am–1am
Saturday11am–1am
Sunday11am–12am

The Black Bottle

Housed in a building dating to the 1800’s (formerly a greengrocers) The Black Bottle is Winchester’s best wine bar. If you love wine and are looking for a very quirky wine tasting experience then you will love The Black Bottle. When you arrive in this historic shop turned bar you will recieve 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 from their range of 140 you can buy in bottles.

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 take part in a board game or two.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: Seasonal outdoor seating available.
  • Accessibility: Small step into the pub but alternative entrance available.
  • Location: 4 Bridge St, Winchester SO23 0HN
  • Opening Hours:
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday4:30–11pm
Thursday4:30–11pm
Friday4:30pm–12:30am
Saturday12pm–12:30am
Sunday12–10:30pm

The William Walker

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
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 1900’s. William Walker worked for 6 years in the flooded basement of the cathedral to shore up its cracked foundations, making sure Winchester’s beautiful cathedral still stands today. The pub itself sits across from the cathedral and its cozy atmosphere and beautiful wood furniture will welcome you in for drinks and food.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: No
  • Location: 34 The Square, Winchester SO23 9EX
  • Opening Hours:
Monday12–10:30pm
Tuesday12–10:30pm
Wednesday12–10:30pm
Thursday12–10:30pm
Friday12–11pm
Saturday12–11:30pm
Sunday12–10:30pm

Best Pubs in Winchester for Live Sport

Whether its 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 everyday of the week. Here’s the best pubs in Winchester for watching live sport.

O’Neill’s

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
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 a great place to watch live sport. They have several large sceens often showing different sporting events and their booths for food 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:
Monday10am–12am
Tuesday10am–12am
Wednesday10am–12am
Thursday10am–12am
Friday9am–2am
Saturday9am–2am
Sunday10am–12am

The Bakers Arms

This cheery local is a great place to relax and watch live sport on one of their HD TVs. They have a large range of sporting events shown on their screens including mens and womens football, cricket, wrestling, rugby, and more.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: Yes
  • Location: 22 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX
  • Opening Hours:
Monday11am–11pm
Tuesday11am–11pm
Wednesday11am–11pm
Thursday11am–11pm
Friday11am–12am
Saturday11am–12am
Sunday11am–11pm

The Exchange

A friendly pub which is a great place to catch sports fixtures and play pool if you can get dibs on the table. They have lots of screens and plenty of events on them to keep you entertained. If the weather is good you can also enjoy their large beer garden which is a great sun trap. Their 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:
Monday12–11pm
Tuesday12–11pm
Wednesday12–11pm
Thursday12–11pm
Friday12–11pm
Saturday12–11pm
Sunday12–10:30pm

The Mucky Duck

Home to fantastic sports fixtures and their very own house ale on cask The Mucky Duck is a great spot to relax and enjoy some live sport 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:
Monday5–11pm
Tuesday5–11pm
Wednesday5–11pm
Thursday5–11pm
Friday3–11pm
Saturday12–11pm
Sunday12–10pm

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 you can get in Winchester.

Bishop on the Bridge

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
The Bishop on the Bridge Pub shown on the left of the photograph (White building).

Housed in building sat right by the River Itchen this pub is known for a good Sunday Roast, sit in their beautiful interior or take a seat in their 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:
Monday12–11pm
Tuesday12–11pm
Wednesday12–11pm
Thursday12–11pm
Friday12–11pm
Saturday12–11pm
Sunday12–10:30pm
15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
Bishop on the Bridge

St. James Tavern

The St James Tavern is a pub filled with comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff, and wamr lighting. Their menu features pub classics but they also have themed nights during the week when they offer Chilli and Burgers. Chilli night is every Wednesday when you can have chilli and a pint for £10, Burger Night is Thursday when you can have a burger and a pint for £15. This cozy pub is a great place to relax with a pint and some food.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: No
  • Location: 3-5 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5BE
  • Opening Hours:
MondayClosed
Tuesday5–11pm
Wednesday5–10pm
Thursday5–10pm
Friday12–11pm
Saturday12–11pm
Sunday12–8pm

Turtle Bay

For a taste of the Caribbean look no further than Turtle Bay, a restaurant and bar inspired by a surf shack, home to tasty cocktails and food inspired by beach snacks. They even have a new offering of an bottomless dinner, for £39.50 you recieve 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:
Monday11am–11pm
Tuesday11am–11pm
Wednesday11am–11pm
Thursday11am–1am
Friday11am–2am
Saturday11am–2am
Sunday5am–11pm

Crown and Anchor

The Crown and Anchor is a friendly pub at the end of the highstreet with a range of activities and events on. They have a weekly pub quiz and open mic night as well as 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 hold a promotion called ‘Meat Free Mondays’ where there is 20% meat free meals, perfect for those trying a flexitarian diet.

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
Crown and Anchor
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: Yes
  • Location: 168 High St, Winchester SO23 9BA
  • Opening Hours:
Monday11am–11pm
Tuesday11am–11pm
Wednesday11am–11pm
Thursday11am–11pm
Friday11am–11pm
Saturday11am–11pm
Sunday11am–11pm

Best Pubs in Winchester for Entertainment

The County Arms

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
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 combine 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 have to exit and re-enter to avoid stairs when entering the lower dining space.
  • Location: 85 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5DL
  • Opening Hours:
Monday11am–12am
Tuesday11am–12am
Wednesday11am–12am
Thursday11am–12am
Friday11am–12am
Saturday11am–12am
Sunday11am–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 as well as a place to lay your head. Here’s the best pubs in Winchester for accommodation.

The Old Vine

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
The Old Vine

Just one minutes 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

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
The Westgate

Built in 1877 this beautiful building which was once part of the castle defending Winchesters west gate is now a cozy pub and inn. They offer 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 their rooms upstairs. Have a pint, play a board game, and sleepover from £86 a night.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: Yes
  • Location: 2 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO23 8TP
  • Opening Hours:
Monday4–11pm
Tuesday4–11pm
Wednesday4–11pm
Thursday4–11pm
Friday12–11pm
Saturday12–11pm
Sunday12–10pm

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 3am (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.

15 Great Pubs in Winchester, England that aren't called The Winchester
Alfies student deals

Alfies offer live sport 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 its on TV with associated drink promotions. Their pizza menu and late night BBQ’s will keep you well fed while you enjoy good company and atmostphere.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Beer Garden: Yes
  • Location: 157 High St, Winchester SO23 9BA
  • Opening Hours:
Monday7:30pm–3am
Tuesday7:30pm–3am
Wednesday7:30pm–3am
Thursday7:30pm–3am
Friday6pm–3am
Saturday12pm–3am
Sunday12pm–3am

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:
Monday12–11pm
Tuesday12–11pm
Wednesday12–11pm
Thursday12–11pm
Friday12pm–12am
Saturday12pm–12am
Sunday12–11pm

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!

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