The Best Pubs in Winchester

This proper back street boozer is a traditional pub full of character and curious things. You can wander through a warren of rooms filled with taxidermy, vintage signs, and a ceiling covered in reclaimed doors. A log fire burns most of the year, and there is a sheltered garden with heaters. They pour four rotating real ales from local breweries, and street food pizza is served from the garden shed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Dogs are always welcome, and there is a games cupboard for board games.

Welcome to The Wykeham Arms, a luxurious country pub with rooms nestled between the cathedral and a 14th century college. The menu is a seasonal mix of high quality, locally sourced ingredients, and for 13 years running it has earned two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. Enjoy a fantastic selection of ales and wines, and relax in the garden or by the real fire in this historic, dog friendly pub.

The Willow Tree is a brilliant find, boasting what many call the best beer garden in the city, complete with a riverside setting that feels like a secret retreat. Inside, the focus is on a fresh, seasonal menu that champions quality local produce. On a Sunday evening, you can enjoy excellent pizzas fired up in an outdoor wood oven, making for a wonderfully relaxed and friendly spot.

Step into The Mucky Duck, a proper local spot where the beer flows freely and the service is consistently top notch. This is a pub built for good times, whether you are catching a live sporting event with friends or enjoying a crisp Bombay Sapphire tonic on the outdoor patio. The bar snacks are excellent, the ales are always on point, and the free wifi means you can stay connected while you soak in the lively buzz. It is a friendly, welcoming place that feels like a true neighbourhood gem.

Step into The Green Man and discover a pub that masterfully blends cozy corners with a lively spirit. Downstairs, the bar is a warren of intimate nooks, while a spacious upstairs dining room offers a different vibe entirely. The kitchen delivers serious quality, with rave reviews for their mushroom stroganoff and an amazing terrine, all served in generous portions. With a fantastic selection of G&Ts and a reputation for terrific pork pies, this is a welcoming spot for both special occasions and relaxed meals. The friendly staff and consistently great food make every visit feel like a true find.

Tucked away on a historic street, the Crown & Anchor is a lively spot where friendly staff and a cracking selection of brews create an instantly welcoming vibe. The back patio offers a perfect hideaway, while the kitchen serves up an excellent Fish and Shellfish Soup that keeps locals coming back. Whether you’re sinking into a proper plate of Fish & Chips or just enjoying a pint, this pub delivers pure, unpretentious charm.

This charming pub is tucked away on a back street and boasts a large beer garden, perfect for enjoying drinks outdoors. It is home to its own fully operational microbrewery, the Queen Inn Brewery, which is open plan inside the pub for customers to see. The kitchen serves delicious food including a highly recommended ham, egg and chips. Guests can also take their favourite Queen Inn beer home in 2 or 4 pint containers from the bar.

Jolly Farmer is a Greene King pub known for its beer, parking, and casual setting that is good for groups. Recent visitors have praised it as a nice friendly local with excellent service and very nice food. Meat lovers are especially encouraged to try the mixed grill, which has been described as just awesome. This pub offers a very pleasant experience for a casual meal or drinks.

This pub is a favourite spot, known for its excellent outdoor seating. A standout menu item is the kidneys in Madeira sauce, which one visitor described as perfection, especially when served on rice. To enjoy the popular Sunday lunch, guests are advised to book well ahead. It also serves as a great destination after a 6 to 7 kilometer walk.

This great little pub, originally established in 1859, serves delicious food and cask ales while supporting local produce and talent. It hosts a weekly pie and pint night every Wednesday, a Tuesday quiz, monthly bingo, and monthly jazz and blues evenings. Furry friends are most welcome, and the upstairs dining room is perfect for special occasions.